Dillon Pennington's England Debut Hopes Dented by Hamstring Injury

Dillon Pennington’s England Debut Hopes Dented by Hamstring Injury

Dillon Pennington’s hopes of making his England debut against Sri Lanka have been dealt a blow after the fast bowler was forced to withdraw from the Hundred due to a hamstring injury.

Pennington, 25, has been one of the standout performers in the County Championship this season, taking 31 wickets at an average of 23.80 in eight appearances for Nottinghamshire. His impressive form earned him a call-up to England’s Test squad for the recent series against West Indies, where he impressed captain Ben Stokes.

Stokes had hinted that Pennington could be in line for a debut against Sri Lanka, saying: “There’s no doubt that if an opportunity comes to him, then he’ll be ready to go.”

However, Pennington’s chances of making his international bow have now been dented after he suffered a hamstring injury in his first competitive appearance for a month. Playing for Northern Superchargers against Oval Invincibles in the Hundred, Pennington bowled just five balls before being forced to leave the field.

Superchargers have confirmed that Pennington has withdrawn from the final two weeks of the competition, making him a major doubt for England’s first Test against Sri Lanka on August 21 at Emirates Old Trafford.

Stokes had praised Pennington’s work ethic and progress during his time with the England squad. “He’s done everything that you’d expect someone in a squad to do – even if they’re not playing,” Stokes said. “He’s got a naturally high release point, and I think his move to Notts has been very, very good for him.”

England are expected to name their squad for the Sri Lanka Tests imminently, with Zak Crawley considered a major doubt after breaking his finger in the third Test against West Indies. If Crawley is unavailable, Dan Lawrence is expected to deputise as Duckett’s opening partner.

Sri Lanka Opt to Bat First in Second ODI Against India

Sri Lanka Opt to Bat First in Second ODI Against India

Sri Lanka, aiming to secure a series victory after the thrilling tie in the first ODI, opted to bat first in the second match at the R Premadasa Stadium. Captain Charith Asalanka made the decision based on the pitch’s expected behavior, which is similar to the one used in the series opener and likely to favor spinners as the game progresses.

Sri Lanka made two changes to their lineup. Jeffrey Vandersay replaced Wanindu Hasaranga, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, in a like-for-like legspinner swap. The other change saw batting allrounder Kamindu Mendis, who can also bowl spin, come in for fast bowler Mohamed Shiraz.

This move reflects Sri Lanka’s anticipation of spin-friendly conditions, leaving them with only one frontline seamer in Asitha Fernando. They also have the option of using Janith Liyanage’s part-time medium-pace if necessary. Sri Lanka’s spin options include Asalanka, who impressed with three wickets in the first ODI, including two in two balls to secure the tie.

India, on the other hand, fielded an unchanged XI. Captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of adaptability, as they prepare for another chase in challenging conditions.

Shikhar Dhawan Shares Heartwarming Friendship Day Anecdotes with Rohit Sharma

Shikhar Dhawan Shares Heartwarming Friendship Day Anecdotes with Rohit Sharma

Shikhar Dhawan Recalls Fond Memories with Rohit Sharma on Friendship Day

On the occasion of Friendship Day, Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan shared heartwarming anecdotes about his camaraderie with India captain Rohit Sharma. In a video released by Star Sports, Dhawan expressed his admiration for Sharma, calling him his favorite opening partner.

“I have opened with him for 8-10 years, so I have a strong bond with him. He is a gem of a person,” said Dhawan.

Dhawan recalled a particular moment that brought them closer on the field. “He used to like it a lot whenever I sang one particular song, ‘putt jattan de bulaonde bakre’. So he would look at me and then sing the same song. It’s one moment that repeated often.”

Dhawan sang a few lines from the song, which he used to sing and then laugh.

Despite his absence from the national team for over a year, Dhawan remains a respected figure in Indian cricket. He has played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India, scoring 2315, 6793, and 1759 runs respectively.

Dhawan’s bond with Sharma extends beyond the cricket field. They have been friends for many years and share a mutual respect for each other’s abilities.

Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out of ODI Series with Hamstring Injury

Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out of ODI Series with Hamstring Injury

Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out of ODI Series Against India with Hamstring Injury

Sri Lanka’s all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the three-match ODI series against India due to a hamstring injury. The injury occurred during the first ODI, which ended in a thrilling tie.

Hasaranga sustained the injury while bowling the final ball of his 10th over. He was seen clutching his left hamstring in discomfort and was unable to continue bowling. An MRI scan later confirmed the injury.

The loss of Hasaranga is a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. He is one of the team’s most experienced and reliable bowlers, and his absence will be felt.

To fill the void left by Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay has been called up to the Sri Lankan squad. Vandersay, 34, has played 22 ODIs for Sri Lanka, with his last appearance coming in January this year against Zimbabwe.

The second ODI between Sri Lanka and India will be played on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The third and final ODI will be played at the same venue on August 7.

Gautam Gambhir's India Begin with 3-0 Series Win Over Sri Lanka

Gautam Gambhir’s India Begin with 3-0 Series Win Over Sri Lanka

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach commenced with a resounding 3-0 series victory over Sri Lanka in the recently concluded Twenty20 International (T20I) series. The Men in Blue, led by newly appointed skipper Suryakumar Yadav, displayed resilience and determination throughout the series, culminating in a thrilling Super Over win in the third and final T20I.

Gambhir, who succeeded Rahul Dravid as head coach, has been entrusted with a long-term contract that extends until the end of 2027. His appointment was met with mixed reactions, with some questioning his suitability for the role. However, Gambhir has quickly silenced his critics with a series win in his first assignment.

In the post-match dressing room chat, Gambhir lauded Suryakumar’s leadership and the team’s fighting spirit. He emphasized the importance of consistency and improvement, particularly on pitches that favor spin bowling.

“Congratulations on a great series win. Congratulations to Surya as well, outstanding captaincy and performance with the bat. I asked for something before the start of the game, and you absolutely delivered it. This is what happens when you keep fighting and don’t give up,” Gambhir said.

“These kinds of games happen, and the only way these key games can go in our favor is when we keep fighting for every delivery and every run, and this was a prime example,” he added.

Gambhir’s appointment has sparked a renewed sense of optimism within the Indian cricket fraternity. His experience as a player and his reputation as a tough taskmaster are expected to benefit the team in the long run.

However, former India cricketer Joginder Sharma has expressed concerns about Gambhir’s longevity as head coach. Sharma believes that Gambhir’s uncompromising nature and tendency to make bold decisions may lead to conflicts within the team.

“Gautam Gambhir is the one to manage the team, but I believe that Gautam Gambhir will not be able to stay for a long time,” Sharma said. “This is because Gautam Gambhir has his own decisions. It might happen that he has a disagreement with a player. I am not talking about Virat Kohli. Many times, Gautam Gambhir’s decisions are such that others do not like them.”

Despite these concerns, Gambhir has made a positive start to his tenure as head coach. The team’s performance in the Sri Lanka series suggests that they are responding well to his leadership. Only time will tell whether Gambhir can sustain this momentum and guide India to success in major tournaments.

DRS Confusion Leaves Rohit Sharma Fuming in Sri Lanka vs India ODI

DRS Confusion Leaves Rohit Sharma Fuming in Sri Lanka vs India ODI

DRS Confusion Irks Rohit Sharma in Sri Lanka vs India ODI

During the first ODI between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo, a controversial DRS (decision review system) incident involving a wide call left Indian captain Rohit Sharma visibly frustrated.

In the 14th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Shivam Dube bowled a delivery down the leg side to Pathum Nissanka. The ball missed Nissanka’s bat and flicked his thigh pad on its way to wicketkeeper KL Rahul. The Indian players appealed for a catch, but the umpire ruled it not out.

To everyone’s surprise, the umpire then signaled a wide. Captain Rohit had a brief conversation with Rahul before deciding not to review the decision. However, as Rohit was returning to the field, he overheard a player saying that he had heard a sound.

“You should know whether the bat is far from the pad or not. If the bat is away, then he is saying there is a noise for sure,” Rohit said, expressing his annoyance.

Rahul responded by saying, “In IPL, the reviews can be taken for wides, that’s why he is saying.”

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), teams are allowed to review wide decisions. This rule does not apply in international cricket, which may have contributed to the confusion.

The incident highlighted the complexities of the DRS system and the challenges umpires face in making split-second decisions. It also raised questions about the consistency of the DRS process across different formats of the game.

Despite the DRS controversy, the match itself was a thrilling tie. Sri Lanka posted a competitive 230 for 8, thanks to half-centuries from Dunith Wellalage and Pathum Nissanka. India’s chase was led by Rohit Sharma’s 58, but they ultimately fell short of the target.

Welsh Fire Extend Winning Streak with Controlled Chase over Trent Rockets

Welsh Fire Extend Winning Streak with Controlled Chase over Trent Rockets

Welsh Fire continued their impressive start to the Hundred with a controlled six-wicket victory over Trent Rockets, extending their winning streak to three matches.

Rockets captain Nat Sciver-Brunt elected to bat but faced an early setback as openers Bryony Smith and Grace Scrivens were dismissed in quick succession. The middle order, led by Sciver-Brunt and Ash Gardner, attempted to rebuild the innings, but Sciver-Brunt’s dismissal for 37 left the Rockets struggling. Gardner and Heather Graham pushed the score to 130, but the Fire bowlers, particularly Freya Davies and Jess Jonassen, kept them in check.

Welsh Fire’s chase also began with a shaky start, losing Sophia Dunkley and Tammy Beaumont early. However, Hayley Matthews and Sarah Bryce steadied the ship, forming a crucial partnership of 49. Sciver-Brunt struck again to remove Matthews, but Jonassen and Bryce maintained the momentum. Georgia Elwiss joined Bryce after Jonassen’s departure, and the pair added a further 44 runs.

Bryce remained unbeaten on 51 from 39 balls, guiding the Fire to victory with two balls to spare. “We knew if we just built partnerships together, there were runs out there,” Bryce said. “Jess is a great runner. Winning is a habit, and we have had some tight games when different people have stood up at different times.”

The victory consolidates Welsh Fire’s position near the top of the standings, while Trent Rockets’ third consecutive defeat leaves them in a precarious position.

R Ashwin Expands Batting Range, Urges Young Cricketers to Embrace Failures

R Ashwin Expands Batting Range, Urges Young Cricketers to Embrace Failures

At 37, R Ashwin is expanding his batting range in his first full Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) season. Known for his boundary-hitting prowess down the ground, Ashwin has been working on playing boundary shots square of the wicket, a strategy that has paid off.

In Qualifier 2 against Idream Tiruppur Tamizhans, Ashwin dismantled left-arm fingerspinners R Sai Kishore and S Ajith Ram with reverse-sweeps, scoring 28 off nine balls. Overall, he has amassed 200 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 166.66, with five innings coming at the top or No. 3 for Dindigul Dragons.

“Everything is work in progress,” Ashwin said. “I felt like I needed to widen my game square of the wicket because I know I can hit the ball down the ground. I wanted to explore other options to keep myself interested in the game.”

Dindigul’s rookie left-arm fingerspinner P Vignesh, who missed the Under-19 World Cup cut for India, has impressed with his accuracy and control. In Qualifier 2, he claimed 3 for 8 and the Player-of-the-Match award.

Ashwin urged the next generation of cricketers to embrace failures and improve their skills. “Missing the Under-19 cut is not the end of the world,” he said. “Failure and success are normal, and people become better only through failures. I hope they’re ready to expand their game and find answers to the questions that are going to be asked.”

Meanwhile, Shahrukh Khan of Lyca Kovai Kings has been working on a technical tweak to improve his game against spin. He has been using a trigger movement where he pushes his weight forward, which has helped him score off both the front and back foot.

Shahrukh’s overall strike rate against pace in the IPL is 161.11, but it falls to 112 against spin. However, in IPL 2024, he managed to lift his strike rate against spin to 168.75.

Despite losing to Dindigul in the league phase, Shahrukh is confident his team can put together their “best cricket” in the final. “We’re taking it as just another game,” he said. “We still haven’t played our best cricket this year, and we will try and do that.”

India and Sri Lanka Set for Thrilling Second ODI After Tied Encounters

India and Sri Lanka Set for Thrilling Second ODI After Tied Encounters

India and Sri Lanka, locked in a thrilling series, are set to face off in the second One-Day International (ODI) at the R. Premadasa International Stadium on Sunday. The match comes after two nail-biting encounters, with both teams tying one game each.

In the first ODI, India’s bowlers impressed, led by skipper Rohit Sharma’s aggressive opening spell. The team’s new strategy of fielding multiple left-handed batters, including Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube, was also evident. However, the hosts’ fragile middle order struggled against India’s spinners, leaving them vulnerable to collapse.

As the teams prepare for the second ODI, the focus will be on maintaining clinical execution and avoiding costly mistakes. The pitch for the first game favored spinners, making it difficult to score boundaries. It remains to be seen if the conditions will be similar for Sunday’s match.

India will be keen to capitalize on their momentum and secure a victory. Rohit Sharma, who returned to ODIs after the World Cup final, will be looking to continue his impressive form. The team’s batting lineup, which includes Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul, and Rishabh Pant, will be expected to deliver.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back and level the series. Their middle order, which has been a concern, will need to step up and provide support to the top order. The team will also rely on their experienced bowlers, including Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne, to restrict India’s scoring.

With both teams eager to gain an advantage, the second ODI promises to be another intense and closely contested affair. The match will start at 2.30 p.m. IST.

ICC Prepares for India's Potential Absence from Champions Trophy in Pakistan

ICC Prepares for India’s Potential Absence from Champions Trophy in Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing for the possibility that India may decline to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year. During its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, the ICC approved a budget of approximately $65 million to cover expenses related to hosting matches outside Pakistan if necessary.

The ICC has not officially addressed India’s potential absence, but a contingency plan has been put in place. The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has approved a budget that includes an estimate of the increased costs associated with moving matches outside Pakistan.

The ICC has not yet identified alternative venues, but Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are the designated venues in Pakistan. The PCB has reportedly undertaken significant renovation work at these venues.

The budget allocation includes $35 million for the competition itself, $20 million for participation and prize money, and $10 million for television production costs. The ICC has circulated a tentative schedule to broadcasters and participating teams, with India’s matches scheduled to take place in Lahore, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter on March 1.

The tournament will feature two groups, with India and Pakistan joined by Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A. Group B comprises Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. India’s other matches are scheduled against Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23.

The ICC has allocated a week-long support period from February 12th to 18th for teams to participate in practice matches and media events. March 10th has been designated as a reserve day for the final match.

The ICC will send a team to Pakistan next month to inspect the venues. The final decision on whether to move matches outside Pakistan will depend on the Indian team’s decision and the Government of India’s stance.

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