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India are set to face Sri Lanka in a two-Test series, with the first match beginning on Saturday (Aug 15) in Galle. With India currently fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings and the next WTC final less than a year away, the Shubman Gill-led team will be looking for a series win. The Men in Blue are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings with a 48.15 per cent points percentage, behind fourth-placed Bangladesh (58.33 per cent) and ahead of sixth-placed Sri Lanka (41.67 per cent), making the upcoming series crucial for both teams' qualification hopes.&nbsp;Bangladesh, however, have a tough schedule ahead, as they will first host the West Indies before travelling to Australia for a challenging series.<h3>What happens if India win the Sri Lanka series?</h3>India can win the series either 1-0 or 2-0, but if India win one Test and the other ends in a draw, they will collect 16 points from the series and their total will increase to 68 points, while their points percentage will rise to 51.51 per cent.&nbsp;Sri Lanka's points percentage would fall to 33.33 per cent in that scenario.&nbsp;A 2-0 win would give India the maximum possible boost, as the two victories would earn them 24 points, taking their total to 76 after 11 Tests. Their points percentage would increase to 57.58 per cent.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2027-pandya-to-be-pursued-by-csk-and-kkr-ashwin-predicts-what-next-for-all-rounder-1786090897096">IPL 2027: Pandya to be pursued by CSK and KKR? Ashwin predicts what next for all-rounder</a>&nbsp;For Sri Lanka, losing both Tests at home would be a major setback and their points percentage would drop to 27.78 per cent, leaving them only slightly ahead of seventh-placed England.&nbsp;England currently have four wins from 13 Tests and a points percentage of 24.36 per cent.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/recovery-management-and-no-prehab-strength-and-conditioning-expert-shares-reason-behind-injuries-in-indian-cricket-1786085111228">Strength and conditioning expert shares reason behind injuries in Indian cricket</a>&nbsp;A series win could help India strengthen their fifth-place position as they could also move up to fourth if Bangladesh lose their upcoming series against Australia. However, even a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka would not be enough for India to break into the top three, as New Zealand currently have a points percentage of 72.22 per cent.&nbsp;<h2>WTC 2025-27 standings</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Rank</td><td>Team</td><td>P</td><td>W</td><td>L</td><td>D</td><td>NR</td><td>Deducted</td><td>Points</td><td>PCT</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Australia</td><td>8</td><td>7</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>84</td><td>87.5</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>South Africa</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>36</td><td>75.00</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>New Zealand</td><td>6</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>52</td><td>72.22</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Bangladesh</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>28</td><td>58.33</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>India</td><td>9</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>52</td><td>48.15</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Sri Lanka</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>20</td><td>41.67</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>England</td><td>13</td><td>4</td><td>8</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>14</td><td>38</td><td>24.36</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Pakistan</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>8</td><td>16</td><td>22.22</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>West Indies</td><td>12</td><td>2</td><td>8</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>30</td><td>20.83</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

India will look to improve their World Test Championship standing when they face Sri Lanka in a crucial two-Test series, with a clean sweep boosting their qualification hopes.

India are set to face Sri Lanka in a two-Test series, with the first match beginning on Saturday (Aug 15) in Galle. With India currently fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings and the next WTC final less than a year away, the Shubman Gill-led team will be looking for a series win. The Men in Blue are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings with a 48.15 per cent points percentage, behind fourth-placed Bangladesh (58.33 per cent) and ahead of sixth-placed Sri Lanka (41.67 per cent), making the upcoming series crucial for both teams' qualification hopes. Bangladesh, however, have a tough schedule ahead, as they will first host the West Indies before travelling to Australia for a challenging series. What happens if India win the Sri Lanka series? India can win the series either 1-0 or 2-0, but if India win one Test and the other ends in a draw, they will collect 16 points from the series and their total will increase to 68 points, while their points percentage will rise to 51.51 per cent. Sri Lanka's points percentage would fall to 33.33 per cent in that scenario. A 2-0 win would give India the maximum possible boost, as the two victories would earn them 24 points, taking their total to 76 after 11 Tests. Their points percentage would increase to 57.58 per cent. Also Read - IPL 2027: Pandya to be pursued by CSK and KKR? Ashwin predicts what next for all-rounder For Sri Lanka, losing both Tests at home would be a major setback and their points percentage would drop to 27.78 per cent, leaving them only slightly ahead of seventh-placed England. England currently have four wins from 13 Tests and a points percentage of 24.36 per cent. Also Read - Strength and conditioning expert shares reason behind injuries in Indian cricket A series win could help India strengthen their fifth-place position as they could also move up to fourth if Bangladesh lose their upcoming series against Australia. However, even a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka would not be enough for India to break into the top three, as New Zealand currently have a points percentage of 72.22 per cent. WTC 2025-27 standings

India will look to improve their World Test Championship standing when they face Sri Lanka in a crucial two-Test series, with a clean sweep boosting their qualification hopes.

Explained | Can India reach WTC final with a series win in Sri Lanka?

Hardik Pandya's future with Mumbai Indians hangs in the balance after the franchise missed the playoffs for two straight seasons under his captaincy, finishing near the bottom of the table in 2026. MI's post-season review is still underway, but speculation over a trade has only intensified, with the pre-auction window open until December. Chennai Super Kings have emerged as strong contenders, with Ravichandran Ashwin fuelling the buzz with his predictions. Whether Pandya stays or moves, his next destination could reshape IPL 2027's power balance significantly.<h2>What does Ashwin think about Pandya's next team?</h2>Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin predicted five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and three-time winner Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), as the next possible teams for star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/recovery-management-and-no-prehab-strength-and-conditioning-expert-shares-reason-behind-injuries-in-indian-cricket-1786085111228">'Recovery management and no prehab': Strength and conditioning expert shares reason behind injuries in Indian cricket</a>“Don’t count out Hardik going to a franchise other than CSK or KKR. The talks are that CSK will give Dube and a pacer, while KKR gives away Cameron Green. What happens if Green decides to focus on the Ashes next year? If I were MI, I would accept a deal with KKR on only one condition, which is getting Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh in return. That is the only way MI gets stronger,” Ashwin said.“MI will also think who between CSK and KKR gets stronger through the Hardik trade. If CSK give away Dube and one Indian pacer to get Hardik, they get strong but not invincible. However, if KKR get Hardik, they suddenly look very strong. KKR will become a lethal batting lineup with Hardik. These are teams with five, five and three titles, so MI have to think how they can ensure one of these teams doesn’t leapfrog them,” he added.<h2>Why CSK and KKR make sense?</h2>CSK recently parted ways with Stephan Fleming and with Dhoni on the sidelines more often than not, Pandya could provide much needed stability to a young team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Pandya can offer a solid base in the middle order while chipping in with overs and offering captaincy inputs as well.KKR, on the other hand, are looking for a new captain after Ajinkya Rahane's retirement. KKR have an all-rounder in Cam Green but he can very well choose national duty over IPL, leaving KKR hanging in balance for a genuine all-rounder.

Ashwin predicted five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and three-time winner Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), as the next possible teams for star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

Hardik Pandya's future with Mumbai Indians hangs in the balance after the franchise missed the playoffs for two straight seasons under his captaincy, finishing near the bottom of the table in 2026. MI's post-season review is still underway, but speculation over a trade has only intensified, with the pre-auction window open until December. Chennai Super Kings have emerged as strong contenders, with Ravichandran Ashwin fuelling the buzz with his predictions. Whether Pandya stays or moves, his next destination could reshape IPL 2027's power balance significantly. What does Ashwin think about Pandya's next team? Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin predicted five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and three-time winner Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), as the next possible teams for star all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Also Read - 'Recovery management and no prehab': Strength and conditioning expert shares reason behind injuries in Indian cricket “Don’t count out Hardik going to a franchise other than CSK or KKR. The talks are that CSK will give Dube and a pacer, while KKR gives away Cameron Green. What happens if Green decides to focus on the Ashes next year? If I were MI, I would accept a deal with KKR on only one condition, which is getting Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh in return. That is the only way MI gets stronger,” Ashwin said. “MI will also think who between CSK and KKR gets stronger through the Hardik trade. If CSK give away Dube and one Indian pacer to get Hardik, they get strong but not invincible. However, if KKR get Hardik, they suddenly look very strong. KKR will become a lethal batting lineup with Hardik. These are teams with five, five and three titles, so MI have to think how they can ensure one of these teams doesn’t leapfrog them,” he added. Why CSK and KKR make sense? CSK recently parted ways with Stephan Fleming and with Dhoni on the sidelines more often than not, Pandya could provide much needed stability to a young team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Pandya can offer a solid base in the middle order while chipping in with overs and offering captaincy inputs as well. KKR, on the other hand, are looking for a new captain after Ajinkya Rahane's retirement. KKR have an all-rounder in Cam Green but he can very well choose national duty over IPL, leaving KKR hanging in balance for a genuine all-rounder.

Ashwin predicted five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and three-time winner Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), as the next possible teams for star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

IPL 2027: Pandya to be pursued by CSK and KKR? Ashwin predicts what next for all-rounder

Indian cricket team is currently going through a spate of injuries with the latest one being Jasprit Bumrah, who recently withdrew from upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Before him, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy had suffered injuries with B Sai Sudharsan in the squad subject to fitness. In the recent times, it has been observed that players are suffering from injuries more often despite the fitness being focused upon more than ever. The BCCI is also planning to bring more fitness standards to ensure the players remain injury free but the question remains - what is causing the injuries?Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-s-asia-cup-2026-schedule-announced-india-vs-pakistan-on-sep-5-1786030626541">Women's Asia Cup 2026 schedule announced, India vs Pakistan on Sep 5</a>WION spoke to sports strength and conditioning coach Jivesh Bali, who also played cricket for Punjab, about the injuries plaguing the Indian cricket and he pointed out less recovery time as the main reason for the injuries. Jivesh has experience working with athletes in events like Nepal Premier League, World Legends Pro T20 League, and is a certified cricket strength and conditioning training specialist.“If we talk about the injuries, there's nothing to talk about the fitness levels rather than it's about the recovery management. In India, the athletes are suffering from this work overload. The athletes nowadays are being over-trained by the coaches you can say or by the management or by the federation so the recovery is one thing that is the main issue in re-occurring those injuries which athletes are going through.”Bali also spoke about Jasprit Bumrah's case in particular to explain the workload being experienced by the players and said: "Bumrah was continuously playing all three formats, i.e., Test match, ODIs, T20Is before his first injury happened. And because of his packed schedule, there is no time between all those high intensity cricket formats, leaving him no time for the recovery."A single player being pushed to all the three formats leaves little time for recovery and there is so much load on the muscles, joints, complete body that it needs time to recover. And, there is no time for that hence athletes are going through the injuries."There is not a question about their fitness levels or the sports science because India has the world's top notch sports science setups now. The question is the recovery management - 'Are you giving them the proper duration to recover themselves from the high intensity cricket?' Whether it is 5-day, red ball cricket or the white ball cricket."<h2>The BCCI is planning to include the 2K test and they already have the Bronco test. What is the difference if you could talk us about it?</h2>If we talk about Bronco test, there was a drill earlier athletes used to do that was the shuttle run in which there is the distance between 40 meters and 80 meters and then you have to basically run high intensity. The athletes then change direction and have to run back to the cones and then again to the another level so basically this mimics the movements in cricket, such as running between the wicket.The same is being mimicked in the Bronco test in which one has to run between the wickets to and fro. You have to be agile enough to quickly change the direction and then come forward, come back to that position. Basically Bronco test is targeting the high intensity aerobic thing. As for 2K, it is for enhancing cardiovascular conditioning. It helps to get a better resting heart rate, which helps during the match.Bronco test is always a little bit a step higher than the 2k test for pacers, batters, fielders and for the spinners. I'll say both the tests, Bronco and 2K, are more or less equal.<h2>You think that BCCI introducing these standardized Bronco test and 2K fitness test will help reduce the injuries?</h2>These tests are working on the certain physical parameter that is the aerobic endurance and the high intensity. So to work on the injuries, they need to work on many other things like - a specific reason of why the athletes are getting injuries much more often.I was doing that research and realized that athletes are not working on their biomechanics - Just giving you an example, in case of an injury, the athlete goes to the physiotherapist, or to the doctor to get the injury treated.The other perspective which the athletes should be working on is - the prehab part. You know the rehab part, once the injury is done, then there is a rehab. The second perspective which is now booming nowadays is the prehab part to avoid the further more injury happening.For prehab - first is the regular testing of the athletes which includes workload monitoring of the athletes so the management is aware of any potential injuries in future.As for poor biomechanics, if a bowler is getting a recurring knee injuries if could be because of the wrong way of landing the front leg, hip rotation timing, or front foot striking.These all issues need to be monitored on a regular basis to prevent, for example, the knee injury I've talked about. That's the one part you can prevent the knee injuries. Plus, the calendar, the schedule of the BCCI is very much hectic for the athletes.If a single player is playing all the three formats and you are presenting your country at an international level, so it's always high intensity cricket. Then there is domestic cricket as well, then there is IPL as well which leaves no time of recovering.They should be getting the pool of athletes, pool of players who are specialized in the different formats. Whether it is five-day cricket or white-ball, they should be have a different 15 altogether, different 15 for the test cricket, for T20 different 15 and for the ODI cricket different 15.And plus one more thing, the body is not adapting to the like weather changes. The Indian team travels a lot whether it is in India or outside India as well. The body is not acclimatizing to the weather or the nutrition outside. It has to be taken in care of like the nutrition, the recovery management, the neuromuscular fatigue as well - Athletes need to be focusing on that as well and the sports science professionals also.The BCCI has to think about this thing first that they need not to force any player or should not involve every player to play all the three formats. This is one thing which can solve the injury part to some extent.<h2>Also, you have worked with players across the globe of all age groups. How do foreign players or foreign cricket nations assess their players' fitness and what lessons do you think BCCI can take from them?</h2>The athletes in the foreign countries know what they are training for, the purpose for their training. In India, we can say the athletes are just in sport specific training, they are mimicking the movements, but the actual science says if you want to do the sport specific thing, you can only train the physical parameters. One has to work on the physical parameters.If you are doing drills like mimicking the movements of the sport then it is just a waste of time. Instead of that, you should be focusing on the force development, energy transfer from lower body to upper body, your rotational skills, and your anti-rotational stability.All these efforts need to be trained not just the movements. You have to train the physical parameters, agility, reflexes, force development, energy transfers, speed, and power. These are the physical parameters which I like feel like the players in the different countries are working on rather than focusing on any of the other fancy drills.Also, their (foreign countries) recovery prospect is top notch. The performance is basically hard work minus your fatigue. In India, the places I have worked, I have worked with seven different including wrestlers, boxers, cyclists, track and field athletes, the cricketers as well, most of the athletes are over-training at their age.And, the injuries are also reoccurring because the competition in India is that much high that a single player wants to play as soon as possible or as soon as he completes his fitness test. Once the fitness test is cleared, you have the green signal, but those tissues need proper recovery as well and joints, tissues need to be progressively overloaded.It's not that you have gone through the injury, you have done the rehab part, you are back to sport and you are ready to play high intensity cricket. It takes time for these things.

In the recent times, it has been observed that players are suffering from injuries more often despite the fitness being focused open more than ever. The BCCI is also planning to bring more fitness standards to ensure the players remain injury free but the question remains - what is causing the injuries?

Indian cricket team is currently going through a spate of injuries with the latest one being Jasprit Bumrah, who recently withdrew from upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Before him, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy had suffered injuries with B Sai Sudharsan in the squad subject to fitness. In the recent times, it has been observed that players are suffering from injuries more often despite the fitness being focused upon more than ever. The BCCI is also planning to bring more fitness standards to ensure the players remain injury free but the question remains - what is causing the injuries? Also Read - Women's Asia Cup 2026 schedule announced, India vs Pakistan on Sep 5 WION spoke to sports strength and conditioning coach Jivesh Bali, who also played cricket for Punjab, about the injuries plaguing the Indian cricket and he pointed out less recovery time as the main reason for the injuries. Jivesh has experience working with athletes in events like Nepal Premier League, World Legends Pro T20 League, and is a certified cricket strength and conditioning training specialist. “If we talk about the injuries, there's nothing to talk about the fitness levels rather than it's about the recovery management. In India, the athletes are suffering from this work overload. The athletes nowadays are being over-trained by the coaches you can say or by the management or by the federation so the recovery is one thing that is the main issue in re-occurring those injuries which athletes are going through.” Bali also spoke about Jasprit Bumrah's case in particular to explain the workload being experienced by the players and said: "Bumrah was continuously playing all three formats, i.e., Test match, ODIs, T20Is before his first injury happened. And because of his packed schedule, there is no time between all those high intensity cricket formats, leaving him no time for the recovery. "A single player being pushed to all the three formats leaves little time for recovery and there is so much load on the muscles, joints, complete body that it needs time to recover. And, there is no time for that hence athletes are going through the injuries. "There is not a question about their fitness levels or the sports science because India has the world's top notch sports science setups now. The question is the recovery management - 'Are you giving them the proper duration to recover themselves from the high intensity cricket?' Whether it is 5-day, red ball cricket or the white ball cricket." The BCCI is planning to include the 2K test and they already have the Bronco test. What is the difference if you could talk us about it? If we talk about Bronco test, there was a drill earlier athletes used to do that was the shuttle run in which there is the distance between 40 meters and 80 meters and then you have to basically run high intensity. The athletes then change direction and have to run back to the cones and then again to the another level so basically this mimics the movements in cricket, such as running between the wicket. The same is being mimicked in the Bronco test in which one has to run between the wickets to and fro. You have to be agile enough to quickly change the direction and then come forward, come back to that position. Basically Bronco test is targeting the high intensity aerobic thing. As for 2K, it is for enhancing cardiovascular conditioning. It helps to get a better resting heart rate, which helps during the match. Bronco test is always a little bit a step higher than the 2k test for pacers, batters, fielders and for the spinners. I'll say both the tests, Bronco and 2K, are more or less equal. You think that BCCI introducing these standardized Bronco test and 2K fitness test will help reduce the injuries? These tests are working on the certain physical parameter that is the aerobic endurance and the high intensity. So to work on the injuries, they need to work on many other things like - a specific reason of why the athletes are getting injuries much more often. I was doing that research and realized that athletes are not working on their biomechanics - Just giving you an example, in case of an injury, the athlete goes to the physiotherapist, or to the doctor to get the injury treated. The other perspective which the athletes should be working on is - the prehab part. You know the rehab part, once the injury is done, then there is a rehab. The second perspective which is now booming nowadays is the prehab part to avoid the further more injury happening. For prehab - first is the regular testing of the athletes which includes workload monitoring of the athletes so the management is aware of any potential injuries in future. As for poor biomechanics, if a bowler is getting a recurring knee injuries if could be because of the wrong way of landing the front leg, hip rotation timing, or front foot striking. These all issues need to be monitored on a regular basis to prevent, for example, the knee injury I've talked about. That's the one part you can prevent the knee injuries. Plus, the calendar, the schedule of the BCCI is very much hectic for the athletes. If a single player is playing all the three formats and you are presenting your country at an international level, so it's always high intensity cricket. Then there is domestic cricket as well, then there is IPL as well which leaves no time of recovering. They should be getting the pool of athletes, pool of players who are specialized in the different formats. Whether it is five-day cricket or white-ball, they should be have a different 15 altogether, different 15 for the test cricket, for T20 different 15 and for the ODI cricket different 15. And plus one more thing, the body is not adapting to the like weather changes. The Indian team travels a lot whether it is in India or outside India as well. The body is not acclimatizing to the weather or the nutrition outside. It has to be taken in care of like the nutrition, the recovery management, the neuromuscular fatigue as well - Athletes need to be focusing on that as well and the sports science professionals also. The BCCI has to think about this thing first that they need not to force any player or should not involve every player to play all the three formats. This is one thing which can solve the injury part to some extent. Also, you have worked with players across the globe of all age groups. How do foreign players or foreign cricket nations assess their players' fitness and what lessons do you think BCCI can take from them? The athletes in the foreign countries know what they are training for, the purpose for their training. In India, we can say the athletes are just in sport specific training, they are mimicking the movements, but the actual science says if you want to do the sport specific thing, you can only train the physical parameters. One has to work on the physical parameters. If you are doing drills like mimicking the movements of the sport then it is just a waste of time. Instead of that, you should be focusing on the force development, energy transfer from lower body to upper body, your rotational skills, and your anti-rotational stability. All these efforts need to be trained not just the movements. You have to train the physical parameters, agility, reflexes, force development, energy transfers, speed, and power. These are the physical parameters which I like feel like the players in the different countries are working on rather than focusing on any of the other fancy drills. Also, their (foreign countries) recovery prospect is top notch. The performance is basically hard work minus your fatigue. In India, the places I have worked, I have worked with seven different including wrestlers, boxers, cyclists, track and field athletes, the cricketers as well, most of the athletes are over-training at their age. And, the injuries are also reoccurring because the competition in India is that much high that a single player wants to play as soon as possible or as soon as he completes his fitness test. Once the fitness test is cleared, you have the green signal, but those tissues need proper recovery as well and joints, tissues need to be progressively overloaded. It's not that you have gone through the injury, you have done the rehab part, you are back to sport and you are ready to play high intensity cricket. It takes time for these things.

In the recent times, it has been observed that players are suffering from injuries more often despite the fitness being focused open more than ever. The BCCI is also planning to bring more fitness standards to ensure the players remain injury free but the question remains - what is causing the injuries?

'Recovery management and no prehab': Strength and conditioning expert shares reason behind injuries in Indian cricket

The Indian women’s cricket team will face arch-rivals Pakistan in one of the biggest matches of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 on Sep 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) released the schedule for the continental tournament on X on Thursday (Aug 6). The 2026 edition will feature eight teams, with all matches set to be played in Dubai between Aug 28 and Sep 13.&nbsp;&nbsp;India will open their campaign against Thailand on Aug 30, face Hong Kong on Sep 3 and then take on arch-rivals Pakistan in a highly anticipated clash on Sep 5.&nbsp;The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals on Sep 10 and 11, with the final scheduled for Sep 13.&nbsp;&nbsp;India are the most successful team in Women’s Asia Cup history, having won the title seven times. They finished runners-up in the previous edition. Pakistan are yet to win the tournament, while Bangladesh are the only other team to have claimed the title, having won it once.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-3-day-warm-up-match-all-you-need-to-know-1786022298093">India vs Sri Lanka 3-day warm-up match: All you need to know</a><h3>Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Groups</h3><ul><li>Group A: India, Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong</li><li>Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE and Indonesia</li></ul>Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-blow-to-india-as-shubman-gill-suffers-thumb-injury-ahead-of-sri-lanka-test-opener-1786014074820">Big blow to India as Shubman Gill suffers thumb injury ahead of SL Test opener</a><h2>Women’s Asia Cup 2026 full schedule</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Date</td><td>Day</td><td>Team 1</td><td>Team 2</td><td>Venue</td><td>Start Time (IST)</td></tr><tr><td>Aug 28</td><td>Group A</td><td>Thailand</td><td>Hong Kong</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Aug 29</td><td>Group B</td><td>Sri Lanka</td><td>UAE</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Aug 30</td><td>Group A</td><td>India</td><td>Thailand</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Aug 31</td><td>Group B</td><td>Bangladesh</td><td>Indonesia</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sept 1</td><td>Group A</td><td>Pakistan</td><td>Thailand</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 2</td><td>Group B</td><td>Sri Lanka</td><td>Indonesia</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 3</td><td>Group A</td><td>India</td><td>Hong Kong</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 4</td><td>Group B</td><td>UAE</td><td>Indonesia</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 5</td><td>Group A</td><td>India</td><td>Pakistan</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 6</td><td>Group B</td><td>Sri Lanka</td><td>Bangladesh</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 7</td><td>Group A</td><td>Pakistan</td><td>Hong Kong</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 8</td><td>Group B</td><td>Bangladesh</td><td>UAE</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 10</td><td>Semifinal 1</td><td>A1</td><td>B2</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 11</td><td>Semifinal 2</td><td>B1</td><td>A2</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 13</td><td>Final</td><td>–</td><td>–</td><td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td><td>08:00 PM</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

The 2026 Women's Asia Cup will feature eight teams, with all matches scheduled to be played in Dubai from Aug 28 to Sep 13.

The Indian women’s cricket team will face arch-rivals Pakistan in one of the biggest matches of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 on Sep 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) released the schedule for the continental tournament on X on Thursday (Aug 6). The 2026 edition will feature eight teams, with all matches set to be played in Dubai between Aug 28 and Sep 13. India will open their campaign against Thailand on Aug 30, face Hong Kong on Sep 3 and then take on arch-rivals Pakistan in a highly anticipated clash on Sep 5. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals on Sep 10 and 11, with the final scheduled for Sep 13. India are the most successful team in Women’s Asia Cup history, having won the title seven times. They finished runners-up in the previous edition. Pakistan are yet to win the tournament, while Bangladesh are the only other team to have claimed the title, having won it once. Also Read - India vs Sri Lanka 3-day warm-up match: All you need to know Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Groups Group A: India, Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE and Indonesia Also Read - Big blow to India as Shubman Gill suffers thumb injury ahead of SL Test opener Women’s Asia Cup 2026 full schedule

The 2026 Women's Asia Cup will feature eight teams, with all matches scheduled to be played in Dubai from Aug 28 to Sep 13.

Women's Asia Cup 2026 schedule announced, India vs Pakistan on Sep 5

From Kieron Pollard to Chris Gayle, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in T20s. This list also includes Jos Buttler, Alex Hales and David Warner

From Kieron Pollard to Chris Gayle, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in T20s. This list also includes Jos Buttler, Alex Hales and David Warner

From Jos Buttler to Kieron Pollard, 5 highest run-scorers in T20 cricket

India will face Sri Lanka A in a crucial three-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo from Aug 7 to 9. Shubman Gill will lead a strong Indian squad, while Sri Lanka A will feature a combination of young players and experienced campaigners. Seven members of the Sri Lanka A side were also part of the team that played against India A in Jun-Jul. India will miss Sai Sudharsan at the start of the game, with the batter expected to join the squad midway through the practice match.&nbsp;&nbsp;The warm-up game will also give India a chance to finalise their bowling combination in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar. Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the pace attack, while Ravindra Jadeja’s return will strengthen the spin department. Young spinner Manav Suthar is also expected to get an opportunity.&nbsp;Saransh Jain, who has received his first Test call-up, will also be eager to impress. The 33-year-old played for India A in Sri Lanka last month and picked up seven wickets across four innings.&nbsp;However, the main focus will be on India’s batting line-up, led by captain Gill. India won their previous two Test series in Sri Lanka, in 2015 and 2017, but the hosts have become a difficult team to beat at home. India’s recent struggles in Test cricket, including two series defeats at home in the last two years, have also increased the pressure on their batters to handle spin effectively.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bwf-world-championships-2026-draw-ayush-shetty-to-face-shi-yuqi-in-first-round-pv-sindhu-lakshya-sen-get-easy-opener-1786000731461">BWF World C'ships 2026: Ayush to face Yuqi in Rd 1; Sindhu, Sen get easy opener</a>&nbsp;Sri Lanka are expected to rely heavily on their spinners in the upcoming Test series, with Prabath Jayasuriya likely to lead the attack. The warm-up match will give India’s batters an important chance to understand the conditions and prepare for the challenge ahead.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-blow-to-india-as-shubman-gill-suffers-thumb-injury-ahead-of-sri-lanka-test-opener-1786014074820">Big blow to India as Shubman Gill suffers thumb injury ahead of Sri Lanka Test opener</a>&nbsp;Sri Lanka have not yet announced their squad for the two-Test series. The squad is expected to be named after the warm-up game at the NCC Ground.&nbsp;Sri Lanka A will be captained by 25-year-old all-rounder Sonal Dinusha, who bowls left-arm orthodox spin. Another left-arm spinner, Dilum Sudeera, will also be one to watch.&nbsp;&nbsp;India arrived in Colombo on Aug 4 and have already completed two training sessions. The entire squad took part in the final practice session on the eve of the warm-up game.<h3>When and where to watch India vs Sri Lanka A warm-up match</h3>The first day’s play will begin at 10 am IST on Friday (Aug 7). Sony Sports Network will broadcast the match live in India, while Sony LIV will provide live streaming.&nbsp;<h3>India vs Sri Lanka A warm-up match squads</h3>India: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan (subject to fitness), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi.&nbsp;Sri Lanka A: Nishan Madushka, Ravindu Rashantha, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha (Captain), Anjala Bandara (WK), Nipun Dananjaya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asanka Manoj, Isitha Wijesundara, Ramesh Mendis, Kesara Nuwantha and Dilum Sudeera.

India will face Sri Lanka A in a three-day warm-up match in Colombo from Aug 7, giving Shubman Gill's team a chance to adapt to local conditions and finalise their bowling combination ahead of the two-Test series.

India will face Sri Lanka A in a crucial three-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo from Aug 7 to 9. Shubman Gill will lead a strong Indian squad, while Sri Lanka A will feature a combination of young players and experienced campaigners. Seven members of the Sri Lanka A side were also part of the team that played against India A in Jun-Jul. India will miss Sai Sudharsan at the start of the game, with the batter expected to join the squad midway through the practice match. The warm-up game will also give India a chance to finalise their bowling combination in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar. Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the pace attack, while Ravindra Jadeja’s return will strengthen the spin department. Young spinner Manav Suthar is also expected to get an opportunity. Saransh Jain, who has received his first Test call-up, will also be eager to impress. The 33-year-old played for India A in Sri Lanka last month and picked up seven wickets across four innings. However, the main focus will be on India’s batting line-up, led by captain Gill. India won their previous two Test series in Sri Lanka, in 2015 and 2017, but the hosts have become a difficult team to beat at home. India’s recent struggles in Test cricket, including two series defeats at home in the last two years, have also increased the pressure on their batters to handle spin effectively. Also Read - BWF World C'ships 2026: Ayush to face Yuqi in Rd 1; Sindhu, Sen get easy opener Sri Lanka are expected to rely heavily on their spinners in the upcoming Test series, with Prabath Jayasuriya likely to lead the attack. The warm-up match will give India’s batters an important chance to understand the conditions and prepare for the challenge ahead. Also Read - Big blow to India as Shubman Gill suffers thumb injury ahead of Sri Lanka Test opener Sri Lanka have not yet announced their squad for the two-Test series. The squad is expected to be named after the warm-up game at the NCC Ground. Sri Lanka A will be captained by 25-year-old all-rounder Sonal Dinusha, who bowls left-arm orthodox spin. Another left-arm spinner, Dilum Sudeera, will also be one to watch. India arrived in Colombo on Aug 4 and have already completed two training sessions. The entire squad took part in the final practice session on the eve of the warm-up game. When and where to watch India vs Sri Lanka A warm-up match The first day’s play will begin at 10 am IST on Friday (Aug 7). Sony Sports Network will broadcast the match live in India, while Sony LIV will provide live streaming. India vs Sri Lanka A warm-up match squads India: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan (subject to fitness), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi. Sri Lanka A: Nishan Madushka, Ravindu Rashantha, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha (Captain), Anjala Bandara (WK), Nipun Dananjaya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asanka Manoj, Isitha Wijesundara, Ramesh Mendis, Kesara Nuwantha and Dilum Sudeera.

India will face Sri Lanka A in a three-day warm-up match in Colombo from Aug 7, giving Shubman Gill's team a chance to adapt to local conditions and finalise their bowling combination ahead of the two-Test series.

India vs Sri Lanka 3-day warm-up match: All you need to know

India Test captain Shubman Gill suffered a blow to his thumb during a net session on Thursday (Aug 6), just a day before the team’s warm-up game against Sri Lanka A. The setback comes at a time when India have been dealing with several injury concerns across both red-ball and white-ball cricket. India began preparations for the warm-up match and Test series after arriving in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, but Shubman Gill suffered a thumb injury during Thursday's practice and required medical attention.&nbsp;According to reports, the Indian captain was treated by the team’s medical staff before returning to the nets and continuing his practice. &nbsp;&nbsp;The injury is another concern for India, who have already faced several setbacks ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana were ruled out earlier, while injuries to Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar have added to the team’s selection worries.&nbsp;Bumrah has been ruled out of the series, which has opened the door for Auqib Nabi to receive his first India call-up. Sundar is also unlikely to play in the opening Test after picking up a hamstring injury during the ODI series against England.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/history-jos-buttler-breaks-kieron-pollard-s-all-time-t20-run-record-1786010615174">History! Jos Buttler breaks Kieron Pollard's all-time T20 run record</a>&nbsp;Sudharsan is another doubt for the first Test as he continues to recover from a toe injury. He did not travel with the Indian team to Sri Lanka and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/korea-masters-2026-tanvi-sharma-continues-dream-run-books-quarterfinal-spot-1786009018355">Korea Masters 2026: Tanvi Sharma continues dream run, books quarterfinal spot</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, India’s batters will get an opportunity to improve their game against spin in a three-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo on Friday. The practice game will be held ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;India will be keen to get used to quality spin before the Test series, as spin bowling troubled them during the home series against New Zealand and South Africa and they are likely to face another tough challenge against Sri Lanka’s spinners.

Shubman Gill suffered a thumb injury ahead of the Sri Lanka A warm-up match, adding to India's growing injury concerns before the Test series.

India Test captain Shubman Gill suffered a blow to his thumb during a net session on Thursday (Aug 6), just a day before the team’s warm-up game against Sri Lanka A. The setback comes at a time when India have been dealing with several injury concerns across both red-ball and white-ball cricket. India began preparations for the warm-up match and Test series after arriving in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, but Shubman Gill suffered a thumb injury during Thursday's practice and required medical attention. According to reports, the Indian captain was treated by the team’s medical staff before returning to the nets and continuing his practice. The injury is another concern for India, who have already faced several setbacks ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana were ruled out earlier, while injuries to Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar have added to the team’s selection worries. Bumrah has been ruled out of the series, which has opened the door for Auqib Nabi to receive his first India call-up. Sundar is also unlikely to play in the opening Test after picking up a hamstring injury during the ODI series against England. Also Read - History! Jos Buttler breaks Kieron Pollard's all-time T20 run record Sudharsan is another doubt for the first Test as he continues to recover from a toe injury. He did not travel with the Indian team to Sri Lanka and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Also Read - Korea Masters 2026: Tanvi Sharma continues dream run, books quarterfinal spot Meanwhile, India’s batters will get an opportunity to improve their game against spin in a three-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo on Friday. The practice game will be held ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins next week. India will be keen to get used to quality spin before the Test series, as spin bowling troubled them during the home series against New Zealand and South Africa and they are likely to face another tough challenge against Sri Lanka’s spinners.

Shubman Gill suffered a thumb injury ahead of the Sri Lanka A warm-up match, adding to India's growing injury concerns before the Test series.

Big blow to India as Shubman Gill suffers thumb injury ahead of Sri Lanka Test opener

Jos Buttler scripted T20 history by becoming the format’s highest run-scorer, surpassing Kieron Pollard’s record of 14,803 runs during Manchester Super Giants’ chase against Welsh Fire at Old Trafford, with his unbeaten 51 off 20 balls taking his tally to 14,833 runs from 492 innings in his 522nd T20 appearance.&nbsp;Pollard has moved to second place with 14,803 runs from 746 T20 matches and 663 innings. The former West Indies captain had earlier this year overtaken Chris Gayle to become the leading run-scorer in the format.&nbsp;Gayle is now third on the list with 14,562 runs from 463 T20 matches. Alex Hales follows him in fourth place with 14,449 runs, while David Warner is fifth with 14,284 runs.&nbsp;Buttler, who guided England to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2022, has scored 4,212 runs in 160 T20Is. He has also made 1,192 runs in 31 Hundred matches.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/korea-masters-2026-tanvi-sharma-continues-dream-run-books-quarterfinal-spot-1786009018355">Korea Masters 2026: Tanvi Sharma continues dream run, books quarterfinal spot</a>&nbsp;In the IPL, Buttler has played for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans and has scored 4,646 runs in the tournament, including seven centuries and 28 half-centuries.&nbsp;Buttler's unbeaten 51 against Welsh Fire played a crucial role in Manchester Super Giants' comfortable win as they chased down the 156-run target in just 69 balls, losing only one wicket.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bwf-world-championships-2026-draw-ayush-shetty-to-face-shi-yuqi-in-first-round-pv-sindhu-lakshya-sen-get-easy-opener-1786000731461">BWF World C'ships 2026: Ayush to face Yuqi in Rd 1; Sindhu, Sen get easy opener</a>&nbsp;Buttler has now registered four half-centuries in six matches for Manchester Super Giants this season. With 277 runs, he is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.&nbsp;His latest fifty also saw him match the record for the most 50-plus scores in a single edition of The Hundred. Before Buttler, only Dawid Malan and James Vince had achieved four such scores in one season of the men’s Hundred.&nbsp;<h2>Batters with most runs in T20s</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>Position</th><th>Player</th><th>M</th><th>R</th><th>Best Score</th><th>100/50</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1.</td><td>Jos Buttler</td><td>522</td><td>14,833</td><td>131</td><td>9/106</td></tr><tr><td>2.</td><td>Kieron Pollard</td><td>746</td><td>14,803</td><td>104</td><td>2/70</td></tr><tr><td>3.</td><td>Chris Gayle</td><td>463</td><td>14,562</td><td>175*</td><td>22/88</td></tr><tr><td>4.</td><td>Alex Hales</td><td>528</td><td>14,449</td><td>119*</td><td>7/92</td></tr><tr><td>5.</td><td>David Warner</td><td>439</td><td>14,284</td><td>135*</td><td>10/118</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Jos Buttler became the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket after surpassing Kieron Pollard's tally, taking his career total to 14,833 runs in his 522nd T20 match, while Pollard is now second with 14,803 runs.

Jos Buttler scripted T20 history by becoming the format’s highest run-scorer, surpassing Kieron Pollard’s record of 14,803 runs during Manchester Super Giants’ chase against Welsh Fire at Old Trafford, with his unbeaten 51 off 20 balls taking his tally to 14,833 runs from 492 innings in his 522nd T20 appearance. Pollard has moved to second place with 14,803 runs from 746 T20 matches and 663 innings. The former West Indies captain had earlier this year overtaken Chris Gayle to become the leading run-scorer in the format. Gayle is now third on the list with 14,562 runs from 463 T20 matches. Alex Hales follows him in fourth place with 14,449 runs, while David Warner is fifth with 14,284 runs. Buttler, who guided England to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2022, has scored 4,212 runs in 160 T20Is. He has also made 1,192 runs in 31 Hundred matches. Also Read - Korea Masters 2026: Tanvi Sharma continues dream run, books quarterfinal spot In the IPL, Buttler has played for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans and has scored 4,646 runs in the tournament, including seven centuries and 28 half-centuries. Buttler's unbeaten 51 against Welsh Fire played a crucial role in Manchester Super Giants' comfortable win as they chased down the 156-run target in just 69 balls, losing only one wicket. Also Read - BWF World C'ships 2026: Ayush to face Yuqi in Rd 1; Sindhu, Sen get easy opener Buttler has now registered four half-centuries in six matches for Manchester Super Giants this season. With 277 runs, he is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. His latest fifty also saw him match the record for the most 50-plus scores in a single edition of The Hundred. Before Buttler, only Dawid Malan and James Vince had achieved four such scores in one season of the men’s Hundred. Batters with most runs in T20s

Jos Buttler became the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket after surpassing Kieron Pollard's tally, taking his career total to 14,833 runs in his 522nd T20 match, while Pollard is now second with 14,803 runs.

History! Jos Buttler breaks Kieron Pollard's all-time T20 run record

Former West Indies great sir Vivian Richards has stepped into the growing rift between West Indies coach Daren Sammy and pacer Alzarri Joseph, urging both to bury the hatchet. The controversy erupted after Joseph pulled out of the ongoing Pakistan Test series citing personal reasons, prompting Sammy to say he had "declined selection." Joseph hit back, calling the remark "controversial" and lacking context. Richards weighed in, insisting the coach's public comments "weren't really necessary" and stressing that the duo shared a strong bond during their St Lucia Kings days. The legend warned such fallouts can hurt careers and urged both to rebuild trust quickly.<h2>Richards calls out Sammy's remarks on Alzaari Joseph</h2>"This sometimes hampers guys’ professional careers, you know. Such statements, if it’s not true and stuff like that, a lot of things linger. The two had a great relationship when he was with the St Lucia franchise, so I’m not quite so certain why relations have gone a bit south. The relationship, I know, is much bigger than what we hear on the air so it would be of importance to try and rekindle that. We sometimes misstep at times and so long as we have a heart at times, knowing that sometimes the mistakes that we make, we can always put things together and get these guys going again," said Richards to local news outlet Antigua Observer."I would like to think that Alzarri, and this is just my opinion, would have made it clear as to exactly what the whole stuff was and how he felt and what he meant and I think there are two sides to the story. To get the coach saying – and to me it looks like he (was saying) – he (Alzarri) refused selection, and that’s pushing it in my opinion, it’s pushing it in a very big way. I’d like to think that Alzarri would have gone about it in the professional way, and so that at least the statement from coach Sammy wasn’t really necessary in my opinion," he added.<h2>What happened in the Pakistan vs West Indies Test series?</h2>West Indies won the first Test but Pakistan bounced back in style with the win the in the second Test as the series came to a 1-1 draw. This was Pakistan's first away Test win in three years and first for Babar Azam since returning as Test captain, replacing Shan Masood. Under Babar, Pakistan have won nine out 12 away Tests, though mostly against West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, it is the best record for any captain to have led in 10 or more away Tests.

The controversy erupted after Joseph pulled out of the ongoing Pakistan Test series citing personal reasons, prompting Sammy to say he had "declined selection."

Former West Indies great sir Vivian Richards has stepped into the growing rift between West Indies coach Daren Sammy and pacer Alzarri Joseph, urging both to bury the hatchet. The controversy erupted after Joseph pulled out of the ongoing Pakistan Test series citing personal reasons, prompting Sammy to say he had "declined selection." Joseph hit back, calling the remark "controversial" and lacking context. Richards weighed in, insisting the coach's public comments "weren't really necessary" and stressing that the duo shared a strong bond during their St Lucia Kings days. The legend warned such fallouts can hurt careers and urged both to rebuild trust quickly. Richards calls out Sammy's remarks on Alzaari Joseph "This sometimes hampers guys’ professional careers, you know. Such statements, if it’s not true and stuff like that, a lot of things linger. The two had a great relationship when he was with the St Lucia franchise, so I’m not quite so certain why relations have gone a bit south. The relationship, I know, is much bigger than what we hear on the air so it would be of importance to try and rekindle that. We sometimes misstep at times and so long as we have a heart at times, knowing that sometimes the mistakes that we make, we can always put things together and get these guys going again," said Richards to local news outlet Antigua Observer. "I would like to think that Alzarri, and this is just my opinion, would have made it clear as to exactly what the whole stuff was and how he felt and what he meant and I think there are two sides to the story. To get the coach saying – and to me it looks like he (was saying) – he (Alzarri) refused selection, and that’s pushing it in my opinion, it’s pushing it in a very big way. I’d like to think that Alzarri would have gone about it in the professional way, and so that at least the statement from coach Sammy wasn’t really necessary in my opinion," he added. What happened in the Pakistan vs West Indies Test series? West Indies won the first Test but Pakistan bounced back in style with the win the in the second Test as the series came to a 1-1 draw. This was Pakistan's first away Test win in three years and first for Babar Azam since returning as Test captain, replacing Shan Masood. Under Babar, Pakistan have won nine out 12 away Tests, though mostly against West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, it is the best record for any captain to have led in 10 or more away Tests.

The controversy erupted after Joseph pulled out of the ongoing Pakistan Test series citing personal reasons, prompting Sammy to say he had "declined selection."

Viv Richards calls for truce between WI coach Sammy and pacer Alzaari Joseph

Ajinkya Rahane who recently announced his retirement from the international cricket, has credited former skipper Virat Kohli and coach Rai Shastri for changing the mindset inside the dressing room, especially overseas. With Shastri-Kohli at helm, India became the first team to win two consecutive Test series against Australia in Australia. Rahane took over captaincy in the second of those series as Kohli was on paternal leave after the first Test. Rahane led from the front with a sublime 112 at MCG in the second Test after the team was all out for 36 in the opening match, post which Kohli had gone home.<h2>Rahane credits Kohli-Shastri for toughening up India</h2>Speaking on Stick To Cricket Podcast after his retirement about who brought character to the dressing room, Rahane said: "When we started playing in our era, when MS (Dhoni) was going from Test cricket. He was still playing T20Is and ODIs as well but especially in Test cricket, I felt that Virat (Kohli) and Ravi (Shastri) were the guys who toughened up Indian cricket. Especially playing overseas cricket, going aggressive, going bold rather than being defensive and slightly reactive. I think we were always proactive.”<h2>Rahane's numbers for India</h2>Rahane bid adieu after playing 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is for India in which he scored 5,077 runs in red ball, 2,962 in 50-over, and 375 runs in the shortest format. His last series for India was and away Test tour of West Indies. Rahane, however, remains active in the domestic circuit in which he plays for Mumbai."Every single day, every innings, every opportunity I got to bat, the dream was always to wear the India cap. I lived by one simple rule – always put my country and my team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you. Since the time I made my debut as a first-class cricketer, Indian cricket has grown tremendously and I feel so proud to have been a part of it over the last 20 years," he wrote in his retirement post.

With Shastri-Kohli at helm, India became the first team to win two consecutive Test series against Australia in Australia. Rahane took over captaincy in the second of those series as Kohli was on paternal leave after the first Test.

Ajinkya Rahane who recently announced his retirement from the international cricket, has credited former skipper Virat Kohli and coach Rai Shastri for changing the mindset inside the dressing room, especially overseas. With Shastri-Kohli at helm, India became the first team to win two consecutive Test series against Australia in Australia. Rahane took over captaincy in the second of those series as Kohli was on paternal leave after the first Test. Rahane led from the front with a sublime 112 at MCG in the second Test after the team was all out for 36 in the opening match, post which Kohli had gone home. Rahane credits Kohli-Shastri for toughening up India Speaking on Stick To Cricket Podcast after his retirement about who brought character to the dressing room, Rahane said: "When we started playing in our era, when MS (Dhoni) was going from Test cricket. He was still playing T20Is and ODIs as well but especially in Test cricket, I felt that Virat (Kohli) and Ravi (Shastri) were the guys who toughened up Indian cricket. Especially playing overseas cricket, going aggressive, going bold rather than being defensive and slightly reactive. I think we were always proactive.” Rahane's numbers for India Rahane bid adieu after playing 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is for India in which he scored 5,077 runs in red ball, 2,962 in 50-over, and 375 runs in the shortest format. His last series for India was and away Test tour of West Indies. Rahane, however, remains active in the domestic circuit in which he plays for Mumbai. "Every single day, every innings, every opportunity I got to bat, the dream was always to wear the India cap. I lived by one simple rule – always put my country and my team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you. Since the time I made my debut as a first-class cricketer, Indian cricket has grown tremendously and I feel so proud to have been a part of it over the last 20 years," he wrote in his retirement post.

With Shastri-Kohli at helm, India became the first team to win two consecutive Test series against Australia in Australia. Rahane took over captaincy in the second of those series as Kohli was on paternal leave after the first Test.

Rahane says Kohli-Shastri 'toughened up' India cricket, especially overseas

Pakistan has clinched a rare away win in the second Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain on Wednesday (Aug 5). Led by opener Abdullah Shafique’s match-winning 160 in the first innings, a gritty 88 by captain Babar Azam, compounded by the spin threat from Sajid Khan and Ali Usman, Pakistan levelled the three-match series 1-1 with an eight-wicket win. Chasing a mere 75 in the final innings, Pakistan lost two wickets before Shafique and Babar cruised them to their first away win in three years.&nbsp;Beaten by 90 runs in the first Test, Pakistan made light work of the hosts, who were already in deep trouble overnight at 103 for six in the second innings, and later got dismissed for 117 half an hour into the start of the day's play. This win gave Pakistan a share of the series similarly to their last campaign in the Caribbean in 2021, when they bounced back after losing the first Test to win the second. Like how their past two tours ended in a 1-1 finish, their last meeting in Pakistan, for two Tests in Multan in January of 2025, also finished with the same scoreline.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/monty-panesar-stephen-fleming-england-test-coach-ms-dhoni-1785951739840">'Dhoni Made Fleming Great': Panesar says ECB made the wrong choice for England Test coach</a> &nbsp;The second Test, however, was a personal triumph for Shafique, who was not included in the original touring party and only flown in last week as a replacement for the injured Shan Masood. &nbsp;Meanwhile, this was also Pakistan's first Test victory at Queen's Park Oval since 1977, when captain Mushtaq Mohammad's all-round performance took his team to a series-levelling win in the fourth Test of a five-match series. West Indies, however, won the decider in Kingston to take that rubber 2-1.<h2>Frontline spinners star</h2>Pushing aside the hotly-debated omission of senior seamer Mohammad Abbas on the first morning of this Test, Pakistan prevailed with their two frontline spinners starring in the victory. Off-spinner Sajid Khan, who was not picked for the first Test, made the most of his recall with a match haul of eight for 117. Although he was not required on the final morning as the other spinner, left-arm orthodox Ali Usman, took two of the last three wickets to fall to claim four for 39 in the innings and match figures of six for 119. &nbsp;West Indies were hampered by the absence of regular opening batsman Brandon King, who was unable to bat because of back spasms suffered in effecting the run-out of Pakistan captain Babar Azam for 88 the day before. &nbsp;Khan had taken four for 32 to engineer the West Indies' second innings collapse late on day three; Babar, however, opted for the combination of Usman and seamer Mohammad Ali to complete the job on the fourth morning. They were aided, though, by poor shot selection from the hosts' lower order.&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

Abdullah Shafique’s match-winning 160 and spin clinic from Sajid Khan and Ali Usman guided Pakistan to an 8-wicket win over West Indies in Port of Spain, securing their first away Test victory in three years. 

Pakistan has clinched a rare away win in the second Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain on Wednesday (Aug 5). Led by opener Abdullah Shafique’s match-winning 160 in the first innings, a gritty 88 by captain Babar Azam, compounded by the spin threat from Sajid Khan and Ali Usman, Pakistan levelled the three-match series 1-1 with an eight-wicket win. Chasing a mere 75 in the final innings, Pakistan lost two wickets before Shafique and Babar cruised them to their first away win in three years. Beaten by 90 runs in the first Test, Pakistan made light work of the hosts, who were already in deep trouble overnight at 103 for six in the second innings, and later got dismissed for 117 half an hour into the start of the day's play. This win gave Pakistan a share of the series similarly to their last campaign in the Caribbean in 2021, when they bounced back after losing the first Test to win the second. Like how their past two tours ended in a 1-1 finish, their last meeting in Pakistan, for two Tests in Multan in January of 2025, also finished with the same scoreline. Also read| 'Dhoni Made Fleming Great': Panesar says ECB made the wrong choice for England Test coach The second Test, however, was a personal triumph for Shafique, who was not included in the original touring party and only flown in last week as a replacement for the injured Shan Masood. Meanwhile, this was also Pakistan's first Test victory at Queen's Park Oval since 1977, when captain Mushtaq Mohammad's all-round performance took his team to a series-levelling win in the fourth Test of a five-match series. West Indies, however, won the decider in Kingston to take that rubber 2-1. Frontline spinners star Pushing aside the hotly-debated omission of senior seamer Mohammad Abbas on the first morning of this Test, Pakistan prevailed with their two frontline spinners starring in the victory. Off-spinner Sajid Khan, who was not picked for the first Test, made the most of his recall with a match haul of eight for 117. Although he was not required on the final morning as the other spinner, left-arm orthodox Ali Usman, took two of the last three wickets to fall to claim four for 39 in the innings and match figures of six for 119. West Indies were hampered by the absence of regular opening batsman Brandon King, who was unable to bat because of back spasms suffered in effecting the run-out of Pakistan captain Babar Azam for 88 the day before. Khan had taken four for 32 to engineer the West Indies' second innings collapse late on day three; Babar, however, opted for the combination of Usman and seamer Mohammad Ali to complete the job on the fourth morning. They were aided, though, by poor shot selection from the hosts' lower order. (With inputs from AFP)

Abdullah Shafique’s match-winning 160 and spin clinic from Sajid Khan and Ali Usman guided Pakistan to an 8-wicket win over West Indies in Port of Spain, securing their first away Test victory in three years.&nbsp;

WI vs PAK: Pakistan win 2nd Test by 8 wickets to seal first away win in 3 years

England’s Ashes winner Monty Panesar has slammed the ECB’s choice of replacing Test coach Brendon McCullum with his compatriot Stephen Fleming. The ECB sacked McCullum days after Ben Stokes announced his shock Test retirement after the end of the third Test against New Zealand. While they handpicked Joe Root as the new Test captain, overlooking vice-captain Harry Brook for the role, Panesar feels the ECB rushed into naming Fleming as the new Test coach. The spinner, however, picked Michael Vaughan as the right man to lead England’s Test ambitions.&nbsp;Panesar feels it was MS Dhoni who made Fleming look like a great coach in the IPL, and that Fleming wouldn’t have the former Indian captain by his side in this English Test setup. Moreover, with no experience of coaching an international team, Panesar feels Fleming’s appointment could go either way for England.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ecb-unhappy-cricket-ireland-host-afghanistan-odi-series-1785941546120">ECB unhappy with Cricket Ireland for hosting Afghanistan in ODIs – Report</a> &nbsp;“I think the ECB should have appointed Michael Vaughan because he won the Ashes in 2005. He knows how to mastermind (victories) against the Australians. He’s an Englishman, and probably has the best man-management skills that we know. It’s a man-management role,” Panesar said in a chat with The Indian Express. &nbsp;“They went with Fleming, who doesn’t have the great man, MS Dhoni. What made Fleming a great coach? Dhoni. We cannot forget this. He’s been working with Dhoni for a long time. Suddenly, Dhoni is not as active in the IPL as he used to be. And Fleming couldn’t keep Chennai Super Kings at the same level. So, we’ll probably get to know Fleming and how good he is as a coach,” he added.<h2>A Possible Tiff Between Two Kiwi Coaches on the Cards?</h2>Upon being asked how England Cricket would shape up with two Kiwi coaches at the helm of things, Panesar said it would be interesting to see how the two former teammates agree on picking players across formats and help England dominate. &nbsp;“I suppose it’d be interesting. Like if Fleming wants his best players for red-ball cricket, and then not making them available for white ball, would McCullum agree to that? Or do they both agree, maybe, for the important white-ball games, some of the Test match players are available for that? &nbsp;“But then possibly for the less important ones, they don’t play. But because McCullum looks up to Fleming, he’ll probably agree to him. Also, with a view to winning the Ashes next year (In England), I think McCullum probably would accommodate Fleming for the Ashes, and then it would reverse for the World Cup (50-over in South Africa) in October,” Panesar argued. &nbsp;Meanwhile, with the Pakistan Tests next for England, Panesar feels the ECB could stick with flatter pitches for the three-match Test series to ensure matches last longer.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Well, I suppose the next Test series is in August now against Pakistan. The corporate hospitality industry is massive in this country. The ECB would want the games to go into at least a fourth day. Pakistan are not at their strongest. So, they may just produce slightly flatter pitches. The ball will probably turn a lot more, I suspect, because of the heatwave we’ve had here over the last couple of months. I don’t think they’ll produce green pitches,” he added.

Monty Panesar slams the ECB’s decision to hire Stephen Fleming as England Test coach, claiming MS Dhoni made Fleming look great at CSK and backing Michael Vaughan for the role.

England’s Ashes winner Monty Panesar has slammed the ECB’s choice of replacing Test coach Brendon McCullum with his compatriot Stephen Fleming. The ECB sacked McCullum days after Ben Stokes announced his shock Test retirement after the end of the third Test against New Zealand. While they handpicked Joe Root as the new Test captain, overlooking vice-captain Harry Brook for the role, Panesar feels the ECB rushed into naming Fleming as the new Test coach. The spinner, however, picked Michael Vaughan as the right man to lead England’s Test ambitions. Panesar feels it was MS Dhoni who made Fleming look like a great coach in the IPL, and that Fleming wouldn’t have the former Indian captain by his side in this English Test setup. Moreover, with no experience of coaching an international team, Panesar feels Fleming’s appointment could go either way for England. Also read| ECB unhappy with Cricket Ireland for hosting Afghanistan in ODIs – Report “I think the ECB should have appointed Michael Vaughan because he won the Ashes in 2005. He knows how to mastermind (victories) against the Australians. He’s an Englishman, and probably has the best man-management skills that we know. It’s a man-management role,” Panesar said in a chat with The Indian Express. “They went with Fleming, who doesn’t have the great man, MS Dhoni. What made Fleming a great coach? Dhoni. We cannot forget this. He’s been working with Dhoni for a long time. Suddenly, Dhoni is not as active in the IPL as he used to be. And Fleming couldn’t keep Chennai Super Kings at the same level. So, we’ll probably get to know Fleming and how good he is as a coach,” he added. A Possible Tiff Between Two Kiwi Coaches on the Cards? Upon being asked how England Cricket would shape up with two Kiwi coaches at the helm of things, Panesar said it would be interesting to see how the two former teammates agree on picking players across formats and help England dominate. “I suppose it’d be interesting. Like if Fleming wants his best players for red-ball cricket, and then not making them available for white ball, would McCullum agree to that? Or do they both agree, maybe, for the important white-ball games, some of the Test match players are available for that? “But then possibly for the less important ones, they don’t play. But because McCullum looks up to Fleming, he’ll probably agree to him. Also, with a view to winning the Ashes next year (In England), I think McCullum probably would accommodate Fleming for the Ashes, and then it would reverse for the World Cup (50-over in South Africa) in October,” Panesar argued. Meanwhile, with the Pakistan Tests next for England, Panesar feels the ECB could stick with flatter pitches for the three-match Test series to ensure matches last longer. “Well, I suppose the next Test series is in August now against Pakistan. The corporate hospitality industry is massive in this country. The ECB would want the games to go into at least a fourth day. Pakistan are not at their strongest. So, they may just produce slightly flatter pitches. The ball will probably turn a lot more, I suspect, because of the heatwave we’ve had here over the last couple of months. I don’t think they’ll produce green pitches,” he added.

Monty Panesar slams the ECB’s decision to hire Stephen Fleming as England Test coach, claiming MS Dhoni made Fleming look great at CSK and backing Michael Vaughan for the role.

'Dhoni Made Fleming Great': Panesar says ECB made the wrong choice for England Test coach

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is apparently unhappy with Cricket Ireland’s (CI) decision to host Afghanistan for a five-match ODI series, starting on Wednesday (Aug 5). While the ECB has refused to play Afghanistan outside ICC events because of gender apartheid enforced by the Taliban regime, CI’s decision to welcome the Asian team for an ODI series could have repercussions and strain the relationship between the two neighbouring boards.&nbsp;The Guardian has reported that this decision could affect Cricket Ireland’s future fixtures with England. Several emerging reports have also stated that Ireland's close ties with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) led Cricket Ireland to diverge from the ECB's stance, backed by the UK government.&nbsp; &nbsp;Ireland offered to host Afghanistan for five ODIs – all to be played in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, as part of the reciprocal arrangement, Ireland also vowed to travel to the UAE next March for one Test, three ODIs and as many T20Is against Afghanistan.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-opt-against-practice-matches-border-gavaskar-trophy-2027-1785935693382">Australia opt against playing practice matches in India ahead of BGT 2027</a> &nbsp;While England and Ireland have played two one-off Test matches in 2019 and 2023, respectively, as part of their preparations for the home season, England decided to host Bangladesh next year – a decision that could be seen as a response to Ireland’s growing association with Afghanistan.<h2>ACB under scrutiny over women’s cricket policy</h2>As Afghanistan remains the only full-member nation not having a women’s cricket program, countries like Australia, South Africa and even New Zealand have refused to play against them, let alone host them. However, Cricket Ireland, alongside the West Indies, Zimbabwe and the four Asian members, has granted them fixtures. &nbsp;Meanwhile, last year, England and Afghanistan faced off in a Champions Trophy match in Lahore. Although that decision was strongly criticised by a cross-party group of 160 MPs, who urged the ECB to pull out of the match in a joint letter, it still went ahead following a specially convened ECB board meeting that approved the fixture. &nbsp;England and Afghanistan, however, also met during the 2023 ODI World Cup group game, where the Asian powerhouse shocked the then-defending world champions with a win. &nbsp;Despite placing restrictions on playing Afghanistan in a bilateral series, the ECB allows players like Rashid Khan to feature in the ECB’s premier 'The Hundred' tournament.&nbsp;

The ECB is reportedly unhappy with Cricket Ireland for hosting Afghanistan in a 5-match ODI series, potentially impacting future England vs Ireland fixtures.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is apparently unhappy with Cricket Ireland’s (CI) decision to host Afghanistan for a five-match ODI series, starting on Wednesday (Aug 5). While the ECB has refused to play Afghanistan outside ICC events because of gender apartheid enforced by the Taliban regime, CI’s decision to welcome the Asian team for an ODI series could have repercussions and strain the relationship between the two neighbouring boards. The Guardian has reported that this decision could affect Cricket Ireland’s future fixtures with England. Several emerging reports have also stated that Ireland's close ties with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) led Cricket Ireland to diverge from the ECB's stance, backed by the UK government. Ireland offered to host Afghanistan for five ODIs – all to be played in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, as part of the reciprocal arrangement, Ireland also vowed to travel to the UAE next March for one Test, three ODIs and as many T20Is against Afghanistan. Also read| Australia opt against playing practice matches in India ahead of BGT 2027 While England and Ireland have played two one-off Test matches in 2019 and 2023, respectively, as part of their preparations for the home season, England decided to host Bangladesh next year – a decision that could be seen as a response to Ireland’s growing association with Afghanistan. ACB under scrutiny over women’s cricket policy As Afghanistan remains the only full-member nation not having a women’s cricket program, countries like Australia, South Africa and even New Zealand have refused to play against them, let alone host them. However, Cricket Ireland, alongside the West Indies, Zimbabwe and the four Asian members, has granted them fixtures. Meanwhile, last year, England and Afghanistan faced off in a Champions Trophy match in Lahore. Although that decision was strongly criticised by a cross-party group of 160 MPs, who urged the ECB to pull out of the match in a joint letter, it still went ahead following a specially convened ECB board meeting that approved the fixture. England and Afghanistan, however, also met during the 2023 ODI World Cup group game, where the Asian powerhouse shocked the then-defending world champions with a win. Despite placing restrictions on playing Afghanistan in a bilateral series, the ECB allows players like Rashid Khan to feature in the ECB’s premier 'The Hundred' tournament.

The ECB is reportedly unhappy with Cricket Ireland for hosting Afghanistan in a 5-match ODI series, potentially impacting future England vs Ireland fixtures.

ECB unhappy with Cricket Ireland for hosting Afghanistan in ODIs – Report

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said the visitors will not play any practice matches in India ahead of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027. Instead, they will have extended training camps tailored to Indian conditions. The upcoming Test series between India and Australia is the first five-match series between the countries in India after 57 years. Australia, however, hasn’t won a red-ball series in India since 2004.<h2>No practice matches before India tour</h2>While the BCCI has made it mandatory for the Indian Team to play a few practice matches before and midway through the Test series against Australia every time they travel, Cricket Australia (CA) has opted against it for the upcoming series. Speaking about Australia’s preparations for the BGT and the remainder of the 2025-27 WTC cycle, McDonald said the team already has plenty of cricket lined up before they visit India, making traditional tour games unnecessary. &nbsp;"We feel as though we've got enough time to immerse ourselves in those conditions. We won't be taking on a practice game. It'll just be more around the location. We've got a couple of options there. We have gone to the UAE previously, and we have also gone into India last time into Bangalore, so we're just working through what that would look like in terms of how we then manage the individuals," McDonald said in a chat with cricket.com.au.<h3>When will Australia prepare for the BGT?</h3>After returning from South Africa, Australia will host New Zealand for four Tests later this year, and it’s only after that they will begin preparation for the marquee away Test series against India.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-neser-calf-injury-australia-bangladesh-test-series-1785933660476">Australia Ashes hero Neser suffers calf injury, remains hopeful for South Africa tour</a> &nbsp;"A lot of that would happen on the back of the four Tests against New Zealand, seeing where players are at. We'll potentially have some different players with different skill sets that we believe can perform in India, so it won't necessarily be the squad that finishes the Test series (against NZ) that then heads to India. &nbsp;There'll be some players that we need to put a little bit more prep into, and that'll start in Australia also, balancing out Big Bash commitments and things like that," he added.<h3>Finding the ‘best training base’ priority for CA</h3>Even though they have opted against playing the practice games, CA will seek the best place in India to train, where the pitches and conditions are closest to what they would likely get during the five-match series.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Ultimately, if you can have a dedicated venue that you're able to use and replicate as close to the conditions that you believe you may get in the first Test match or throughout a Test series, that's ideally what you want. You case those locations – you want a connection in terms of conditions and climate. We believe we'll get that right in terms of where we go; it just hasn't been confirmed yet,” McDonald noted.<h3>BGT 2027 Full Schedule -&nbsp;</h3>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Test</td><td>Date</td><td>Venue</td></tr><tr><td>1st Test</td><td>Jan 21-25</td><td>Nagpur</td></tr><tr><td>2nd Test</td><td>Jan 29-Feb 2</td><td>Chennai</td></tr><tr><td>3rd Test</td><td>Feb 11-15</td><td>Guwahati</td></tr><tr><td>4th Test</td><td>Feb 19-23</td><td>Ranchi</td></tr><tr><td>5th Test</td><td>Feb 27-Mar 3</td><td>Ahmedabad</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Australia will skip warm-up games in India ahead of the 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, opting instead for custom preparation camps, according to coach Andrew McDonald.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said the visitors will not play any practice matches in India ahead of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027. Instead, they will have extended training camps tailored to Indian conditions. The upcoming Test series between India and Australia is the first five-match series between the countries in India after 57 years. Australia, however, hasn’t won a red-ball series in India since 2004. No practice matches before India tour While the BCCI has made it mandatory for the Indian Team to play a few practice matches before and midway through the Test series against Australia every time they travel, Cricket Australia (CA) has opted against it for the upcoming series. Speaking about Australia’s preparations for the BGT and the remainder of the 2025-27 WTC cycle, McDonald said the team already has plenty of cricket lined up before they visit India, making traditional tour games unnecessary. "We feel as though we've got enough time to immerse ourselves in those conditions. We won't be taking on a practice game. It'll just be more around the location. We've got a couple of options there. We have gone to the UAE previously, and we have also gone into India last time into Bangalore, so we're just working through what that would look like in terms of how we then manage the individuals," McDonald said in a chat with cricket.com.au. When will Australia prepare for the BGT? After returning from South Africa, Australia will host New Zealand for four Tests later this year, and it’s only after that they will begin preparation for the marquee away Test series against India. Also read| Australia Ashes hero Neser suffers calf injury, remains hopeful for South Africa tour "A lot of that would happen on the back of the four Tests against New Zealand, seeing where players are at. We'll potentially have some different players with different skill sets that we believe can perform in India, so it won't necessarily be the squad that finishes the Test series (against NZ) that then heads to India. There'll be some players that we need to put a little bit more prep into, and that'll start in Australia also, balancing out Big Bash commitments and things like that," he added. Finding the ‘best training base’ priority for CA Even though they have opted against playing the practice games, CA will seek the best place in India to train, where the pitches and conditions are closest to what they would likely get during the five-match series. "Ultimately, if you can have a dedicated venue that you're able to use and replicate as close to the conditions that you believe you may get in the first Test match or throughout a Test series, that's ideally what you want. You case those locations – you want a connection in terms of conditions and climate. We believe we'll get that right in terms of where we go; it just hasn't been confirmed yet,” McDonald noted. BGT 2027 Full Schedule -

Australia will skip warm-up games in India ahead of the 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, opting instead for custom preparation camps, according to coach Andrew McDonald.

Australia opt against playing practice matches in India ahead of BGT 2027

Australia’s Ashes hero Michael Neser suffered a right calf strain in training but remains hopeful of recovering in time for the away marquee Test tour of South Africa in October. Although Neser was not picked for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, starting August 13 in Darwin, he was part of the extended pace group slated to feature in at least 20 Tests in the next 12 months. &nbsp;Neser, 36, was Australia’s unusual hero during the home Ashes last winter, picking up 15 wickets at an average under 20, including his maiden Test five-wicket haul at the Gabba and two four-fors in Melbourne and Sydney. Having impressed in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins and fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood against England, Neser was in full training mode and on standby for the Bangladesh Tests, should an injury occur to anyone. However, he suffered an unexpected calf injury while doing a running session this week and is now ruled out for a month. &nbsp;Following his rehab, he will need to rebuild his bowling load, as Australian selectors will likely have him on board for the first Test tour of South Africa since 2018.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2027-odi-world-cup-qualifier-dates-format-qualification-scenarios-1785930116838">2027 CWC Qualifier set for February-March window with tournament venues undecided</a> &nbsp;Neser has been injury-free since his major hamstring injury in November 2024, and after his Ashes heroics, Cricket Australia (CA) offered him a central contract. He also did not travel to England to play for Hampshire earlier in the winter to remain fresh for Australia’s array of Test series both home and away.<h2>How is Australia gearing up for home summer?</h2>Neser’s injury, however, is not the only blow to the hosts ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh, as keeper-batter Josh Inglis also suffered back spasms while batting during a two-day-centre-wicket practice. But since it is a recurrence of an issue he has been dealing with lately, Inglis is said to be fine before the squad leaves for Darwin for the series opener. &nbsp;On the other hand, the pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins and Scott Boland are all in good shape, with the final decision likely to be made between Boland and Hazlewood for the final spot in the playing XI. Ace spinner Nathan Lyon is also expected to play on his return from hamstring surgery. &nbsp;On the batting front, the two all-rounders, Cameron Green and Beau Webster, are both expected to feature in the playing XI, with Green batting at five.

Michael Neser suffers a calf strain ahead of Australia's Test series against Bangladesh in Darwin, but targets a return for the South Africa tour in October.

Australia’s Ashes hero Michael Neser suffered a right calf strain in training but remains hopeful of recovering in time for the away marquee Test tour of South Africa in October. Although Neser was not picked for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, starting August 13 in Darwin, he was part of the extended pace group slated to feature in at least 20 Tests in the next 12 months. Neser, 36, was Australia’s unusual hero during the home Ashes last winter, picking up 15 wickets at an average under 20, including his maiden Test five-wicket haul at the Gabba and two four-fors in Melbourne and Sydney. Having impressed in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins and fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood against England, Neser was in full training mode and on standby for the Bangladesh Tests, should an injury occur to anyone. However, he suffered an unexpected calf injury while doing a running session this week and is now ruled out for a month. Following his rehab, he will need to rebuild his bowling load, as Australian selectors will likely have him on board for the first Test tour of South Africa since 2018. Also read| 2027 CWC Qualifier set for February-March window with tournament venues undecided Neser has been injury-free since his major hamstring injury in November 2024, and after his Ashes heroics, Cricket Australia (CA) offered him a central contract. He also did not travel to England to play for Hampshire earlier in the winter to remain fresh for Australia’s array of Test series both home and away. How is Australia gearing up for home summer? Neser’s injury, however, is not the only blow to the hosts ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh, as keeper-batter Josh Inglis also suffered back spasms while batting during a two-day-centre-wicket practice. But since it is a recurrence of an issue he has been dealing with lately, Inglis is said to be fine before the squad leaves for Darwin for the series opener. On the other hand, the pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins and Scott Boland are all in good shape, with the final decision likely to be made between Boland and Hazlewood for the final spot in the playing XI. Ace spinner Nathan Lyon is also expected to play on his return from hamstring surgery. On the batting front, the two all-rounders, Cameron Green and Beau Webster, are both expected to feature in the playing XI, with Green batting at five.

Michael Neser suffers a calf strain ahead of Australia's Test series against Bangladesh in Darwin, but targets a return for the South Africa tour in October.

Australia Ashes hero Neser suffers calf injury, remains hopeful for South Africa tour

10 teams will feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifier from February 22 to March 23, 2027, with the ICC yet to finalise the tournament venues. In the revamped structure for the next ODI World Cup, which the ICC revealed in July, the winner of this qualifying tournament will gain direct entry into the 14-team main group. The teams finishing second, third and fourth will then contest the first round of the ODI World Cup, called the Super Series – with the top qualifying for the main 12-team stage.&nbsp;The 50-over World Cup will be held across 12 venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 4 to November 21.&nbsp;<h2>Who features in the 10-team Qualifier?</h2>This 10-team Qualifier will include the two bottom-ranked Full Member teams in the ODI rankings as of September 30, 2026, not including the co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe. The remaining eight teams would include the top four from CWC League 2 and four from a World Cup Qualifier Playoff. This Playoff will include the bottom four teams from the CWC League 2 alongside the four sides from the Challenge League – cricket’s third division. Although the format is yet to be decided, the top four teams from this eight-team Playoff will advance to the World Cup Qualifier.&nbsp;WATCH| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dpl-2026-watch-crazy-scenes-unfold-as-free-kick-forces-super-over-in-warriors-vs-tigers-1785906069195">DPL 2026 | Crazy scenes unfold as 'free kick' forces super over in Warriors vs Tigers</a> &nbsp;On the other hand, the Challenge League will feature 12 teams divided into two pools of six each, with all playing three round-robin tournaments over the cycle. The top two sides from each pool will move to the World Cup Qualifier Playoff. &nbsp;The two-time world champions, the West Indies, are currently ranked 10th and scheduled to play only two ODIs before the cut-off date, against India in September; their ranking and direct qualification will depend on several results. For the West Indies to directly punch their CWC ticket, they will have to win those two ODIs against India in India, and hope that Ireland (ranked 12th) beats Afghanistan (ranked eighth) 4-1 or 5-0 in the ODI series. &nbsp;However, should Afghanistan beat Ireland across the five One-Dayers, West Indies will then have to qualify. The inaugural winners of this tournament also missed out on qualifying for the last World Cup (in 2023 in India) after losing to the Netherlands in a Super Over in the Qualifier in Harare that year.

The 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifier is set for February-March 2027. Learn how 10 teams will battle for spots, including West Indies' direct qualification scenarios.

10 teams will feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifier from February 22 to March 23, 2027, with the ICC yet to finalise the tournament venues. In the revamped structure for the next ODI World Cup, which the ICC revealed in July, the winner of this qualifying tournament will gain direct entry into the 14-team main group. The teams finishing second, third and fourth will then contest the first round of the ODI World Cup, called the Super Series – with the top qualifying for the main 12-team stage. The 50-over World Cup will be held across 12 venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 4 to November 21. Who features in the 10-team Qualifier? This 10-team Qualifier will include the two bottom-ranked Full Member teams in the ODI rankings as of September 30, 2026, not including the co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe. The remaining eight teams would include the top four from CWC League 2 and four from a World Cup Qualifier Playoff. This Playoff will include the bottom four teams from the CWC League 2 alongside the four sides from the Challenge League – cricket’s third division. Although the format is yet to be decided, the top four teams from this eight-team Playoff will advance to the World Cup Qualifier. WATCH| DPL 2026 | Crazy scenes unfold as 'free kick' forces super over in Warriors vs Tigers On the other hand, the Challenge League will feature 12 teams divided into two pools of six each, with all playing three round-robin tournaments over the cycle. The top two sides from each pool will move to the World Cup Qualifier Playoff. The two-time world champions, the West Indies, are currently ranked 10th and scheduled to play only two ODIs before the cut-off date, against India in September; their ranking and direct qualification will depend on several results. For the West Indies to directly punch their CWC ticket, they will have to win those two ODIs against India in India, and hope that Ireland (ranked 12th) beats Afghanistan (ranked eighth) 4-1 or 5-0 in the ODI series. However, should Afghanistan beat Ireland across the five One-Dayers, West Indies will then have to qualify. The inaugural winners of this tournament also missed out on qualifying for the last World Cup (in 2023 in India) after losing to the Netherlands in a Super Over in the Qualifier in Harare that year.

The 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifier is set for February-March 2027. Learn how 10 teams will battle for spots, including West Indies' direct qualification scenarios.

2027 CWC Qualifier set for February-March window with tournament venues undecided

The milestone fifth season of the SA20 is set to get bigger and better, with T20 superstars Mitchell Marsh, Joe Root, Sam Curran, Jason Holder and Phil Salt joining the fold as the six franchises confirmed their pre-auction retentions and signings ahead of the new edition. Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals are the only two teams to have completed their 19-player squads before the auction, with 19 slots still available across the remaining four teams. Mitchell Marsh, Australia's T20 captain and part of the Leeds side in the Sunrisers universe in The Hundred, is in line to make his SA20 debut for the three-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Marsh will join the likes of Quinton de Kock, Matthew Breetzke, Jordan Hermann and captain Tristan Stubbs in a powerful batting line-up, set to enthral the loyal St George's Park crowd. Further north, Sam Curran, who represented MI Cape Town in the first two seasons, will don the Durban's Super Giants colours, where he will team up with his England teammate Jos Buttler. Joe Root, England's returning Test captain, who formed a formidable opening partnership with young Lhuan-dre Pretorius for the Paarl Royals a couple of seasons ago, returns to Boland Park for another season in pink. The runners-up, Pretoria Capitals, have received a significant boost to their top order with the additions of Phil Salt and Australian international Matt Short. Salt, who has represented the Capitals previously, will reunite with Short at the top of the order, with the pair currently opening together for Welsh Fire in The Hundred. The duo adds further firepower to a batting line-up featuring Dewald Brevis, Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell and last season's breakout star Connor Esterhuizen. England all-rounder Will Jacks, who enjoyed three sensational seasons with the Capitals, has moved down south to Cape Town to complete the trio of MI franchises, being part of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and currently playing for the MI London setup in The Hundred. "Season 5 is shaping up to be our strongest yet," SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith said. "Bringing in a player of Mitchell Marsh's calibre alongside the class of Joe Root, Sam Curran and Phil Salt shows the growing pull of our league on the global stage. What excites me most is seeing that quality alongside South Africa's international and domestic stars at the peak of their powers." "The franchises head into the auction with the majority of their squads already locked in, which speaks volumes about the stability and consistency we have built. This sets us up for a highly competitive Season 5," Smith concluded. On the other hand, MLC-winning captain Jason Holder will don the yellow of the Joburg Super Kings, who are on the hunt for a new captain after parting ways with Faf du Plessis, who led the side in its first four seasons. Among the other prominent releases is England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow, who formed a formidable opening partnership with Quinton de Kock for the Sunrisers. MI Cape Town have also parted ways with long-serving players Trent Boult, Rassie van der Dussen and Kieron Pollard, while the likes of Wiaan Mulder and Nandre Burger, who were marquee signings for the Super Kings, will also enter the auction pool. The Super Kings and MI Cape Town will be the busiest teams at the auction, needing to sign seven and six players respectively, while the Capitals have five vacant slots to fill. All six teams have filled their overseas pre-signing slots, while the Super Kings will be eligible for a wildcard pick. Season 5 of the SA20 gets underway on Sunday, January 17, at St George's Park, with the Sunrisers taking on the Capitals in a repeat of last season's final. The competition culminates with the Final at Newlands on Sunday, February 21.

Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals are the only two teams to have completed their 19-player squads before the auction, with 19 slots still available across the remaining four teams.

The milestone fifth season of the SA20 is set to get bigger and better, with T20 superstars Mitchell Marsh, Joe Root, Sam Curran, Jason Holder and Phil Salt joining the fold as the six franchises confirmed their pre-auction retentions and signings ahead of the new edition. Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals are the only two teams to have completed their 19-player squads before the auction, with 19 slots still available across the remaining four teams. Mitchell Marsh, Australia's T20 captain and part of the Leeds side in the Sunrisers universe in The Hundred, is in line to make his SA20 debut for the three-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Marsh will join the likes of Quinton de Kock, Matthew Breetzke, Jordan Hermann and captain Tristan Stubbs in a powerful batting line-up, set to enthral the loyal St George's Park crowd. Further north, Sam Curran, who represented MI Cape Town in the first two seasons, will don the Durban's Super Giants colours, where he will team up with his England teammate Jos Buttler. Joe Root, England's returning Test captain, who formed a formidable opening partnership with young Lhuan-dre Pretorius for the Paarl Royals a couple of seasons ago, returns to Boland Park for another season in pink. The runners-up, Pretoria Capitals, have received a significant boost to their top order with the additions of Phil Salt and Australian international Matt Short. Salt, who has represented the Capitals previously, will reunite with Short at the top of the order, with the pair currently opening together for Welsh Fire in The Hundred. The duo adds further firepower to a batting line-up featuring Dewald Brevis, Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell and last season's breakout star Connor Esterhuizen. England all-rounder Will Jacks, who enjoyed three sensational seasons with the Capitals, has moved down south to Cape Town to complete the trio of MI franchises, being part of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and currently playing for the MI London setup in The Hundred. "Season 5 is shaping up to be our strongest yet," SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith said. "Bringing in a player of Mitchell Marsh's calibre alongside the class of Joe Root, Sam Curran and Phil Salt shows the growing pull of our league on the global stage. What excites me most is seeing that quality alongside South Africa's international and domestic stars at the peak of their powers." "The franchises head into the auction with the majority of their squads already locked in, which speaks volumes about the stability and consistency we have built. This sets us up for a highly competitive Season 5," Smith concluded. On the other hand, MLC-winning captain Jason Holder will don the yellow of the Joburg Super Kings, who are on the hunt for a new captain after parting ways with Faf du Plessis, who led the side in its first four seasons. Among the other prominent releases is England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow, who formed a formidable opening partnership with Quinton de Kock for the Sunrisers. MI Cape Town have also parted ways with long-serving players Trent Boult, Rassie van der Dussen and Kieron Pollard, while the likes of Wiaan Mulder and Nandre Burger, who were marquee signings for the Super Kings, will also enter the auction pool. The Super Kings and MI Cape Town will be the busiest teams at the auction, needing to sign seven and six players respectively, while the Capitals have five vacant slots to fill. All six teams have filled their overseas pre-signing slots, while the Super Kings will be eligible for a wildcard pick. Season 5 of the SA20 gets underway on Sunday, January 17, at St George's Park, with the Sunrisers taking on the Capitals in a repeat of last season's final. The competition culminates with the Final at Newlands on Sunday, February 21.

Durban's Super Giants and Paarl Royals are the only two teams to have completed their 19-player squads before the auction, with 19 slots still available across the remaining four teams.

Mitchell Marsh, Root, Curran headline pre-auction signings of SA20 squads before upcoming season

A number for former Pakistan players are facing bans from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for featuring in Asian Legends League, ongoing in Zambia. The event has been described by Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU), the official governing body in the country, as "not sanctioned, approved or endorsed by ZCU". Now, the players who took part in the league, are being banned by the PCB for up to two years as mentioned in a statement issued by the board.<h2>What PCB said about players participating in Asian Legends League in Zambia?</h2>PCB, in a statement, said that it has taken a "serious note" of the situation and "disciplinary measures will be taken on individuals found to have participated in the said unsanctioned event without obtaining the requisite approvals from the PCB.""A ban of two years from the issuance of any PCB No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in approved overseas cricket leagues or events. [And] Ineligibility for any cricketing, coaching, consultancy, mentoring and/or other assignments with the PCB and the PSL for a period of two years," the statement further read.<h2>What is Asian Legends League?</h2>That tournament started on July 30 with six teams comprising retired players from nine nationalities including India. Apart from Pakistan, other five teams are: Indian Royals, Sri Lankan Lions, Bangladesh Tigers, Afghanistan Pathans and Asian Stars.The Pakistan team, called Pakistan Panthers, had all Pakistan players only. As per Cricinfo, not all the players mentioned in Pakistan roster on the official list participated in the tournament.<h2>Who all are in Pakistan squad?</h2>The Pakistan squad for the Asian Legends League includes players: Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Imran Nazir, Saeed Ajmal, Sohail Tanvir, Yasir Shah, Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Irfan, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali, Hasan Raza, Yasir Bhatt, Rana Naeem Anwar

PCB, in a statement, said that it has taken a "serious note" of the situation and "disciplinary measures will be taken on individuals found to have participated in the said unsanctioned event without obtaining the requisite approvals from the PCB."

A number for former Pakistan players are facing bans from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for featuring in Asian Legends League, ongoing in Zambia. The event has been described by Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU), the official governing body in the country, as "not sanctioned, approved or endorsed by ZCU". Now, the players who took part in the league, are being banned by the PCB for up to two years as mentioned in a statement issued by the board. What PCB said about players participating in Asian Legends League in Zambia? PCB, in a statement, said that it has taken a "serious note" of the situation and "disciplinary measures will be taken on individuals found to have participated in the said unsanctioned event without obtaining the requisite approvals from the PCB." "A ban of two years from the issuance of any PCB No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in approved overseas cricket leagues or events. [And] Ineligibility for any cricketing, coaching, consultancy, mentoring and/or other assignments with the PCB and the PSL for a period of two years," the statement further read. What is Asian Legends League? That tournament started on July 30 with six teams comprising retired players from nine nationalities including India. Apart from Pakistan, other five teams are: Indian Royals, Sri Lankan Lions, Bangladesh Tigers, Afghanistan Pathans and Asian Stars. The Pakistan team, called Pakistan Panthers, had all Pakistan players only. As per Cricinfo, not all the players mentioned in Pakistan roster on the official list participated in the tournament. Who all are in Pakistan squad? The Pakistan squad for the Asian Legends League includes players: Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Imran Nazir, Saeed Ajmal, Sohail Tanvir, Yasir Shah, Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Irfan, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali, Hasan Raza, Yasir Bhatt, Rana Naeem Anwar

PCB, in a statement, said that it has taken a "serious note" of the situation and "disciplinary measures will be taken on individuals found to have participated in the said unsanctioned event without obtaining the requisite approvals from the PCB."

Ex-Pak players face two-year ban from PCB for participating in unsanctioned Asian Legends League

Some crazy scenes unfolded at the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 match between New Delhi Tigers vs Outer Delhi Warriors on Tuesday (Aug 4) as a freak run out sent the match in the super over. It all happened on the last ball of the match when Tigers captain Himmat Singh fumbled the ball while fielding to miss an easy run out, only to kick it in frustration and hitting the stumps in process to effect the run out. The chasing side, Outer Delhi Warriors, went on to win the match in the super over anyhow but it was not without a scare. A video of the moment has gone viral on the social media.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-pak-2nd-test-spinner-sajid-khan-help-pakistan-turn-screw-for-series-levelling-win-against-hosts-1785896846420">WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Pakistan turn screw for series-levelling win against hosts</a><h2>A free kick run out in DPL 2026</h2>Outer Delhi Warriors were in complete control of the match until the last ball was bowled on which they needed one run. The batter hit the ball which rolled towards short mid-off are where Tigers captain Himmat Singh came on running but fumbled the ball. Knowing his costly mistake, Singh kicked the ball in frustration and, surprisingly it hit the stumps, dislodging the bails. The moment of frustration turned into joy quickly as fielding team as well as the batting team, could not believe what just happened. The on-air commentator described the kick by Himmat as the FIFA World Cup final goal and it sure was. Have a look at the video of crazy moment below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">𝑭𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝑫𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝑭𝒂𝒊𝒍 𝑴𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒘 🎵 😉 Catch all the DPL 2026 action LIVE on FanCode 📲<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/DelhiPremierLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiPremierLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/R9J59uyuc9">pic.twitter.com/R9J59uyuc9</a>&mdash; FanCode (@FanCode) <a href="https://x.com/FanCode/status/2084686462466027775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What happened after in the match?</h2>The match went into the super over where Outer Delhi Warriors held their nerves better against New Delhi Tigers and went on to win the match. Batting first in the super over, the Warriors scored 20 runs off Monu Shukla's over, setting a target of 21 runs for the Tigers. The Himmat Singh-led team, however, could manage only six runs and lost a maximum of two wicket and lost the high-octane thriller in an anti-climatic way.&nbsp;

It all happened on the last ball of the match when Tigers captain Himmat Singh fumbled the ball while fielding to miss an easy run out, only to kick it in frustration and hitting the stumps in process to effect the run out.

Some crazy scenes unfolded at the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 match between New Delhi Tigers vs Outer Delhi Warriors on Tuesday (Aug 4) as a freak run out sent the match in the super over. It all happened on the last ball of the match when Tigers captain Himmat Singh fumbled the ball while fielding to miss an easy run out, only to kick it in frustration and hitting the stumps in process to effect the run out. The chasing side, Outer Delhi Warriors, went on to win the match in the super over anyhow but it was not without a scare. A video of the moment has gone viral on the social media. Also Read - WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Pakistan turn screw for series-levelling win against hosts A free kick run out in DPL 2026 Outer Delhi Warriors were in complete control of the match until the last ball was bowled on which they needed one run. The batter hit the ball which rolled towards short mid-off are where Tigers captain Himmat Singh came on running but fumbled the ball. Knowing his costly mistake, Singh kicked the ball in frustration and, surprisingly it hit the stumps, dislodging the bails. The moment of frustration turned into joy quickly as fielding team as well as the batting team, could not believe what just happened. The on-air commentator described the kick by Himmat as the FIFA World Cup final goal and it sure was. Have a look at the video of crazy moment below:

It all happened on the last ball of the match when Tigers captain Himmat Singh fumbled the ball while fielding to miss an easy run out, only to kick it in frustration and hitting the stumps in process to effect the run out.

DPL 2026 | WATCH - Crazy scenes unfold as 'free kick' forces super over in Warriors vs Tigers

Pakistan's spinners put their team on course for a series-levelling victory as the West Indies stumbled to 103 for six -- a lead of just 60 runs -– on an eventful third day of the second and final Test in Trinidad on Tuesday (Aug 4). Abdullah Shafique's unbeaten 160 ensured the visitors did not completely squander an excellent overnight platform in eventually getting to a first-innings total of 387. Sajid Khan then made his second meaningful contribution of the day in taking four second-innings wickets, while Ali Usman claimed two, including home captain Roston Chase caught-and-bowled off the final ball of the day.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunil-gavaskar-tribute-ajinkya-rahane-retirement-captaincy-credit-1785856782228">Gavaskar slams lack of credit for Rahane: ‘A selfless leader with no enemies’</a>First-innings top-scorer Justin Greaves will carry the fight for the West Indies into the fourth morning with uncertainty over the availability to bat of regular opener Brandon King.On a deteriorating pitch offering sharp turn and variable bounce, West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was as much in his element as 18 months earlier against these same opponents in Multan.Here, his haul of six for 112, including three wickets in four balls to wrap up the Pakistan innings on the stroke of tea, would have been a portent of things to come.Yet having started the day in the comfortable position of 266 for two and within sight of the West Indies first-innings total of 344, it took an error of judgement from Pakistan captain Babar Azam to trigger a gradual slide as the visitors' last eight wickets fell for 106 runs.Having put the West Indies bowlers to the sword with delightful, confident strokeplay on the second afternoon, Babar was a picture of strokeless paralysis at the start of the day, as if the prospect of a first Test century in almost four years had gotten the better of him.He managed to eke out a couple of runs to add to his overnight 86 before taking off for a non-existent single and, sent back by Shafique, dived desperately but in vain as the direct hit at the striker's end by King from point found Babar short of his ground.West Indian delight at Babar's dismissal was transformed to concern over the welfare of King, who remained prone on the outfield after effecting the dismissal.After several minutes of assessment of his situation he was stretchered off with what was later diagnosed to be back spasms.That unexpected breakthrough triggered a mini-slide as three wickets fell for five runs, fast bowler Shamar Joseph and Warrican claiming a wicket each.Khan offered a measure of stability with Shafique, the pair putting on 59 for the seventh wicket before another pacer, Jayden Seales, removed the lower-order batsman for 30.With the door open to a vulnerable tail, Warrican wasted no time in wrapping up the innings, taking three wickets in four balls with Shafique stranded at the non-striker's end and leaving Pakistan to rue opportunities missed to earn a much more significant lead.<h2>'Excellent' Warrican</h2>Shafique's innings occupied more than seven-and-half hours during which he faced 323 deliveries, striking 15 fours and three sixes."Jomel was really excellent for us today, staying at the stumps and finishing off the innings well," said West Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul."At this stage though, and given the way the pitch is playing, if we can somehow push the lead to 150 we would have a chance."Khan was at his most rampant in the final session, accounting for Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo swiftly before adding Shai Hope and nightwatchman Seales to his list of victims.Chase surveyed the carnage from the other end only to succumb to the constant pressure himself, the reaction of the home skipper to his demise almost a mirror of Babar's disconsolate trek to the pavilion more than seven hours earlier.Usman also posed a constant threat, the left-arm spinner having earlier removed Kavem Hodge, whose 34 is the top score so far in an innings in danger of going into complete freefall.

Sajid Khan then made his second meaningful contribution of the day in taking four second-innings wickets, while Ali Usman claimed two, including home captain Roston Chase caught-and-bowled off the final ball of the day.

Pakistan's spinners put their team on course for a series-levelling victory as the West Indies stumbled to 103 for six -- a lead of just 60 runs -– on an eventful third day of the second and final Test in Trinidad on Tuesday (Aug 4). Abdullah Shafique's unbeaten 160 ensured the visitors did not completely squander an excellent overnight platform in eventually getting to a first-innings total of 387. Sajid Khan then made his second meaningful contribution of the day in taking four second-innings wickets, while Ali Usman claimed two, including home captain Roston Chase caught-and-bowled off the final ball of the day. Also Read - Gavaskar slams lack of credit for Rahane: ‘A selfless leader with no enemies’ First-innings top-scorer Justin Greaves will carry the fight for the West Indies into the fourth morning with uncertainty over the availability to bat of regular opener Brandon King. On a deteriorating pitch offering sharp turn and variable bounce, West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was as much in his element as 18 months earlier against these same opponents in Multan. Here, his haul of six for 112, including three wickets in four balls to wrap up the Pakistan innings on the stroke of tea, would have been a portent of things to come. Yet having started the day in the comfortable position of 266 for two and within sight of the West Indies first-innings total of 344, it took an error of judgement from Pakistan captain Babar Azam to trigger a gradual slide as the visitors' last eight wickets fell for 106 runs. Having put the West Indies bowlers to the sword with delightful, confident strokeplay on the second afternoon, Babar was a picture of strokeless paralysis at the start of the day, as if the prospect of a first Test century in almost four years had gotten the better of him. He managed to eke out a couple of runs to add to his overnight 86 before taking off for a non-existent single and, sent back by Shafique, dived desperately but in vain as the direct hit at the striker's end by King from point found Babar short of his ground. West Indian delight at Babar's dismissal was transformed to concern over the welfare of King, who remained prone on the outfield after effecting the dismissal. After several minutes of assessment of his situation he was stretchered off with what was later diagnosed to be back spasms. That unexpected breakthrough triggered a mini-slide as three wickets fell for five runs, fast bowler Shamar Joseph and Warrican claiming a wicket each. Khan offered a measure of stability with Shafique, the pair putting on 59 for the seventh wicket before another pacer, Jayden Seales, removed the lower-order batsman for 30. With the door open to a vulnerable tail, Warrican wasted no time in wrapping up the innings, taking three wickets in four balls with Shafique stranded at the non-striker's end and leaving Pakistan to rue opportunities missed to earn a much more significant lead. 'Excellent' Warrican Shafique's innings occupied more than seven-and-half hours during which he faced 323 deliveries, striking 15 fours and three sixes. "Jomel was really excellent for us today, staying at the stumps and finishing off the innings well," said West Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul. "At this stage though, and given the way the pitch is playing, if we can somehow push the lead to 150 we would have a chance." Khan was at his most rampant in the final session, accounting for Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo swiftly before adding Shai Hope and nightwatchman Seales to his list of victims. Chase surveyed the carnage from the other end only to succumb to the constant pressure himself, the reaction of the home skipper to his demise almost a mirror of Babar's disconsolate trek to the pavilion more than seven hours earlier. Usman also posed a constant threat, the left-arm spinner having earlier removed Kavem Hodge, whose 34 is the top score so far in an innings in danger of going into complete freefall.

Sajid Khan then made his second meaningful contribution of the day in taking four second-innings wickets, while Ali Usman claimed two, including home captain Roston Chase caught-and-bowled off the final ball of the day.

WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Spinner Sajid Khan helps Pakistan turn screw for series-levelling win against hosts

Former England captain Ben Stokes slammed claims of England Cricket’s drinking problem that made headlines for all the wrong reasons during the forgettable Ashes tour in Australia. While Stokes rejected all those talks, saying ‘that’s such an extreme thing to put on a team’, he argued that cricket’s affiliation with alcohol is old and has stayed. He made such a statement during a podcast with fellow England greats Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad, opening up on his stance on the drinking issue within England’s dressing room.&nbsp;England’s drinking problem came into the limelight just after they conceded the away Ashes early this year, with reports of several players getting involved in altercations in Australia amid a boozing spree on a Noosa holiday.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ben-stokes-rules-out-ashes-return-eyes-england-coaching-role-1785841783389">Ashes return ‘out of question’, but Stokes seeks future England coaching role</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, after Broad directly asked Stokes about his opinion on the issue, he said, "No, I mean, that's such an extreme thing to put on a team. I think cricket has just a drinking culture and it hasn't changed. We are in 2026 now, where the game has gone more professional over the years. One thing that has just stayed within cricket is its relationship with alcohol, from club cricket all the way up.” &nbsp;Stokes said despite cricket shaping into its most professional form today, alcohol is embedded within it.&nbsp; &nbsp;"It's been embedded within the sport. The relationship between alcohol and cricket is something that hasn't moved on as the game has become more professional. There's been more science, medicine and nutrition information. So people think England cricket has a culture with alcohol, but I would say no, cricket has a culture associated with alcohol," Stokes, who announced his shock international retirement in June this year, added.<h2>Controversy that ended Stokes' career</h2>Stokes-led England beat New Zealand in their Test series opener at Lord’s by 115 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Hours after the game got over, Stokes and his England teammate Gus Atkinson were out partying in a London nightclub, where the two got involved in an altercation, leading to an ECB security guard suffering injuries. &nbsp;The matter escalated soon after, and the ECB and Cricket Regulator launched separate probes into the matter, while suspending the two indefinitely. Stokes and Atkinson were then asked to feature for their respective counties, while Joe Root led England in the second Test, which they lost. &nbsp;While the investigation involving the two concluded with them being given a clean chit and spared a written warning, both were recalled to the side for the third and decisive Test at Trent Bridge. Midway through day four of the Test, the ECB revealed Stokes' decision to step aside from cricket, bringing the curtains down on a decorated career.

Ben Stokes dismisses claims of an England cricket drinking problem, arguing that alcohol culture is embedded across the entire sport from club level to the top.

Former England captain Ben Stokes slammed claims of England Cricket’s drinking problem that made headlines for all the wrong reasons during the forgettable Ashes tour in Australia. While Stokes rejected all those talks, saying ‘that’s such an extreme thing to put on a team’, he argued that cricket’s affiliation with alcohol is old and has stayed. He made such a statement during a podcast with fellow England greats Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad, opening up on his stance on the drinking issue within England’s dressing room. England’s drinking problem came into the limelight just after they conceded the away Ashes early this year, with reports of several players getting involved in altercations in Australia amid a boozing spree on a Noosa holiday. Also read| Ashes return ‘out of question’, but Stokes seeks future England coaching role Meanwhile, after Broad directly asked Stokes about his opinion on the issue, he said, "No, I mean, that's such an extreme thing to put on a team. I think cricket has just a drinking culture and it hasn't changed. We are in 2026 now, where the game has gone more professional over the years. One thing that has just stayed within cricket is its relationship with alcohol, from club cricket all the way up.” Stokes said despite cricket shaping into its most professional form today, alcohol is embedded within it. "It's been embedded within the sport. The relationship between alcohol and cricket is something that hasn't moved on as the game has become more professional. There's been more science, medicine and nutrition information. So people think England cricket has a culture with alcohol, but I would say no, cricket has a culture associated with alcohol," Stokes, who announced his shock international retirement in June this year, added. Controversy that ended Stokes' career Stokes-led England beat New Zealand in their Test series opener at Lord’s by 115 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Hours after the game got over, Stokes and his England teammate Gus Atkinson were out partying in a London nightclub, where the two got involved in an altercation, leading to an ECB security guard suffering injuries. The matter escalated soon after, and the ECB and Cricket Regulator launched separate probes into the matter, while suspending the two indefinitely. Stokes and Atkinson were then asked to feature for their respective counties, while Joe Root led England in the second Test, which they lost. While the investigation involving the two concluded with them being given a clean chit and spared a written warning, both were recalled to the side for the third and decisive Test at Trent Bridge. Midway through day four of the Test, the ECB revealed Stokes' decision to step aside from cricket, bringing the curtains down on a decorated career.

Ben Stokes dismisses claims of an England cricket drinking problem, arguing that alcohol culture is embedded across the entire sport from club level to the top.

'Cricket's relationship with alcohol has stayed': Stokes rejects 'England Cricket drinking problem' claims

Cricket great Sunil Gavaskar compared Ajinkya Rahane to Rahul Dravid, saying the ‘selfless’ leader, who led India to an unforgettable and unprecedented Test series win in Australia in 2020/21, didn’t get his credit. Rahane announced his retirement from all forms of the game last week, with several of his teammates, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, paying tribute on social media.&nbsp;After India were bowled out for 36 in the series opener in Adelaide and eventually lost it by 10 wickets, which was also regular captain Virat Kohli’s last Test on the tour, Rahane led an inexperienced Test team to a shocking 2-1 series win, including winning the famous Gabba Test. With no big names around and trailing 1-0 after the first Test, Rahane’s captaincy scripted history for India.&nbsp; &nbsp;Comparing his unparalleled feat with those of Dravid’s Test captaincy record, Gavaskar wrote, “His record as a skipper is exceptional, with four wins out of six and no losses. Like Rahul Dravid, who also had some terrific wins under his captaincy but never got the credit he deserved, so also Rahane’s leadership hardly got the applause that it merited.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ben-stokes-sydney-sixers-record-bbl-deal-aud-600000-1785845314072">Ben Stokes eyes record BBL deal as Sydney Sixers emerge as frontrunners: Report</a> &nbsp;Gavaskar didn’t shy away from criticising the fans’ tendency to overlook the captain’s role when the team succeeds. &nbsp;“This is typical of Indian cricket. When the team wins, all praise goes to the individual achievers, be it batters and bowlers, but when the team loses, the captain and the coach get the blame,” he further wrote. &nbsp;Looking back at the incredible series of events during that four-match Test series, Gavaskar pointed out how Rahane’s captaincy turned the tables for India, culminating in breaking Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba. &nbsp;“After the demoralising collapse of 36 all out in the first Test of the 2021 series Down Under, it was Rahane, along with Ravi Shastri, who picked the team from the dumps. The vice-captain took over a ship that was ready to sink and not only sailed it into calmer waters but also gave India an unprecedented first win at Australia’s fortress ‘The Gabba’ and with it the series victory too,” wrote Gavaskar.&nbsp; &nbsp;“In fact, in the final Test of the series, when most of the top players were unavailable due to injury, India pulled off one of its greatest victories in Test cricket. It proved once again, if ever it was needed, that nobody is indispensable in this game,” he added.<h3>Gavaskar’s highest praise for Rahane</h3>Gavaskar concluded by lauding Rahane for carrying himself and helping India taste enormous success during his time as a cricketer. &nbsp;“Rahane leaves the game with his head held high and the sincere thanks of cricket lovers for the totally selfless way he played the game. It’s not of many cricketers that it can be said that they did not have a single enemy in the game. There are perhaps less than a dozen, to the best of my knowledge and experience. Ajinkya Rahane can take his place there with his typical humility,” Gavaskar concluded.

Sunil Gavaskar has paid a glowing tribute to retired cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, comparing his selfless leadership to Rahul Dravid and calling his Australia series win historic.

Cricket great Sunil Gavaskar compared Ajinkya Rahane to Rahul Dravid, saying the ‘selfless’ leader, who led India to an unforgettable and unprecedented Test series win in Australia in 2020/21, didn’t get his credit. Rahane announced his retirement from all forms of the game last week, with several of his teammates, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, paying tribute on social media. After India were bowled out for 36 in the series opener in Adelaide and eventually lost it by 10 wickets, which was also regular captain Virat Kohli’s last Test on the tour, Rahane led an inexperienced Test team to a shocking 2-1 series win, including winning the famous Gabba Test. With no big names around and trailing 1-0 after the first Test, Rahane’s captaincy scripted history for India. Comparing his unparalleled feat with those of Dravid’s Test captaincy record, Gavaskar wrote, “His record as a skipper is exceptional, with four wins out of six and no losses. Like Rahul Dravid, who also had some terrific wins under his captaincy but never got the credit he deserved, so also Rahane’s leadership hardly got the applause that it merited.” Also read | Ben Stokes eyes record BBL deal as Sydney Sixers emerge as frontrunners: Report Gavaskar didn’t shy away from criticising the fans’ tendency to overlook the captain’s role when the team succeeds. “This is typical of Indian cricket. When the team wins, all praise goes to the individual achievers, be it batters and bowlers, but when the team loses, the captain and the coach get the blame,” he further wrote. Looking back at the incredible series of events during that four-match Test series, Gavaskar pointed out how Rahane’s captaincy turned the tables for India, culminating in breaking Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba. “After the demoralising collapse of 36 all out in the first Test of the 2021 series Down Under, it was Rahane, along with Ravi Shastri, who picked the team from the dumps. The vice-captain took over a ship that was ready to sink and not only sailed it into calmer waters but also gave India an unprecedented first win at Australia’s fortress ‘The Gabba’ and with it the series victory too,” wrote Gavaskar. “In fact, in the final Test of the series, when most of the top players were unavailable due to injury, India pulled off one of its greatest victories in Test cricket. It proved once again, if ever it was needed, that nobody is indispensable in this game,” he added. Gavaskar’s highest praise for Rahane Gavaskar concluded by lauding Rahane for carrying himself and helping India taste enormous success during his time as a cricketer. “Rahane leaves the game with his head held high and the sincere thanks of cricket lovers for the totally selfless way he played the game. It’s not of many cricketers that it can be said that they did not have a single enemy in the game. There are perhaps less than a dozen, to the best of my knowledge and experience. Ajinkya Rahane can take his place there with his typical humility,” Gavaskar concluded.

Sunil Gavaskar has paid a glowing tribute to retired cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, comparing his selfless leadership to Rahul Dravid and calling his Australia series win historic.

Sunil Gavaskar slams lack of credit for Ajinkya Rahane: ‘A selfless leader with no enemies’

In what appears to be a jackpot for retired England captain Ben Stokes, the 35-year-old is on the cusp of becoming the most expensive player in BBL history, with Sydney Sixers leading the race to sign him for the upcoming season. A seasoned international campaigner—though less active in franchise cricket - Stokes could return to the Big Bash League after 12 years on a bumper deal. Having announced his international retirement in June this year, Stokes continues to play for Durham in the One-Day Cup and the County Championship.&nbsp;A Code Sports report claims that Stokes has garnered massive interest from several BBL teams. His shock retirement from England duties leaves him with ample time to explore opportunities elsewhere, with the Big Bash League interested in his services.<h2>Why the Sixers lead the chase?</h2>Sydney Sixers are reported to be leading the race to have him on board for BBL 16, mainly after appointing Matthew Mott as their new head coach, who coached Stokes earlier with the national team. The two were at the helm of England's famous 2022 T20 World Cup win Down Under, where they beat Pakistan in the final by five wickets.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ben-stokes-rules-out-ashes-return-eyes-england-coaching-role-1785841783389">Ashes return ‘out of question’ but Stokes seeks future England coaching role</a> &nbsp;Stokes, who represented Melbourne Renegades during the 2014 edition, is on the wish list of Hobart Hurricanes, with Cricket Tasmania previously expressing a desire to bring the England all-rounder to their side.<h3>CA’s new model and Stokes’ potential signing</h3>Following the introduction of a direct-signing marquee pool, Cricket Australia (CA), alongside the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), would provide a central fund (outside the standard salary cap) to subsidise massive contracts, including Stokes’ for a deal worth $600,000 AUD.&nbsp; It is done so that Australia’s premier T20 tournament can compete financially against tournaments like the SA20 and ILT20, which are likely to overlap with BBL’s schedule. &nbsp;Even though Stokes’ potential IPL 2027 return is impossible as he will not be eligible to enter the IPL auction again until the next official Mega Auction cycle (expected around 2028), a BBL return is Stokes’ realistic chance of stepping into the franchise-based world. &nbsp;SA20, ILT20 and The Hundred are other premier tournaments where Stokes could feature and get the hang of this fast-paced T20 world, which he once held responsible for his ODI retirement.&nbsp;

Ben Stokes is closing in on a record $600k BBL deal as the Sydney Sixers lead the race to sign the retired England star. Read full contract & IPL details.

In what appears to be a jackpot for retired England captain Ben Stokes, the 35-year-old is on the cusp of becoming the most expensive player in BBL history, with Sydney Sixers leading the race to sign him for the upcoming season. A seasoned international campaigner—though less active in franchise cricket - Stokes could return to the Big Bash League after 12 years on a bumper deal. Having announced his international retirement in June this year, Stokes continues to play for Durham in the One-Day Cup and the County Championship. A Code Sports report claims that Stokes has garnered massive interest from several BBL teams. His shock retirement from England duties leaves him with ample time to explore opportunities elsewhere, with the Big Bash League interested in his services. Why the Sixers lead the chase? Sydney Sixers are reported to be leading the race to have him on board for BBL 16, mainly after appointing Matthew Mott as their new head coach, who coached Stokes earlier with the national team. The two were at the helm of England's famous 2022 T20 World Cup win Down Under, where they beat Pakistan in the final by five wickets. Also read| Ashes return ‘out of question’ but Stokes seeks future England coaching role Stokes, who represented Melbourne Renegades during the 2014 edition, is on the wish list of Hobart Hurricanes, with Cricket Tasmania previously expressing a desire to bring the England all-rounder to their side. CA’s new model and Stokes’ potential signing Following the introduction of a direct-signing marquee pool, Cricket Australia (CA), alongside the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), would provide a central fund (outside the standard salary cap) to subsidise massive contracts, including Stokes’ for a deal worth $600,000 AUD. It is done so that Australia’s premier T20 tournament can compete financially against tournaments like the SA20 and ILT20, which are likely to overlap with BBL’s schedule. Even though Stokes’ potential IPL 2027 return is impossible as he will not be eligible to enter the IPL auction again until the next official Mega Auction cycle (expected around 2028), a BBL return is Stokes’ realistic chance of stepping into the franchise-based world. SA20, ILT20 and The Hundred are other premier tournaments where Stokes could feature and get the hang of this fast-paced T20 world, which he once held responsible for his ODI retirement.

Ben Stokes is closing in on a record $600k BBL deal as the Sydney Sixers lead the race to sign the retired England star. Read full contract &amp; IPL details.

Ben Stokes eyes record BBL deal as Sydney Sixers emerge as frontrunners: Report

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has ruled out any chance of reversing his international retirement for next year’s home Ashes, as also suggested by Australian coach Andrew McDonald.&nbsp;While McDonald felt that Stokes’ final homecoming for the 2027 series against Australia would be a fairytale ending to his decorated career, ECB’s managing director Rob Key also kept the door open for Stokes’ ‘unlikely’ comeback. Stokes, however, shut all those rumours but hinted at a future England coaching role once he is done playing. &nbsp;Ben Stokes shockingly announced his international retirement midway through the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in June, with the ECB making his decision public before tea on day four. While he enjoyed his final day on the field with a couple of wickets, much to the crowd’s cheers and a quickfire 30 at the top during the run chase, he claimed that he had nothing more to offer and that the four-year captaincy reign had consumed him completely.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-pak-2nd-test-shafique-and-skipper-babar-lead-fightback-with-unbroken-168-run-stand-on-day-2-1785809243632">WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Shafique and skipper Babar lead fightback with unbroken 168-run stand on Day 2</a> &nbsp;Even though he reversed his ODI retirement to feature at the 2023 World Cup in India, Stokes said he ‘definitely’ is not coming back to play the 2027 Ashes. &nbsp;"I'm doing my level three coaching now while I'm still playing, because when the day comes that I'm not playing anymore, I'd love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done," Stokes said on the 'For the Love of Cricket' podcast. &nbsp;On his coaching plan, Stokes noted, "I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach. &nbsp;“And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely. I just really like the idea of being in some form of leadership away from playing.”<h2>Root Over Brook for ENG's Test Captaincy Shocks Stokes</h2>While Harry Brook was the designated Test vice-captain when Stokes was leading the side, the ECB picked veteran and former skipper Joe Root as his replacement, while also naming Stephen Fleming as the new head coach, replacing Brendon McCullum.&nbsp;Although Stokes admitted to understanding the reasoning behind handing over the baton to Root, he questioned the message the board has or would send to Brook for overlooking him. &nbsp;"Even when I missed that Test match, I was like, 'Why is Brooky (not the captain?) -– he's vice-captain'. And I sort of got it. I understood the reasoning why they were saying it. &nbsp;"But I was still like, 'What message is that sending to him?' He's vice-captain. And then the captain is not playing, but he's not captain. What? &nbsp;"I had no leadership or captaincy experience when I took over,” he said.&nbsp;

Ben Stokes rules out a return for the 2027 Ashes, shutting down comeback speculation while revealing his ambition to coach England in the future.

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has ruled out any chance of reversing his international retirement for next year’s home Ashes, as also suggested by Australian coach Andrew McDonald. While McDonald felt that Stokes’ final homecoming for the 2027 series against Australia would be a fairytale ending to his decorated career, ECB’s managing director Rob Key also kept the door open for Stokes’ ‘unlikely’ comeback. Stokes, however, shut all those rumours but hinted at a future England coaching role once he is done playing. Ben Stokes shockingly announced his international retirement midway through the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in June, with the ECB making his decision public before tea on day four. While he enjoyed his final day on the field with a couple of wickets, much to the crowd’s cheers and a quickfire 30 at the top during the run chase, he claimed that he had nothing more to offer and that the four-year captaincy reign had consumed him completely. Also read| WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Shafique and skipper Babar lead fightback with unbroken 168-run stand on Day 2 Even though he reversed his ODI retirement to feature at the 2023 World Cup in India, Stokes said he ‘definitely’ is not coming back to play the 2027 Ashes. "I'm doing my level three coaching now while I'm still playing, because when the day comes that I'm not playing anymore, I'd love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done," Stokes said on the 'For the Love of Cricket' podcast. On his coaching plan, Stokes noted, "I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach. “And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely. I just really like the idea of being in some form of leadership away from playing.” Root Over Brook for ENG's Test Captaincy Shocks Stokes While Harry Brook was the designated Test vice-captain when Stokes was leading the side, the ECB picked veteran and former skipper Joe Root as his replacement, while also naming Stephen Fleming as the new head coach, replacing Brendon McCullum. Although Stokes admitted to understanding the reasoning behind handing over the baton to Root, he questioned the message the board has or would send to Brook for overlooking him. "Even when I missed that Test match, I was like, 'Why is Brooky (not the captain?) -– he's vice-captain'. And I sort of got it. I understood the reasoning why they were saying it. "But I was still like, 'What message is that sending to him?' He's vice-captain. And then the captain is not playing, but he's not captain. What? "I had no leadership or captaincy experience when I took over,” he said.

Ben Stokes rules out a return for the 2027 Ashes, shutting down comeback speculation while revealing his ambition to coach England in the future.&nbsp;

Ashes return ‘out of question’ but Stokes seeks future England coaching role

Shashank Singh, who rose to fame in IPL 2024 as a finisher for Punjab Kings (PBKS), has left Chhattisgarh Cricket to move to Puducherry for the upcoming domestic season. The decision comes post alleged neglect from the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS) towards the all-rounder. The state cricket association, while granting the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the player, has denied any further comments on the matter. Shashank, meanwhile, has alleged non-clarity as the main reason for his switch.<h2>Why Shashank Singh left Chhattisgarh for Puducherry?</h2>Speaking to the ESPCricinfo, Shashank revealed: "They didn't have a proper explanation for why I was excluded from the [2026] Chhattisgarh Cricket Premier League. They didn't tell me why I wasn't considered for the conditioning camp for the state probables."I'm not saying you give me preferential treatment, but someone who won the BCCI award for the best domestic white-ball allrounder [for 2023-24] at least deserves some clarity, not ridicule."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mirabai-chanu-reveals-challenges-faced-to-win-historic-third-consecutive-weightlifting-gold-in-commonwealth-games-1785819616309">Mirabai Chanu reveals challenges faced to win historic third consecutive weightlifting gold in Commonwealth Games</a><h2>What did Chhattisgarh Cricket say about Shashank's allegations?</h2>The Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS) declined to comment on the matter, but confirmed granting the NOC to Shashank as reported by the ESPNCricinfo."The player had requested the NOC, which has been issued. Whatever else he has said are his views, and the association doesn't want to make any further comment on the matter," the state board said.<h2>What started the trouble between Shashak and state board?</h2>Shashank said that the issues first started coming up in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season when he went off the field due to shoulder strain while fielding against Mumbai. The all-rounder also alleged being accused of not being committed enough during the white-ball domestic season as well.<h2>What next for Shashank?</h2>The all-rounder is 33-year-old and is currently the vice captain of PBKS under skipper Shreyas Iyer. He had had a bumper IPL 2024 which prompted his retention ahead of the IPL 2025. Shashank repaid the faith by helping the team reach the final where they ended up as runners-up ater losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In IPL 2026, Shashank did not play up to the expectation and would now be focusing on white-ball only in the domestic season to find the consistency.

Shashank said that the issues first started coming up in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season when he went off the field due to shoulder strain while fielding against Mumbai. The all-rounder also alleged being accused of not being committed enough during the white-ball domestic season as well.

Shashank Singh, who rose to fame in IPL 2024 as a finisher for Punjab Kings (PBKS), has left Chhattisgarh Cricket to move to Puducherry for the upcoming domestic season. The decision comes post alleged neglect from the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS) towards the all-rounder. The state cricket association, while granting the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the player, has denied any further comments on the matter. Shashank, meanwhile, has alleged non-clarity as the main reason for his switch. Why Shashank Singh left Chhattisgarh for Puducherry? Speaking to the ESPCricinfo, Shashank revealed: "They didn't have a proper explanation for why I was excluded from the [2026] Chhattisgarh Cricket Premier League. They didn't tell me why I wasn't considered for the conditioning camp for the state probables. "I'm not saying you give me preferential treatment, but someone who won the BCCI award for the best domestic white-ball allrounder [for 2023-24] at least deserves some clarity, not ridicule." Also Read - Mirabai Chanu reveals challenges faced to win historic third consecutive weightlifting gold in Commonwealth Games What did Chhattisgarh Cricket say about Shashank's allegations? The Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS) declined to comment on the matter, but confirmed granting the NOC to Shashank as reported by the ESPNCricinfo. "The player had requested the NOC, which has been issued. Whatever else he has said are his views, and the association doesn't want to make any further comment on the matter," the state board said. What started the trouble between Shashak and state board? Shashank said that the issues first started coming up in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season when he went off the field due to shoulder strain while fielding against Mumbai. The all-rounder also alleged being accused of not being committed enough during the white-ball domestic season as well. What next for Shashank? The all-rounder is 33-year-old and is currently the vice captain of PBKS under skipper Shreyas Iyer. He had had a bumper IPL 2024 which prompted his retention ahead of the IPL 2025. Shashank repaid the faith by helping the team reach the final where they ended up as runners-up ater losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In IPL 2026, Shashank did not play up to the expectation and would now be focusing on white-ball only in the domestic season to find the consistency.

Shashank said that the issues first started coming up in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season when he went off the field due to shoulder strain while fielding against Mumbai. The all-rounder also alleged being accused of not being committed enough during the white-ball domestic season as well.

IPL-fame Shashank Singh leaves Chhattisgarh for Puducherry over alleged 'disrespect'

Abdullah Shafique struck his sixth Test century and Babar Azam closed in on a hundred as Pakistan reached 266-2 in reply to West Indies' 344 on day two of the second Test in Trinidad on Monday (Aug 3). Just days after flying into the Caribbean as an emergency replacement, Shafique ended the day unbeaten on 107 off 185 balls with 10 fours and two sixes decorating his authoritative innings at Queen's Park Oval. Babar, the only visitor to emerge with any credit from a disastrous second innings of the first Test when he finished unbeaten on 58, was again unbowed on 86.His calm, classy innings has so far occupied 126 deliveries, embellished by 10 fours and one six.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-created-magic-within-group-rohit-sharma-pays-tribute-to-t-dilip-after-india-exit-1785772460387">'You created magic within group': Rohit Sharma pays tribute to T Dilip after India exit</a>Putting aside those batting woes of a 90-run loss at the Brian Lara Stadium a few miles away, captain Babar and the recalled Shafique made the most of ideal batting conditions and pleasant weather, gathering runs in style in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 168.Recalled after Shan Masood's finger injury, Shafique looked at ease in the unfamiliar position of number three when he replaced Imam-ul-Haq, who was dismissed by Shamar Joseph.It was his first opportunity since losing his place after the South Africa series at home last October.He put on 64 attractive runs with Azan Awais, the opener flaying 10 fours in a 71-ball 55 before being adjudged lbw on television review to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.Babar got into stride almost immediately and with the West Indies hampered by the unavailability of first Test match-winner Justin Greaves with a leg injury and captain Roston Chase ineffective with his off-spinners because of a lacerated finger, the tourists' task was made that bit easier.<h2>Shafique grabs opportunity</h2>Yet nothing could take away from the excellence of their strokeplay and the manner in which they dominated an attack that had them on their knees six days earlier when they crashed to 71 for nine, eventually being dismissed for 120 in the last innings of the first Test."Their partnership has been quite remarkable and that's just the thing we have been missing in the last two-three Test matches," said delighted batting coach and former Pakistan international batsman Asad Shafique."Abdullah has been scoring heavily in domestic competition and he has taken this opportunity with both hands. For me, the hallmark of his innings was the way he put away the bad deliveries and respected the good ones."Babar, who continues to face severe criticism for what is seen as a rather passive style of leadership, was in his element with bat in hand though, playing a vital guiding role in ensuring that Shafique stayed focused.When Shafique reached his century shortly before stumps, pulling a short ball to the midwicket boundary, Babar celebrated warmly with the 26-year-old.Earlier, West Indies extended their first innings by 109 runs in the elongated morning session but that effort was put into context by the ease with the Pakistani top-order gathered runs in reply.All-rounder Greaves and overnight partner Chase pushed their sixth-wicket stand to 96 before the summoning of the second new ball, unexpectedly in the hands of spinner Ali Usman, brought the breakthrough when Greaves, on 73, sliced an ambitious heave to point.Fast-medium bowler Ubaid Shah then bowled Chase for 70 and despite more typically stubborn resistance from Kemar Roach, Sajid Khan claimed the last three wickets, the off-spinner finishing with the best figures of four for 85.

Putting aside those batting woes of a 90-run loss at the Brian Lara Stadium a few miles away, captain Babar and the recalled Shafique made the most of ideal batting conditions and pleasant weather, gathering runs in style in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 168.

Abdullah Shafique struck his sixth Test century and Babar Azam closed in on a hundred as Pakistan reached 266-2 in reply to West Indies' 344 on day two of the second Test in Trinidad on Monday (Aug 3). Just days after flying into the Caribbean as an emergency replacement, Shafique ended the day unbeaten on 107 off 185 balls with 10 fours and two sixes decorating his authoritative innings at Queen's Park Oval. Babar, the only visitor to emerge with any credit from a disastrous second innings of the first Test when he finished unbeaten on 58, was again unbowed on 86. His calm, classy innings has so far occupied 126 deliveries, embellished by 10 fours and one six. Also Read - 'You created magic within group': Rohit Sharma pays tribute to T Dilip after India exit Putting aside those batting woes of a 90-run loss at the Brian Lara Stadium a few miles away, captain Babar and the recalled Shafique made the most of ideal batting conditions and pleasant weather, gathering runs in style in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 168. Recalled after Shan Masood's finger injury, Shafique looked at ease in the unfamiliar position of number three when he replaced Imam-ul-Haq, who was dismissed by Shamar Joseph. It was his first opportunity since losing his place after the South Africa series at home last October. He put on 64 attractive runs with Azan Awais, the opener flaying 10 fours in a 71-ball 55 before being adjudged lbw on television review to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. Babar got into stride almost immediately and with the West Indies hampered by the unavailability of first Test match-winner Justin Greaves with a leg injury and captain Roston Chase ineffective with his off-spinners because of a lacerated finger, the tourists' task was made that bit easier. Shafique grabs opportunity Yet nothing could take away from the excellence of their strokeplay and the manner in which they dominated an attack that had them on their knees six days earlier when they crashed to 71 for nine, eventually being dismissed for 120 in the last innings of the first Test. "Their partnership has been quite remarkable and that's just the thing we have been missing in the last two-three Test matches," said delighted batting coach and former Pakistan international batsman Asad Shafique. "Abdullah has been scoring heavily in domestic competition and he has taken this opportunity with both hands. For me, the hallmark of his innings was the way he put away the bad deliveries and respected the good ones." Babar, who continues to face severe criticism for what is seen as a rather passive style of leadership, was in his element with bat in hand though, playing a vital guiding role in ensuring that Shafique stayed focused. When Shafique reached his century shortly before stumps, pulling a short ball to the midwicket boundary, Babar celebrated warmly with the 26-year-old. Earlier, West Indies extended their first innings by 109 runs in the elongated morning session but that effort was put into context by the ease with the Pakistani top-order gathered runs in reply. All-rounder Greaves and overnight partner Chase pushed their sixth-wicket stand to 96 before the summoning of the second new ball, unexpectedly in the hands of spinner Ali Usman, brought the breakthrough when Greaves, on 73, sliced an ambitious heave to point. Fast-medium bowler Ubaid Shah then bowled Chase for 70 and despite more typically stubborn resistance from Kemar Roach, Sajid Khan claimed the last three wickets, the off-spinner finishing with the best figures of four for 85.

Putting aside those batting woes of a 90-run loss at the Brian Lara Stadium a few miles away, captain Babar and the recalled Shafique made the most of ideal batting conditions and pleasant weather, gathering runs in style in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 168.

WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Shafique and skipper Babar lead fightback with unbroken 168-run stand on Day 2

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WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Shafique & Babar lead fightback with unbroken 168-run stand