Shakib Al Hasan Confirms Availability for All 2024 Bangladesh Test Matches

Shakib Al Hasan Confirms Availability for All 2024 Bangladesh Test Matches

Star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has confirmed his availability for all eight Test matches scheduled in 2024, providing a significant boost to the team’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign.

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain confirmed Shakib’s commitment, stating that the player had assured the selectors of his participation in all practice sessions and Test matches. This is a significant development, as Shakib had previously expressed uncertainty about his availability beyond the upcoming Pakistan series.

Shakib’s return to the Test fold is crucial for Bangladesh, as he is one of the world’s leading all-rounders. His presence in the team provides balance and depth, both with bat and ball. Hossain emphasized Shakib’s importance, stating that he is “one of the best all-rounders over the past years.”

Bangladesh’s Test schedule in 2024 includes four two-match series against Pakistan, India, South Africa, and the West Indies. These matches are part of the WTC cycle, which determines the top-ranked Test team in the world.

Shakib’s availability for all these matches will be a major asset for Bangladesh, as they aim to improve their position in the WTC standings. The team currently sits in ninth place, but with Shakib in the lineup, they have a chance to challenge the top teams.

The WTC series against Pakistan begins on August 21, with the second match starting on August 30. Shakib is expected to join the team on August 14 or 15 and participate in practice sessions before the first Test.

South Africa Opt for Batting Depth in Test Opener Against West Indies

South Africa Opt for Batting Depth in Test Opener Against West Indies

South Africa’s decision to bolster their batting lineup with Ryan Rickelton at No. 6 has resulted in a 7-4 split in their playing XI for the opening Test against West Indies in Trinidad. The move forced the Proteas to bench a bowler, with left-arm seamer Nandre Burger missing out.

Wiaan Mulder will operate as the third seamer alongside Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, while Keshav Maharaj will be the lone specialist spinner. West Indies, on the other hand, have handed a debut to batter Keacy Carty and opted for a twin spin combination of Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican. Shamar Joseph has been omitted from the XI.

Kemar Roach returns to the West Indies side after missing the series against Australia earlier this year and will lead the attack in the absence of Alzarri Joseph. Both teams are eager to revive their World Test Championship campaigns, with South Africa currently seventh and West Indies ninth in the standings.

South Africa’s batting lineup boasts a mix of experience and youth, with Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan Stubbs at the top of the order. Temba Bavuma will captain the side, while David Bedingham and Ryan Rickelton provide depth in the middle order. Kyle Verreynne will don the wicketkeeping gloves.

West Indies’ batting lineup will be led by Kraigg Brathwaite, who will open alongside Mikyle Louis. Keacy Carty will make his Test debut at No. 3, followed by Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, and Jason Holder. Joshua Da Silva will be responsible for the wicketkeeping duties.

The bowling attack for West Indies will be spearheaded by Kemar Roach, who has 253 Test wickets to his name. Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie, and Jomel Warrican will provide support.

The match marks the first Test between South Africa and West Indies in Trinidad since 2005. West Indies have not beaten South Africa in a home Test since 2001 and have not won a Test against them in 17 years.

South Africa's Test Team Embarks on Crucial WTC Campaign in Caribbean

South Africa’s Test Team Embarks on Crucial WTC Campaign in Caribbean

South Africa’s Test team embarks on a crucial period in their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign, traveling to the Caribbean for a series of four two-match series. Despite a disappointing start to their WTC journey, with only four Tests played and a single victory, the Proteas aim to turn their fortunes around.

Captain Temba Bavuma, returning from injury, acknowledges the challenges facing the team, including a lack of consistent game time and player management issues. However, he remains optimistic, emphasizing the need to establish a clear philosophy and blueprint for success.

The team’s bowling attack has been depleted by the absence of Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, and Gerald Coetzee, leaving Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Dane Paterson with the responsibility of leading the charge. The batting lineup also features several inexperienced players, including Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, and David Bedingham.

Bavuma, who will bat at No. 4, recognizes the importance of anchoring the lineup and providing impetus. He believes the upcoming series provides an opportunity for younger players to establish themselves on the international stage.

The Proteas will face a West Indies Invitational XI in a four-day warm-up match before the first Test begins on August 7. The series is crucial for South Africa’s WTC aspirations, as they aim to secure victories and improve their position on the points table.

Sri Lanka Soar in WTC Rankings After Crushing Bangladesh in Sylhet

Sri Lanka Soar in WTC Rankings After Crushing Bangladesh in Sylhet

Sri Lanka’s emphatic 328-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has propelled them up the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings. This triumph marks their eighth away Test win over Bangladesh, maintaining their undefeated record in the format against the hosts.

Prior to this match, Sri Lanka languished at the bottom of the WTC standings with zero points, while Bangladesh occupied the fourth spot with 12 points and a points percentage of 50. However, Sri Lanka’s resounding victory has earned them 12 points in three games, boosting their points percentage to 33.33. This surge has lifted them above South Africa (25%) and England (17.50%), tying them with Bangladesh in sixth place.

The first Test result has triggered a reshuffle in the WTC table. The West Indies have ascended to fifth place with the same points percentage as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but a superior points tally (16). Pakistan, with a points percentage of 36.66, has moved up to fourth place with 22 points.

On Day 4 of the match, Mominul Haque displayed remarkable resilience against Sri Lanka’s formidable bowling attack. His steadfast batting kept the Sri Lankan bowlers at bay and helped Bangladesh navigate the first session. However, wickets continued to fall at the other end, limiting Bangladesh to a score of 182 and sealing a 328-run defeat in the first Test.

Sri Lanka’s victory has not only bolstered their WTC standing but also instilled confidence within the team. They will be eager to maintain their momentum in the second and final Test of the series, which commences on May 23rd at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

India Dominate WTC Standings with Innings Victory over England

India Dominate WTC Standings with Innings Victory over England

India’s emphatic innings and 64-run victory over England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala has solidified their dominance atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The comprehensive win sealed a 4-1 series triumph for India, further extending their lead in the WTC table.

After securing the top spot last week, India’s massive victory in Dharamsala earned them 12 crucial points, boosting their point percentage from 64.58 to 68.51. New Zealand, the two-time WTC finalists, now sit in second place with a point percentage of 60, while Australia remains third with 59.09.

England, on the other hand, suffered their heaviest defeat under the “Bazball” era and their fourth consecutive loss against India. The defeat dropped their point percentage from 19.44 to 17.5, leaving them eighth in the standings.

Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul and centuries from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the first innings laid the foundation for India’s victory. Veteran spinner R Ashwin then starred on the third day, claiming his 36th five-wicket haul in his landmark 100th Test.

After taking a commanding 259-run lead, India dismissed England for 195 in their second innings late on the third day. Kuldeep was named Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul in the first innings, while young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal received the Player of the Series award for his 712 runs in the series.

India’s victory in Dharamsala further cements their status as one of the world’s leading Test teams. With the WTC final scheduled for June 2023, India will be eager to maintain their position at the top of the standings and secure a berth in the prestigious event.

India's Dharamsala Test Faces Weather Disruptions, WTC Standings in Flux

India’s Dharamsala Test Faces Weather Disruptions, WTC Standings in Flux

India’s upcoming Test match against England in Dharamsala faces potential disruptions due to inclement weather, according to a report by The Telegraph. The match, scheduled to begin on March 7, could experience chilly temperatures, rainfall, and even sleet. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 1 Degree Celsius, while the minimum could drop below -4 Degree Celsius.

Despite the weather concerns, India remains in a strong position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The team recently replaced New Zealand at the top of the rankings after defeating England in the fourth Test in Ranchi. India now has a points percentage of 64.58, ahead of New Zealand’s 60.00.

Australia, currently in third place, has closed the gap on New Zealand after gaining 12 points in the Wellington Test. The Aussies now have 78 points from 11 matches and a points percentage of 59.09. They have the opportunity to move up to second place if they win the second and final Test against New Zealand in Christchurch from March 8.

India, meanwhile, will face England in the final match of the five-Test series in Dharamsala. If England wins this match, Australia could climb to the top spot in the WTC standings.

India's Series Victory Over England: Dharamsala Weather a Non-Factor

India’s Series Victory Over England: Dharamsala Weather a Non-Factor

India’s emphatic series victory over England in Ranchi takes on a new dimension when considering the contrasting weather conditions between Ranchi and Dharamsala, the venue for the fifth and final Test. With the hosts securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, the Dharamsala match holds significance primarily for World Test Championship (WTC) points.

Had the series been poised at 2-1 or 2-2 heading into the fifth Test, England would have harbored hopes of triumphing or sharing the trophy in the familiar conditions of chilly, rainy Dharamsala. However, India’s dominance in the previous three Tests has effectively extinguished those aspirations.

India’s ascent to the top of the WTC table, following Australia’s victory over New Zealand in Wellington, further underscores the significance of the Dharamsala Test. The weather forecast for the morning of March 7, when the match is scheduled to commence, paints a stark contrast to the conditions in Ranchi.

Temperatures in Dharamsala are expected to hover around 5 degrees Celsius, with a forecast of “mostly cloudy and cold with a little rain.” The afternoon temperature is predicted to reach 7 degrees, dropping to around 4 degrees in the evening.

Despite the chilly start, the weather is anticipated to improve over the next four days, with temperatures ranging from 11 to 21 degrees. England, who began the series with a 28-run victory in the first Test, have since suffered three consecutive defeats.

India leveled the series with a 106-run win in Visakhapatnam, followed by a massive 434-run victory in Rajkot. The hosts sealed the series with a five-wicket triumph in Ranchi, leaving England with little hope of salvaging the series in Dharamsala.

Cricket Australia Rejects Claims of Ignoring Test Cricket Blueprint

Cricket Australia Rejects Claims of Ignoring Test Cricket Blueprint

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley has refuted claims that India, England, and Cricket Australia have disregarded a proposal to safeguard Test cricket. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald alleged that the three influential boards dismissed a document drafted by New Zealand Cricket chair Martin Snedden, which suggested overhauling the future tours program (FTP) to preserve the longest format of the game.

Hockley vehemently denied these allegations, stating that ongoing discussions are centered on optimizing the calendar and fostering cricket’s global growth. The proposed blueprint includes additional windows for T20 leagues beyond the Indian Premier League, modifications to the World Test Championship points system, 40-over ODIs, concerns about T20Is, and efforts to pool broadcast rights revenue for bilateral series.

Hockley emphasized Australia’s commitment to supporting the ICC in ensuring the health of all three cricket formats. He highlighted the country’s role in introducing the World Test Championship and its involvement in the ICC’s FTP working group.

Hockley acknowledged the global expansion of cricket, citing the United States’ embrace of the game and its co-hosting of the T20 World Cup with the West Indies later this year. He stressed the importance of a format strategy that accommodates all formats and fosters their coexistence.

Regarding the World Test Championship, Hockley emphasized its significance and Australia’s unwavering support for men’s Test cricket as its most valuable asset. He emphasized the need to enhance the prominence of the World Test Championship and ensure its economic viability in all territories.

Hockley concluded by highlighting the ongoing efforts to configure the calendar to accommodate all three formats. He emphasized the collaborative nature of these discussions, involving all ICC members, to ensure the continued growth and success of cricket worldwide.

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