Category Uncategorized

Bilal Shafayat has agreed a new one-year deal with Nottinghamshire, despite a poor season in 2009

Cricinfo staff02-Dec-2009Bilal Shafayat has agreed a new one-year deal with Nottinghamshire, despite a poor season in 2009, in which he scored 485 runs in 13 County Championship matches, with a season-best knock of 69 against Hampshire in August.”Bilal offers competition amongst the batsmen and he’s our back-up wicketkeeper so there’s an important role for him to play in our squad,” said Nottinghamshire director of cricket, Mick Newell.”He had a disappointing season in 2009 and he’s keen to contribute more next year. We’ve had a few discussions and he’s very keen to compete for a place here because it’s his home town club.”We need to see a bit more from him and he’s determined to show that his future lies at Trent Bridge.”Shafayat made his Championship debut six days before his 17th birthday in 2001 to become Nottinghamshire’s youngest ever debutant in the competition. He stroked a confident 72 against Middlesex and followed that up with 104 against Worcestershire in 2002, making him the youngest player to record a century for the county.

Aaryan Sawant’s 130 and Archie Vaughan’s five-for has South Africa U19s on the ropes

ECB Reporters Network05-Feb-2025South Africa U19s 224 & 145 for 8 (Rowlers 71, Vaughan 5-18) lead England U19s 353 (Sawant 130, Fonseka 52, Rossouw 5-74) by 16 runsEngland Men U19s were closing in on victory after a dominant third day of the second Youth Test against South Africa Men U19s in Cape Town.Aaryan Sawant’s maiden century in an England representative shirt helped the Young Lions to a first-innings lead of 129 before skipper Archie Vaughan’s five wickets reduced the hosts to 145 for 8.Vaughan’s side fell just one wicket short of victory in the first Youth Test last week, but took control of this contest on the back of Sawant’s patient 130.The Middlesex right-hander, starting the day on 83, reached his century from 255 balls and after almost six hours of batting before he was the victim of another unlucky run out.Sawant’s dismissal went viral on social media last week when he was run out after a sweep cannoned off the helmet of Jorich van Schalwyk at short leg and back onto his stumps.This time the 19-year-old watched on in disbelief as Bandile Mbatha dropped a return catch that deflected off the bowler’s leg and then onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end with Sawant again out of his ground.Crucially, Sawant had added 127 for the ninth wicket with Alexander Wade (49 not out) by then and the Young Lions were bowled out for 353 to pocket their 129-run first-innings lead.The value of that partnership was reinforced when a Tazeem Ali direct hit from square leg ran out Van Schalwyk before the Warwickshire leg-spinner had Muhammad Bulbulia, who scored a century in the first Youth Test, leg before.Vaughan then turned the screw as South Africa Men U19s lost 5 for 37. The Somerset all-rounder took all of the wickets in the collapse on his way to figures of 5 for 18 from 13.5 overs.Vaughan secured his fifth wicket from what was the final ball of the day when Jason Rowles looped an edge to Ben Dawkins at first slip after a defiant 71.

SA first folded for 55, before India faced a collapse of their own, losing their last six wickets without adding a run

Deivarayan Muthu03-Jan-2024
As many as 23 wickets tumbled on a chaotic opening day in Cape Town, including a never-before-seen collapse of 6 for 0. It was the first time in 2522 Tests that a team had lost six wickets for . India claimed that unwanted record when they went from 153 for 4 to 153 all out in 11 balls, in response to South Africa’s 55 all out, in the afternoon session.Despite that collapse, India were still in front on a Newlands pitch that provided excessive seam movement and variable bounce throughout the day. With even the old(ish) ball misbehaving off the surface, the batters found it fiendishly difficult to bat, especially when the bowlers forced them to play a shot. Only once has more wickets fallen in a day in Test cricket in this century.Related

• SA baffled by 'inconsistent bounce' at Newlands: 'Never seen a pitch that quick on day one'

• Cape Town pitch turns batting into a lottery

• India collapse just like a W 0 W 0 W 0 0 W 0 W W

• South Africa's 55 all out, the lowest total against India in Tests

It was that kind of a day in Cape Town.Dean Elgar became the just second player after Australia’s Jack Barrett to be dismissed twice on the same day of his last Test. Barrett’s last Test was in 1890.After opting to bat, Elgar was bowled by Mohammed Siraj off an inside edge for 4 in the first innings, where South Africa folded in 23.2 overs. Siraj’s new-ball spell of 9-3-15-6 skittled South Africa for 55 – the lowest total against India in Test cricket – in a session. India then needed less than ten overs to take the lead, with Rohit Sharma motoring along at better than a run-a-ball during those early exchanges. However, the late collapse, triggered by Lungi Ngidi’s triple-strike, brought South Africa back into the game.Aiden Markram, who was the first batter to be dismissed on the day, then somehow survived 51 balls in South Africa’s second innings to bring his team even closer to parity. India, though, still have a substantial lead of 36, which appears even bigger on this surface.South Africa were not in control of only 55 of the shots they played in their first innings. They got bowled out for 55. That means one in five mistakes cost the ultimate price.India were the same. They were not in control of 50 of the shots they played. A ratio of one in five again. In all, there were only seven double-digit scores across three innings. If this match ends in less than 34.1 overs on Thursday, it will be the shortest Test ever.Mukesh Kumar bids Dean Elgar goodbye after being the last man to dismiss him•Associated Press

It was Siraj who had started the mayhem on Wednesday when he hit the perfect length and the outside edges. Siraj’s new-ball spell in Centurion was just as incisive, but luck – and the wickets – didn’t go his way in the first Test. However, it would be a discredit to Siraj’s skills to say it was only good fortune in Cape Town.While Siraj probed away around off stump – or outside off – against the right-handers, he snaffled Elgar and Tony de Zorzi with a middle-and-leg line, with a deepish short leg and leg slip in place. After bringing the stumps – and the close-in catchers in play – he hung one up outside off. Elgar took the bait and threw his hands at the ball only to chop it back onto his own stumps. After having de Zorzi flaccidly fend to short leg, Siraj had him caught down the leg side by KL Rahul.But it was the dismissal of David Bedingham that created a stir in Cape Town. When Siraj put one on a length and outside off, it reared up viciously into Bedingham’s glove and ballooned to third slip. Mukesh Kumar, who was picked in place of Shardul Thakur, came into the attack in the 20th over and took care of the tail.Rohit then came out attacking against Ngidi and Nandre Burger who weren’t as accurate as Kagiso Rabada with the new ball. In his first spell, Ngidi bowled like… someone who was playing his first first-class match in over a year and kept offering up floaty half-volleys. Burger also erred too full before he pulled his length back and hit the shoulder of Rohit’s bat. Burger also got rid of Shubman Gill (36) and Shreyas Iyer (0) for a duck to leave India at 110 for 4.Virat Kohli, though, looked comfortable in the middle and continued to play his shots, especially the drives. Ngidi then returned to the attack and bowled at full tilt, running in hard and hitting the deck even harder. In the 34th over, he bounced out all of Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah, who slotted in at No.8, in the absence of Thakur. The big seam movement and variable bounce was just too much to handle. Kohli himself was part of that 6 for 0 collapse.But India’s batters had done enough to pull their team ahead on a manic day.

There was a moment when the allrounder wondered if he would be able to take his side home against New Zealand

Andrew McGlashan06-Sep-2022There was a moment when Cameron Green wondered if he would be able to see Australia’s nervy chase through in Cairns as he cramped up in various places.As they closed in on a target of 233, either side of a brief rain delay, it looked like Green could seize up any second. With runners no longer permitted in international cricket, the boundary swatted by Zampa off Mitchell Santner in the 45th over and the wide that sealed the game were welcome assists.”Definitely,” Green said when asked at the post-match presentation whether he doubted being able to continue. “Couldn’t really walk for a [second] there. Groin, calf, hamstring and forearms. The whole lot was going.”Green came to the crease with Australia on 44 for 5 and he said the scoreline actually freed him up. “There was nothing really to lose, it had got to that stage, so no pressure on us, me and Kez [Alex Carey] can be free and play normally.”Until the body seized up, Green had been in control of almost everything. There was an inside edge early on against Lockie Ferguson which whistled over the stumps and a top-edged hook off the same bowler which Trent Boult couldn’t hold at fine leg. But other than that, he played brilliantly, finishing on an unbeaten and very satisfying 89 off 92 balls.It was the latest in a line of landmark performances since the start of last season in what remains a young international career: Test wickets coming his way after a dry start; emerging from some technical issues against England; scoring runs against reverse swing in Pakistan and spin in Sri Lanka; and a maiden ODI five-wicket haul last week in Townsville.And now, having marshaled an ODI chase, Green is already looking like Australia’s fulcrum going into next year’s World Cup.”We knew we were in a bit of trouble but we also knew there was a lot of time left in the game,” Carey, who shared the crucial 158-run stand with Green, said. “We enjoy batting together, we work really well. He scores pretty freely at the other end and we just bounce off each other nicely.”You saw today that he can come in any time so that’s a great feather in his cap. He’s a really calm character with bat, ball and in the field. Just goes about his business. We know how good he is but [he’s] taking this format [up] another step.”For New Zealand, this was a game that was within their grasp. The last time they won a match of any format in Australia was Boult’s international debut – the famous seven-run win in the Hobart Test of 2011 – and, with the ball, Boult could not have done much more to try and end that run.However, New Zealand may have made a tactical error in not giving Boult one more over in his opening spell which ended after five with Australia 38 for 4. He did not return until the 29th over, by which time Carey and Green had established their partnership.Carey could see both sides of the decision although did say “in hindsight” perhaps he could have been given another over.Boult himself indicated he would have been keen to continue. “I thought of having a sixth, and maybe a seventh or eighth,” he said with a smile. “Not too sure what the thinking was there. But they batted a long way down, think Maxwell at eight is a naughty batting order and we knew they would bat deep. Presume that was the thinking, but credit to the way they stuck at it and got the game done. Good game, but disappointed to be on the wrong side of it.”

Get up to speed with where the large contingent will be over the next two months

Andrew McGlashan05-Apr-2021

Dan Christian (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

“Old blokes win stuff,” is Christian’s mantra, and he has become a T20 title machine. The BBL title with the Sydney Sixers was the ninth of his career, but he doesn’t have one from the IPL, where he returns after three years. Christian has turned himself into a superb finisher with the bat and there is a belief in some quarters that Australia should consider him again for their troublesome middle order. That seems unlikely now, but if he impresses at the IPL, the conversation will continue.Price tag INR 4.4 crore (approx A$850,000)
IPL history Deccan Chargers (2011, 2012); Royal Challenges Bangalore (2013, 2021); Rising Pune Supergiant (2017); Delhi Daredevils (2018)
T20 stats Matches 347; Inns: 298; Runs: 5171; Avg: 23.93; SR: 140.05 | Wickets: 259; Avg: 28.56; Econ: 8.44
IPL stats Matches: 40; Inns: 34; Runs: 446; Avg: 17.84; SR: 119.25 | Wickets: 34; Avg: 30.50; Econ: 7.94
Recent form Had a superb all-round BBL with the Sixers where he scored 272 runs at a strike-rate of 182.55 – excelling in the new Power Surge period – and coupled that with 15 wickets, often bowling at tough times. He had chipped in with bat and ball for the Karachi Kings at the PSL before the tournament was called off too.

Nathan Coulter-Nile (Mumbai Indians)

No longer in the frame for Australia selection and without a state contract, Coulter-Nile is heading towards a team-by-team T20 lifestyle in the latter stage of his career. Having been bought for A$1.63 million in the 2020 auction, he was released by champions Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2021 season after having claimed five wickets in seven games last season, But then he was bought back at a still-not-insignificant price.Price tag INR 5 crore (approx A$885,000)
IPL history Mumbai Indians (2013, 2020, 2021); Delhi Daredevils (2014-2016); Kolkata Knight Riders (2017)
T20 stats Matches 133; Inns: 75; Runs: 663; Avg: 14.41; SR: 134.21 | Wickets: 156; Avg: 23.41; Econ: 7.77
IPL stats Matches: 33; Inns: 14; Runs: 77; Avg: 8.55; SR: 118.46 | Wickets: 41; Avg: 22.56; Econ: 7.71
Recent form He had an injury-disrupted BBL where he played six games for the Melbourne Stars. It started well with a career-best 4 for 10 against the Brisbane Heat, but while he took wickets on his return at the back-end of the group stage, he was also expensive.Ben Cutting will turn out for Kolkata Knight Riders, his fourth IPL team•Getty Images

Ben Cutting (Kolkata Knight Riders)

The allrounder is back in the IPL after missing last season, this time with his fourth franchise. A strong middle-order hitter (another player who made use of the BBL Power Surge rule well) and a bowler who can still get it through at decent pace – although it’s certainly his second-string these days. Like Christian, there is sometimes a thought that he wasn’t given enough chances for Australia, but that ship has sailed.Price tag INR 75 lakh (approx A$132,000)
IPL history Rajasthan Royals (2014), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016, 2017), Mumbai Indians (2018, 2019)
T20 stats Matches: 171; Inns: 143; Runs: 2368; Avg: 22.76; SR: 149.02 | Wickets: 128; Avg: 31.82; Econ: 8.99
IPL stats Matches: 21; Inns: 17; Runs: 238; Avg: 21.63; SR: 168.79 | Wickets: 10; Avg: 42.90; Econ: 9.16
Recent form Had a decent impact for the Sydney Thunder, his new team, in the BBL where he scored 280 runs at a strike rate of 156.42, his best return with the bat in a BBL season. Produced limited returns in five outings for the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL.

Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Among the premier fast bowlers of the current generation, after his record-breaking IPL deal in 2020, Cummins had a slow tournament with three wickets in ten matches before claiming nine in the last four, including a haul of 4 for 34 in the last group match, but it was enough for the Knight Riders to reach the playoffs.Price tag INR 15.5 crore (approx A$2,900,000)
IPL history Kolkata Knight Riders (2014, 2015, 2020, 2021); Delhi Daredevils (2017), Mumbai Indians (2018)
T20 stats Matches: 96; Wickets: 109; Avg: 25.49; Econ: 7.75
IPL stats Matches: 30; Wickets: 29; Avg: 31.31; Econ 8.09
Recent form Hasn’t played a T20 since the last IPL after being rested for India’s series in Australia and not playing in the BBL. Has bowled well for New South Wales in the one-day competition where he has been captain.

Moises Henriques (Punjab Kings)

The allrounder is back in the IPL for the first time in four years (with his fifth team) after being a consistent performer for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL. He earned a recall to the Australia side this season and played the three T20Is against India.Price tag INR 4.2 crore (approx A$740,000)
IPL history Kolkata Knight Riders (2009), Delhi Daredevils (2010), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2013), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014-2017)
T20 stats Matches: 213; Inns: 191; Runs: 3991; Avg: 26.96; SR: 128.65 | Wickets: 111; Avg: 29.98; Econ: 8.29
IPL stats Matches: 57; Inns: 50; Runs: 969; Avg: 28.50; SR: 128.17 | Wickets: 38; Avg: 32.73; Econ: 8.38
Recent form He was a part of the Test squad, and could only play five BBL matches for the Sixers, but Henriques scored 155 runs in four innings and captained them to back-to-back titles. Bowls much less these days but showed he could still be effective with 3 for 22 against India in Canberra.Chris Lynn didn’t get a game for Mumbai Indians last season but they retained him anyway•Getty Images

Chris Lynn (Mumbai Indians)

Remains one of the most destructive players around, although it sometimes feels he doesn’t give himself the best chance to make the most of it. Didn’t make an appearance for the Mumbai Indians last season but was retained before the latest auction.Price tag INR 2 crore (approx A$370,000)
IPL history Deccan Chargers (2011, 2012), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013), Kolkata Knight Riders (2014-2019), Mumbai Indians (2020)
T20 stats Matches: 210; Inns: 203; Runs: 5726; Avg: 31.63; SR: 143.72
IPL stats Matches: 41; Inns: 41; Runs: 1280; Avg 33.68; SR: 140.65
Recent form Was comfortably Brisbane Heat’s leading run-scorer in the BBL with 458 at 35.23 and a strike rate of 154.72 despite missing a handful of games due to injury. Started the PSL with scores of 1, 1 and 0.

Glenn Maxwell (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

The curious world of the IPL! Maxwell was released by the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) after a poor 2020 tournament where he scored just 108 runs in 11 innings and did not hit a six, but was then bought for an even more eye-watering sum by the Royal Challengers, which sees him join forces with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. If it comes off, it will be spectacular.Price tag INR 14.25 crore (approx A$2,500,000)
IPL history Delhi Daredevils (2012, 2018), Mumbai Indians (2013), Kings XI Punjab (2014-2017, 2020)
T20 stats Matches: 306; Inns: 286; Runs: 6674; Avg: 27.02; SR: 152.37 | Wickets: 110; Avg: 31.41; Econ: 7.70
IPL stats Matches: 82; Inns: 79; Runs: 1505; Avg: 22.13; SR: 154.67 | Wickets: 19; Avg: 41.05; Econ: 8.57
Recent form Had a solid BBL with the Stars were he struck three half-centuries – one of them in a brutal stand alongside Nicholas Pooran – alongside three ducks. Made one decisive contribution in the series against New Zealand with a powerful 70 off 37 balls in Wellington.

Riley Meredith (Punjab Kings)

One of this season’s new faces in the IPL, Meredith is a bowler capable of high speed – an asset clearly in demand in the competition – although his price tag, as he become a millionaire, was still something of a surprise.Price tag INR 8 crore (approx A$1,400,000)
T20 stats Matches: 37; Wickets: 47; Avg: 23.38; Econ: 8.02
Recent form Had a decent BBL for the Hobart Hurricanes with 16 wickets in 13 matches, and then made his Australia debut in New Zealand where he twice pinned Kane Williamson lbw.

Jhye Richardson (Punjab Kings)

Like Meredith, this is Richardson’s first appearance in the IPL after an injury-disrupted couple of years, which began with a dislocated shoulder ahead of the 2019 World Cup. He came with some hectic bidding, which eventually went the way of the Punjab Kings. Capable of skiddy pace and late swing, he could be valuable in the powerplay.Price tag INR 14 crore (approx A$2,500,00)
T20 stats Matches: 67; Wickets: 82; Avg: 23.43; Econ: 7.92
Recent form Was the leading wicket-taker in the BBL with 29 scalps for the Perth Scorchers, although he faded a little late in the tournament. But then he took four wickets in five matches against New Zealand on his return to international cricket.14:30

We were thrilled to get Steven Smith just above his base price – Parth Jindal

Kane Richardson (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Richardson withdrew from his deal last year, so he could be at home for the birth of his child, but was retained by the Royal Challengers. This will be his first appearance in the IPL since 2016. His three previous campaigns only amounted to 14 matches, but he is a better-rounded bowler now than when he last played.Price tag INR 4 crore (approx A$720,000)
IPL history Pune Warriors India (2013), Rajasthan Royals (2014), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2016)
T20 stats Matches: 126; Wickets: 152; Avg: 23.42; Econ: 7.93
IPL stats Matches: 14; Wickets: 18; Avg: 24.61; Econ: 8.38
Recent form Took 15 wickets in 11 matches for bottom club the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL before his tournament ended early with injury. Took seven wickets in the series against New Zealand including two three-wicket hauls.

Daniel Sams (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Sams was a late addition last season when he replaced Jason Roy at the Delhi Capitals, but they released him after three wicketless outings and he has been picked up by the Royal Challengers. He has enjoyed a batting revival of late with some powerful displays for the Sydney Thunder and Australia, although he probably remains a 50-50 shout to make the World Cup squad.Price tag INR 30 lakh (approx A$54,000)
IPL history Delhi Capitals (2020)
T20 stats Matches: 54; Inns: 44; Runs: 485; Avg: 13.85; SR: 148.31 | Wickets: 67; Avg: 22.17; Econ: 8.55
Recent form Had a superb strike rate of 188.67 for the Thunder (scoring 200 runs) and picked up 11 wickets in a season where he twice missed games due to injury. Hammered 41 off 15 balls in the second T20I against New Zealand in Dunedin, but was then left out.

Steven Smith (Delhi Capitals)

It has been a major pay cut for Smith after he was released by the Rajasthan Royals following a disappointing 2020 (311 runs at 25.91) and then bought by Ricky Ponting’s Capitals. He has been hampered by an elbow problem in the lead-up, which has led to him being sidelined for New South Wales. But he returned to action the day before flying to India.Price tag INR 2.2 crore (approx A$390,000)
IPL history Pune Warriors India (2012, 2013), Rising Pune Supergiant (2016, 2017), Rajasthan Royals (2014-2015, 2019, 2020)
T20 stats Matches: 209; Inns: 185; Runs: 4438; Avg: 30.60; SR: 126.40 | Wickets: 54; Avg: 19.55; Econ: 7.68
IPL stats Matches: 95; Inns: 86; Runs: 2333; Avg: 35.34; SR: 129.25
Recent form His only T20s since the last IPL were in the three-match series against India in December, since he did not take part in the Sydney Sixers’ BBL campaign. Made 213 runs in two one-day innings for New South Wales either side of his layoff.Marcus Stoinis is one of the key men in the Delhi Capitals line-up•BCCI

Marcus Stoinis (Delhi Capitals)

The allrounder had a solid 2020 tournament with 352 runs and 13 wickets, taking on a middle-order role that appears the position he will need to occupy for Australia, whereas in the BBL he opens the innings.Price tag INR 4.8 crore (approx A$900,000)
IPL history Delhi Daredevils (2015); Kings XI Punjab (2016-2018), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019), Delhi Capitals (2020)
T20 stats Matches: 153; 140: 185; Runs: 3418; Avg: 32.24; SR: 132.84 | Wickets: 78; Avg: 26.71; Econ: 8.83
IPL stats Matches: 46; Inns: 42; Runs: 825; Avg: 28.44; SR: 137.27 | Wickets: 28; Avg: 30.42; Econ: 9.37
Recent form Was a solid performer for the Stars, if short of his spectacular returns in the 2019-2020 season. For the second Australian season in a row, injury limited Stoinis’ bowling. In New Zealand, he played a thrilling innings in Dunedin, hitting 78 off 47 balls.

Andrew Tye (Rajasthan Royals)

Only made one appearance for the Royals last season but was on their retained list. Made his name with an array of slower balls, but bowled faster than ever in the recent Australian season following work on his action. Made his comeback for Australia against India last yearPrice tag INR 1 crore (approx A$190,000)
IPL history Chennai Super Kings (2015-16); Gujarat Lions (2017); Kings XI Punjab (2018-19), Rajasthan Royals (2020)
T20 stats Matches: 162 Wickets: 218; Avg: 21.68; Econ 8.06
IPL stats Matches: 27; Wickets: 40; Avg: 21.80; Econ 8.46
Recent form Took 21 wickets for the Perth Scorchers, second behind Jhye Richardson, as they reached the BBL final. Was part of the Australia squad in New Zealand but did not get a game.

David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Last season’s IPL was not as prolific as some for Warner (although 548 runs at 39.14 isn’t too shabby) and he has since had an injury-disrupted Australia season because of the groin strain he suffered against India. He has admitted he came back too soon for the Test series and would likely be feeling the effects of it for much of the year.Price tag INR 12.5 crore (approx A$2,300,000)
IPL history Delhi Daredevils (2009-2013); Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014-2020)
T20 stats Matches: 298; Inns: 297; Runs: 9824; Avg 37.93; SR: 141.57
IPL stats Matches: 142; Inns: 142; Runs: 5254; Avg 42.71; SR: 141.54
Recent form Hasn’t played any T20s since the IPL. Has been in good form for New South Wales with scores of 87 and 108 in one-day matches.

Adam Zampa (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

The legspinner had a bit-part role to play for the Royal Challengers after being a late replacement for Kane Richardson, making just three appearances and taking two wickets but the franchise retained him for this season. He will miss at least the first match because of his marriage.Price tag INR 1.5 crore (approx A$270,000)
IPL history Rising Pune Supergiant (2016-17), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2020)
T20 stats Matches: 173 Wickets: 200; Avg: 22.01; Econ 7.36
IPL stats Matches: 14 Wickets: 21; Avg: 17.61; Econ 7.73
Recent form Was the Melbourne Stars’ leading wicket-taker at the BBL with 19 wickets at 17.47, and then picked up four wickets on the tour of New Zealand, although his economy rate was high at 9.48.

Players to have withdrawn

Josh Hazlewood (Chennai Super Kings)
Mitchell Marsh (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Josh Philippe (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Majority of tickets priced under £30 amid concerns over sales at certain venues

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jan-2020The ECB have announced that the majority of adult tickets for the Hundred will be priced at £30 or less in an attempt to boost attendances, with under-16s tickets available at £5 each and children under five admitted for free.While there is some level of discrepancy depending on venue and timing, the competition’s managing director Sanjay Patel stressed that the ECB had “put families at the heart of our ticket pricing for the Hundred”, with some tickets cheaper for the new tournament than for Vitality Blast games at the same venues.ALSO READ: ECB deny downplaying Blast amid fears for Hundred’s ticket salesDespite many of them voicing concerns about the competition and its perceived implications for their clubs, county members will have first access to tickets in a pre-sale window from January 15-31. That is followed by a priority window for fans who have registered interest in the competition on its website from February 12-28, while general sale begins on April 8.The ECB’s chairman Colin Graves suggested last month that an occupancy rate of 60-65 percent was the minimum standard, and that “if we get above that it will be a success”.And while there are unlikely to be many problems selling out Lord’s or The Oval, games at the Ageas Bowl and Cardiff could prove to be a harder sell.To use Cardiff as an example, Glamorgan’s total attendance in the Vitality Blast last summer was 31,266 across seven home games, giving an average crowd of 4,467 at a 16,000-seater venue. The county stressed that poor weather and clashes with other sporting fixtures in the city had affected their crowds, but with two of Welsh Fire’s home games scheduled for Sunday evenings and another on a Tuesday, it could be equally tough to shift tickets for those games.ESPNcricinfo revealed in October that some grounds fear the decision to stage games on every day of the week will create challenges for ticket sales, with games on Monday and Tuesday evenings expected to be a hard sell. Next year’s T20 Blast, by contrast, sees a majority of fixtures scheduled on Thursday and Friday nights or on weekend afternoons.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Tickets for the women’s competition start at £8, with a top early-bird price of £18, while tickets for the men’s tournament range from £10-35 at their initial price. For men’s and women’s finals day, which will be held at Lord’s and Hove, tickets will be available from £30 and £12 respectively.”We can’t wait to welcome cricket fans and those new to the sport to the opening season of the Hundred to see England’s World Cup heroes Ben Stokes, Eoin Morgan and Heather Knight play,” Patel said.”We have put families at the heart of our ticket pricing for the Hundred. When compared with summer holiday favourites and other major sporting events, the Hundred offers brilliant entertainment and tremendous value. Buying early will guarantee the best value tickets with compelling prices available across all men’s and women’s matches.”

He said that he wanted to “show something” since he was playing in place of Rubel Hossain

Mohammad Isam24-Oct-2018When David Miller had struck Mohammad Saifuddin for five consecutive sixes in Potchefstroom a year ago, Mashrafe Mortaza and Tamim Iqbal couldn’t keep their cool back in Dhaka. Tamim remembers that he got really nervous for Saifuddin and screamed at his TV, urging him to bowl the wide yorker. He did, and Miller had to contend with 31 runs off the over.A month later, Darren Sammy took 32 off Saifuddin during the Comilla Victorians-Rajshahi Kings BPL match at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, where a year later Saifuddin was adjudged Player of the Match for his bowling performance against Zimbabwe. His 3 for 45 slowed down Zimbabwe particularly in the last five overs when he used a fine mix of slower bouncers and fuller length deliveries to stop their big-hitters.Saifuddin said that he wanted to support Mustafizur Rahman, who is one of the leading death bowlers in the world, by keeping the run rate around seven in the slog overs. He conceded 22 runs in his last three overs, picking up a wicket.”I have been bowling in the death overs in the Under-15 and Under-17, while playing under Miraz,” Saifuddin said. “I struggled in my early days in international cricket but I always speak to Miraz and Mustafizur, who is an experienced bowler. I tried to execute whatever I have learned.”It was a batting track. Having conceded some runs in Mirpur during the same period of the innings, we wanted to keep them under 250. Mustafizur is a superb death bowler. I supported him by giving away five to seven runs.”It was a far cry from the “has been” tag that some had put on him quite prematurely after he lost his place in the Bangladesh team earlier this year, having played two ODIs and two T20Is in January and February.Without doing anything flashy in domestic cricket or with the Bangladesh A team in the interim, Saifuddin was brought back because Bangladesh don’t really have a pace-bowling allrounder. He was earmarked from his age-group days as a future Bangladesh prospect. He was fast-tracked into the senior side last year, with disastrous results.Saifuddin said that one of the things he did was discuss handling pressure with the senior players.”I worked on the mental aspects of bowling,” Saifuddin said. “I have discussed it with senior players on how to approach bowling in international cricket. I have been quite expensive at this level previously. I will try to keep up what I did today. There’s a long way left for me.”I wanted Mash bhai to bring me into the attack. I wanted to show something since I am playing in place of Rubel [Hossain] . I wanted to do something different so that I get noticed.”Saifuddin also said that he drew inspiration from his mother’s advice about failing in life, while also using his experience of bowling at the death since his age-group days.”There will be some slips when you are trying to get success. My mother tells me that a baby may fall while taking his first steps but does that mean he will not walk? I will get hit but I will learn from it,” he said.

Shafiul Islam has also found a spot in Bangladesh’s 14-man squad for the Test series beginning on August 27

Mohammad Isam19-Aug-20171:15

Isam: Questions over Mominul’s omission

Bangladesh have recalled allrounder Nasir Hossain, who last played a Test in August 2015, and medium-pacer Shafiul Islam, who last played in October 2016, for the first Test against Australia in Mirpur from August 27.

Squad changes

• In: Shafiul Islam, Nasir Hossain

• Out: Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Subhasis Roy and Rubel Hossain

Mominul Haque was dropped from the squad for the first time since his debut in March 2013, alongside senior batsman Mahmudullah, who was dropped after the first Test in Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year. Imrul Kayes, who batted at No. 3 as a replacement for Mominul in the second Test in Sri Lanka, was retained in the 14-man squad.After the end of the Sri Lanka tour, Mahmudullah scored a match-winning hundred against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy and helped Bangladesh reach the semi-final, but his return to the Test squad based on ODI form had been unlikely.Mominul was the subject of a number of questions during the press conference in Mirpur on Saturday. Chief selector Minhajul Abedin and coach Chandika Hathurusingha, who is also part of the selection committee, maintained that they didn’t want to change the winning combination from the Colombo Test in March. Mominul’s form in the last two Tests was given as a reason too.”Mominul made just one fifty in the last six innings,” Abedin said. “He was dropped because of his form. Imrul and Soumya are ahead of them. Soumya has four fifties in the last eight innings during this period, averaging 45.75. So that’s why Mominul went below in our consideration. He is our first choice among those not in the team. It is not the end of his career because he is dropped for the first Test.”Mominul is not unlucky because based on current form, others are ahead of him. There’s less pressure playing in away Test than a home game, so we didn’t take that into account.”Nasir last played against South Africa in 2015 while Shafiul played the Chittagong Test in October last year. The pair impressed in domestic limited-overs tournaments last season, as well as practice matches in the ongoing training camp in Dhaka and Chittagong. Nasir did well in the National Cricket League, averaging 109.33 in four innings, but in the Bangladesh Cricket League, he averaged just 30.87 in eight innings. Shafiul took 11 wickets in three matches in this season’s BCL.Hathurusingha informed that Nasir was picked as a like-for-like back-up for Mosaddek Hossain, who is suffering from an eye infection.Squad for the first Test: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt & wk), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Taijul Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mosaddek Hossain, Nasir Hossain, Shafiul Islam.BCB XI for 2-day practice match against Australians: Mahmudullah (capt), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Liton Das, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Irfan Sukkur, Mohammad Saifuddin, Subashis Roy, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Tanbir Hayder, Jubair Hossain, Abul Hasan

As Zimbabwe rediscover their fight, they stand on the cusp of winning their first series comprising two or more T20Is

The Preview by Sirish Raghavan19-Jun-2016

Match facts

Monday, June 20, 2016
Start time 1300 local (1100 GMT)The first T20I saw a return of the vibrant Zimbabwe the world loves to watch•Associated Press

Big Picture

Zimbabwe made a few changes to their team for the first T20I against India, most notably the inclusion of pluck, spirit and ebullience.Spirit was brought to proceedings when Hamilton Masakadza and Chamu Chibhabha punished India’s opening bowlers for missing their lengths. It intervened again when Elton Chigumbura, put a pair of golden ducks behind him to cream seven sixes in a dazzling half-century. That knock took Zimbabwe from a flagging 111 for 5 to a competitive 170.Pluck was a steady presence throughout the match, never more so than when Neville Madziva nailed wide yorkers and slower balls to defend seven in the last over. Ebullience came to the fore thereafter as the home team’s players and fans revelled. Zimbabwe will hope that Messrs P, S and E retain their place in the team for a long time to come.Of immediate interest is the second T20I in Harare, which will present the hosts a chance to secure a historic series win. Never before have Zimbabwe won a T20I series of two or more matches, although they did beat West Indies in a one-off T20I in Port of Spain six years ago. A win now would offer much needed cheer to their fans and send out a message to other teams thinking of sending a second-string side to Zimbabwe.For India, the wake-up call is timely – perhaps even welcome. Things seemed to be coming too easily to them in the ODI leg of the tour. On Saturday, however, they were put under serious pressure for the first time. They were reminded that sloppy mistakes can be costly, even against unfancied oppositions. How will India’s young side respond, now that they know they are in a genuine contest, with the series on the line?

Form guide

Zimbabwe: WLWWW (last five matches, most recent first)
India: LLWWW

In the spotlight

Chigumbura was Zimbabwe’s star with the bat, but Hamilton Masakadza‘s brief fireworks at the top constitute a promising sign for the team. Masakadza was sacked as captain prior to India’s visit, and went on to have a quiet ODI series. Zimbabwe’s most accomplished batsman’s hitting form could be vital if Vusi Sibanda cannot recover from the injury that kept him out of the first T20I.Yuzvendra Chahal had a disappointing T20I debut, offering the batsmen too much room to swing their arms and bowling the no-ball that precipitated Chigumbura’s assault. Nevertheless, his willingness to flight the ball in search of wickets and a potent googly make him a threat to batsmen. It also makes for compelling viewing.

Team news

Sibanda has joined Craig Ervine and Sean Williams on Zimbabwe’s injury list. Richmond Mutumbami, who had to retire hurt after taking a blow to the hip area on Saturday, will not be available either. This probably leaves the door open for Peter Moor, who will be a straight swap considering he is a specialist wicketkeeper, or Timycen Maruma.*Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Hamilton Masakadza, 2 Chamu Chibhabha, 3 Timycen Maruma/Peter Moor, 4 Sikandar Raza, 5 Malcolm Waller (wk), 6 Elton Chigumbura, 7 Tinotenda Mutombodzi, 8 Graeme Cremer (capt), 9 Neville Madziva, 10 Taurai Muzarabani, 11 Donald TiripanoIndia fielded five debutants in the first T20I, including Mandeep Singh, Rishi Dhawan and Jaydev Unadkat, who had their first outing of the tour. Unadkat and Dhawan bowled poorly; whether Dhoni chooses to give them another chance or brings Barinder Sran and Dhawal Kulkarni back is open to debate.India (probable): 1 KL Rahul, 2 Mandeep Singh, 3 Ambati Rayudu, 4 Manish Pandey, 5 Kedar Jadhav, 6 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 7 Axar Patel, 8 Rishi Dhawan/Dhawal Kulkarni, 9 Yuzvendra Chahal, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Jaydev Unadkat/Barinder Sran

Pitch and conditions

The pitch is expected to be batting friendly again at Harare Sports Club. The size of the outfield should test the fielders and reward batsmen who run hard between the wickets.

Stats and trivia

• Only once have Zimbabwe won consecutive T20I matches against Full Member oppositions – against Bangladesh in Khulna this January.
• Since India made their debut in T20 cricket, only twice have they packed as many as five debutants into an XI – against Zimbabwe on Saturday and against Zimbabwe a year ago.

*June 20, 08.00GMT: The preview was updated after Richmond Mutumbami’s injury update came in

Adam Voges became the oldest man to score a century on Test debut as Australia took control on the second day in Dominica

The Report by Brydon Coverdale04-Jun-2015
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAdam Voges played patiently for his debut hundred•Getty Images

Adam Voges became the oldest man to score a century on Test debut as Australia took control on the second day in Dominica. It was a day of frustration and missed opportunities for West Indies, who had the chance to run through Australia but allowed the tail to wag and found themselves facing a 170-run first-innings deficit. They then lost both their openers cheaply late in the afternoon.