England Announce White-Ball Squads for Australia Series, Bethell, Hull, and Mousley Earn Maiden Call-Ups

England Announce White-Ball Squads for Australia Series, Bethell, Hull, and Mousley Earn Maiden Call-Ups

England’s white-ball squads for the upcoming home series against Australia have been announced, with several notable inclusions and omissions. Jacob Bethell, Josh Hull, and Dan Mousley have received their maiden call-ups, while Brydon Carse returns after a suspension.

Bethell and Mousley, both Warwickshire all-rounders, have impressed in the T20 Blast and Hundred. Hull, Leicestershire’s towering fast bowler, has been called up for all three formats in the past two days. They join the experienced Jos Buttler, who will captain the side under interim head coach Marcus Trescothick.

Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, and Chris Jordan, who featured in the T20 World Cup, have been omitted. Mark Wood is also unavailable due to injury. John Turner, who toured the Caribbean last winter, has been included in both squads.

Jordan Cox, a member of the Hundred-winning Oval Invincibles, could make his T20I debut. Saqib Mahmood, Player of the Match in the Hundred final, is back in contention after a two-year absence due to back injuries.

Carse, who was suspended for betting breaches, will add depth to England’s pace attack alongside Turner. The ODI series will mark the start of England’s preparations for the 2023 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Five Test squad members, including Jofra Archer, have been included.

Archer, who has not played an ODI since 2023, is set to make his return after recovering from an elbow injury. Joe Root has been rested, while Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed have been overlooked.

Afghanistan Announces Preliminary Squad for Test Match Against New Zealand

Afghanistan Announces Preliminary Squad for Test Match Against New Zealand

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a preliminary squad of 20 players for the upcoming one-off Test match against New Zealand, scheduled to take place from September 9-13 in Greater Noida, India. The selected players will depart for India on August 28 for a week-long preparation camp.

The final squad will be announced at the end of the camp, with the selection committee considering players’ performance and fitness. Afghanistan suffered a six-wicket defeat in their most recent Test match against Ireland in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.

“20 players have been selected for the training camp and a 15-member squad will be selected to play the only Test match against New Zealand after observing their performance and fitness,” said Afghanistan chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhel.

ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf expressed his delight at the inclusion of young players who have performed well in domestic cricket. He emphasized the significance of this event, marking the first time the two nations will engage in a bilateral cricket series.

“It is worth mentioning that before the 9th edition of Shpageeza Cricket League, these players attended a full package preparation camp in Nangarhar province too that carries similar conditions to India,” he added.

The Afghanistan preliminary squad includes:

* Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
* Ibrahim Zadran
* Riaz Hassan
* Abdul Malik
* Rahmat Shah
* Baheer Shah Mahboob
* Ikram Alikhel (wk)
* Shahidullah Kamal
* Gulbadin Naib
* Afsar Zazai (wk)
* Azmatullah Omarzai
* Ziaurrahman Akbar
* Shamsurrahman
* Qais Ahmad
* Zahir Khan
* Nijat Masoud
* Farid Ahmad Malik
* Naveed Zadran
* Khalil Ahmad
* Yama Arab

Shikhar Dhawan's Retirement Leaves Cricket 'Poorer,' Says Sunil Gavaskar

Shikhar Dhawan’s Retirement Leaves Cricket ‘Poorer,’ Says Sunil Gavaskar

Legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disappointment over Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement from all formats of cricket, stating that the sport will be “poorer” without him. Gavaskar believes that injuries may have played a role in Dhawan’s decision to step away from the game.

Dhawan, affectionately known as “Gabbar,” was a prolific run-scorer across formats for India and in domestic leagues. He made significant contributions to India’s cricketing success over the years, amassing 6,793 runs in 167 ODIs, 2,315 runs in 34 Tests, and 1,759 runs in T20Is.

Gavaskar noted that Dhawan’s retirement is a reminder of the challenges faced by opening batters, who can be dropped from the team after a lean series or tournament. He also acknowledged that injuries have been a part of Dhawan’s career in recent years, which may have influenced his decision to quit while still enjoying the game.

Dhawan played a crucial role in several tournaments for India, including the victorious 2013 Champions Trophy campaign in England. He was also the leading run-scorer for India in numerous other major tournaments, such as the 2014 Asia Cup, 2015 ODI World Cup, 2017 Champions Trophy, and 2018 Asia Cup.

Apart from his contributions with the bat, Dhawan also led India on occasions when senior players were unavailable. In domestic leagues, he represented several teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. Dhawan is the second-highest run-getter in the IPL, only behind Virat Kohli.

Gavaskar believes that Dhawan can still bring joy to fans in various roles, such as through the Legends Cricket League and philanthropic ventures. He also noted that retired cricketers today have more opportunities to stay connected with the game.

Dhawan’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His cheerful demeanor and positive attitude will be missed by teammates and fans alike. However, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.

Spain Sets New Record for Consecutive T20 International Wins

Spain Sets New Record for Consecutive T20 International Wins

Spain’s men’s cricket team has etched its name in history by setting a new record for consecutive T20 International wins. Their 7-wicket victory over Greece in the Europe T20 World Cup Sub Regional Qualifier C in Guernsey marked their 14th consecutive triumph, surpassing the previous record of 13 held by Malaysia since 2022.

Spain’s remarkable streak began 20 months ago with a victory over Italy. Since then, they have remained undefeated, accumulating wins against the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Croatia. Their run was briefly interrupted by a no result due to rain in the second fixture against the Isle of Man last year.

“A proud record to be notified about today,” said Spain head coach Corey Rutgers. “We obviously don’t play for records, but this does feel special for the group. It has been a transformative few years in Spain, and a lot of credit goes to players who sacrifice a lot of their time to play for Espana, the management, and my coaching staff. Couldn’t be prouder of all involved.”

Despite their impressive run, Spain’s chances of advancing to the European Regional final next year are slim. A rain-enforced abandonment in their match against Denmark earlier in the week means that Spain now relies on an unlikely upset by Cyprus over the Danes in their final group match. If Denmark wins, their superior net run rate will secure their progression to the final, while Spain would have to settle for the bronze medal match against either Finland or possibly Guernsey.

“Unfortunately, that’s cricket, and we didn’t win convincingly in our first three games,” said Rutgers. “We will have to learn a hard lesson and come back stronger in the future.”

By defeating Greece, Spain has also edged closer to the record for most consecutive matches unbeaten, a feat currently held by Nigeria with a 16-match streak. Nigeria’s run was similarly interrupted by a no result due to rain. The all-time record for consecutive victories in T20Is is held by Thailand Women, with 17 wins.

Spain’s historic achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and the growing strength of cricket in the country. As they continue to strive for success, they will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Spanish cricketers.

Vidarbha All-Rounder Aditya Sarwate Joins Kerala for Domestic Season

Vidarbha All-Rounder Aditya Sarwate Joins Kerala for Domestic Season

Vidarbha all-rounder Aditya Sarwate has made a significant move by joining Kerala for the upcoming domestic cricket season. The 34-year-old has obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) and will become the third professional player for Kerala this season, alongside Tamil Nadu’s B. Aparajith and Madhya Pradesh’s Jalaj Saxena.

Sarwate’s decision to leave Vidarbha, where he spent nine seasons, was driven by his desire to play in all three formats of the game. Kerala’s secretary, Vinod S. Kumar, confirmed that the association will soon sign a formal contract with the player.

“After Shreyas Gopal left for Karnataka, we were looking for a genuine all-rounder who could play in all three formats, and Aditya fitted the bill,” said Kumar. “He has performed creditably for Vidarbha for the last nine seasons, and I think his experience and skill will be an asset for Kerala this season.”

As a left-arm spinner, Sarwate has taken over 250 wickets for Vidarbha and is expected to provide strong support for Jalaj Saxena, who has been Kerala’s main strike bowler in recent seasons. However, Saxena will only play red-ball cricket for Kerala this season.

“We had informed Jalaj that he will be selected only for the Ranji Trophy this season,” said Kumar. “He has been our strike bowler and leading wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy for the last few seasons, and we cannot ignore that. But we felt we needed to groom youngsters for the shorter formats and told Jalaj he was not in our plans for white-ball cricket.”

Sarwate’s addition to the Kerala squad is expected to bolster their all-round capabilities and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming domestic season.

Pakistan Docked Six WTC Points for Slow Over Rate, Bangladesh Wins Historic Test

Pakistan Docked Six WTC Points for Slow Over Rate, Bangladesh Wins Historic Test

Pakistan’s slow over rate during the opening Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi has cost them dearly, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) docking six World Test Championship (WTC) points. The Shan Masood-led side was found guilty of being six overs short during the encounter, resulting in the penalty. Pakistan also lost 30% of their match fee after Masood pleaded guilty to the offenses and accepted the proposed sanctions.

Bangladesh, too, faced consequences for their slow over rate, losing three WTC points and 15% of their match fee. Despite the setbacks, Pakistan remains in eighth place in the WTC standings, while Bangladesh has dropped to seventh. South Africa has moved up a spot to sixth.

In a separate incident, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was fined 10% of his match fee and given a demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Shakib threw the ball at Mohammad Rizwan during the 33rd over of the second innings.

On the field, spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan played pivotal roles in securing Bangladesh’s historic 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test. Mehidy claimed 4-21, while Shakib took 3-44, triggering a Pakistan collapse on the fifth day. The home side was dismissed for 146 runs in 55.5 overs, leaving Bangladesh with a modest target of 30 runs.

Openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam chased down the target in just 6.3 overs, with Zakir hitting the winning boundary. The victory marked Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win over Pakistan, a significant milestone for the team.

Shaheen Afridi Welcomes First Child, Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude

Shaheen Afridi Welcomes First Child, Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude

Pakistan’s star pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has expressed his immense joy and gratitude after welcoming his first child, Aliyaar, with his wife Ansha Afridi. The couple’s hearts are filled with love and happiness as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

Shaheen took to social media to share his heartfelt emotions, expressing his deep appreciation for his wife’s unwavering support and the sacrifices she made during pregnancy. He acknowledged her as the backbone of their family, providing constant love and care.

The cricketer also extended his gratitude to his fans and well-wishers for their outpouring of love and prayers. He urged them to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this special time.

Shaheen, who is currently part of the Pakistan squad for the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, joined his family in Karachi after the team’s defeat in Rawalpindi. Despite the setback, the pace spearhead remains focused on rejoining the squad before the start of the second Test on August 30.

Shaheen and Ansha, the daughter of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, got engaged in 2021 and tied the knot in a private ceremony in February 2022. Their wedding celebrations spanned a week, culminating in Ansha’s rukhsati in September 2023.

The couple’s journey to parenthood has been met with immense love and support from their families, friends, and fans. Shaheen’s heartfelt message on social media reflects the profound joy and gratitude he feels as he embraces his new role as a father.

Geoffrey Boycott Advises Shoaib Bashir to Emulate Nathan Lyon's Bowling

Geoffrey Boycott Advises Shoaib Bashir to Emulate Nathan Lyon’s Bowling

Geoffrey Boycott, the legendary England opener, has urged promising off-spinner Shoaib Bashir to emulate the bowling techniques of Nathan Lyon, whom he considers the preeminent off-spinner in contemporary cricket.

Since his debut in India earlier this year, Bashir has claimed 29 wickets in seven Tests. However, he failed to make an impact in the second innings of the series opener against Sri Lanka at Manchester, as the batters effectively countered his variations by advancing down the pitch.

Boycott believes that Bashir possesses the talent to improve significantly. He highlights Bashir’s height and fluid action, which can generate bounce on hard surfaces and impart natural loop to his deliveries. However, he suggests that Bashir needs to refine his line and length consistency.

“My impression is he is not clear on what line he should be bowling so he tries all sorts of deliveries searching for a wicket,” Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

Boycott recommends that Bashir study videos of Lyon’s bowling. He notes that Lyon bowls close to the stumps, allowing him to drift the ball away from the batsman while aiming to pitch outside off stump and spin it back into the stumps.

“His straight-on ball brings slip in play and he has a short square leg for the bat/pad nick. That way he can beat right-handers inside and outside of the bat,” Boycott explained.

Boycott emphasizes the importance of matching line with length, as great bowlers must be able to control both aspects. He also advises Bashir to develop a stock ball that he can rely on to keep batters in check during Test matches.

“I think Shoaib has to learn that he can’t always go searching for wickets, admirable as that is, because it can become expensive,” Boycott wrote. “Sometimes when two opposition batsmen get set on a flat batting pitch the seamers are given the best end and the spinner the worst end. They are asked to bowl uphill or against the wind to do a holding job, keeping the batsmen quiet and runs to a minimum. That is why he needs a good stock ball.”

England currently hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Sri Lanka. The second Test will be played at Lord’s on August 29, followed by the series finale at The Oval on September 6.

Prabath Jayasuriya’s “Ball of the Century” Stuns England

Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world with a delivery that has drawn comparisons to Shane Warne’s iconic “Ball of the Century.” On Day 2 of the first Test against England at Old Trafford, Jayasuriya dismissed Harry Brook with a stunning delivery that left the batter bamboozled.

The ball, which pitched around middle and leg stump, turned sharply to crash into the off-stump. Brook, who was batting at 56, was completely stunned by the delivery, which sparked memories of Warne’s magical delivery to Mike Gatting in 1993.

The video of the dismissal went viral on social media, with fans and experts alike praising Jayasuriya’s skill. The delivery has been hailed as one of the best of the year and has reignited the debate about whether Jayasuriya can become a world-class spinner.

In the match, England eventually secured a five-wicket victory, thanks to a gritty unbeaten 62 from Joe Root. However, it was Jayasuriya’s delivery that stole the show and left a lasting impression on the cricketing world.

Jayasuriya’s performance is a testament to the resilience of the Sri Lankan team, who fought back from a disastrous start to push England to the brink of defeat. The spinner’s ability to turn the ball sharply and accurately will be a major asset for Sri Lanka in the remaining two Tests of the series.

Shikhar Dhawan Joins Legends League Cricket After Retirement

Shikhar Dhawan Joins Legends League Cricket After Retirement

Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian opener, has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career by joining the Legends League Cricket (LLC) just days after announcing his retirement from international and domestic cricket. Dhawan, renowned for his explosive batting and vibrant personality, has established himself as a modern-day white-ball great.

Dhawan’s transition into the LLC marks a significant milestone in his career. As quoted from a press release by LLC, he expressed his enthusiasm about joining the league: “Taking on this new chapter with Legends League Cricket feels like the ideal progression after my retirement. My body is still conditioned for the demands of the game, and while I’m at ease with my decision, cricket is an inseparable part of who I am, it will never go out of me. I’m eager to regroup with my cricketing friends and continue to entertain my fans as we create new memories together.”

Throughout his career, Dhawan has achieved remarkable feats, including being named Player of the Tournament in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He has amassed over 6,793 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) at an impressive average of 44.1, 27.92 in T20Is, and with a strike rate of 91.35. His contributions to the Indian cricket team and the Indian Premier League (IPL) have solidified his status as a cricketing icon. In his career spanning over a decade, he played 269 matches scoring 10, 867 runs at an average of 40.

Raman Raheja, Co-founder of Legends League Cricket, welcomed Dhawan to the league, stating, “We are thrilled to have Shikhar Dhawan join us. His experience and flair will undoubtedly enhance the competition and entertain fans. We look forward to seeing him in action alongside other cricket legends. This will further enhance our position as the 2nd innings for legendary Cricketers.”

Dhawan’s move to Legends League Cricket after retirement follows the footsteps of other cricketing superstars, including Aaron Finch, Martin Guptill, and Hashim Amla, who joined the league right out of retirement. The Legends League Cricket is set to commence its next season in September 2024, featuring a lineup of retired cricketing greats competing in a series of thrilling matches. Dhawan’s participation is expected to draw significant attention, as fans are eager to witness his skills on the field again.

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