Cricket - Int News
Bangladesh Cricket Board eyeing at Hathu's aggression for national team
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.
Richard Thompson named as Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board
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.”
Lions squad named for tour match against South Africa
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).
Job half done: Kumar Kartikeya comes back home
Bipin Dani
Shyam Nath Singh, the Head Constable working in the police department in a historic city of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh (UP) has taken a few-day leaves. The reason: to meet his cricket-mad son after a gap of 9 years and three months.
Kumar Kartikeya had left home over nine years ago and had vowed to return home only after achieving something in life. The Madhya Pradesh and Mumbai Indians spinner returned home and met his parents on Wednesday.
"I don't say his work is finished. He has just climbed the first step of the ladder. Hope he plays for India", the father, speaking exclusively over the telephone, said.
The 24-year-old returned from England, where his Mumbai Indians uncapped players had 3 three-week training sessions. He practiced there with Team India captain Rohit Sharma, who is also the captain of the Mumbai Indians IPL team.
"Kartikeya's mother (Sunita Devi) is also very happy. He used to call us almost every day and parents would obviously be very happy to see their son after such a long period", the father said.
"Kumar Kartikeya had left home on April 1, 2013. During this exiled period he must have worked very hard".
He made his first-class debut in 2018 as a traditional left-arm spinner, but when hired by the Mumbai Indians team midway through IPL this season he switched to bowling left-arm wrist spin with a few variations. Kartikeya's confidence and skill gradually increased.
It was his childhood coach Sanjay Bhardwaj who impressed upon Kartikeya the need to be different to stand out. That made him from left-arm orthodox to left-arm everything, especially in T20, the shortest format of the game.
"The name Kartikeya was given by my elder brother, who is also a head constable. Kartikeya was also Lord Shiva's son and he also stayed far from his father and therefore I am not surprised with my son", the father says.
"People in our village are very eager to meet my son. From there, we will move to Kumar's paternal uncle", the father added.
After spending a week or so in their village Kuwasi (district Sultanpur), Kartikeya will be busy preparing for the Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy matches. "His cricket journey will resume again. I want my two sons to play for India and that is our dream", the father further added.
Kartika's younger brother Binayak also plays cricket. He has represented the UP team at Uner-14 and Under-16.
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
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