Sri Lankan Cricketers Express Safety Concerns Amidst UK Riots

Sri Lankan Cricketers Express Safety Concerns Amidst UK Riots

The Sri Lankan cricket team’s upcoming test series against England has been overshadowed by concerns over player safety amidst ongoing anti-immigrant riots in Britain. Several Sri Lankan players currently in England for pre-series training have expressed their anxieties to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board, requesting enhanced security measures.

“We can’t go out to dinner or do anything like that. Mostly we stay in the hotel. No one wants to run into trouble and get beaten up,” a Sri Lankan player in England told ESPNcricinfo.

Sri Lankan team manager, Mahinda Halangoda, has formally addressed these concerns with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), particularly after reports of unrest in Manchester, the venue for the first test match.

“I raised the issue with them, and the ECB responded very quickly and sent us their comprehensive security arrangements. We’ll be having a security liaison on the tour from them as well,” Halangoda stated.

The ECB has assured the Sri Lankan team of comprehensive security arrangements, but the players’ apprehension underscores the potential impact of broader societal issues on international sporting events.

This situation presents a parallel to Sri Lanka’s own experience in 2022, when the island nation faced significant political and economic turmoil, leading to ethical concerns raised by Australia and Pakistan regarding touring for a bilateral series. Ultimately, the Asia Cup, initially planned to be held in Sri Lanka, was relocated to the United Arab Emirates due to the unrest.

The SLC will be keen to ensure their players can focus on the upcoming series without undue anxiety. The effectiveness of the ECB’s security measures and the overall management of the situation will be closely observed, setting a precedent for future touring teams navigating similar circumstances.

Top End T20 Series to Feature Brown, Sutherland, and Boland

Top End T20 Series to Feature Brown, Sutherland, and Boland

The Top End T20 series in Darwin is set to feature a host of rising stars and experienced campaigners, with Josh Brown, Will Sutherland, and Scott Boland among the notable inclusions.

Sutherland, who made his ODI debut for Australia last season, will lead the Melbourne Renegades Academy squad. The all-rounder has been recovering from a stress fracture of the back and will be eager to make an impact in Darwin.

Brown, who joined the Renegades from the Brisbane Heat, will be making his first appearance for his new club. The explosive batsman is known for his big-hitting abilities, having scored a stunning 140 off 57 balls against the Adelaide Strikers last season.

The Renegades Academy squad also includes Kane Richardson and Marcus Harris. Richardson is a regular member of the Australian T20I team, while Harris is a talented opener who has played for the Perth Scorchers in the past.

Melbourne Stars Academy will have the experience of Scott Boland, who will serve as both a player and bowling coach. Boland, who has represented Australia in Test cricket, will be making his first competitive appearance since April after recovering from a heel injury.

Hilton Cartwright, who is part of the Stars’ BBL squad, will also feature in the Top End T20.

The tournament will also feature teams from Northern Territory Strike, Adelaide Strikers, Perth Scorchers, Tasmania, ACT Comets, Pakistan A, and Bangladesh High Performance.

Jake Weatherald and D’Arcy Short, who both play for the Adelaide Strikers, will represent NT Strike.

The Top End T20 series is an important opportunity for young players to showcase their skills and for experienced players to get some match practice ahead of the BBL season.

Sri Lankan Spinner Praveen Jayawickrama Charged with Corruption by ICC

Sri Lankan Spinner Praveen Jayawickrama Charged with Corruption by ICC

Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama has been charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for violating three counts of the anti-corruption code. The charges stem from alleged corrupt approaches made to Jayawickrama in international matches and the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

According to the ICC statement, Jayawickrama, 25, has been charged under articles 2.4.4 and 2.4.7 of the code. These charges include:

* Failing to report an approach to engage in match-fixing in future international matches to the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) without unnecessary delay.
* Failing to report an approach to approach another player on behalf of a corrupter to engage in match-fixing in the 2021 LPL to the ACU without unnecessary delay.
* Obstructing the investigation by deleting messages containing the approaches and offers to engage in corrupt conduct.

Jayawickrama has 14 days from August 6 to respond to the charges. The ICC and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have agreed that the ICC will handle the LPL charge alongside the charges related to international matches.

Jayawickrama made his international debut in a Test match against Bangladesh in April 2021. He has since played five Tests, five ODIs, and five T20Is for Sri Lanka. His last appearance for the national team was in a T20I series against Australia in 2022.

In the 2021 LPL, Jayawickrama was part of the Jaffna Kings team that won the title. He played one match that season, taking two wickets. In the 2024 LPL, he represented the Dambulla Sixers.

The ICC’s anti-corruption code is designed to protect the integrity of the sport and prevent corruption from infiltrating cricket. The charges against Jayawickrama are a serious matter, and the ICC will investigate the allegations thoroughly.

India's ODI Woes: Limited Matches Before Champions Trophy Raise Concerns

India’s ODI Woes: Limited Matches Before Champions Trophy Raise Concerns

India’s ODI Woes: Limited Matches Before Champions Trophy Raise Concerns

India’s recent ODI series loss to Sri Lanka has sparked concerns about the team’s preparedness for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for next year in Pakistan. With only three ODIs remaining before the tournament, former opener Wasim Jaffer has expressed his apprehension.

In the third ODI of the series, Sri Lanka outplayed India by 110 runs, thanks to Avishka Fernando’s 96-run knock and Dunith Wellalage’s five-wicket haul. This defeat marked India’s first ODI assignment since their disappointing loss to Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup final last year.

Jaffer took to Twitter to voice his concerns, stating, “SL played better cricket and deserve the series win. It doesn’t worry me that India lost a series. Wins and losses are part of the game. However, it’s a point of concern that India has just 3 ODIs before the Champions Trophy. #SLvIND.”

India’s next ODI assignment will be a three-match home series against England in February next year. However, the limited number of matches before the Champions Trophy has raised questions about the team’s ability to adequately prepare.

The Champions Trophy is a prestigious tournament that brings together the top eight ODI teams in the world. India has won the tournament twice, in 2002 and 2013. However, their recent ODI performances have been inconsistent, raising doubts about their chances of success in Pakistan.

The team’s batting has been particularly vulnerable, with the top order failing to provide consistent starts. The middle order has also struggled to convert starts into substantial scores. The bowling attack, too, has been inconsistent, with the pacers struggling to find rhythm and the spinners lacking control.

With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, India needs to address these concerns and find a way to improve their ODI performances. The upcoming series against England will provide a crucial opportunity for the team to gain some momentum and build confidence ahead of the tournament.

Sri Lanka's Spinners and Top-Order Batters Triumph Over India in ODI Series

Sri Lanka’s Spinners and Top-Order Batters Triumph Over India in ODI Series

Sri Lanka’s recent ODI series victory over India marked a significant milestone for the team, breaking a 27-year drought against their formidable rivals. Captain Charith Asalanka attributed the triumph to the team’s improved top-order batting and the exceptional performance of their spinners.

The series was played on pitches that favored spin bowling, and Sri Lanka’s spinners took full advantage. Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage, and Asalanka himself were the top wicket-takers, claiming 27 of the 30 Indian wickets that fell. Despite the absence of premier spinner Wanindu Hasaranga in two of the matches, the Sri Lankan spinners proved their mettle.

However, it was not just the spinners who contributed to the victory. Sri Lanka’s top-order batters provided solid platforms, with Avishka Fernando scoring 96 in the third match, Pathum Nissanka contributing 101 runs, and Kusal Mendis adding 103.

“On these pitches, until the ball gets a little older, it’s easier to bat, and it takes less spin,” Asalanka explained. “What we planned was for someone in the top order to get a big score, and for others around him to play around him and get to a good score.”

The improved top-order performance was a significant change from the past, where Sri Lanka often struggled to provide a solid foundation for their middle order. Asalanka credited the team’s newfound freedom and positive environment for the turnaround.

“As a team we tried to create a good environment, after talking to the coach,” Asalanka said. “We tried to give a lot of freedom to our players and to show their talent. We don’t put much pressure on them.”

The ODI series victory was a major boost for Sri Lanka, who had been thrashed 3-0 in the preceding T20I series. Asalanka expressed confidence that the team can continue to compete against the best when they play to their potential.

Worcestershire Rapids Snatch Three-Wicket Win Over Kent Spitfires

Worcestershire Rapids Snatch Three-Wicket Win Over Kent Spitfires

Worcestershire Rapids secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Kent Spitfires in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, thanks to a superb half-century from captain Jake Libby.

Libby, who has been in scintillating form this season, struck 75 off 68 balls to guide the Rapids to their fourth win in the tournament. His knock was instrumental in chasing down Kent’s total of 259 with seven balls to spare.

Rob Jones also played a crucial role with a half-century, while 18-year-old Charlie Home impressed with a three-wicket haul. However, it was the partnership between Charlie Stobo and Grant Stewart that rescued Kent from a precarious position.

Stobo, an Australian overseas signing, surpassed his previous best score to make 72 off 79 balls, while Stewart went past his highest of 57 to finish on 78 off 60 deliveries. Their 91-run stand for the seventh wicket gave Kent a fighting chance.

Despite Home’s early wickets, Kent’s seamers kept the Rapids in check. But Jones and Libby paced their innings perfectly, with Libby hitting successive scoop shots for four to reach his half-century.

The game took another twist when Libby was run out with 26 needed, but Hishaam Khan and Tom Hinley held their nerve to guide the Rapids home.

Libby’s consistent performances have been a major factor in Worcestershire’s success this season. He has now scored 287 runs at an average of 143.50, continuing his impressive run from the previous two One Day Cup campaigns.

Hampshire Crush Derbyshire with Kelly's Hat-Trick

Hampshire Crush Derbyshire with Kelly’s Hat-Trick

Hampshire’s emphatic 143-run victory over Derbyshire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup was orchestrated by a remarkable hat-trick from 18-year-old quick Dominic Kelly. Kelly’s heroics, the first List A hat-trick for Hampshire since 1981, capped off a dominant performance that saw the hosts post a formidable 295 for 8.

Joe Weatherley laid the foundation for Hampshire’s success with a composed 93, while Nick Gubbins contributed a steady 62. The pair’s 113-run partnership set the stage for a late onslaught that saw Hampshire amass 85 runs in the final 10 overs.

Derbyshire’s chase never gained momentum, as Kelly’s pace and accuracy proved too much to handle. The young seamer dismissed Zak Chappell, Harry Moore, and Daryl Dupavillon in quick succession to become only the third Hampshire player to achieve a hat-trick in List A cricket.

Brooke Guest’s 44 provided some resistance for Derbyshire, but the visitors were ultimately bowled out for a meager 152. Kelly finished with impressive figures of 5-19, his first professional five-wicket haul.

Hampshire’s victory extends their unbeaten run in the Utilita Bowl to three matches, while Derbyshire suffers their second defeat. The result leaves Hampshire in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages, while Derbyshire’s hopes of progressing are fading.

Trent Rockets Spin to Victory Over London Spirit

Trent Rockets Spin to Victory Over London Spirit

Trent Rockets’ Aussie duo Ashleigh Gardner and Alana King orchestrated a dominant 31-run victory over London Spirit at Trent Bridge, snapping a three-game losing streak.

Gardner and King combined for six wickets, dismantling a star-studded Spirit lineup that failed to chase down a modest target of 158 for 5. Youngster Grace Scrivens led the Rockets’ batting charge with a scintillating 55 from 43 deliveries, sharing a 74-run opening stand with Bryony Smith.

Despite losing Sciver-Brunt early, Heather Graham’s unbeaten 22 from 12 balls propelled the Rockets to a competitive total. Spirit’s chase faltered from the outset as Gardner dismissed Georgia Redmayne and Cordelia Griffith in quick succession. King then removed Meg Lanning, while Gardner trapped Dani Gibson lbw.

Heather Knight’s dismissal at the hands of King effectively sealed the victory for the Rockets. Gardner and King finished with identical figures of 3 for 23 from 20 balls, restricting Spirit to 127 for 7.

“It was huge for us,” said Gardner, the Meerkat Match Hero. “It was probably the first game we put all three facets of the game together. The openers did a fantastic job, and we were pretty clean in the field. It was a pretty perfect performance.”

The Rockets’ victory was a testament to their all-around performance, with Scrivens’ batting brilliance, Gardner and King’s bowling prowess, and a solid fielding display. It will serve as a confidence booster for the team as they look to climb the standings in the remaining matches of The Hundred.

MCC CEO Guy Lavender Departs, Club Embarks on New Era

MCC CEO Guy Lavender Departs, Club Embarks on New Era

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the esteemed custodian of cricket’s laws and the iconic Lord’s ground, is embarking on a new chapter with the departure of its chief executive, Guy Lavender. Lavender’s resignation marks a significant transition for MCC, which has witnessed a recent turnover in key leadership positions.

Lavender’s tenure as CEO has been marked by notable achievements. He skillfully guided MCC through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the club’s financial stability and the continuation of its redevelopment plans for Lord’s. Under his leadership, MCC hosted major cricketing events, including the thrilling men’s 50-over World Cup final in 2019.

Lavender has also played a pivotal role in the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of The Hundred, a new cricket competition launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). MCC is set to acquire a 51% stake in the London Spirit franchise, with the remaining 49% to be sold centrally by the ECB.

Bruce Carnegie-Brown, MCC’s outgoing chairman, lauded Lavender’s exceptional contributions as CEO. “Guy has been an outstanding CEO, leading MCC through a period of significant change and challenge,” Carnegie-Brown said. “His achievements have been many, and he leaves MCC in a strong position.”

Lavender expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as MCC’s CEO. “It has been an immense honor and privilege to have been CEO of this great club,” he said. “I have every confidence that MCC will continue to thrive, thanks to the dedication and hard work of its staff and members.”

MCC has initiated the process of appointing Lavender’s successor, with the nominations committee set to lead the search later this year. Lavender will continue to fulfill his duties during a transition period to ensure a smooth handover.

India's Spin Woes Exposed in ODI Series Loss to Sri Lanka

India’s Spin Woes Exposed in ODI Series Loss to Sri Lanka

India’s recent ODI series loss to Sri Lanka has raised concerns about their vulnerability to spin bowling on dry surfaces. Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the issue, stating that it requires serious attention and individual game plan adjustments.

Despite Rohit’s impressive batting performance, India’s middle-order struggled to cope with the increasing turn and slower tempo of the ball. In the series opener, they collapsed from 75/0 to 132/5, while in the second ODI, they went from 97/0 to 147/6.

Rohit dismissed suggestions of complacency, emphasizing that the team remains committed to winning every game. However, he acknowledged that Sri Lanka outplayed India and deserved credit.

India’s decision to chase in all three matches, due to losing the toss, exposed them to the challenging conditions under lights. In the final ODI, they opted for an extra batter in Riyan Parag, who made his ODI debut and impressed with 3/54.

Rohit explained that the bowling changes were influenced by the conditions and the need to provide opportunities to younger players. He praised the performance of India’s spinners but stressed the need to address the team’s overall weaknesses.

India’s next ODI series is scheduled for January against England, followed by the Champions Trophy in 2025. Rohit expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back from this setback and improve in challenging conditions.

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