Shakib Al Hasan to Play for Surrey Before India Tour

Shakib Al Hasan to Play for Surrey Before India Tour

Shakib Al Hasan, the star all-rounder from Bangladesh, is set to make a brief appearance in the English County Championship for Surrey before joining his national team for their upcoming tour of India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted Shakib a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the match against Somerset, scheduled for September 9 in Taunton.

Surrey will be without their England players during that round due to the ongoing Sri Lanka Test series and the start of the Australia white-ball series. Shakib’s inclusion will provide a much-needed boost to Surrey’s squad.

After his stint with Surrey, Shakib will fly to Chennai to join the Bangladesh team for their first Test against India, starting on September 19. The tour will also include two more Tests and three T20Is before Bangladesh returns home for a series against South Africa in October.

Shakib’s participation in the County Championship comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings in Bangladesh. He is among 147 people charged in connection with an alleged murder during protests in early August. However, the BCB has stated that Shakib can continue playing for Bangladesh as the investigation is still in its early stages.

The ECB has the authority to withhold Shakib’s registration to play in England even if he is granted a UK visa. However, Bangladesh’s Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs adviser, Asif Nazrul, has expressed confidence that Shakib will not be arrested.

Shakib’s recent performances for Bangladesh have been impressive. He played a crucial role in their historic Test victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi, taking three important wickets on the fifth day. He is also part of the ongoing second Test, which has been affected by rain.

Wellalage's All-Round Brilliance Ties ODI Series Opener

Wellalage’s All-Round Brilliance Ties ODI Series Opener

Dunith Wellalage, a rising star in Sri Lankan cricket, showcased his exceptional all-round abilities in the first ODI against India at Khettarama. Batting at number seven, the 21-year-old played a crucial innings of 67 not out off 65 deliveries, guiding Sri Lanka to a respectable total of 230 for 8.

Wellalage’s innings was a beacon of composure on a challenging pitch where no other batter looked entirely settled. He displayed a wide range of shots, including powerful boundaries, and drew inspiration from his teammate Pathum Nissanka, who has been in impressive form throughout the tour.

“I was watching Pathum Nissanka bat quite a lot,” Wellalage said. “I put his batting in my mind as I came up with a plan. If you take the pitch, it was one that supported spin bowling. I tried to put as much pressure on the bowler and build partnerships.”

With the ball, Wellalage proved equally effective, claiming two crucial wickets for 39 runs in nine overs. He dismissed India’s top scorer, Rohit Sharma, with a well-flighted delivery that beat the batsman in flight and struck him in front of the stumps.

Wellalage’s dismissal of Shubman Gill was equally impressive, as he deceived the opener with another flighted delivery that Gill top-edged to the keeper.

“We knew that the wicket was spinning,” Wellalage explained. “So Charith Asalanka had told me that I would be bowling in the powerplay. I had good support from the wicket too.”

“With Rohit at the time, I was trying just to bowl wicket-to-wicket, because I knew how much assistance there was from the pitch.”

Wellalage’s contributions with both bat and ball played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s ability to tie the match. His performance is a testament to his growing maturity and versatility as a cricketer.

Sri Lanka's ODI Woes Mount as Pathirana, Madushanka Ruled Out

Sri Lanka’s ODI Woes Mount as Pathirana, Madushanka Ruled Out

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad against India has been further depleted by injuries, with fast bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka ruled out. The duo joins Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara on the sidelines, leaving the hosts with a depleted bowling attack.

Pathirana, who impressed in the recent T20 World Cup, suffered a shoulder complaint while fielding in the third T20I against India. The injury is a recurrence of the issue that plagued him during last year’s World Cup, prompting the team management to err on the side of caution.

Madushanka, on the other hand, sustained a hamstring injury during training. He played only one match in the T20I series, but was expected to feature in the ODI squad.

Sri Lanka have called up uncapped right-arm seamer Mohamed Shiraz as a replacement for Pathirana. The team is also expected to announce the inclusion of another seamer later on Thursday.

The injuries have come as a major blow to Sri Lanka, who have lost their last 10 matches across formats against India. The hosts will be desperate to break their losing streak in the upcoming ODI series, but they will need to find a way to compensate for the absence of their key bowlers.

Sri Lanka Announces 16-Member Squad for India ODI Series

Sri Lanka Announces 16-Member Squad for India ODI Series

The Sri Lankan cricket team has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against India, set to commence on August 2. This squad, approved by Harin Fernando, the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, will take on India at the Premadasa Stadium, with subsequent matches scheduled for August 4 and 7.

Among the selected players, senior all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne, alongside young batsmen Janith Liyanage and Nishan Madushka, has been called up to represent the national team in this series.

Chamika Karunaratne, known for his versatility and experience, brings a wealth of skill to the team, potentially offering both batting and bowling solutions. On the other hand, Janith Liyanage and Nishan Madushka, despite being relatively new to the international scene, have shown promise in their previous outings. Liyanage has appeared in nine ODIs, while Madushka has participated in eight Tests, indicating their growing experience at the international level.

The squad for the series is led by Charith Asalanka, with Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, and Sadeera Samarawickrama being notable inclusions, suggesting a blend of youth and experience. The team also features all-rounders such as Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis, who are expected to play crucial roles with both bat and ball.

The bowling department includes Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, and Asitha Fernando, offering a mix of spin and pace options.

The inclusion of Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, and Nishan Madushka in the squad highlights the selectors’ confidence in their abilities to perform at the highest level.

Sri Lanka's Chameera Ruled Out of India Series, Mathews Dropped from T20I Squad

Sri Lanka’s Chameera Ruled Out of India Series, Mathews Dropped from T20I Squad

Sri Lanka’s fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been ruled out of the upcoming home series against India due to an injury. The news was confirmed by Sri Lanka’s chief selector Upul Tharanga, who stated that Chameera will miss both the T20Is and ODIs.

Chameera’s absence is a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, as he is one of their most experienced and reliable bowlers. It is unclear when or how Chameera sustained the injury, but he was not picked in the Kandy Falcons side towards the end of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) earlier this month.

Tharanga said that a replacement for Chameera will be named shortly, with Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, or Kasun Rajitha likely to be in contention.

In other team news, Angelo Mathews has been left out of the T20I squad despite his impressive performances in the LPL. Tharanga confirmed that Mathews is no longer being considered for the next T20 World Cup in 2026.

“We need to look to the future,” Tharanga said. “There’s a big gap to fill when it comes to an allrounder in the side – we have about two-three new players in mind to slot into that role.”

Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera, who both had excellent performances in the LPL, are also not guaranteed a place in the starting XI. Tharanga confirmed that Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are the first-choice openers, with Kamindu Mendis likely to slot in at no.4.

Captain Charith Asalanka will remain at no. 5, which leaves one spot – at no.3 – for either Chandimal or Perera.

With the T20Is being played in Pallekele, a venue that has offered more pace and bounce than anywhere else in the country, Tharanga said Sri Lanka could play three fast bowlers. Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, and Matheesha Pathirana could be the first-choice combination, with Dasun Shanaka as another seam option at no. 6.

On the spin front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will play, with Dunith Wellalage an option if Sri Lanka want an extra spinner.

Sanath Jayasuriya, who has been appointed as Sri Lanka’s interim head coach, said he will try his best to help the team succeed.

“I don’t have experience as a head coach, but I will try and do my best with this challenge,” Jayasuriya said. “That said, I’m only in the role on an interim basis, so we will have a permanent coach coming in soon.”

Sri Lanka have been preparing for the India series by playing in the LPL and having a training camp in Kandy. They have also been working with Rajasthan Royals high-performance director, Zubin Bharucha, on a short-term basis.

Sri Lanka's Pathirana Eyes Confidence Boost from India Series

Sri Lanka’s Pathirana Eyes Confidence Boost from India Series

Sri Lanka’s young pace sensation, Mathisha Pathirana, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming T20I and ODI series against India, scheduled to commence later this month. The 22-year-old believes that a strong performance in this series could provide a much-needed boost to the island nation’s cricket.

“I think it will be a good challenge. India is coming with a new coach and some new players. Their combination will be slightly different. But it will be a good challenge for us because they are world champions,” Pathirana told The Hindu.

Pathirana, who has quickly risen through the ranks in the last two years, is confident in his team’s abilities. “We have a very good side and a lot of talent. Unfortunately, we didn’t do well in the T20 World Cup. But if we can win this series, it will be a confidence-booster for the next three years,” he added.

The right-arm pacer has made a name for himself with his impressive performances for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2022. Pathirana expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, which has accelerated his career.

“After my under-19s, I was not in any squad in Sri Lanka. But since my debut for CSK, I got those chances and got selected for Sri Lanka’s main team. Playing for CSK is a gift from god for me. Until I played for CSK, not many knew me. Sharing the dressing room with Mahi bhai (M.S. Dhoni) is very special for youngsters like me, especially coming from Sri Lanka,” he said.

In a short span, Pathirana has become one of the most reliable bowlers in the death overs. However, he is not content with that tag alone. “A lot of people say I am good at the death. But that is not enough for me. I want to be good with the new ball and in the middle overs too. If I can get swing and accuracy with the new ball, it will be good for me and the teams I play for,” Pathirana stated.

The upcoming series against India will be a crucial test for Pathirana and his Sri Lankan teammates. A strong showing could not only boost their confidence but also provide a much-needed shot in the arm for Sri Lankan cricket.

Pat Cummins: India Tour Was 'Hardest Time of My Life' Amid Mother's Illness

Pat Cummins: India Tour Was ‘Hardest Time of My Life’ Amid Mother’s Illness

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has opened up about the emotional turmoil he endured during the India tour last year, as he grappled with the impending loss of his mother to cancer.

Cummins, who was in India for a Test series, made the difficult decision to return home to be by his mother’s side as she received palliative care. “Flying away… That’s the hardest time of my life, easily,” Cummins said in an interview for the Imperfects podcast.

The captaincy weighed heavily on Cummins’ mind during that period. “I remember my manager and a couple of other people around me who I normally listen to were calling me and being like, ‘I think we need to give a little bit of a reason why you’ve gone home’, and I’m like, ‘Nah, don’t care’,” he recalled.

Cummins’ mother, Maria, passed away last year. The cricketer said he tried to keep her final days as private as possible and didn’t explain to her why he flew home after playing in two Tests in India.

“But that time in particular – because we knew roughly the timeline, and knowing Mum and Dad as well; how much joy they get, sitting together, watching me play – that gave me enough confidence to go and play, and they were desperate for me to go and play, and I knew I could hop on a flight at any time and come back,” Cummins said.

Despite his determination to play, Cummins admitted that his mind was not fully on the game. “But for those couple of weeks I was in India, especially now I look back on it, my mind was not in India, it was back home the whole time,” he said.

Cummins even considered quitting as Australia captain at one point, as his desire to be with his mother intensified. “I honestly do not care what people think,” he said. “After about six or seven days when I knew I wasn’t going to come back to India, we said Mum’s in palliative care. But I literally could not have cared less what people were saying about me.”

Cummins’ decision to prioritize his family over cricket was met with understanding and support from his teammates and Cricket Australia. The captain’s resilience and determination to balance his personal and professional life serves as an inspiration to many.

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