Cricket - Int News
England win the toss, as openers score 103 runs in 14 overs
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
RAWALPINDI: England won the toss and decided to bat first, as both openers started the inning aggressively by hitting boundaries here at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Thursday.
English captain Ben Stoke won the coin’s battle and decided to bat first at a dry pitch of Pindi ground. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett started the innings with full confidence and command and aggregated 103 runs in 14 overs of first hour. Both batters hit excellent strokes and were on the wicket with 58 and 42 runs respectively.
Pakistan (Playing XIs):
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain & WK), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ali, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Zahid Mehmood
England (Playing XIs):
Ben Stokes (c), Joe Root, James Anderson, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson
Schedule of Tests:
1-5 December – 1st Test, Rawalpindi
9-13 December – 2nd Test, Multan
17-21 December – 3rd Test, Karachi
Pindi Test between Pakistan and England to start from Thursday
Sports Bulletin Report
RAWALPINDI: The organizers set all the thing at the right spots to start the historical three-match Test Series with Pindi Test, which will be kicked off from Thursday (December1, 2022) at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi, as the both teams are determined to play positive, entertaining and result oriented cricket.
England will play Test series after 17 years on the soil of Pakistan, as the 2nd Test will be in Multan (9-13 December) and 3rd in Karachi (17-21 December), are part of the ICC World Test Championship. Pakistan are presently fifth, while England are seven on the championship table.
When England last played in Pakistan in 2005 under Michael Vaughan, Inzamam-ul-Haq’s side had won the three-Test series 2-0. Prior to the 2005 series, Nasser Hussain had led England to a six-wicket victory in Karachi in 2000, marking their first Test win in Pakistan in 39 years that also handed Pakistan’s their first-ever Test loss in Karachi.
Since the 2005 series and due to situation beyond the Pakistan Cricket Board’s control, Pakistan hosted England in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2012 and 2015, winning five of the six Tests.
While the recent past performances in their home Test series makes Pakistan as a favourite, Ben Stokes-led England have also done enough, probably more, to start off with a favourites tag.
Stokes led England to ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 title at Lord’s, while on 13 November in Melbourne, he stroked a sparkling half-century against Pakistan to add the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title to the collection. During their home summer season, England defeated New Zealand 3-0 and South Africa 2-1 in Brendon McCullum’s maiden series as head coach.
On the ICC rankings charts, England is ranked fourth, while Pakistan in sixth – 11 points behind. If Pakistan wins the series 2-0, they’ll move to 99, while England will slip to 99. In the scenario of Pakistan winning the series 1-0, Pakistan will rise to 97 points and England will drop to 100 points.
In the ICC player rankings for Test batters, Root is the No.1 ranked batter, while Babar Azam is ranked number-three. 16th ranked Mohammad Rizwan, 20th-ranked Abdullah Shafique, 21st-ranked Ben Stokes and 25th-ranked Azhar Ali are the other batters from either side to feature inside the top-25.
Amongst the bowlers, fifth-ranked James Anderson will start as the highest-ranked bowler from either side. Naseem Shah is Pakistan’s highest-ranked bowler in 59th spot.
England squad:
Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Joe Root, James Anderson, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, Rehan Ahmed.
Pakistan squad:
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain & WK), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Zahid Mehmood
Schedule of Tests:
1-5 December – 1st Test, Rawalpindi
9-13 December – 2nd Test, Multan
17-21 December – 3rd Test, Karachi
Thihan Chandramohan appointed physio for third One Day International
BIPIN DANI
Thihan Chandramohan will be the new physio for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan, it is learnt here.
He will replace Brett Harrop, who after his successful two-year contract with the Sri Lankan team ended is set to take up a new assignment with the New Zealand team.
According to the well-placed sources in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Thihan Chandramohan has been asked to look after the national team during the 3rd ODI and may be until the new man is hired.
Incidentally, Thihan Chandramohan is also a manager and looks after the rehabilitation of the injured players. Apparently, he was born in Sri Lanka and also holds Australian citizenship.
In the meantime, it is also learnt that no specific name is given to the trophy played for the inaugural series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. However, the "Special Trophy" as described by Nemantha Abeysinghe, the General Manager, Nippon Paints (Title Sponsor for the series) has been made by Bandara and Sons.
The prize money for the second ODI, which was called off halfway due to rain, will not be carried forward.
There will be a fresh prize money for the third ODI. The adjudicators for deciding the Player of the Match award are five commentators- Roshan Abeysinghe, Russel Arnold, Fervez Mahroof (all Sri Lankans), Afghanistan's Ahmad Farhad Fidai and Zimbabwe's Tino Mawoyo.
No plan to hang the shoes near future: says James Anderson
faisal
RAWALPINDI: English pacer James Anderson, 40, revealed to play cricket till he would be fit for international competitions and no plan to hang the shoes in near future.
While addressing a press conference at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday he said that he was completely fit for international cricket. “I am to visit Pakistan, as it is my second trip and it’s nice to see the restoration of international cricket on the soil of Pakistan, “he added.
“We are practicing in Pindi stadium and the weather is excellent and we are trying to mix-up with the atmosphere, I am expecting there will be wetness on the pitch and will be helpful and supporting for the pacers too. We have also analyzed the previous series that played here against Australia and South Africa and we are planning to play our natural and aggressive game, “he further added.
Right-arm fast bowler while replying to a question said that Pakistan was a great team and could not be underestimated. “Hosts bowling attack is strong and powerful. Babar Azam is leading the side and is also a good batsmen and I hope people of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad will enjoy good cricket and both sides have great players in the squad, “he asserted.
James, who played 175 Test and got 667 wickets, said: “I am toiling hard to maintain my fitness level to produce remarkable performance in the three Test match Tie, which will be rolled into action from Thursday at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi, “he concluded.
Kasun Rajitha gets married: set to rejoin team within 24 hours after marriage
BIPIN DANI
Sri Lankan pace bowler Kasun Rajitha has registered his name in the list of the cricketers, who have married in the middle of the bilateral series.
The 29-year-old right-arm medium fast bowler Rajitha, who took three Afghanistani wickets in the second ODI in Kandy on Sunday was married to Chamaththi (the daughter of Mr & Mrs Felix Perera) on Monday.
The marriage took place in the morning at Union Ballroom, JAIC Hilton, Colombo. This was confirmed by Kasun Rajitha's wedding planner Pathum Gunawardena. Speaking exclusively, he also said, "let us hope his wife brings luck to him and his team in the final ODI on Wednesday".
The bowler, who left the Kandy hotel immediately after the match was called off due to rain on Sunday, is believed to have invited his team mates. However, none of his team-mates could attend the wedding.
Also, two of his two mates too have left Kandy for their home for different reasons.
According to the hotel sources in Kandy, batting all-rounder Charith Asalanka and opening batter Pathum Nissanka have tied knots on the same day (Monday).
These players, who were busy in their respective weddings and engagements on Monday are likely set to return on Tuesday. The third and the final ODI against Afghanistan is scheduled to be played on Nov. 30.
It may be recalled here that five years ago Akila Dananjaya had tied the knot less than 24 hours before the game at his hometown in Moratuwa, which is about 150 kilometers from Kandy, to his childhood sweetheart Nethalie Tekshini. But instead of going on the honeymoon; he was back in the team hotel in Kandy that night ahead of the second ODI against India.
South Africa’s medium pacer Andre Nel dismissed West Indies’ Brian Lara the day after his wedding.
Brendon McCullum determined to play positive cricket against Pakistan
faisal
RAWALPINDI (November 28, 2022): New Zealand national England cricket team coach, Brendon Barrie McCullum, 41, determined to play aggressive and positive cricket in the Test matches against hosts Pakistan to win the series, as a three-match Test Tie would be kicked off from December 1, 2022 at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi.
On Monday, while talking to sports journalists in a press conference at the Media Centre of Pindi Stadium McCullum added that Pakistan was a nice place for international cricket. “I found good security arrangements here so far. We are here for 24 hours and we will play positive cricket to win the series, “he maintained.
Former wicket batter, played 101 Test, 260 One Day Internationals and 71 T 20s for New Zealand said, “It’s a nice omen that international cricket is back in Pakistan, as the people of Pakistan love the game of cricket. Also, Pakistan produced great cricketers in the world like Imran Khan and Waqar Younis. Cricket lover Pakistan nation was deprived of international cricket. I hope they will enjoy the game of cricket in future, “he said.
While replying to a question regarding lanky pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, the English coach said that it might be a big loss for the hosts. “Shaheen is a very talented fast bowler and in the past he played a key role in Pakistan’s victories. Definitely, hosts will miss him in the series, “he said.
To another question McCullum, 41, said that over 500 runs total was always good in Test matches. “Wicket is looking good and I am optimistic our batter will perform up to the mark in the first Test match, as our players are much confident after winning the T20 ICC Men’s World Cup 2022, as T20 is entirely different from Test cricket, “he concluded.
Sri Lankan national physio Brett Harrop leaves his present job
Brett Harrop's absence makes his daughter sad in New Zealand
BIPIN DANI
Sri Lanka's Australia-born physio Brett Harrop is all set to leave his present job.
The 42-year-old former fast bowler, who played one First Class match for Victoria against India in 2003 became a physiotherapist after his playing days. He also had worked with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in the development department.
He joined the Sri Lankan team in January 2021 and his 2-year-contract with the SLC ending next month. During his tenure with the Sri Lankan team, he became very popular among players.
It is learnt that Brett Harrop will be joining the New Zealand national squad, replacing Tommy Simsek from Dec. 1. Sunday's second ODI against Afghanistan was his last assignment before he leaves for New Zealand on Wednesday.
Incidentally, Harrop's wife Gwen is also a renowned physiologist in New Zealand.
The reason for Harrop to return to New Zealand is understandable because the couple's two children (11-year-old son Luka and daughter Amelie, aged 9 years) miss their father a lot.
Interestingly, last year during Covid pandemic, Amelie also wrote a letter to the Prime Minister Ms. Jacinda Ardern to get his dad home from Sri Lanka.
All-rounder Chamika Karunaratne eligible to play, if selected
BIPIN DANI
Sri Lankan all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne, who has been handed a one-year suspended ban for his misbehaviour in Australia is still "eligible" to play for the country and the LPL (Lanka Premier League), if selected.
This was confirmed by Samantha Dodanwela, the LPL tournament director.
The 26-year-old Karunaratne was handed a suspended sentence after a disciplinary inquiry of the board found him guilty of breaching the player agreement during the T-20 World Cup.
"Look, it is a “Suspended Sentence”, i.e. a judicial punishment which is not enforced unless a further crime is committed during a specified period of one year. And if selected, he can continue to play meanwhile", Samantha Dodanwela, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said.
Chamika is most likely to be in the Kandy team for the LPL. His behaviour will be closely watched by the SLC officials. Wanindu Hashranga will be leading the Kandy team and the national spin bowling coach Piyal Wijertunge will also be the Kandy coach.
The exact nature of the violation during the Australia tour has not been made public by the SLC, however, according to the other sources, the player broke the curfew rules and also misbehaved with the restaurant / casino staff.
"In the recent World Cup, the Sri Lankan team had curfew timings but still the player broke the timings. Ouer manager Mahinda Halangoda is a strict disciplinarian. But he cannot be a shadow of the players 24x7. Team's senior members had to intervene when Chamika misbehaved with the staff", the source, speaking on condition of anonymity added.
Manoj Abeywickrama returns as fielding coach of Sri Lanka
BIPIN DANI
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to officiate Manoj Abeywickrama as the Fielding Coach of the national team for the three One Day International (ODI) bilateral home series against Afghanistan, which begins in Kandy on Friday.
He will be replacing Anton Roux, who was attached with the team during the T-20 World Cup in Australia.
Roux, who played first-class cricket for South Africa and went on to coach the Netherlands men's team, was previously employed as the assistant fielding coach of Nottinghamshire county has been given a break for this series.
Apparently, there have been no other major changes in the support staff.
The hotel management on Wednesday surprised Ashen Bandara by arranging a birthday cake for him. The middle order batter turned 24 on November 23.
Players' family members have not joined the team hotel, it is confirmed.
TV commentators
Five-member commentary team will relay the commentary. Afghanistan's Ahmad Farhad Fidei and Zimbabwe's Tino Mawoyo will be there with three other local and regular commentators-Roshan Abeysinghe, Russell Arnold and Fervez Mahroof.
Green Shirts start practice sessions at Islamabad Club
Sports Bulletin Report
ISLAMABAD: Green Shirts have started net practice session today (Friday) here at Islamabad Club Cricket Oval ground.
Also, Pakistan Cricket Board’s media department has issued the schedule of the training and media interactions of both team Pakistan and England for the first Test, which will be played at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi.
November 25, 26 and 27. 2022: Pakistan will practice from 0930 until 1530 at the Islamabad Club Ground. At the conclusion of the sessions, squad members will be available to speak to the media.
November 28, 2022: Pakistan and England will practice from 1000 until 1300 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (RCS). Afterwards, England will hold an arrival media conference.
November 29, 2022: Pakistan and England will practice from 1000 until 1300 at the RCS. Afterwards, squad members from Pakistan and England will be available to speak to the media.
November 30, 2022: Pakistan captain Babar Azam and England captain Ben Stokes will hold pre-series media conferences between 1300-1330 and will unveil the series trophy. The two sides will practice from 1000 until 1300 at the RCS
December 1-5, 2022: Pakistan and England will go head to head in the first of the three Tests at the RCS. The toss will take place at 0930 and the first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 1000 each day. After every day’s play, a squad member from each side will hold a post-day media conference.
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