Cricket - Int News
Steve Smith to miss ODI Series, Mitchell Swepson gets place in squad
Sports Bulletin Report
ISLAMABAD:-Australia batter Steve Smith will miss the One Day International matches series owing to discomfort with his left elbow.
Smith experienced some discomfort during the three-match Test series and, with a full schedule of international cricket over the coming 18 months, it was felt prudent to prioritise recovery and treatment at this time.
He will be replaced by Queensland leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson in the squad to contest three One-Day Internationals (29 and 31 March and 2 April) and a T20 International (5 April), with all matches taking place in Lahore.
Cricket Australia’s Head of Sports Science and Sports Medicine, Alex Kountouris, said: “Steve has been experiencing some minor discomfort in his left elbow during the latter stages of the Test series in Pakistan and, given he had an injury with the same elbow last year, we felt it important to manage this proactively.
“Withdrawing him from the white ball matches means Steve will have the necessary time to rehabilitate his elbow to ensure his continuing availability and performance for Australia.”
Chair of Selectors George Bailey said:
“With the significant amount of cricket to come over the next 18 months, and the fact he has had an issue with the same elbow previously, it is appropriate for Steve to return home at the end of the Test series in Pakistan.
“We have opted not to name a replacement batter as we feel we have options within the existing squad, and Steve’s absence offers up additional opportunities to players within the group.
“We are excited because with a T20 World Cup later this year and a 50-over Cricket World Cup in Asia next year, these four matches against a quality Pakistan team are a great chance for players to stake their claims for places in those tournaments.
"We have decided to include Mitchell Swepson in the white ball squad because it will offer us additional options in the bowling department on surfaces that may well assist spinners.
“Mitchell was part of our Twenty20 International squads in both the West Indies and Bangladesh last year, as well as at the T20 World Cup, and having been in Pakistan for the past month he is familiar with conditions. We know if called upon he will do an excellent job.”
Steve Smith said: “It’s disappointing to miss these matches against Pakistan but after chatting with the medical staff I can see the need to take a break at this time.
“I do not regard this as a major issue but by staying on top of things now, we can ensure that it doesn’t become something more significant further down the line.”
Australia squad:
Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Adam Zampa.
Lahore Test: Australia defeat Pakistan by 115 runs to lift Benaud-Qadir Trophy
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE:-Australia lifted the inaugural Benaud-Qadir Trophy when they defeated Pakistan by 115 runs in the third and decisive cricket Test at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday to win the three-Test series 1-0.
Resuming at 73 for no loss in pursuit of a 351-run target, Pakistan were bowled out for 235 with just over 24 overs remaining in the Test. This was Australia’s first series win in Pakistan since 1998 when Mark Taylor won the series 1-0 and second overall when Richie Benaud also won in Lahore by seven wickets in 1959 to clinch the series 2-0.
In the ICC World Test Championship points table, Pakistan has dropped from second to fourth on 44 points, while Australia has moved to 72 points. In the ICC Test Team Rankings, both the sides have maintained the pre-series rankings and points. Australia is number-one on 119 points whereas Pakistan in sixth position on 93 points.
Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon saved his best performance of the tour for the final day of the series when he returned figures of 37-8-83-5. This was the 19th time in 108 Tests he had taken a five-fer. Lyon’s scalps included Imam-ul-Haq (70), Azhar Ali (17), Babar Azam (55), Hasan Ali (13) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (5).
Captain Pat Cummins followed up his five for 56 in the first innings with the wickets of Fawad Alam (11), Mohammad Rizwan (0) and Naseem Shah (1) to finish with match figures of eight for 79 and walk away with the player of match award.
It was appropriate Cummins picked up the last wicket of the Test series when he cleaned up Naseem as he had led his team from the front and example. He finished the series as joint leading wicket-taker with Nathan Lyon (12).
Mitchell Starc bagged the wicket of Sajid Khan (21), but Cameron Green picked up the first wicket of the day when he had Abdullah Shafique (27) caught at the wicket to end the 77-run first wicket stand. The 46-run sixth wicket partnership between Babar and Sajid was the second best stand for Pakistan in the second innings.
Imam batted for four hours and 36 minutes during which he received 199 balls and hit five fours. Babar, who had top-scored in the first innings with 67, faced 104 balls and struck six signature fours during his 165 minutes of batting.
The fifth day pitch not only posed plenty of challenges for the batters, it also tested the two on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza as well as third umpire Asif Yaqoob.
Asif overturned on-field decision against Azhar Ali despite television replays providing inconclusive evidence, while he upheld Ahsan’s decision against Imam when TV replays suggested there might have been no contact between the bat and the ball and spike could have been due to the bat hitting the pad.
With review by Imam struck down and one review available after Fawad made a disasterous call against Aleem Dar’s decision when he was plumb in front of the wicket, Rizwan opted not to challenge Aleem’s decision when TV replays showed the ball had struck his toe outside the off-stumps.
Usman Khawaja for his 496 runs with two centuries and two half-centuries was adjudged player of the series. Abdullah was the second most successful batter of the series with 397 runs, followed by Babar (390), Imam (370) and Azhar (300).
Lahore Test takes new turn; Australia set 351 runs target for the hosts: Pakistan reach 73 for 0
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE:-Australia set 351 runs target for the Green Shirts after declaring their second innings at 227 for 3, as hosts opening batter scored 73 for 0 runs in 27 overs. A ton (104 not out) of Usman Kawaja played a vital role in consolidating visitor innings. Pakistan need more 278 runs to win the Test match on 5th day at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore.
Australia Batting (First Innings): 391 all out in 133.3 overs
Usman Khawaja 91 runs (219 balls, 4X9, 6X1), Cameron Green 67 runs (163 balls, 4X9), Alex Carey 67 runs (105 balls, 4X7), Steven Smith 59 runs (169 balls, 4X6), Travis Head 26 runs (70balls, 4X4)
Pakistan Bowling (First Innings):
Naseem Shah (4 for 58), Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 79), Nauman Ali (1 for 77), Sajid Khan (1 for 97)
Pakistan Batting (First Innings): 268 all out in 116.4 overs
Abdullah Shafiq 81 runs (228 balls, 4X11), Azhar Ali 78 runs (208 balls, 7X1, 6X1), Babar Azam 67 runs (131 balls, 4X6, 6X1), Imam-ul-Haq 11 runs (41 balls, 4X2)
Australia Bowling (First Innings):
Pat Cummins (5 for 56), Mitchell Strac (4 for 33), Nathan Lyon 1 for 95
Australia Batting (Second Innings): 227 for 3 declared in 60 overs
Usman Kawaja 104 not out (178 balls, 4X8, 6X0), David Warner 51 (91 balls, 4X6, 6X1), Labuschagne 36 (58 balls, 4X6, 6X0)
Pakistan Bowling (Second Innings):
Naseem Shah (1 for 23), Shaheen Shah Afridi (1 for 45) Nauman Ali (1 for 55)
Pakistan Batting (Second Innings): 73 for 0 in 27 overs (Target 351 runs)
Imam-ul-Haq 42 (93 balls, 4X4, 6X0), Abdullah Shafiq 27 (69 balls, 4X3, 6X1)
Australia Bowling (Second Innings):
PAKISTAN (Playing XIs):
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah
AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs):
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon.
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Toss: Australia, elected to bat first
Match Officials:
Umpires: Ahsan Raza & Aleem Dar
TV Umpire: Asif Yaqoob
Reserve Umpire: Rashid Riaz
Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
Lahore Test-Day III: Australian pacers Cummins and Strac wobble Pakistan batting
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE:-Australian pacers skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Strac wobbled the Pakistan batting line-up and host batters could score only 268 runs in their first innings. Visitors were on 11 runs in their second innings at the end of day-3 at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore on Wednesday.
Usman Kawaja 7 and David Warner 4 were at the crease. Earlier, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Strac badly dented the Pakistan batting by sharing 9 wickets. Cummins got 5 while Strac grabbed 4 wickets after conceding 56 and 33 runs respectively. Nathan Lyon chipped in one wicket.
On Wednesday morning, Pakistan took good start and was expected to pass the third day comfortably but no one for top-order could stay with skipper Babar Azam, who scored 67 runs with the help of six four and big six. Fawad and Rizwan even could not take a breath of sigh and lost their wickets in quickly.
Summarized Scorecard:
Australia Batting (First Innings): 391 all out in 133.3 overs
Usman Khawaja 91 runs (219 balls, 4X9, 6X1), Cameron Green 67 runs (163 balls, 4X9), Alex Carey 67 runs (105 balls, 4X7), Steven Smith 59 runs (169 balls, 4X6), Travis Head 26 runs (70balls, 4X4)
Pakistan Bowling (First Innings):
Naseem Shah (4 for 58), Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 79), Nauman Ali (1 for 77), Sajid Khan (1 for 97)
Pakistan Batting (First Innings): 268 all out in 116.4 overs
Abdullah Shafiq 81 runs (228 balls, 4X11), Azhar Ali 78 runs (208 balls, 7X1, 6X1), Babar Azam 67 runs (131 balls, 4X6, 6X1), Imam-ul-Haq 11 runs (41 balls, 4X2)
Australia Bowling (First Innings):
Pat Cummins (5 for 56), Mitchell Strac (4 for 33), Nathan Lyon 1 for 95
Australia Batting (Second Innings): 11 for 0 in 3 overs
Usman Kawaja 7 runs not out, David Warner 4 runs not out
Pakistan Bowling (Second Innings):
PAKISTAN (Playing XIs):
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah
AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs):
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon.
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Toss: Australia, elected to bat first
Match Officials:
Umpires: Ahsan Raza & Aleem Dar
TV Umpire: Asif Yaqoob
Reserve Umpire: Rashid Riaz
Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
Waqar Younis formally inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE:-Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis, who took 373 Test and 416 ODI wickets, was formally inducted into the “PCB Hall of Fame” when he received his commemorative cap and plaque during Wednesday’s play in the third cricket Test between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium.
In Tests, Waqar took 50 or more wickets against New Zealand (70), Zimbabwe (62), Sri Lanka (56), West Indies (55) and England (50). In ODIs, he took 84 wickets against Sri Lanka, followed by New Zealand (79), West Indies (60), South Africa (58), India (37), England (30), Australia (29) and Zimbabwe (23).
Waqar played seven Tests at the Gaddafi Stadium and took 29 wickets with seven for 86 against New Zealand in October 1990 as his best. In 12 ODIs at this iconic venue, Waqar took 14 wickets with four for 26 against the Netherlands in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1996 as his best figures.
Waqar Younis said:
“I feel honoured to have been inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame with my mother and wife standing alongside me. In fact, it was an honour to receive the beautiful plaque from my mother, who has been my inspiration throughout this highly rewarding and immensely satisfying cricketing journey. Without her blessings, I would not have been able to achieve this much as a professional.
“Playing for Pakistan was a dream come true and I still cherish every single moment of wearing the Pakistan colour. And to be awarded by the Pakistan Cricket Board with this honour 19 years after I last represented my country is just an icing on the cake, for which I am grateful to them.
“It is indeed a very proud moment for me to be placed in the same category as Abdul Qadir, Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Zaheer Abbas. These individuals are absolute legends of the game and their achievements and success stories are well documented.
“I would like to thank all the players I played with and against as well as all the support staff who contributed towards my accomplishments.”
The PCB Hall of Fame was launched in April 2021 following the Board of Governors approval at its 62nd meeting with the sole objective being to honour and celebrate the achievements of some of the greatest cricketers produced by this proud country as well as to preserve Pakistan cricket history.
The initial inductees were six members of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame – Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Zaheer Abbas. On 16 October 2021, the six stalwarts were joined by Abdul Qadir and Fazal Mahmood who were selected by an independent voting panel.
Lahore Test-Day II: Pakistan score 90 for 1 while Australia pack on 391 total
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE:-Hosts Pakistan managed 90 for 1 runs on the scoreboard in 39 overs on the end of Day-2 at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore on Tuesday. Australia all ten batters got out on 391 runs total, as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah shared each four wickets after conceding 79 and 58 runs respectively.
Pakistan were 90 for 1 after 39 overs, as the major contributor was Abdullah Shafiq with 45 runs un beaten innings while Azhar Ali was also not out at 30. Pakistan lost only Imam-ul-Haq, who scored 11 runs in 41 balls.
Summarized Scorecard:
Australia Batting (First Innings): 391 all out in 133.3 overs
Usman Khawaja 91 runs (219 balls, 4X9, 6X1), Cameron Green 67 runs (163 balls, 4X9), Alex Carey 67 runs (105 balls, 4X7), Steven Smith 59 runs (169 balls, 4X6), Travis Head 26 runs (70balls, 4X4)
Pakistan Bowling (First Innings):
Naseem Shah (4 for 58), Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 79), Nauman Ali (1 for 77), Sajid Khan (1 for 97)
Pakistan Batting (First Innings): 90 for 1 in 39 overs
Abdullah Shafiq 45 runs not out (117 balls, 4X6), Azhar Ali 30 runs not out (79 balls, 4X1, 6X1), Imam-ul-Haq 11 runs (41 balls, 4X2)
Australia Bowling (First Innings):
Pat Cummins 1 for 27
PAKISTAN (Playing XIs):
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah
AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs):
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon.
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Toss: Australia, elected to bat first
Match Officials:
Umpires: Ahsan Raza & Aleem Dar
TV Umpire: Asif Yaqoob
Reserve Umpire: Rashid Riaz
Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
Sanath Jayasuriya attends Sports Award ceremony in Maldives
BIPIN DANI
Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya was invited to attend the Sports Award ceremony in Maldives last week.
The invitation to the former captain was sent by Ahmed Mahloof, the Youth & Sports Minister of Maldives.
In recognition of the impact and highlight the amazing achievements Sanath Jayasuriya has made during his career in the sporting world he was also conferred a special award.
"It was the first time in the history of Maldives that the government had conferred the awards to various athletes", SJ, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Monday morning.
Interestingly, India's Suresh Raina and Sri Lankan's another athlete Tharjini Sivalingam were also invited.
All these athletes, along with Sri Lanka's sports minister Namal Rajapaksha were greatly honoured and enjoyed the hospitality.
Lahore Test: Australia score 232 for 5, Usman crafts 91 runs innings on Day-1
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE:-Australia scored 232 for 5 runs on the first day of third Test match against hosts Pakistan at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore on Monday, Usman Kawaja played a responsible innings of 91 runs and missed his ton second time in the series. He was wasted his wicket on 9 in the first Test match at Pindi cricket Stadium.
Shaheen Afridi started the day with a magical spell and got two wickets of visitor team, when they had only 8 score on the board. David Warner could score only 7 runs while Marnus Labuschagne went back to dressing room with a single run. Wicketkeeper Rizwan took his catch on the bowling of Afridi.
Usman Kawaja and Steven Smith took the team’s total 146 after aggregating 138 runs for third wicket that stabilized the visitors’ position. Later, Nseem Shah got two wickets and spinner Sajid Khan grabbed and wicket. When the first day ended after 88 overs owing to poor light, Australia score was 232 for 5.
Summarized Scorecard:
Australia Batting (First Innings): 232 for 5 in 88 overs
Usman Khawaja 91 runs (219 balls, 4X9, 6X1), Steven Smith 59 runs (169 balls, 4X6), Travis Head 26 runs (70balls, 4X4), Cameron Green 20 not out (48 balls, 4X2)
Pakistan Bowling (First Innings):
Shaheen Shah Afridi (2 for 39), Naseem Shah (2 for 36), Sajid Khan (1 for 65)
PAKISTAN (Playing XIs):
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah
AUSTRALIA (Playing XIs):
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon.
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Toss: Australia, elected to bat first
Match Officials:
Umpires: Ahsan Raza & Aleem Dar
TV Umpire: Asif Yaqoob
Reserve Umpire: Rashid Riaz
Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
Chaminda Vaas to teach basics of fast bowling to school kids in UAE
BIPIN DANI
Sri Lanka's former fast bowler Chaminda Vaas has been invited to teach the basics of (fast) bowling in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is learnt.
"We have invited him to upgrade the skills of the school boys to the next level and he will conduct the sessions at two schools-Sharjah English School (SES) and Delhi Private School (DPS), Vaas' friend Presley Polonnowita, who has played the game with Vaas, said exclusively over the telephone from Dubai.
Interestingly, Presley Polonnowita, who has played First Class cricket and represented the country in U-18 as an all-rounder is the founder and the CEO of the Desert Clubs Cricket Academy, which is the largest in the Gulf region.
"We are serving close to 600 kids in four centers and the majority of boys will benefit with the knowledge and experience of legendary cricketer Vaas".
"Vaas will conduct three sessions (each of 2.5 hours) for three days on April 1,2 & 3".
Vaas and Presley share good friendship and have spent a lot of time together at India's MRF.
"This will be a great opportunity for the kids in the UAE to learn from Vaas", he signed off.
Bengaluru pitch rated as below average
Sports Desk
ISLAMABAD:-Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees has rated the pitch at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru that was used for the second Test between India and Sri Lanka as “below average” and the venue has received one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
Bangalore pitch IND v SL
Srinath said: “The pitch offered a lot of turn on the first day itself and though it improved with every session, in my view, it was not an even contest between bat and ball.”
Srinath’s report has been forwarded to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
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