Australian Left-Arm Pacer Ben Dwarshuis Joins Durham for Vitality Blast

Australian Left-Arm Pacer Ben Dwarshuis Joins Durham for Vitality Blast

Ben Dwarshuis, the Australian left-arm fast bowler, has joined Durham for the upcoming Vitality Blast tournament. The 31-year-old replaces Scott Boland, who was ruled out for the season due to plantar fasciitis.

Dwarshuis comes to Durham after a successful Big Bash League campaign with the Sydney Sixers, where he was the leading bowler and player of the season. He claimed 17 wickets, including a match-winning 5 for 21 against the Brisbane Heat. Dwarshuis also played a key role in the Sixers’ back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021, taking 24 wickets in the latter campaign.

At the international level, Dwarshuis has represented Australia in three T20Is, claiming five wickets at an average of 22.40. He has also featured for Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League and Worcestershire in the Vitality Blast.

“I am very much looking forward to joining Durham Cricket for the upcoming 2024 Vitality Blast season,” said Dwarshuis. “It will also be a great opportunity to play in front of the passionate Durham fans at the Seat Unique Riverside.”

Durham’s Director of Cricket, Marcus North, expressed his excitement about Dwarshuis’ signing. “We are thrilled to have recruited Ben for our T20 Blast season,” said North. “With the loss of Scott Boland and the T20 World Cup being played through the tournament, it was important we found the right cricketer who can play a key role for us this season.”

“Ben has a terrific record with the Sydney Sixers and is constantly up there as one of the top wicket takers in the BBL,” added North. “His white-ball cricket skills are very good, and we are pleased to have him on board.”

Dwarshuis’ left-arm option adds variety to Durham’s already strong bowling attack. He is also a capable batsman, which gives the team additional depth.

Mohammad Amir Granted Visa for Pakistan's Ireland T20I Series

Mohammad Amir Granted Visa for Pakistan’s Ireland T20I Series

Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir Granted Visa for Ireland T20I Series

Pakistan cricket authorities have received a sigh of relief as the Irish consulate has granted a visa to Mohammad Amir, clearing the way for his potential inclusion in the team for the second T20I in Dublin on May 12.

The opening match of the three-match T20I series is scheduled for Friday at the Clontaff ground. A source within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that they have been informed about Amir’s visa approval and are currently arranging his travel from Lahore to join the squad.

While the rest of the team departed for Dublin on Tuesday, Amir remained in Lahore awaiting his visa clearance. After a period of impasse, the breakthrough came following discussions between the PCB and Cricket Ireland regarding the delay in visa issuance.

Although the Irish consulate did not provide a specific reason for the delay, the source indicated that it was due to technical issues, which have since been resolved.

“Obviously, the PCB was unhappy with the visa delay as it affects the team management plans for the (T20) World Cup and also has a bearing on the affected player who has returned from retirement to international cricket after four years,” the source said.

After the series against Ireland, Pakistan will move to England for four T20Is starting from May 22 at Leeds. Interestingly, Amir was readily issued a visa to play in Ireland’s inaugural Test match against Pakistan back in 2018.

Amir’s inclusion in the team will be a significant boost for Pakistan, as he is a seasoned campaigner with a wealth of experience in international cricket. His return to the national team after a four-year absence has been met with much anticipation, and his presence in the squad will undoubtedly strengthen Pakistan’s chances of success in the upcoming T20I series and the T20 World Cup later this year.

Wimbledon Girls Finalist Nikola Bartunkova Suspended for Doping

Wimbledon Girls Finalist Nikola Bartunkova Suspended for Doping

Wimbledon Girls Finalist Nikola Bartunkova Provisionally Suspended for Doping

Nikola Bartunkova, the 18-year-old Czech tennis player who reached the Wimbledon girls’ singles final last year, has been provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for doping.

The ITIA announced on Thursday that Bartunkova tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned heart medication, at tournaments in Trnava, Slovakia, and Maribor, Slovenia, in February and March, respectively. Trimetazidine, also known as TMZ, is a medication used to treat angina, a condition that causes chest pain. It is banned in sports because it can enhance endurance and performance.

Bartunkova’s positive tests are the latest in a series of high-profile cases involving TMZ. In 2021, Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva tested positive for the medication at the Beijing Winter Olympics, sparking a major controversy. Additionally, 23 Chinese swimmers were found to have used TMZ while preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.

Bartunkova, who is currently ranked 282nd in the world, has been banned from all sanctioned tennis events pending an ITIA hearing. She reached the singles semifinals and the doubles final at the 2022 Junior Roland Garros, and was considered one of the rising stars in women’s tennis.

The ITIA’s investigation into Bartunkova’s case is ongoing, and it is unclear at this time what penalties she may face if found guilty of doping. The agency has a zero-tolerance policy for doping and has been cracking down on the use of performance-enhancing substances in tennis.

The news of Bartunkova’s suspension is a blow to the sport of tennis and raises concerns about the prevalence of doping among young athletes. It is important for all athletes to compete fairly and ethically, and the ITIA’s efforts to combat doping are essential to maintaining the integrity of the sport.

Berrettini Withdraws from Rome Masters Due to Illness

Berrettini Withdraws from Rome Masters Due to Illness

Matteo Berrettini, the Italian tennis star, has withdrawn from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia for the third consecutive year due to an undisclosed illness. The withdrawal comes as a major disappointment for Berrettini, who was eager to compete in his hometown tournament.

Berrettini, who was scheduled to face Stefano Napolitano in the first round, explained that he made the difficult decision to withdraw after careful consideration. “I’m not ready to perform and to give my best on court,” he said. “I tried everything because this tournament is extra special for me.”

The 28-year-old has been struggling with injuries in recent months. He was sidelined from September 2022 to March 2023 with an ankle injury and has not played since losing to Miomir Kecmanovic at the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters in April.

Despite his recent setbacks, Berrettini remains optimistic about his recovery. “I have to put away my heart, I would say, use my brain a little bit more,” he said. “Think about what’s most important for me, which is my health and not getting injured again, not being away from the courts for months potentially.”

Berrettini’s next scheduled appearance is Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam of the year. He had attempted to enter both the Geneva and Lyon tournaments as a protected ranking, but his ranking was not high enough to secure a spot. However, he could still receive a wild card or benefit from player withdrawals.

The Internazionali BNL d’Italia is a prestigious clay-court tournament held in Rome. Berrettini has never won the tournament but reached the semifinals in 2019 and 2021. His withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament and to Italian tennis fans.

Kerber Dominates on Clay, Reaches Third Round in Rome

Kerber Dominates on Clay, Reaches Third Round in Rome

Angelique Kerber, the former world No. 1, has made a triumphant return to clay at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, reaching the third round with ease. Despite her long-standing struggles on the surface, Kerber has dropped just four games in her first two matches, showcasing her renewed confidence and determination.

After a 6-3, 6-0 victory over No. 17 seed Veronika Kudermetova, Kerber expressed her satisfaction with her performance. “It’s a good win for me, especially on clay,” she said. “I’ve had not so many matches on clay, so it’s always good to have one more match on the surface.”

Kerber’s success on clay is a testament to her adaptability and resilience. Despite her previous struggles at Roland Garros, she has remained determined to improve her game on the surface. This season, she has embraced the challenges of clay with a renewed focus and determination.

As a new mom, Kerber has had to adjust to a new routine that balances her career and motherhood. She has found a rhythm that allows her to excel on the court while also spending quality time with her daughter. “You need to find your routine, your rhythm, and it all takes time, for sure,” she said.

Kerber’s next challenge will be either No. 14 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova or qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich. If she can continue her impressive form, she could face top seed Iga Swiatek in the fourth round.

Kerber’s resurgence on clay is a reminder of her enduring talent and unwavering determination. As she continues her journey towards Roland Garros, she will be a force to be reckoned with, proving that even the most challenging surfaces can be conquered with hard work and belief.

Abhishek Sharma Credits Success to Support and Aggressive Approach

Abhishek Sharma Credits Success to Support and Aggressive Approach

Abhishek Sharma, the 23-year-old Sunrisers Hyderabad opener, has attributed his success in the ongoing IPL to the unwavering support of skipper Pat Cummins and the entire think-tank. Sharma has been a revelation for Hyderabad this season, amassing 401 runs from 12 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 205.

“Our support staff and Pat (Cummins), the way they think, I have never seen anyone else think like that,” Sharma said after Hyderabad’s record 10-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. “They’re like, ‘Go out there and express yourself. Play as aggressively as you can, we’ll back you.’ I think that matters a lot.”

Sharma’s aggressive approach has paid dividends, as he has hit 35 sixes so far, the highest by any batter this season. Along with Travis Head, Sharma has rewritten the record for the quickest chase of 150-plus in T20 cricket, scaling down 166 in just 9.4 overs.

Sharma credits his success to the approach he adopted during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a key role in Punjab’s domestic T20 title win last season. “I feel when I play this way, look at the ball, and react, my shots come off better and the bowler comes under pressure,” he said.

Sharma has been particularly impressed by Head’s ability to play spin. “I don’t think anyone plays spin better than Travis,” he said. “The shots he hit off (Krishnappa) Gowtham, normally batters can’t do that, that shows how special he is.”

Sharma and Head have formed a formidable partnership, smashing several batting records this season. Sharma believes their understanding and friendship off the pitch have contributed to their success.

Against the LSG bowlers, Sharma and Head had a specific strategy for dealing with the cutters. “They were bowling cutters in the middle,” Sharma said. “I thought the cutters could slow down on their way, but Travis and I had planned to play it the way you would hit a spinner with the spin.”

Sharma’s success in the IPL is a testament to the support he has received from the Hyderabad think-tank and his own aggressive approach. He will be looking to continue his impressive form as Hyderabad aim to make a strong push for the playoffs.

PBKS and RCB Set for Thrilling Clash in Dharamshala

PBKS and RCB Set for Thrilling Clash in Dharamshala

Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to face off in a highly anticipated clash in the 58th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Thursday.

PBKS, currently eighth in the standings with four wins from 11 matches, will be looking to improve their position in the tournament. RCB, on the other hand, are seventh with eight points from 11 matches and will be eager to secure a victory to boost their playoff hopes.

PBKS Predicted XI:

* Prabhsimran Singh
* Jonny Bairstow
* Rilee Rossouw
* Shashank Singh
* Sam Curran (captain)
* Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper)
* Ashutosh Sharma
* Harpreet Brar
* Rahul Chahar
* Harshal Patel
* Kagiso Rabada

RCB Predicted XI:

* Virat Kohli
* Faf du Plessis (captain)
* Will Jacks
* Rajat Patidar
* Glenn Maxwell
* Cameron Green
* Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper)
* Swapnil Singh
* Karn Sharma
* Mohammed Siraj
* Yash Dayal

Key Players to Watch:

* Virat Kohli (RCB): The leading run-scorer in IPL 2024 with 542 runs, Kohli will be crucial to RCB’s batting success.
* Kagiso Rabada (PBKS): The South African pacer is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 17 scalps and will be a key threat to RCB’s batters.
* Shashank Singh (PBKS): The top-scorer for PBKS this season with 315 runs, Singh will be looking to continue his impressive form.
* Yash Dayal (RCB): The left-arm pacer has been RCB’s most successful bowler with 10 wickets and will be a key factor in containing PBKS’s batting lineup.

Match Preview:

The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. PBKS will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a much-needed victory. RCB, on the other hand, will be determined to bounce back from their recent defeat and strengthen their playoff chances.

The battle between the two bowling attacks will be crucial, with both teams boasting a mix of experienced and talented bowlers. The batting lineups of both sides are also packed with match-winners, so fans can expect a high-scoring affair.

KL Rahul's Captaincy in Doubt as Lucknow Super Giants Face Playoff Elimination

KL Rahul’s Captaincy in Doubt as Lucknow Super Giants Face Playoff Elimination

KL Rahul’s Captaincy in Jeopardy as Lucknow Super Giants Face Playoff Elimination

Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) dismal performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad has cast a shadow over KL Rahul’s captaincy, with rumors swirling that he may step down to focus on his batting.

Despite being signed for a record Rs 17 crore, Rahul’s leadership has come under scrutiny due to LSG’s poor showing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team’s chances of reaching the playoffs are virtually non-existent, and Rahul’s slow batting in the Powerplay has been a major concern.

Sources within the IPL suggest that Rahul may voluntarily relinquish the captaincy to improve his batting performance in the remaining two games. The management is reportedly open to this decision, given the team’s current situation.

Following LSG’s heavy defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, videos emerged on social media showing an agitated conversation between team owner Sanjiv Goenka and Rahul. The incident further fueled speculation about Rahul’s future as captain.

Rahul’s batting has been a major disappointment for LSG. In 12 games, he has scored 460 runs at a strike rate of 136.09. His slow starts have hindered the team’s momentum, particularly in the Powerplay.

Despite their mathematical chances of reaching the playoffs, LSG’s poor net run-rate (-0.760) makes it highly unlikely. If Rahul does step down, vice-captain Nicholas Pooran is likely to take over for the remaining two games.

Pooran has been LSG’s most impactful batter this season, scoring 306 runs at a strike rate of 154.55. His aggressive approach could provide the spark that LSG desperately needs.

PBKS vs RCB: A Crucial Clash for Playoff Survival

PBKS vs RCB: A Crucial Clash for Playoff Survival

PBKS vs RCB: A Battle for Survival in the IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is nearing its climax, and the race for the playoffs is heating up. Two teams desperately vying for a spot in the postseason are the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). They will face off on Thursday in a crucial encounter that could determine their fate in the tournament.

RCB has endured a rollercoaster season, starting with a dismal run but recently finding their rhythm. They have won their last three matches convincingly, boosting their morale and propelling them to seventh place in the standings. With eight points from 11 games, they still have a mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs if they win their remaining three fixtures.

PBKS finds themselves in a similar predicament. They occupy eighth place with eight points from 11 games. However, only one team between the two can reach the coveted 14-point mark.

RCB will enter the clash with more confidence, having defeated PBKS earlier in the season and riding a three-match winning streak. Virat Kohli remains a consistent force at the top of the order, while skipper Faf du Plessis has rediscovered his form with a belligerent knock in the last game.

Will Jacks has also impressed with a match-winning century against Gujarat Titans, and Cameron Green has showcased his all-round abilities with crucial contributions in runs and wickets against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

PBKS, on the other hand, will need to find their consistency. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but they have also been plagued by inconsistency. Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow have been their most reliable batters, while Kagiso Rabada has been their standout bowler.

The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive. RCB will be the slight favorites, but PBKS has the potential to upset the odds.

Karolina Muchova Returns to Practice After Wrist Surgery

Karolina Muchova Returns to Practice After Wrist Surgery

Karolina Muchova, the 2021 Roland Garros finalist, has made a significant step in her recovery from wrist surgery by returning to practice. The Czech star shared an encouraging video on social media, showcasing her progress on an indoor hard court.

Muchova’s breakthrough season in 2023 saw her reach the US Open semifinals, break into the world’s Top 10, and qualify for the WTA Finals. However, a persistent wrist injury forced her to withdraw from the Australian Open and end her season prematurely.

In February, Muchova underwent surgery to address the recurring issue. Despite the setback, she has remained active in her recovery, participating in the Prague Half-Marathon in April. The event promotes physical activity and wellness for special-needs children, and Muchova pushed children in special sports wheelchairs along the course.

“Speed was secondary; what mattered was the journey we embarked on together,” Muchova said. “Our goal transcended personal achievements, aiming to give every child the joy of the race and the liberating rush of the wind.”

Muchova’s return to practice is a positive sign for her recovery. She reached a career-high world No. 8 in September 2023, and her absence from the tour has seen her drop to No. 14.

With her determination and resilience, Muchova is expected to make a strong comeback to the WTA circuit. Her return will be a welcome addition to the women’s game, as she brings a unique blend of power and finesse to the court.

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