Zak Crawley ruled out for first two Tests
Wasim Jaffer feels India should start afresh against England
Would they pull out of a tour to India: Vaughan slams Australia for postponing SA tour
NOC's will be granted to IPL bound Australian bounce IPL players confirms CA
Cricket Australia on Saturday stated that No Objection Certificates will be granted to the players who will be part of the upcoming Indian Premier League. It further added that the players will be granted the certificates on a “case-by-case” basis. This development comes a day after CA postponed their tour to South Africa indefinitely which has almost put them out of contention for the slot in the ICC Test Championship Final slated to be played in January at the Lord’s. Despite the cricketers pondering on their chances of participating in the IPL to be held in India, the players’ agents have confirmed that unless there are any injury woes it won’t be an issue to grant the NOCs to the IPL bound cricketers. “We have, obviously, got precedent on that from the IPL last year. We have got, obviously, the IPL, if you like, (has) proven its bio-security protocols," CA interim CEO Nick Hockley was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "As and when applications are made, we will consider each of those case-by-case, on their merits," he further added. With the T20 World Cup slated to be played in India later this year, it would be a perfect dress rehearsal for all foreign players to have a taste of India before the big event. They have very slim chances of going through to the final of the ICC Test Championship but theoretically, they still stand with a chance.
Former Sri Lanka cricketer Lokuhettige found guilty of corrupt practices in T10
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Dilhara Lokuhettige has been charged with three offences under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. It was an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal that found the 40-year-old Lokuhettige guilty under the following articles and clauses of the ICC rules of conduct. Article 2.1.1 - for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect(s) of a match. Article 2.1.4 - Directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach Code Article 2.1. Article 2.4.4 - Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code. This comes after the ICC's own Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) had already charged him under the anti-corruption rules in April 2019 and November 2018 respectively. Earlier an Al Jazeera documentary has also caught on camera, the all-rounder being part of a conversation with a bookie and that is when ECB decided to look into the matter pertaining to charges of corruption in the 2017 T10 tournament, to which Sri Lanka had sent a team. Apart from Lokuhettige, former fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa, Jayananda Warnaweera, and most notably Sanath Jayasuriya have been found guilty of being indulged in corrupt practices off late. Lokuhettige played nine ODIs and two T20Is for Sri Lanka between 2005 and 2013, making 101 runs and picking eight wickets.
BBL 10 | Sydney Thunder seal playoffs in their final group stage clash
The Sydney Thunder defeated their nearest rivals to the playoff spot Adelaide Strikers, in a rain-marred game to seal their place in the Big Bash League finals. Chasing a target of 116 runs in 14 overs, Thunder, riding on the pyro techniques of Englishman Alex Hales brought the house down to clinch victory with 11 balls to spare. Setting the new target of most numbers of sixes hit in a single season (30), Hales scored 63 runs in just 39 balls to lead the way for Thunder who lost their opener, Usman Khawaja, to a peach of a delivery in the first delivery of the chase. The former top ranked T20 batsman was ably supported by Australian Callum Ferguson who contributed a crafty 46 off 33 balls to stitch a partnership of 116 runs. Earlier in the first innings, Thunder chose to bowl first after the rain delay. Strike bowlers Adam Milne, Brendan Doggett kept runs in check bowling exceedingly well in the first few overs picking up three wickets in the first seven. If it were not for Jake Weatherald’s antics in the later half of the innings, Strikers would have been down and out by a long mile. When the opportunity presented itself in the 11th over (Power Surge), Weatherald took Milne to cleaners scoring 18 runs off him. Strikers put on 52 runs in the final four over, Strikers put on a respectable 115 runs. But as it would turn out, the score would not be enough for the Strikers to be defended against the mighty Englishman, and now they would have to wait for the other teams to play it out on the final day of the Big Bash League. The Strikers with 28 points are followed by Hobart Hurricanes (27), Brisbane Heat (25), Melbourne Stars (24) who are all contenders for the final qualification spot. Talk about an unmissable day of cricket. The final day is scheduled to play out three fixtures Brisbane Heat v Perth Scorchers Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers
BBL 10 | Sixers vs Hurricanes: Hobart's final dash keept alive with 7-run victory
The Hobart Hurricanes kept their chances alive in the Big Bash League after winning the 52nd match of the Big Bash League against the Sydney Sixers by 8 runs. Riding on some spectacular batting between the opening duo of Matthew Wade and D’Arcy Short, the Hurricanes posted a more than competitive score of 189 on the board and in the end, it proved to be just enough as the Sixers fell short by 8 runs despite a valiant effort from the blade of Jordan Silk. Chasing a target of 189 was never going to be easy for the Sixers but with the batting line-up they had, it was always on the cards. However, the start for the Sixers was far from impressive. Josh Philippe played a sensational shot to begin the innings but 3 quick wickets put them in the backfoot. Nathan Elis and Scott Boland provided the much-needed breakthroughs and they need a partnership to harbour hopes of clawing their way back into the match. From there on it was a great partnership between Jordan Silk and Moises Henriques which helped them claw their way back into the match. Both the batters executed some good proper cricketing shots and kept the required ret under check. Yet again there was a shift in the momentum of the match when Sandeep Lamichhane bagged two back to back wickets to help the Hurricanes storm their way back into the game. While the first delivery wasn’t great but the second one was quite brilliant which breached through the defence of Daniel Christian. He was playing for the leg break but it turned out to be a googly and breached through his defence to disturb the timbers. Again the Hurricanes needed to resurrect the chase with a good partnership. Jordan Silk waged a lone battle but kept losing partners at the other end which made the run chase that much difficult. With 29 required of the final over, Riley Meredith faltered a bit with two no-balls which gave the Sixers a realistic chance. However, in the end, the target was just a bit too much as the Hurricanes registered a 7 runs victory to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. Earlier in the day, it was Syndey Sixers skipper Moises Henriques who won the toss and put the oppositions in. The opening partnership was quite staggering as Matthew Wade and D'Arcy Short literally tormented the opposition bowlers with their free-flowing strokeplay which they were lacking during the course of the tournament. Wade, in particular, looked in ominous touch and everything he touched turned to gold. He kept plundering the Sixers all around the park en route to his knock of 86 of 44 deliveries which were studded with 10 fours and 3 sixes. Short also played a stunning knock of 72 and shared a mammoth 145 runs partnership for the opening wicket with Wade. The Hurricanes were looking set to score well in excess of 200 but the Sixers bowlers made a staggering comeback in the back end of the innings and restricted them to 189. It has always been difficult chasing at the MCG but the Sixers were there in the game till the dying moments of the match. In the end, it was the Hurricanes who held their nerves and eeked out a narrow victory. They are currently occupying the 5th position with 27 points and on par with the Sydney Thunder who occupies the 4th position.
Daily Round Up | Jan 24: Root continues form, Pak announce squad for 1st Test
England ride on Joe Root’s second ton of the series against Sri Lanka to steady the ship in first innings of the second Test in Galle while BCCI is keen on getting some crowd in the stands in the T20Is fixtures between India and England. Here are the daily updates from the cricketing world. Joe Root continues form England captain Joe Root continued his form after notching up yet another Test ton against Sri Lanka in the first innings of the second Test in Galle. England were in pursuit of Sri Lanka’s 381 and had lost a couple of early wickets when Root held the fort at one end and smashed 186 runs before getting runout. The visitors ended the Day 3 at 339/9. Lasith Embuldeniya bagged seven wickets for Sri Lanka. The hosts trail the series 0-1. BCCI keen on having spectators in stands for T20Is between India and England The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pretty keen on getting the crowd in the stands for the T20Is between India and England. "We are trying to open the stadium for fans to witness what awaits to be a thrilling T20I series between India and England. While we are yet to decide on the numbers, the idea is to get close to 50 per cent of the seats filled. But the final decision lies with the government. Safety is a priority even as we adapt to the new normal," the official said, while speaking to ANI. Pakistan announce squad The Pakistan selectors have announced the squad for the first Test against South Africa scheduled to begin on January 26 in Karachi. Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi are some prominent names that have got a place in the side. Squad: Abid Ali, Imran Butt, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, M Nawaz, M Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Yasir Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tabish Khan Washington Sundar talks about opening innings for India India all-rounder Washington Sundar has said that it would be a great opportunity if he ever gets a chance to open the innings for India in Test cricket. “I think it will be a blessing for me if I ever get an opportunity to open the batting for India in Tests. I think I will accept the challenge just like our coach Ravi sir did during his playing days,” Washington told PTI during an interaction from his Chennai residence. Natarajan credits teammates for impressive performance India fast bowler T. Natarajan has credited the teammates for his brilliant performance in Australia. Other players supported me in the dressing room. Their motivation and support helped me. I was under pressure to perform when the opportunity was offered,” Natarajan, 29, told the Press during a conference in his home town of Salem in Tamil Nadu. The left-arm pacer made debut for India in all formats on this tour.
Virtual eye accepts goof up during Sydney Test
The recently concluded Border Gavaskar Trophy will be forever etched in the annals of cricketing folklore. A depleted Indian side made a historic comeback after losing the opening Test and eventually won the series after completing a famous win at Australia’s fortress Gabba. Despite some high intense cricket throughout the series, there were few decisions on the field which questioned the use of technology yet again. During the 3rd Test in Sydney, an LBW appeal against Steve Smith was reviewed by India in the 2nd innings after the onfield umpire had given that not out. It looked quite close and in the replays, a fourth stump surfaced on the screen which made for a really bad viewing. There was an uproar in the social media due to that blip up but now the Operators of the Decision Review System have now admitted to the good up. "We reported that immediately to the people we work with at the ICC because it was a mistake on our part -- fortunately it did not affect the decision, the umpire was correct, but it should not have happened. We take full responsibility for that but the important thing was that the decision to stay with the umpires call was the correct one -- the real ball track did show the ball missed," Ian Taylor, the MD of Virtual Eye that operates DRS in Australia and New Zealand, was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. It was the 12th over of Australia’s second innings in Sydney when a fourth stump mysteriously appeared on the screen. Former India batsman Aakash Chopra was not impressed with the gaffe and stated, "Have we heard any clarification from the authorities responsible for this? The mysterious fourth stump making an appearance on replays (sic)," Meanwhile, Taylor clarified that why and what happened their actually. "We tracked the ball normally in our tracking system and it showed it missing the stumps. For the DRS the next step is to play the ball trackback, superimposed over the 'end on' broadcast TV camera when the 3rd umpire calls for it. At the start of play, we calibrate the two TV cameras at each end of the pitch to ensure they are perfectly aligned when we play our ball track over the live camera. When we did that, before going to air, it was fine and the ball was clearly missing. "Just before we were going to replay, the end-on camera lost focus for an instant and when that happens it loses its calibration and we have to recalibrate. It happens a few times during the day but this was the first time it had ever happened between the time we tracked the ball and the time we had to replay it. "Our operator went through the recalibration programme to realign the camera -- he thought he had successfully done that but as soon as he replayed the video with the track on it, he realised that it hadn't recalibrated correctly because the ball was now clipping the stump rather than missing it. "It was a human error on our part. Fortunately, the error was within the 'umpires call' margin so the result stood -- as it should have because the ball in our track was missing the stumps. It is perhaps a good example of why there is an umpires call margin -- it is for occasions when the technology might make a mistake. This time it wasn't technology -- it was a human error which we take responsibility for. To put that in context -- on any given Test we track over 2,000 balls without an issue." "There is a virtual 3D pitch that is usually perfectly aligned with the real pitch. Then the calibration went out, that meant the two worlds were no longer aligned properly, so you could see that the virtual stumps were no longer matching the real stumps. So, to summarise, there are three virtual stumps in our tracking model that you never see because they are aligned perfectly with the real ones. On this occasion, because we lost the calibration, you could see them separately,” Taylor concluded.
IPL 2021 Auctions likely to be held on 18 February
The 14th edition of Indian Premier League is just around the corner and as per PTI, the final mini-auction ahead of the big one next season will be held on 18th February. BCCI sources have stated that the auction venue has not been decided at the moment. Asked about where the cash league is going to be held, the source stated that President Sourav Ganguly is hopeful of the fact that they can keep the tournament in India. More to follow...
BBL 10: Josh Philippe anchors Sydney Sixers to comprehensive win over Perth Scorchers
Sydney Sixers beat Perth Scorchers by 7 wickets in Canberra after chasing down a target of 164 in 18.5 overs. Opener and wicket-keeper batsman Josh Philippe led the chase and smacked an unbeaten 84 off 52 deliveries that included 10 fours and a maximum. James Vince who came in at number too chipped in with a half-century. Earlier, Perth had a decent start to the innings with an opening stand of 76 runs between Jason Roy and Livingstone. Roy was the first one to depart after Christian cleaned him up for 21 while Livingstone was sent back in the hut by Jake Ball for 67. Livingstone’s departure was followed by a fall of wickets in quick succession and they were soon reduced to 121/5 to eventually end the innings at 163/7 in 20 overs. Ball, Brathwaite and Christian picked up a couple of wickets each. Philippe who was adjudged man of the match credited the bowlers to pull back things in their favour. “The plan was to take it on in the first four and then read the situation of the game. They got off to an absolute flier. We bowled well in the back end. Our bowlers have been fantastic. They got it to a total we thought we could chase and we ended up chasing it. I feel super relaxed at the moment, that's when I play my best cricket. There's always a few nerves, especially against Scorchers. I like to stay as calm as possible. He (Vince) is very calm. Nice to see him get back into some form,” he said after the match. Sixers are at the helm of the points table with 8 wins and 32 points from 11 matches while Scorchers are at three with 5 wins and 20 points.
Daily Round up | Jan 5: Kane Williamson continues form
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has continued his brilliant form in Test cricket after scoring a double ton against Pakistan in the second Test while South Africa have completed a clean sweep win against Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series. Here is the daily round up for the day. Kane Williamson shows class New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was once again among runs after he scored a fine double ton against Pakistan in Christchurch. Williamson scored 238 runs in the first innings while Henry Nicholls struck 157. New Zealand ended up the first innings at 659/6 (D). Sourav Ganguly to be discharged BCCI President Sourav Ganguly will be discharged from the Woodlands Hospital on Wednesday, the MD & CEO of Woodlands Hospital, Kolkata, Dr Rupali Basu, confirmed on Tuesday. Ganguly will be monitored daily at his home, Dr Basu added. “The discussion was on the two other coronary blockages that need to be treated by angioplasty in this admission vis-a-vis at an immediate later stage,” said Dr Basu. South Africa complete clean sweep win South Africa have completed a clean sweep win against Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series in Johannesburg. The hosts defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the second Test after chasing down a mere target of 67 runs in the second innings. Aiden Markram scored 36* while Dean Elgar remained unbeaten at 31. Earlier, Lungi Ngidi picked up four wickets for South Africa. Sri Lanka were bundled out for 211 with captain Dimuth Karunaratne scoring 103 in the second innings. KL Rahul ruled out India batsman KL Rahul has been ruled out of the Test series against Australia after sustaining a wrist injury. “KL Rahul sprained his left wrist while batting in the nets at the MCG during Team India’s practice session on Saturday. The wicketkeeper-batsman will not be available for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as he will need about three weeks time to recover completely and regain full strength,” BCCI said in its media release. Moeen Ali tests positive for COVID-19 England’s Moeen Ali has tested positive for COVID-19 after reaching Sri Lanka. “Following PCR tests administered on arrival at the airport in Hambantota on Sunday 3 January, The England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that Moeen Ali has tested positive for Covid-19,” an official statement from the ECB read. England are slated to play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
Daily Round Up | January 3: India on verge of losing hosting rights for World T20 2021
The Indian cricket team has faced some backlash after resisting to travel to Brisbane for the final Test against Australia. England have reached Sri Lanka for the two-match Test series. Here is the daily round-up of the day from the cricket world. Queensland Government lashes out at Indian team The Indian team had been reluctant in travelling to Brisbane for the final Test against Australia. The team members are not keen on going to Queensland as they don’t want to be another bio-bubble. Queensland has sent a stern message that the Indian players will not be able to escape the hotel quarantine but won’t be locked in the rooms either. “We’ve worked with them so that they can have bubbles within that hotel,” Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young said on Sunday. The members of the Queensland government made it clear that the team had to obey the instructions. “If the Indians don’t want to play by the rules, don’t come,” The state’s Health Shadow Minister Ros Bates said. England arrives in Sri Lanka The England team has arrived in Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series. The series is scheduled to begin on January 14 while the second clash will start from January 22 in Galle. Sri Lanka are presently in South Africa for the two-match Test series. India might lose 2021 World T20 hosting rights The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), ICC and the Indian Government are at loggerheads over tax exemption issues. The international cricketing authority has given BCCI the last warning regarding obtaining a full tax exemption certificate for the world event. The BCCI will have to play to pay Rs 906 crores in taxes if they are to be granted full exemption by the Finance Ministry of Government of India or hosting the T20 World Cup in the nation this year. "The matter was discussed for 10 to 15 minutes, after which the house authorized the BCCI office-bearers to deal with the issue. But what was evident was that all the office-bearers were not on the same page vis-a-vis the question of whether the BCCI should forgo the hosting rights if the government doesn't grant full tax exemption. Some members said it was a matter of prestige - izzat ka sawal hai -- that India should pay the tax and host the World Cup if it comes to that," the official told IANS. CSA put a hold on transformation plans CSA has put a hold on the transformation plans and the interim board has gone back on its promise of appointing black and brown consultants exclusively despite committing to the same to the government. "The entire [transformation targets] document adopted by the previous board has been put on hold," interim board member Judith February told reporters on Sunday. "We are taking legal advice [regarding] the document and whatever obligations CSA had in terms of it." Rohit Sharma and other four to travel with Indian team India’s newly-appointed Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Navdeep Saini, Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw will board the flight with the Indian team to Sydney. The five players were put into isolation after an alleged bio-bubble breach.
BBL10 | Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Sixers: SS make light work of Strikers
The Sydney Sixers romped past Adelaide Strikers in an utterly dominating performance to win the 26th game of the KFC Big Bash League to register their 5th win of the tournament. The Sixers are currently at the top of the table with 21 points looking comfortable to finish in the top three. Despite a brilliant partnership between Jonathan Wells and Jake Weatherald the Strikers could only post 150 on the board and at the end of the day, it didn’t prove to be enough as a solid batting performance from the Sixers saw them overhauling the target with two overs to spare. Chasing the target of 151, the Sixers got off to a perfect stat courtesy a free-flowing partnership between the opening duo Joshua Philippe and Jack Edwards. The duo shared a 47-run stand in 4.1 overs before the dismissal of Jack Edwards. Philippe’s stroke-filled knock was studded with 5 fours and a six which helped them lay the foundation for the run chase. Yet again it was Rashid Khan who wrecked the top order by removing Edwards and Philippe in quick time. The run rate came down a bit but it was well within the reach despite the loss of 3 wickets. The 5th wicket partnership proved to be the final nail in the coffin as far as the Strikers were concerned. James Vince and Jordan Silk shared an unbeaten stand of 71 runs to ensure that they reached the target without any more hiccups. Vince looked in ominous touch from the outset and his unbeaten knock of 45 came in just 33 deliveries including 3 fours and a six while Silk continued his good run in the tournament remaining unbeaten on 38 of 28 deliveries which were laced with 6 classy boundaries. Earlier in the day, it was Sydney Sixers skipper Daniel Hughes who won the toss and put the Strikers in. They were jolted with two early blows in the first two overs as Ben Dwarshuis and Ben Manenti accounted for Philip Salt and Matt Renshaw in their very first overs. With the score reading 7/2, the Strikers needed to steady the ship before going for the big shots. Alex Carey and Jonathan Wells shared a 64 runs stand but were unable to up the scoring rate. Carey departed after scoring a run a ball 31 but the Strikers still needed a big finish to post something substantial. Following the wicket of Carey, Wells was joined by Jack Weatherald and the duo shared an unbeaten 79 runs stand but could only get their side to a score of 150 in their allotted 20 overs. Wells struck the ball well but the fall of wickets in the initial phase didn’t really allow them to press on the accelerator. While Wells scored 66 of 56 deliveries which included 8 fours, Weatherald looked in good touch and eventually remained unbeaten on 34 of 24 deliveries studded with a four and a couple of sixes. Some mighty blows in the final few overs propelled them to a score of 150 but it was always going to be a difficult proposition to defend that total in front of a star-studded Sydney Sixers batting line-up.