Cricket - Int News
Kusal Perera given "clearance" for surgery in England : Waiting for his UK visa
Bipin Dani
Sri Lankan wicket-keeper & batter Kusal Janith Perera has been given "all clearance" to proceed for his shoulder surgery in the United Kingdom, it is learnt.
According to the highly-placed sources in the SLC, Kusal Perera who will be 32 this month, met the president Shammi Silva on Monday and has been cleared to leave for the UK.
"He is now waiting for his visa. Once he gets the visa will immediately leave. Most of his expenses for the surgery will be borne by the SLC", the source speaking exclusively on Wednesday, said.
The SLC's medical staff, in consultation with the physio, has shortlisted three doctors, each in New Zealand, Australia and England. Incidentally, Kusal Perera's first choice was Andew Wallace (England) and it has been honoured.
Dr. Wallace is specialist in Sports injuries, Shoulder arthroscopy, and Rotator cuff tears and has performed successful surgeries on several cricketers including treating India's Sachin Tendulkar for his tennis elbow.
Kusal's inclusion in the World Cup team will depend upon the rehabilitation after the surgery. "Let him arrive here first, then we can plan out his treatment", the doctor said, adding "if he wishes to get his operation done in this month, I am available for it".
England Test squad for Two Test matches against South Africa announced
Sports Bulletin Report
London (UK):-England Men's selection panel have named a 14-strong squad for the first two Test matches against South Africa starting at Lord's on 17 August.
Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson returns to the squad for the first time since the Caribbean tour in March. He returned to LV= County Championship action last week after recovering from a back injury, which has prevented him from playing any cricket since
ECB Men's Performance Director, Mo Bobat, said:
"After an excellent start to the summer under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, we're looking forward to an exciting Test series against a strong South Africa side.
"The selectors have picked a squad for the first two Tests at Lord's and Emirates Old Trafford with continuity in mind.
"It's good to get Ollie Robinson back in the mix after his recent injury. He will continue his progress by playing for the Lions against South Africa in a four-day match at Canterbury next week."
The Lions squad for the four-day tour match will be announced at the end of this week.
Names of Selected Players:
Ben Stokes (Durham-Captain), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Jack Leach (Somerset), Alex Lees (Durham), Craig Overton (Somerset), Zatthew Potts (Durham), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Test Schedule:
1st Test: England v South Africa, 17-21 August, Lord's Cricket Ground, London
2nd Test: England v South Africa, 25-29 August, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
3rd Test: England v South Africa, 8-12 September, Kia Oval, London
Tour Match:
Four-day match: Lions v South Africa, 9-12 August, The Spitfire Ground St Lawrence, Canterbury
Pakistan vs England T20 Series: PCB announces schedule
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE:-England will play seven T20Is from 20 September to 2 October in Karachi and Lahore in what will be their first visit of the country in 17 years, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today.
The National Stadium will host the matches on 20, 22, 23 and 25 September, before the action will shift to the cricket headquarters at the Gaddafi Stadium where the remaining three matches will be played on 28 and 30 September and 2 October. All matches will start at 1930 PKT.
The seven T20Is will be part of the first leg of England’s tour of Pakistan and they will return after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 for three Tests in December.
The T20I series against the second-ranked side will launch Pakistan’s bumper international season. Following the September and December matches against England, Pakistan will host New Zealand twice – first for two Tests and three ODIs in December/January and then in April for five ODIs and five T20Is – West Indies for three T20Is in late January and finally the 50-over ACC Asia Cup.
Apart from five Tests, eight ODIs and 15 T20Is in the 2022-23 season, Pakistan will also stage 187 men’s domestic matches in six senior competitions, 33 HBL Pakistan Super League 2023 fixtures and 19 Pakistan Junior League 2022 games.
Zakir Khan, PCB Director International Cricket said:
“We are absolutely delighted to confirm hosting England for seven T20Is in Karachi and Lahore as a curtain-raiser to a busy, entertaining and exciting season of home internationals. England is one of the top-ranked T20I teams and them playing the shortest format in the lead up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan will not only help the team management to finalise their preparations, but will also set the tone for December’s three-Test series.
“We demonstrated our event planning and operational skills in the highly-successful series against Australia in March/April and I am confident we will be able to replicate these when England visit us for the first time since 2005. We have been able to confirm schedule of the T20Is following a successful tour by the England and Wales Cricket Board recce team, which was pleased and satisfied with all our arrangements.
“I am confident that the cricket fans, like they did in the series against Australia, will turn up in big numbers to support both the sides and also make our Diamond Jubilee celebration year an unforgettable one.”
Rob Key, ECB Managing Director England Men’s Cricket, said:
“We are looking forward to returning to Pakistan and playing these seven T20Is as the team builds up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
“We have been liaising closely with the PCB over arrangements for this visit and the Tests later in the year, and will continue to work closely with the PCB, British High Commission and other relevant authorities as we continue to prepare for these tours.
“We would like to thank the PCB and the city authorities for all their ongoing assistance with planning for the tours, including hosting the recent pre-tour planning visit by ECB representatives and the PCA CEO.”
Schedule of T20Is (matches to start at 1930 PKT):
Tuesday, 20 Sep – 1st T20I, Karachi
Thursday, 22 Sep – 2nd T20I, Karachi
Friday, 23 Sep – 3rd T20I, Karachi
Sunday, 25 Sep – 4th T20I, Karachi
Wednesday, 28 Sep – 5th T20I, Lahore
Friday, 30 Sep – 6th T20I, Lahore
Sunday, 2 Oct – 7th T20I, Lahore
Air-pilot Johann Pieris to represent Sri Lankan team at Veterans World Cup in Australia
Bipin Dani
Johann Pieris will lead the Sri Lankan team of players above 60-years of age to play the World Cup in Australia in September.
Pieris, who is a pilot by profession, has played cricket in Sri Lanka and has also represented Singapore in the national team.
"At 61, I am fit and fine enough to lead the Sri Lankan side. I am glad the World Cup is happening for the players of this age and I am sure it will be a success".
The Sri Lankan team is made up of some players living in Sri Lanka, some have migrated to other countries like Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
Veterans Cricket Australia will host the first ever World Cup for the players having passed 60 years of age.
This has been revealed by Rod Rice, the President Queensland Veterans Cricket and who is also the Tournament Team Liaison official.
Speaking exclusively, he said, "This is the inaugural Over 60’s World Cup, Over 50’s had one in Sydney, then one in Capetown which was cancelled halfway through due to Covid. The Over 50’s will be returning to Capetown in February 2023 to play a World Cup".
"This year there will be 12 teams competing. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Wales, Rest of the World, Canada, USA, West Indies. England decided not to attend as it clashed with the finals of the English Over 60’s County competition".
"At the Over 60’s World Cup on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in September, we will be holding a meeting of all the visiting teams to discuss the future of this competition and looking at forming a Committee. The size of the competition will be left open at this stage until we see how much interest there is, who knows what the future will hold", he further added.
"The weather on the Sunshine Coast in September will be quite mild, being the start of Spring. The biggest issue the players will face is backing up from game to game and how their bodies hold up. We have had a few requests for Physios to be on hand each playing day", Rice signed off.
Pakistan players arrive back in Pakistan today
Sports Bulletin Report
Galle (Sri Lanka):-The national side will depart for Pakistan via Dubai today at 2035 from Colombo airport. The team will arrive in Pakistan on the morning of 29 July.
According to an official of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Azhar Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Faheem Ashraf will arrive in Lahore while Haris Rauf, Yasir Shah and Mohammad Nawaz in Islamabad. Nauman Ali, Saud Shakeel, Fawad Alam and Sarfaraz Ahmed will arrive in Karachi while Hasan Ali will stay in Dubai
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 246 runs to level the series 1-1
Sports Bulletin Report
Galle (Sri Lanka):-Left-arm-spinner Prabath Jayasuriya (player of the series) continued his dream start to Test cricket (29 wickets in three Tests) as his five-wicket haul earned Sri Lanka a comprehensive 246-run win in the second match of the ICC World Test Championship series against Pakistan at the Galle International Stadium on Thursday.
Hosts Sri Lanka’s win tied the two-match series 1-1. The Babar Azam-led Pakistan had won the first Test by four wickets last week. The defeat has sent Pakistan to the number five spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 rankings while Sri Lanka have moved up to number three.
On Thursday – day-five of the Test, Pakistan resumed their second innings in pursuit of the 508-run record target at 89 for one and had to endure a big blow on the 13th ball of the day. Opener Imam-ul-Haq fell one short of his half-century with Ramesh Mendis inducing an edge that was neatly held by wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella. Imam’s 49 was compiled off 90 balls and included four fours.
Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar and ensured that Pakistan continue to keep the scoreboard moving with an enterprising approach of strike rotation and the odd boundary whenever an opportunity appeared. The pair added 79 runs for the third-wicket while weathering some anxious moments before Rizwan was bowled by Jayasuriya while offering no-shot to a ball that straightened after pitching.
Rizwan scored 37 off 69 balls (six fours), his dismissal triggered a middle-order collapse as Pakistan lost Fawad Alam (1) and Salman Ali Agha (4) by lunch. Fawad was run out while attempting a quick single while Salman was brilliantly caught at short-leg by Kusal Mendis off Jayasuriya.
Pakistan took lunch at 188 for five, 320 runs short of the target.
Once play resumed, Jayasuriya delivered a series of probing overs and was eventually rewarded with the prized wicket of Babar who fell lbw for 81 in the 66th over of the innings, prior to the dismissal, Babar was dropped in the slips in Jayasuriya’s previous over. Babar’s typically elegant innings included six fours and one six, he faced 146 balls.
Mohammad Nawaz (12) was caught in the covers while attempting a big hit off Ramesh Mendis. Yasir Shah scored a quickfire 27 (25 balls, six fours) before falling to Jayasuriya with Kusal Mendis taking a sharp catch. Hasan Ali (11) was bowled by Ramesh Mendis in the next over. The match ended when Naseem Shah was caught at the mid-wicket boundary off Ramesh Mendis for 18 off 21 balls. Pakistan were bowled out for 261 in 77 overs.
Jayasuriya bowled 32 overs and conceded 117 runs for his five-fer. Ramesh Mendis took four for 101 in 30 overs. Dhananjaya de Silva who scored a century in the second innings and led Sri Lanka on the field in the absence of the injured Dimuth Karunaratne was named player of the match.
Scores in brief:
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 246 runs
Sri Lanka 378 all out, 103 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 80, Niroshan Dickwella 51, Oshada Fernando 50; Naseem Shah 3-58, Yasir Shah 3-83) and 360 for 8, 91.5 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 109, Dimuth Karunaratne 61, Ramesh Mendis 45 not out; Naseem Shah 2-44, Mohammad Nawaz 2-75)
Pakistan 231 all out, 88.1 overs (Salman Ali Agha 62, Imam-ul-Haq 32; Ramesh Mendis 5-47, Prabath Jayasuriya 3-80) and 89 for 1, 28 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 46 not out, Babar Azam 26 not out; Prabath Jayasuriya 1-46) and 261 all out, 77 overs (Babar Azam 81, Imam-ul-Haq 49, Mohammad Rizwan 37; Prabath Jayasuriya 5-117, Ramesh Mendis 4-101)
Player of the Match: Dhananjaya de Silva
Player of the Series: Prabath Jayasuria
Sri Lanka Cricket to host ASIA CUP 2022 in UAE
Aamir Ali Janjua
Dubai (UAE):-The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is eagerly looking forward to conducting its much-awaited Asia Cup tournament from August 27th to September 11th, 2022, as scheduled.
However, considering the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka, the ACC after extensive deliberation has unanimously concluded that it would be appropriate to relocate the tournament from Sri Lanka to the UAE.
The ACC is mindful of the passionate Sri Lankan fans, hence the final decision to change the venue has been very difficult, but has been one that was deemed necessary. However, the thoughts of all ACC members remain in solidarity with the cricket-loving nation of Sri Lanka.
The ACC remains committed to supporting the sport and all its fans and is deeply thankful for the unwavering efforts made by SLC in ensuring the tournament continues as scheduled.
Jay Shah, President, ACC said:
“Every effort was made to host the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the decision to shift the venue to the UAE was taken after much deliberation. The UAE will be the new venue while Sri Lanka will continue to retain hosting rights. This edition of the Asia Cup is extremely important as it will help Asian nations prepare for the ICC World Cup, and I thank the SLC and the Emirates Cricket Board for their understanding and cooperation.”
Shammi Silva, President, SLC said:
“We were really looking forward to hosting our Asian neighbours in Sri Lanka for the much-anticipated Asia Cup. While I fully stand by the ACC’s decision to shift the Asia Cup to UAE considering the current context and the magnitude of the event, Sri Lanka Cricket will work closely with the ACC and Emirates Cricket Board to ensure that we still have an exciting edition of the Asia Cup”.
Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice-Chairman, ECB said:
“ The Emirates Cricket Board takes great pride in UAE being named the new venue for the Asia Cup. The ECB is always ready to help fellow Member Boards and the ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket have our full support. He further said; we have the required infrastructure in place and look forward to welcoming the teams to the UAE”.
Pakistan make solid start to 508-run chase as bad light curtails day-four
Sports Bulletin Report
Galle (Sri Lanka):-Pakistan made an impressive start to their 508-run chase on day-four of the second ICC World Test Championship match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday. Bad light followed by rain curtailed the day as play was called-off with 26 overs left undelivered.
After a promising start, the visitors lost Abdullah Shafique for 16 after a 42-run opening stand. Imam-ul-Haq finished the day at an unbeaten 46 off 80 balls (four fours).
Imam and captain Babar Azam have so far added 47 runs for the second-wicket, Babar was not out on 26 off 38 balls (two fours and one six).
On the fifth and final day, Pakistan need another 419 runs to register a world record chase. If the visitors bat out the remaining overs, the match will end in a draw earning Pakistan a 1-0 series win.
On Wednesday, Dhananjaya de Silva was Sri Lanka’s second innings’ star performer. The right-hander scored the ninth century of his Test career to spearhead his side’s progress to their 500 plus overall lead.
Resuming at 176 for five, de Silva and captain Dimuth Karunaratne took their sixth-wicket partnership to 126. Nauman Ali provided Pakistan their first breakthrough of the day when he had Karunaratne smartly caught by Abdullah at short-leg. Karunaratne scored 61 off 105 balls with the help of three fours.
Sri Lanka continued to progress at a healthy rate as Pakistan bowlers searched for wickets. Debutant Dunith Wellalage fell for 18 to Mohammad Nawaz, Sri Lanka took lunch at 297 for seven – overall lead of 444.
De Silva completed his century off 159 balls, the seasoned batter found an able ally in Ramesh Mendis who followed his first innings all-round exploits (35 and five wickets) with an unbeaten 45 (54 balls, five fours).
The pair added 82 for the eight-wicket before de Silva was run out via a direct hit by Yasir Shah. Sri Lanka declared their innings at 360 for 8. Naseem Shah and Nawaz took two wickets each for Pakistan.
Scores in brief:
Sri Lanka 378 all out, 103 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 80, Niroshan Dickwella 51, Oshada Fernando 50; Naseem Shah 3-58, Yasir Shah 3-83) and 360 for 8, 91.5 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 109, Dimuth Karunaratne 61, Ramesh Mendis 45 not out; Naseem Shah 2-44, Mohammad Nawaz 2-75)
Pakistan 231 all out, 88.1 overs (Salman Ali Agha 62, Imam-ul-Haq 32; Ramesh Mendis 5-47, Prabath Jayasuriya 3-80) and 89 for 1, 28 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 46 not out, Babar Azam 26 not out; Prabath Jayasuriya 1-46)
Centurion to debutant: presence of family at the ground is no way a distraction
Bipin Dani
Family members of Angelo Mathews and Dunith Wellalage are at the ground during the ongoing second Test match against Pakistan.
It was also confirmed by debutant's dad Suranga Wellalage.
It was Dunith Wellalage's debut Test day on Sunday and Mathews is playing his 100th Test match at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Both could not capitalize the big score on the first day.
According to the renowned sports psychologist Jeremy Snape, who has worked with the Sri Lankan players twice, the presence of the family at the ground is not a distraction.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from overseas, he said, "Having your family present for a major milestone like your debut or 100th game is a great way to celebrate with those who sacrificed so much in the early years of your career".
Echoing the sports psychologist's views, Angelow's brother Trevin Mathews said, "it is no way a distraction. On the contrary, Angelo likes his family to be around when he is playing. He was very happy when we all went there on Sunday".
Angelo's both parents, sister and Trevin have returned to Colombo after watching the first day game. However, Angelo's wife Heshani Silva with kids has stayed back.
There has been strong rumour that Angelo may announce his retirement after this Test. Let us wait till we hear anything from him.
Sri Lanka take charge of second Test as Pakistan batters falter on day-II
Sports Bulletin Report
Galle (Sri Lanka):-Sri Lanka followed their good performance with the bat to restrict Pakistan to 191 for seven in their first innings at close on day-two of the second ICC World Test Championship match at the Galle International Stadium on Monday. Off-spinner Ramesh Mendis scored 35 with the bat and then took three Pakistan first innings’ wickets to give his side the ascendancy in the series decider.
Resuming at the overnight 315 for six, Sri Lanka added 63 runs before they were bowled out. Dunith Wellalage (11) was the first to go on day-two, he was dismissed by a searing bouncer by Naseem Shah. Niroshan Dickwella completed his 22nd half-century before falling to Naseem. Yasir Shah accounted for Prabath Jayasuriya (8) and Mendis to finish off the Sri Lankan first innings. Mendis’ 35 off 52 balls propelled his side past the 375-mark.
Pakistan were dealt a big blow in the first over of their reply with the first Test hero Abdullah Shafique falling on the second ball of the innings. The right-hander was bowled for a duck by Asitha Fernando.
Captain Babar Azam who promoted himself to number three in the batting order in the absence of Azhar Ali scored 16 before falling to Jayasuriya. Imam-ul-Haq looked set for a big score but fell at 32 when Mendis bowled him as the left-hander attempted a defensive shot on the front foot.
Mohammad Rizwan was another batter who failed to make the most of a start as he was sent packing for 24 as Pakistan took tea at 111 for four.
Fawad Alam was the next Pakistan batter to fall in the 20s as the left-hander was pinned lbw on the backfoot by Mendis, Fawad also scored 24. Mohammad Nawaz was the next to go as he continued the trend of the batters getting starts but failing to convert when he was dismissed for 16 off Mendis to leave Pakistan 145 for six.
Salman Ali Agha absorbed the pressure from one end and played some stylish shorts in his maiden half-century that kept Pakistan afloat. The right-hander who made his Test debut in the first Test of the series last week at the same venue, fell on the last ball of the day to Jayasuriya with de Silva taking the catch in the slips.
Salman’s 62 came off 126 balls (four fours, one six). Before his dismissal which left Pakistan in a real spot of bother, the middle-order batter added 46 runs for the seventh-wicket with Yasir (13 not out). This partnership is so far the best in Pakistan’s first innings.
The visitors finished the day 187 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first innings score. Pakistan would need meaningful contributions from the tail enders tomorrow if they are to avoid conceding a big first innings lead.
Scores in brief:
Sri Lanka 378 all out, 103 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 80, Niroshan Dickwella 51, Oshada Fernando 50; Naseem Shah 3-58, Yasir Shah 3-83)
Pakistan 191 for 7, 69.4 overs (Salman Ali Agha 62, Imam-ul-Haq 32; Ramesh Mendis 3-42, Prabath Jayasuriya 2-59)
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