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Category: Cricket

Hampshire's Albert and Prest Shine in Draw with Essex

Hampshire’s Albert and Prest Shine in Draw with Essex

By August 25, 2024 0

Hampshire’s batting future shone brightly as centuries from Toby Albert and Tom Prest propelled them to a respectable draw against Essex in the Vitality County Championship.

Albert, 21, and Prest, 22, both homegrown talents, showcased their exceptional abilities, filling in for injured teammates and elevating Hampshire’s batting performance. Albert, replacing Ali Orr, and Prest, promoted up the order in James Vince’s absence, seized the opportunity to make their mark.

Their impressive knocks ensured Essex’s hopes of forcing a victory by claiming 19 wickets evaporated. Albert’s career-best 124 and Prest’s 156 were instrumental in Hampshire’s 424 for 8 declared.

Matt Critchley’s late 5 for 96 provided some consolation for Essex, but both teams settled for a draw, earning 14 points each.

Hampshire’s innings began cautiously, with Albert, Fletcha Middleton, and Nick Gubbins weathering the new ball on a pitch that offered little assistance to the bowlers. The morning session yielded 106 runs, with only Gubbins’ dismissal for 30 breaking the partnership.

Albert, son of two Olympic equestrians, reached his century in 199 balls, showcasing his adaptability and maturity. He found a kindred spirit in Prest, who had initially been slated to bat at No. 7 but was promoted due to Vince’s injury.

Prest, who had announced his arrival with a century against Essex last season, reached his third career ton in 141 deliveries. Despite being dropped on 92 by Simon Harmer, he continued to impress, hitting 52 runs in four overs alongside Ben Brown.

Albert’s dismissal for 124 ended a 177-run partnership, but Brown and Prest pushed Hampshire past the follow-on target before tea. Prest’s pursuit of 450 and full batting bonus points was cut short when he holed out to long-off for 156.

Brown’s 59-ball 54 and Liam Dawson’s 20 helped Hampshire reach 424 for 8 before Vince declared the innings. Critchley’s late burst, claiming Kyle Abbott and Vince in the space of four balls, earned him a five-wicket haul.

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Waqar Younis' PCB Advisory Stint Concludes After Three Weeks

Waqar Younis’ PCB Advisory Stint Concludes After Three Weeks

By August 25, 2024 0

Former Pakistan cricket captain Waqar Younis’ three-week tenure as an advisor on cricket affairs to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman has concluded. Appointed as a consultant on August 1, Younis’ role was initially set for a three-week period.

According to sources within the PCB, the board has advertised the position of advisor on cricket affairs, and candidates who have applied will be interviewed. It remains unclear whether Younis has reapplied for the role.

Sources indicate that Younis, who played 87 Tests and 262 ODIs for Pakistan, had requested a short stint in the role before committing to a longer-term position. However, it is reported that Younis faced discomfort in his consultancy role, with limited cooperation from influential individuals within the board.

Younis was present with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi after his appointment but has not attended the office since August 19. Sources suggest that Younis may be offered a field job with the national team in the future, but his short-term consultancy has ended.

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Jos Buttler Targets Lancashire Return in T20 Blast Quarter-Final

Jos Buttler Targets Lancashire Return in T20 Blast Quarter-Final

By August 25, 2024 0

Jos Buttler, England’s white-ball captain, is targeting a return to action in Lancashire’s T20 Blast quarter-final against Sussex on September 4. Buttler has been sidelined since the T20 World Cup due to a calf injury but has been working diligently to regain fitness.

Buttler’s return is a major boost for Lancashire, who are battling to avoid relegation in the County Championship and have struggled in the Metro Bank Cup. The T20 Blast represents their best chance of salvaging their season and reaching Finals Day.

Lancashire coach Dale Benkenstein is optimistic about Buttler’s availability, stating that he has been “doing a lot of rehab” and is “very keen to play.” A fitness test on the day of the match will determine his participation.

Buttler’s return will also be a welcome sight for England, who face Australia in a T20I and ODI series in September. Buttler has been backed to continue as England’s white-ball captain despite the departure of head coach Matthew Mott. He will work alongside interim coach Marcus Trescothick during the series.

Lancashire will also be bolstered by the return of Saqib Mahmood and Phil Salt, who were rested for the Championship defeat to Surrey. Liam Livingstone and George Dockrell are also expected to be available.

Mahmood’s workload is being carefully managed after two injury-plagued summers, while Salt has been nursing a back injury. Benkenstein believes that having a full-strength team for the knockout stages gives Lancashire a “best chance” of reaching Finals Day.

However, Buttler and other England players named in the T20 squad will not be available for Finals Day on September 14, which clashes with the second and third T20Is against Australia.

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Jamie Smith Breaks Record, Becomes Youngest English Wicketkeeper to Score Test Century

Jamie Smith Breaks Record, Becomes Youngest English Wicketkeeper to Score Test Century

By August 25, 2024 0

England’s Jamie Smith etched his name into the history books on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper became the youngest English wicketkeeper to score a Test century, breaking a record that had stood for over 90 years.

Smith’s magnificent ton came at a crucial time for England, who were struggling at 116/5 in their first innings. The Surrey star showed immense composure and skill, guiding his team to a respectable total of 362. His innings was a testament to his talent and determination, and it earned him widespread praise from both fans and pundits.

Smith’s century was not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for English cricket. It marked the emergence of a new generation of wicketkeepers who are not only reliable behind the stumps but also capable of making significant contributions with the bat.

After the match, Smith paid tribute to the influence of former England batsman Ian Bell, who is now working as a batting consultant for Sri Lanka. Bell, who played alongside Smith in the recent Hundred competition, provided valuable guidance and support to the young wicketkeeper.

“Belly has been a great help for me both in the Lions and with Birmingham Phoenix for the last couple of years,” Smith said. “The knowledge that he passed on and his willingness to throw balls at me before games when I had an eye on the Test series is something I’m really grateful for.”

Smith’s century was a major highlight in a match that was ultimately won by England by five wickets. The victory gave England a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, and it will be hoping to seal the series in the second Test at Durham.

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Handscomb's Half-Century Secures Draw for Leicestershire

Handscomb’s Half-Century Secures Draw for Leicestershire

By August 25, 2024 0

Leicestershire’s resilience and Peter Handscomb’s resolute half-century thwarted Gloucestershire’s valiant attempt to secure victory on the final day of their County Championship Division Two encounter at Bristol.

Resuming on 41 without loss, Leicestershire’s openers, Rishi Patel and Ian Holland, extended their partnership to 142, with Patel reaching a composed half-century. However, his attempt to repeat his six-hitting heroics proved costly, as he was caught on the boundary.

Despite the setback, Holland and Lewis Hill continued to chip away at Gloucestershire’s lead. However, Hill’s dismissal and Ajinkya Rahane’s unfortunate catch off Zaman Akhter raised Gloucestershire’s hopes. Holland’s painstaking half-century was also cut short by Akhter’s brilliance.

With Leicestershire 180 for 4, Handscomb and Rehan Ahmed steadied the ship with a 63-run stand. Ahmed’s departure brought Louis Kimber to the crease, who joined Handscomb in a composed partnership.

Handscomb reached an untroubled half-century, guiding Leicestershire to a comfortable position. The final session saw Handscomb and Kimber remain unfazed, despite Price’s slow turn. With the floodlights illuminating the ground, the umpires deemed the light insufficient, ending the match with Leicestershire on 304 for 5.

The draw was a fair reflection of the placid Bristol pitch, which offered little assistance to bowlers throughout the four-day contest. Gloucestershire earned 16 points from the game, while Leicestershire secured 13.

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Shikhar Dhawan Retires: A Legacy of Excellence in Limited-Overs Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan Retires: A Legacy of Excellence in Limited-Overs Cricket

By August 25, 2024 0

Shikhar Dhawan, the enigmatic southpaw batter, has bid farewell to international and domestic cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world. His journey, spanning over a decade, has been a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for the game.

Dhawan’s international debut in 2010 was a humble affair, dismissed for a duck against Australia. However, it was a mere blip in his illustrious career. In 2013, he announced his arrival on the global stage with a blistering 187 against the same opposition, earning him the moniker “Gabbar” and his signature “thigh celebration.”

Dhawan’s true calling lay in limited-overs cricket. In 167 ODIs, he amassed 6,793 runs at an impressive average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. His swashbuckling style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace made him a formidable force in the middle order.

In the T20I format, Dhawan made 68 appearances, scoring 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties. His aggressive batting and quick reflexes made him a valuable asset in the shortest format of the game.

Dhawan’s leadership qualities were also evident, as he occasionally captained the Indian team in white-ball cricket. He led the team to victory in the 2018 Asia Cup, further cementing his legacy as a successful skipper.

Despite facing setbacks and being dropped from the team in 2014, Dhawan’s determination never wavered. He fought his way back into the side and became the fastest to reach 6000 runs in ODIs, achieving the feat in just 141 matches.

Dhawan’s contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond his batting prowess. He was crowned Player of the Tournament in the U-19 World Cup 2004, Champions Trophy 2013, and Asia Cup 2018, showcasing his all-round abilities.

As Dhawan hangs up his boots, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and unwavering passion for the game. His impact on Indian cricket will be felt for years to come, inspiring generations of young cricketers to strive for greatness.

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Mark Wood: England's Most Crucial Player on Flat Pitches, Says Vaughan

Mark Wood: England’s Most Crucial Player on Flat Pitches, Says Vaughan

By August 25, 2024 0

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has asserted that tearaway pacer Mark Wood has become an indispensable player for the Test team, even more crucial than Ben Stokes on flat pitches. Wood’s absence from the last two Tests against Sri Lanka due to a thigh injury is a significant blow, according to Vaughan.

Vaughan believes that Wood’s unique attributes make him a game-changer. “When you get on a flat pitch, Mark Wood is the most important player for England’s Test match team. Yes, even more than Ben Stokes. Wood is that good,” Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

Vaughan cited Sri Lanka’s second innings on day four as an example of where England will miss Wood. With Wood unavailable to bowl, Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal batted through the morning session and set England a target of 205, which they achieved with five wickets remaining.

“How much England miss him was evident on the fourth morning with that fantastic partnership from Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis when the pitch got flat and it became much easier for batting,” Vaughan observed. “We might get a lot of those conditions in the next year or so – definitely in Pakistan, and maybe a bit in New Zealand too. England need to find a way to take 20 wickets on wickets like that.”

Vaughan emphasized that Wood’s pace and ferocity set him apart from other England fast bowlers. “The point of difference that Wood brings is so important,” he said. “England have got to wrap him in cotton wool to try and get him available for 60 or 70 per cent of Tests in the next year.”

“Wood is now the most important cog in this England Test match wheel for them to go and beat India, for them to go and win in Australia,” Vaughan declared. “He’s the player that opponents would most like to see not in the England side.”

Vaughan concluded by praising Wood’s impact on the game. “He is not only obviously brilliant for the team, he’s brilliant for the game,” he said. “Get out of the bar and make sure you’re there watching Mark Wood. He is that bowler. A bowler like that doesn’t just give a team a great point of difference. It also sends a shudder to the opponents’ dressing room.”

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Surrey Crush Lancashire for Innings Victory, Extend Title Hopes

Surrey Crush Lancashire for Innings Victory, Extend Title Hopes

By August 25, 2024 0

Surrey’s dominance in the Vitality County Championship continued as they secured an emphatic innings-and-63-run victory over Lancashire at the Kia Oval. Resuming day four with a commanding lead of 214 runs, Surrey’s pace attack proved too formidable for Lancashire, dismissing them for 177 in less than two sessions.

Conor McKerr led the charge with a superb 4 for 27, while Dan Worrall and Jordan Clark chipped in with three wickets apiece. Lancashire’s hopes rested on Matty Hurst, who fought valiantly with a 64, but the Surrey bowlers maintained their relentless pressure.

Lancashire’s batting woes began early as Worrall dismissed Keaton Jennings and Rocky Flintoff in quick succession. Josh Bohannon and George Balderson followed suit, leaving Lancashire reeling at 82 for 5. Hurst and Venkatesh Iyer provided some resistance, but Clark broke the partnership after lunch.

Tom Hartley and Hurst showed some resilience, but McKerr’s introduction proved decisive. He removed Hurst for 64 and then claimed two more wickets in his next over. Tom Aspinwall and Josh Boyden departed cheaply, leaving Hartley as the last man standing. He was eventually dismissed by McKerr, giving Surrey a comprehensive victory.

Surrey’s triumph extends their winning streak to seven matches in the Championship this season. They remain firmly in contention for a third consecutive title, while Lancashire’s hopes of challenging for the top spot have been dealt a significant blow.

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Worcestershire Secure Second Consecutive Win, Boosting Division One Hopes

Worcestershire Secure Second Consecutive Win, Boosting Division One Hopes

By August 25, 2024 0

Worcestershire’s resurgence in the Vitality County Championship continued as they secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Kent at Visit Worcestershire New Road. The triumph marked their second consecutive win, bolstering their hopes of retaining Division One status.

Kent’s batting woes continued in their first innings, as they collapsed from 73 for 0 to 171 all out. Joe Leach, returning from injury, played a pivotal role with a six-wicket haul. Worcestershire’s response was anchored by Brett D’Oliveira’s 97, who made a timely return after a shoulder injury.

In Kent’s second innings, Tawanda Muyeye showcased his batting prowess with a career-best 211. However, Tom Taylor’s consistent bowling and Gareth Roderick’s seven catches behind the stumps kept Worcestershire in control.

Resuming on 353 for 8, Kent added only 23 runs before being bowled out for 376. Leach claimed the final wicket, giving Worcestershire a modest target of 101.

Worcestershire’s openers fell cheaply, but Kashif Ali (52*) and Rob Jones (23*) forged an unbroken 69-run partnership to guide their team to victory. The win earned Worcestershire 23 points, following their previous triumph against Durham.

Kent’s struggles continued, as they now face an uphill battle to avoid relegation. Muyeye’s batting brilliance provided a glimmer of hope, but Worcestershire’s overall dominance proved too much to overcome.

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Pakistan's Shan Masood Defends Spinnerless Strategy Despite Bangladesh Defeat

Pakistan’s Shan Masood Defends Spinnerless Strategy Despite Bangladesh Defeat

By August 25, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has defended his team’s decision to field four fast bowlers and no specialist spinner in their opening Test match against Bangladesh, despite suffering a humiliating 10-wicket defeat.

Masood’s decision raised eyebrows, especially after Bangladesh’s spinners, Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, combined to take seven wickets on the final day, dismissing Pakistan for a paltry 146 runs. However, Masood insisted that the pitch was expected to offer more assistance to the seamers.

“We had anticipated the pitch to offer more assistance to the seamers. Looking at the pitch, we expected it to do more,” Masood said at the post-match conference. “If we played 3 fast bowlers, we would be pushing them to the limit and the spinner would be bowling 25-30 overs a day, which we wanted to avoid.”

Masood also explained that the decision to declare their first innings at 448 for six was made with the intention of pursuing a decisive outcome in the match.

“We wanted to go for a win in the match and thus felt we had enough runs on the board to declare. But the Bangladesh batters showed a lot of discipline and intent in their first innings. Mushfiq and Miraz batted really well,” he added. “We felt that with 448 runs we could get a crack at them in the fourth innings.”

However, Pakistan’s bowlers failed to make any inroads into Bangladesh’s batting lineup, and the visitors chased down the modest target of 30 runs without losing a wicket.

Masood acknowledged that the defeat was a disappointing start to Pakistan’s home season, which includes seven home Tests and two away matches in South Africa.

“We just have to now get everything right and try to level the series in the world test championship,” he said.

Sunday’s defeat was Shan’s fourth straight defeat as captain after Pakistan’s 0-3 whitewash at the hands of Australia last winter.

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