Sports Bulletin

Bipin Dani Former coach Chandika Hathurusingha may again be associated with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The indications from the BCB that the 54-year-old former all rounder Chandika Hathurusingha, who was associated with the Bangladesh team (2014-2017) had an aggressive approach to the game and their current head coach Russell Domingo and his support staff is lacking in this aspect of the game. "We feel (Sri Lanka's) Chandika can motivate players in the right way", the BCB's Cricket Operations Chairman Jalal Yunus believes. "The support staff is very dedicated but maybe their way of coaching is different. Some coaches are aggressive, some aren't. You talk about Hathurusingha. He has the aggressive style we need. Our head coach Domingo is a very knowledgeable coach, but he is not that aggressive. We want that aggression", he is reported to have said. "We feel Chandika can motivate players in the right way. Tell (players) to have an aggressive attitude on the field. I think there lies the difference", he said. It is learnt that the current foreign coaching staff, who were to go on a short vacation after the ongoing Zimbabwe tour have been summoned in Bangladesh for the discussions and the decision on continuation of them may be taken after the Asia Cup.  Despite repeated attempts, Chandika Hathurusingha didn't respond to the calls in Australia and therefore no confirmation could be obtained on whether there has been a formal approach by the BCB in this regard. After coaching the Sri Lankan team last, he has not been associated with any national team.  

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its sorrow at the death of former Emirates ICC Elite Panel Umpire Rudi Koertzen. Koertzen, 73, who officiated in 331 international matches in a career stretching from 1992 to 2010, passed away in a car accident in South Africa on Tuesday. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice remembered him as a highly professional umpire who was respected by colleagues and players alike. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “Rudi was among the best umpires of his generation and one players had utmost respect for. He officiated in international games for close to two decades and the ICC relied on him for some big matches during this period. “Rudi was also very popular among his contemporaries and always willing to help. His contribution to cricket will be remembered for years to come. We send our condolences to his family and friends at his tragic death.” Koertzen, one of the original members of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires when it was formed in 2002, is third in the list of Test umpires in terms of number of match appointments, having officiated in 108 matches. He is second in the list for ODIs with 209 matches and stood in 14 T20Is. Koertzen was the TV umpire for the finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups of 2003 and 2007 and an on-field umpire for the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy tournaments in 2004 and 2006.  He was also the fourth umpire for the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2010 in Bridgetown. Koertzen was the first umpire to stand in 200 ODIs and the second after Steve Bucknor to stand in 100 Tests.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-Australia opener Beth Mooney has recaptured the number one spot for batters in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings after losing it to her captain Meg Lanning just two weeks ago. Mooney capped a fine run in the Commonwealth Games with a 41-ball 61 against India in the final to finish as the top run-scorer of the tournament with 179 runs. With scores of 70 not out against Pakistan and 36 against New Zealand this past week, she is now 18 points ahead of Lanning with 743 rating points. The 28-year-old has grabbed top position for the third time in her career, having previously been No. 1 from 8 March 2020 to 21 March 2021 and from 9 October 2021 to 26 July 2022. Mooney’s team-mate Tahlia McGrath has continued her meteoric rise. After 14 matches, she boasts a batting average of 93.75 and a bowling average of 13.66, which ensures her a top-five position with the bat for the first time and 12th place in the all-rounders list. Jemimah Rodrigues’s return to form saw her score 146 runs in Birmingham, helping her gain seven spots and return into the top 10 batters for the first time since October 2021. England may have missed out on a medal, but their bowlers occupy the top three spots in the bowling rankings. Fast bowler Katherine Brunt has swapped places with Sarah Glenn and is up to second, her highest position for 11 years. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone continues to be at the top with a good lead of 34 rating points over Brunt. South Africa batters Anneke Bosch (up five places to 20th) and Tazmin Brits (up six places to 22nd) are others to gain big among batters while Pakistan’s Javeria Khan and India’s Deepti Sharma have gained two slots each to reach 32nd and 36th positions, respectively. The leading wicket-taker in the Commonwealth Games was Renuka Singh of India, and her 11 wickets have rewarded her with an entry into the top 20 for the first time. Fast bowlers Shabnim Ismail of South Africa and Megan Schutt of Australia have moved up two places each to grab fourth and fifth positions in the bowlers’ list. Left-arm spinners Nonkululeko Mlaba of South Africa and Radha Yadav of India are up to eighth and 14th places, respectively. In other movements, New Zealand’s Haley Jensen has galloped 31 slots to take 13th position while Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner (22nd) and South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk (28th) have also made significant movement. Gardner starred with both bat (96 runs at a strike rate of 137.14) and ball (five wickets at an economy rate of 4.20) and is up into second place among all-rounders, only behind Sophie Devine, who captained New Zealand to the bronze medal.

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (UAE):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for July 2022 as Sri Lanka’s newest spin sensation Prabath Jayasuriya and England’s Emma Lamb, who starred atop the order in her side’s whitewash series victory over South Africa. Jayasuriya claims the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award on the back of an outstanding series of displays with the ball, where his remarkable haul of wickets sees him crowned ahead of rival contenders England’s Jonny Bairstow - who won the Men’s award back in June - and French youngster Gustav McKeon. During Sri Lanka’s three Test matches on home soil in July, Jayasuriya stepped into the squad for the first time in the longest format and made an immediate impact against formidable opponents. After his side was humbled in the first Test defeat to Australia, the spinner celebrated a prolific Test debut, taking six for 118 in the first innings, and following up with an even more impressive six for 59 in the second to claim the final Test and draw the series. Jayasuriya kept his momentum going into the two-Test showdown against Pakistan later in the month, taking seventeen wickets across the series and ending July with staggering figures of 29 wickets at an average of 20.37. Jayasuriya said: ‘’I am delighted with this announcement, and wish to thank the fans for voting me as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month. Certainly it has been an incredible month for me, as I made the test debut, and also got the opportunity to contribute for my team to level the test series played against Australia and Pakistan.” ‘’I take this opportunity to thank my fans, teammates, coaches, family and friends for helping my journey, and thrilled with what I am experiencing at this moment in my life.” Irfan Pathan, former India international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member, said: “Being a newcomer to Test cricket and starting with two five-wicket hauls in your first match is extraordinary, and it’s all the more impressive against a team like Australia. A tally of 29 wickets in just three Tests is too good to be overlooked and for that, he is my ICC Men’s Player of the Month.” Emma Lamb was voted the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July following her thrilling start to life opening the batting in England’s victorious ODI series victory over South Africa. Lamb consistently laid the foundations for her side to claim victory in each of the three matches, with her most notable contribution coming in the first match in Northampton. Her outstanding 102 in which she displayed a wide array of classy strokeplay set her on course for a stellar month, and she followed up this milestone by posting two further half-centuries to strengthen her credentials as a supremely talented top order batter, with a very bright future ahead. On winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for July, Lamb commented: “It's very exciting to have been awarded the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for July. I'm very happy to have earned my spot at the top of the order in the Test and ODI team and it's been brilliant to be able to score some runs and help the team win. “Everyone in the squad contributed to our multi-format series win against South Africa so I just want to keep scoring runs for the team - I feel very lucky that my performances across the last month have been rewarded and I hope to carry on my good form." Lamb secures the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award at the first time of asking, overcoming fellow nominees; England’s Nat Sciver and India’s Renuka Singh.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) congratulates Australia on winning the inaugural Commonwealth Games women’s cricket gold medal, beating India in a tense final at Birmingham 2022. The win continues Australia’s dominance in the women’s game and an incredibly tight game saw them beat India by nine runs, bowling them out for 152 with three deliveries left in their innings after they threatened to pull off a memorable run chase. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “Congratulations to Australia on winning the first ever Commonwealth Games gold medal for women’s cricket. It has been a fantastic ten days of competition at Edgbaston with packed out crowds getting behind the world’s best players. Every game has felt like a home game with fans of all eight competing nations turning out in force to watch top quality cricket and some hard-fought games, including the final was a superb advert for the women’s game. “I’d like to thank the Commonwealth Games Federation and Birmingham 2022 for giving cricket the opportunity to be part of a multi-sport Games, the players and match officials have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK):-England fast bowler Katherine Brut has been handed an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Commonwealth Games Women’s T20I semi-final against India in Birmingham on Saturday. Brunt was found to have breached Article 2.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to use of an audible obscenity during an International Match.” In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Brunt’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the second offence in a 24-month period, taking her cumulative demerit points to two. The incident occurred in the 17th over of India’s innings, when Brunt used inappropriate language after a catch was dropped off India batter Deepti Sharma. Brunt admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Shandre Fritz of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Eloise Sheridan and Kim Cotton, third umpire Claire Polosak and fourth umpire Shivani Mishra levelled the charge. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Sports Bulletin Report London (UK):-The ECB has welcomed Richard Thompson as the next Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Thompson, 55, will take up the five-year post on September 1, moving from his current role of Chair at Surrey County Cricket Club and will bring deep experience from his career across sport and business. Following a rigorous selection process, chaired by Independent Director Brenda Trenowden CBE, the Nominations Committee unanimously recommended Thompson to the ECB Board and he will succeed Martin Darlow, who has been in post as Interim Chair since April. As Chair of Surrey County Cricket Club, Thompson has overseen a successful period for the County on the field, off the field and in the community. His stewardship saw Surrey launch the ACE Programme in 2020, which is now an independent charity designed to engage a new generation of children and young people from Black communities within the recreational game and talent pathway. Alongside this, Thompson’s business expertise has seen the county redevelop the Kia Oval, future proofing the stadium as one of the premier cricketing venues in the country, whilst his tenure also navigated the county through the pandemic. Outside of cricket, Thompson is the founder and chair of M&C Saatchi Merlin as well as Chair of the broader M&C Saatchi UK Group; chairman of Southshore Group (an ITV-owned production company) , an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society and Chair & founder of Sport United Against Dementia (SUAD). Richard Thompson, said: “I am immensely proud to become Chair of the ECB at what is a hugely important time for cricket. “Cricket has given me the chance to meet an incredibly diverse range of amazing people. Their passion, endeavour and love for the game is what I want to harness, to take our game forward, to new heights across England & Wales. “Cricket should be the most inclusive sport in the country, welcoming people from all backgrounds, helping bring communities together. For those communities where we have fallen short, I will work tirelessly to restore their trust in the game. "With the Men’s & Women’s Ashes on the horizon, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in October and the recent successes in our red ball game, along with hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026 there is much ahead of us. "I am looking forward to using my experience and love for the game in taking this opportunity to give cricket a fresh start. Alongside the Board and senior leaders at the ECB, we will work with the counties and the recreational game. Collaboration and partnership will be the key to our sport’s future.” Brenda Trenowden, CBE, commented: “We are delighted to announce Richard’s arrival to the ECB as Chair. His blend of exceptional commercial and cricket administration experience supports our aims to grow and diversify the game whilst guiding the game as we face challenging financial headwinds. “I’d also like to say many thanks, on behalf of the ECB, to Martin Darlow, for his excellent stewardship in recent months. Cricket has faced many challenges in 2022 and Martin has helped steer the ship until Richard’s arrival, and I’m pleased that he’ll continue to provide his invaluable wisdom and insight through his role as Deputy Chair of the Board.”

Bipin Dani A special training squad for the Sri Lanka's women's cricket team will be hired soon. This was revealed by one of the SLC sources, who is also involved in the development of the game for women in Sri Lanka. The Chamari Athapaththu-led team has lost the first three key matches against England, New Zealand and South Africa in the ongoing Commonwealth Games Women's Cricket Competition. "Basically, several first-class tournaments have been organized internally. After the Asia Cup (for the men's team in the UAE), we have decided to call a special training squad for the women's team", the source, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Friday. "Players' minds should be strengthened by increasing the number of training matches and trips. Players' skills alone are not enough. The tactics of the coach and the captain are also important in this situation. Let's try to correct the mistakes made today and win in the next matches". "I think our team's batting is lagging. The main reason for this is that our players do not get opportunities for the current first-class tournaments in the world. It is not enough to get such opportunities only in handfuls. The batting should be strengthened by giving such opportunities to a few more". "Also, by improving the fielding, our team should be adapted to the competitive pattern. I see it as the primary responsibility of the coaches. I believe that we will be able to correct all the shortcomings and march towards victory in the next tournament", the source further added.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-The Pakistan Cricket Board has expressed its sadness at the passing of former PCB Manager Media Khalid Butt and has sent a message of condolence to his family. Butt was a renowned journalist who had worked with Pakistan Times and APP. He also remained Resident Editor of Pakistan Observer. He joined Pakistan Cricket Board in January 2001 and worked as Media Manager till October 2002. In a message, PCB Chairman Mr Ramiz Raja said: “On behalf of the PCB, I want to express my deepest condolences on the sad demise of Mr Butt. “In these difficult times, the PCB stands together with Mr Butt’s family members and friends, and wish them the strength to cope with this sad loss.”

Sports Bulletin Report London (UK):-England Men's selection panel have named a 13-player squad for England Lions four-day match against South Africa starting on 9 August at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury. Mo Bobat, ECB Performance Director, said: "We are delighted that the Lions will have a competitive fixture against the South African tourists. The squad strongly represents some of the country's current, next best and future England players. For some players, this game will be important preparation going into the Test series. "These matches for the Lions are pivotal as we try to build the depth of players that can further enhance the way the Test team have been playing this summer. It is a reward for players who have scored runs and taken wickets this season in the LV= Insurance County Championship campaign and have caught our eye in how they've gone about their business. "I would also like to thank The Hundred teams and respective Head Coaches who have enabled the eight players who are playing in the competition the opportunity to play for the Lions. We are grateful for their support." England Men's Assistant Coach Paul Collingwood has been appointed Head Coach for the match. England Lions squad versus South Africa: Sam Billings (Kent-Captain), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Cook (Essex), Sam Conners (Derbyshire), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Keaton Jennings (Lancashire), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Craig Overton (Somerset), Liam Patterson-White (Nottinghamshire), James Rew (Somerset), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire).