Cricket - Int News
Zaheer Abbas shifted to another hospital: Family urges fans to keep him in prayers
BIPIN DANI
The health of former Pakistani batsman Zaheer Abbas has worsened, it is learnt.
The 74-year old Asian Bradman, who was being treated in Paddington's Saint Mary Hospital, is now shifted to Hammersmith Hospital for further care.
Abbas' India-born wife Rita Luthra (known as Samina Abbas after marriage in 1988), speaking exclusively over the telephone from the hospital said, "this hospital is better for the treatment of the organs".
Zaheer Abbas' kidney is enlarged and there are other complications as well.
"One day he is better and the other day his condition deteriorates. On Sunday he had a temperature also. The foreign doctors are treating him here over here. We are yet to trace any Indian or Pakistani doctor in this hospital. At present, he is in the separate ward but may be taken to an ICU", she said.
Earlier, Abbas' Dubai-based daughter Roshana said, "Through you my sister Hiba, Rudabah and I would like to say that we are very touched with the outpouring of love and prayers from dad’s fans and friends from all over the world and would like to thank every one of them. Please keep him in your prayers".
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins to attend Chappell Foundation's Gala Dinner
BIPIN DANI
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins may be otherwise engaged at the moment, but we hear he is already polishing his lines for when he appears as special guest at The Chappell Foundation annual fundraising dinner at the SCG on August 10.
This was revealed by Darshak Mehtra, the chairman of the Foundation.
The 29-year-old captain will follow in the footsteps of Tim Paine, Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and Jimmy Barnes, who have all previously appeared at cricket’s biggest charity event.
"We hear Cummins doesn’t mind an expensive wine having been introduced to the world of the fermented grape by no less than Dennis Lillee (a TCF patron). Cummins flew to Perth a few years back to work on fixing his bowling action with the former great. While that obviously worked a treat, the Australian captain says the wine habit he developed in the company of the great man has cost him a fortune since", Mehta says.
"It’s a night for the tragic and the talented. Cummins, along with Ian, Greg and Trevor Chappell and a host of former cricketers, will join guests for sundowner drinks on the sacred turf before heading upstairs for the evening, which concludes with the skipper and Tracey Holmes in conversation", adds Mehta.
Former PM John Howard is a great supporter of the charity night, which once saw John Singleton so moved by the occasion that he pledged a million dollars on the spot.
The foundation raises money for homeless youth and is almost entirely without overheads, which means all money raised gets to the right places. The guests will also get a chance to visit the Sydney Cricket Ground dressing rooms with Cummins and Chappell.
England Lions name squad for matches against South Africa
Sports Bulletin Report
LONDON:-England Men's selection panel have named a 13-player squad for England Lions two Royal London 50-over internationals against South Africa starting on 12 July at Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.
Mo Bobat, ECB Performance Director, said:
"It's always great when we can bring some of our best and highest potential players together, particularly to take on senior international opposition. The two games provide an excellent opportunity to continue to grow our depth and assess players' readiness for England.
"The squad reflects a balance of England's next best players and some future players of note, as well as high performers from this season's Vitality Blast campaign.
"With these games coming at the same time as England ODIs versus India and a County Championship round, we're very appreciative of the collaborative approach of counties, enabling us to field strong teams."
The first match at Taunton will permit full squad participation to facilitate South Africa Team preparation for the international white-ball programme, but the second match at Worcester will be played as an 11-a-side List-A match. England Men's Assistant Coach Paul Collingwood has been appointed Head Coach for the two matches.
England Lions Squad versus South Africa:
Tom Abell (Somerset-Captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Tom Banton (Somerset-WK), Sam Cook (Essex), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Steven Eskinazi (Middlesex), Sam Hain (Warwickshire), Adam Hose (Warwickshire), Benny Howell (Gloucestershire), Jake Lintott (Warwickshire), David Payne (Gloucestershire), George Scrimshaw (Derbyshire), Will Smeed (Somerset).
Angelo Mathews Covid scare forced Australian team to skip Shane Warne commemoration
BIPIN DANI
Patrick Cummins-led Australian team skipped the commemoration gathering hosted in the memory of late Shane Warne on Saturday night, it is learnt.
According to the sources in Sri Lanka, the Hon., minister Harin Fernando hosted the cocktail party, which was attended by Shane's brother Jason and wife, Shay.
"Both the teams were invited for the function. The home team was in attendance but the visiting team is likely to have had Covid scare in mind. Since Angelo Mathews found Covid affected, all have taken utmost precautions", the source close to the minister, said.
"Apart from the SLC officials, the gathering was also attended by the selectors Pramodya Wickramsinghe and Romesh Kaluwithrana. Notable absentee was Muthiah Muralitharan, though his manager Kushil Gunasekera, the founder of the Foundation of Goodness was present", the source, who attended the function said on condition of anonymity.
Update on Angelo Mathews
All-rounder Angelo Mathews, who had to miss the major part of the first Test in Galle due to Covid-19 has "better chance" of playing the second Test, commencing at the same venue from Friday.
"He was diagnosed on the 2nd day of the Test and is completing the five-day isolation on Sunday. His next Rapid Test is scheduled on Monday and if the tests reports are negative, he will be available. We want him to play the second Test", the SLC source added.
The first rain-affected Test, which finished under three-days, was won by the visiting team by 10 wickets.
Brother of Shane Warne to visit Foundation of Goodness
BIPIN DANI
The brother of the late Australian spinner Shane Warne, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday, will visit the Foundation of Goodness in Seenigama as part of his itinerary.
Jason Warne and his wife Shay are in Sri Lanka on the invitation of the Minister of Tourism Harin Fenando and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB),
The Foundation of Goodness was founded by Philanthropist Kushil Gunasekera, with whom Shane Warne associated in relief efforts after the 2004 tsunami.
Member of Sri Lanka's national cricket selection committee and 1996 World Cup winner Romesh Kaluwitharana has also invited Jason and his wife for lunch at his resort, Kalu's Hideaway, on Saturday on the way to their visit to Udawalawe National Park.
"Some of the most memorable moments in my cricket career was when Sri Lanka toured Australia and having to play against one of the greatest cricketers was a privilege. Shane Warne was unique, flamboyant, one of the toughest competitors I have played against and most importantly a wonderful human being," Kaluwitharana said.
"His humanity was extraordinary having visited Sri Lanka after the Tsunami to help the people in need was just one example of the person he was outside cricket."
England Men name squads for white-ball matches against India
Sports Bulletin Report
LONDON:-England Men's selection panel have named squads for the Vitality IT20 series versus India starting on 7 July at the Ageas Bowl and the Royal London ODIs against India starting this month.
England Men's Vitality IT20 squad v India:
Jos Buttler (Lancashire-captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Richard Gleeson (Lancashire), Chris Jordan (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Tymal Mills (Sussex), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire)
Vitality IT20 Series Schedule:
1st IT20: England v India, Thursday 7 July 2022, Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start)
2nd IT20: England v India, Saturday 9 July 2022. Edgbaston (2.30pm start)
3rd IT20: England v India, Sunday 10 July 2022, Trent Bridge (2.30pm start)
England Men’s Royal London ODI squad v India:
Jos Buttler (Lancashire-captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Curran (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire)
Royal London ODI Series Schedule:
1st ODI: England v India, Tuesday 12 July, Kia Oval, (1.00pm start)
2nd ODI: England v India, Thursday 14 July, Lord’s (1.00pm start)
3rd ODI: England v India, Sunday 17 July, Emirates Old Trafford (11.00am start).
Shane Warne's brother disappointed with early finish of the first Test
BIPIN DANI
The brother of the late Australian spinner Shane Warne, who arrived with his wife Shay in Sri Lanka on Friday (at around 6 am) was "disappointed" with the early finish of the first Test match, which was being dedicated to Shane.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Galle, he said, "I am happy that Australia won the Test but disappointed it finished just before we got to the ground. We are very disappointed regarding the early finish because we were meant to be Friday afternoon and Saturday".
"Fortunately we got to the ground and it was amazing to see the displays they have erected for the match. It is truly humbling to see the amount of respect being shown to my brother in Sri Lanka".
"Sri Lanka is a wonderful country full of great people", he further added.
The commemoration gathering, which was likely to be hosted by the authorities on Sunday, is rearranged by a day and both teams are invited at the Jetwing Hotel on Saturday evening, it is learnt.
The Hundred unveils blockbuster music line-up
Sports Bulletin Report
LONDON:-Tthe line-up is topped by multi-platinum British pop-rock band Bastille, who will take to the stage at The Hundred men’s and women’s final at Lord’s on Saturday 3 September has been announced. They are joined by some of the freshest names on the UK music scene including Samm Henshaw, Katy J Pearson, Priya Ragu, English Teacher, Jordan Mackampa, Tamera, Lottery Winners, Mace The Great, Queen Millz, Casey Lowry and many more.
For the second year running, the live music at all 34 games of The Hundred has been curated in collaboration with BBC Music Introducing. The partnership connects sports fans with both new and established artists who began their career on the BBC Music Introducing platform. The artists will perform in front of large audiences at some of the UK’s biggest cricket grounds, including Lord’s (London), The Kia Oval (London), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Emirates Old Trafford (Manchester), Sophia Gardens (Cardiff), Headingley (Leeds), Ageas Bowl (Southampton) and Trent Bridge (Nottingham).
Kicking off on 3 August, The Hundred is cricket’s high-octane competition which fuses world class cricket with spectacular entertainment. The competition gives fans the chance to watch some of the best players in the world compete alongside epic music performances in a high energy, family-friendly environment.
Brit and NME award-winning pop-rock band, Bastille, said:
“We are really looking forward to being part of The Hundred Final this year. Woody in particular is a big cricket fan and loves what The Hundred has brought to the summer sporting schedule. Needless to say, we can't wait to be there!”
In its first year in 2021, The Hundred attracted some of the biggest names in UK music including Becky Hill, Everything Everything, and Self Esteem, plus breakthrough acts such as Sports Team and Lauran Hibberd who are now on everyone’s playlists. 2022’s line up is set to be an equally big hit with new and existing fans of the game.
Sophie Ecclestone, Manchester Originals star said:
“The music last year was amazing, Lizelle and myself even had time for a little dance to Becky Hill during the opening game! It added so much to the competition and showed The Hundred is all about unmissable action on and off the pitch. I can’t wait to get a front row seat this summer and hopefully we can be dancing to Bastille after winning the competition.”
Jos Buttler Named England White-Ball Captain
Sports Bulletin Report
LONDON:-Lancashire's Jos Buttler has been appointed captain of the England Men's white-ball teams by the England & Wales Cricket Board.
He succeeds Eoin Morgan, who retired from international cricket earlier this week. The ECB Interim Chair, Martin Darlow, and Interim Chief Executive Officer, Clare Connor, approved the appointment on Wednesday evening following the recommendation by the Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Rob Key.
Buttler has been part of England's white-ball teams for over a decade. He played his first T2OI game in 2011 and made his ODI debut a year later. The wicketkeeper/batter has been an integral part of the set-up, having been vice-captain since 2015 and has led the team 14 times previously (Nine ODIs & five T20Is). He has represented England 151 times in ODIs scoring 4120 runs at an average of 41.20, including 10 hundreds.
In T20 internationals, he has won 88 caps scoring 2140 runs with an average of 34.51.
He is one of three England cricketers (Dawid Malan and Heather Knight) to have scored hundreds in all three formats of the game.
England Men's White-Ball Captain, Jos Buttler, said:
"I would like to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to Eoin Morgan for his outstanding leadership over the past seven years. It has been the most memorable period for everyone involved. He has been an inspirational leader, and it has been fantastic to play under him. There are lots of things that I have learnt from him that I'll take into this role.
"It is a great honour to take over from Eoin, and the place he has left English white-ball cricket in is exciting, and I'm inspired for the challenges ahead.
"There is excellent strength-in-depth in the white-ball squads, and I'm looking forward to leading the teams out for the series that are coming up against India starting next week and later in July against South Africa.
"It is the greatest honour to captain your country, and when I have had the chance to step in the past, I have loved doing it. I can't wait to take this team forward."
Clare Connor, Interim ECB Chief Executive Officer, said:
"Jos is a fantastic role model who inspires through his performances on the pitch. He has been instrumental in setting new standards in men's white-ball cricket, and is the perfect leader to build on the incredible legacy which Eoin has built for our men's white-ball teams.
"I'm excited to see where Jos and Matthew Mott take things from here, particularly as we build towards the ICC Men's T20 World Cup."
Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, said:
"Jos Buttler was the perfect choice to succeed Eoin Morgan as our white-ball captain, and I had no hesitation in offering him the role.
"Jos has been part of our white-ball set-up for over a decade and was integral in the transformation of the way the team has played its attacking brand of cricket over the past seven years.
"He is well respected in the dressing room by all of his teammates and will relish leading his country.
"He is in the form of his life and is showcasing his talent against the best players and teams in the world.
"I believe the extra responsibility will take his game to a new level and inspire those around him.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him take us forward. He thoroughly deserves the opportunity."
Sri Lankan selector Romesh Kaluwitharana to host lunch for Warne family
BIPIN DANI
Sri Lankan selector and a member of the 1996 World Cup winning team Romesh Kaluwitharana has invited Shane Warne's brother Jason and his wife Shay for lunch at his resort-Kalu's Hideaway on Saturday on a way to their visit to Udawalawe National Park.
On the invitation of Harin Fernando, the Hon. Tourism Minister and also Chalaka Gajabahu, the chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Jason Warne and his wife are arriving in Sri Lanka on Friday morning.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Galle, where Kalu was witnessing the first day of the ongoing Test against Australia, he said, "Some of the most memorable moments in my cricket career was when Sri Lanka toured Australia and having to play against one of the greatest cricketers was a privilege. Shane Warne was Unique, flamboyant, one of the toughest competitors I have played against and most importantly a wonderful human being".
"His humanity was extraordinary having visited Sri Lanka after the Tsunami to help the people in need was just one example of the person he was outside cricket".
"I am honored to be able to say a "Thank you Mate" to this great man by Warnie's brother Jason visiting my Hotel Kalu's Hideaway. Hope Jason will enjoy our hospitality and see how much your brother was admired and why Sri Lanka was special to Warnie", the 52-year-old former wicket-keeper signed off.
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