Did India risk its US trade deal despite softer stance at BRICS?

First naval drone battle? Ukraine says Sargan 3000 sank Russian unmanned boat

Practical Magic 2 breaks Spidey spell over North American box office

'Huge destructive power': North Korea calls its latest missile launches 'live-fire drill' even as US dismisses 'immediate threat'

Meet top 5 batters fastest to 3000 runs in T20Is

Delhi’s balancing act: BRICS serves as a stage for West Asia diplomacy

Why European Meteor missiles use ramjet engines compared to standard US solid rockets

'He is popular...': Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim's praise for PM Modi during bilateral meeting | WATCH

Iran, India agree to deepen humanitarian and political ties, President Pezeshkian says

‘Want to reset ties with India, have engagement based on mutual interests,’ says Bangladesh minister

Trump says Canada eager to reach a deal, it could come ‘fairly soon’ if Ottawa treats US farmers better

Turkish Airlines plane flies through a storm three times, triggering severe turbulence

‘Partners, not rivals’: Xi outlines four point plan for stronger India-China ties

Why Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles use dual-pulse motors compared to European interceptors

Who is the smiling man beside Modi, Putin and Xi at BRICS Summit 2026?

BRICS Summit: New Delhi declaration adopted with full consensus, big diplomatic win for India

Russia proposes to build 360 kmph Ivolga FG trains in India: What happened on sidelines of BRICS

800 million years old - Scientists discover 'fingerprints' of supercontinent Gondwana in ancient rocks

China discovers vast gold and silver 'mine' in the Pacific with unheard-of deposits

Russian drone hits Warsaw-bound train near Polish border, Zelensky accuses Moscow of ‘deliberate’ targeting

War is making Russia stronger? How Ukraine is shaping Moscow’s next generation of weapons

NEET-UG to move to computer-based test soon, NTA DG says ‘CBT is the future’

Liam Neeson sparks romance rumours after holding hands with Stella Stocker at TIFF 2026

New OTT releases this week (September 14-20, 2026): Lust Stories 3, Waiting Hai, Irumudi- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more

9-year-old Chennai prodigy clears Cambridge IGCSE grade 10 exams

Indian importers urge Bangladesh to lift export ban on 'Hilsa' fish ahead of Durga Puja

Did China give Iran intel before US base strike that killed 3 troops? Trump says, 'You’re right...'

Baba Vanga's first prophecy for 2027 is out, and straight out of science fiction

US diplomat accused of possessing child abuse images secretly flown out of UK by US Marines

Akram, Afridi, Mushtaq tear into PCB after Pakistan’s Test series collapse in UK

From Rinku Singh to Mayank Yadav, 5 players dropped from India’s squad for Afghanistan T20Is

PM Modi and China's Xi offered to help resolve Russia-Ukraine war: Kremlin

China thinned Himalayan troop presence in 2025, India defence report says; terms border situation 'stable'

Humans may lose control of AI: Anthropic CEO calls for slowdown, Altman, Musk back him

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has slammed the hype around Test rankings and talks about India’s slump in red-ball cricket. For the first time since beating West Indies in a home Test series in October, India won a Test match in Galle earlier this week. India, the two-time WTC finalists, currently sit fifth in the ongoing cycle with five wins, four losses, and a draw in 10 contested matches. For India to qualify for their third WTC final, they must at least win six of their remaining eight matches; Gambhir, however, feels no outside noise can affect his goal: to win ICC trophies for India. &nbsp;"Rankings do not matter. We are not struggling. Since the England tour, we have played reasonable Test cricket," Gambhir said ahead of the Colombo Test.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravid-backs-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-test-cricket-revival-1787384969431">Rahul Dravid backs 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to lead Test cricket revival</a> &nbsp;Since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Test retirements last year, India drew the away Test series in England (2-2), only beat the West Indies at home (2-0) but suffered a clean sweep against South Africa (0-2) in November – their second since losing a three-match home Test series (0-3) to New Zealand in late 2024. Even though India’s Test cricket is not close to its best, Gambhir feels the team hasn’t performed badly in Tests, and it’s going through a transition period. &nbsp;"My job is to win trophies, not to garner views and likes. We’re not doing too badly in Test cricket since England, and this team is going through a transition phase," he added. &nbsp;However, in their first away Test on this tour, India beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs, with spinners doing the major damage. Newcomer Manav Suthar has become an emerging star following his second five-wicket haul in only his second Test, and a maiden 10-wicket haul in the game. On the contrary, ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav has struggled to trouble the batters across formats. &nbsp;Speaking on providing him with an extended rope despite his lean patch, Gambhir said, "We will try to field the best bowling attack that can get us 20 wickets. Kuldeep is a good bowler, and sometimes it's up to the captain as well.”

Gautam Gambhir defends India's Test record, asserting his job is to win trophies rather than chase views. Read his thoughts on WTC qualification, transition, and player backing. 

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has slammed the hype around Test rankings and talks about India’s slump in red-ball cricket. For the first time since beating West Indies in a home Test series in October, India won a Test match in Galle earlier this week. India, the two-time WTC finalists, currently sit fifth in the ongoing cycle with five wins, four losses, and a draw in 10 contested matches. For India to qualify for their third WTC final, they must at least win six of their remaining eight matches; Gambhir, however, feels no outside noise can affect his goal: to win ICC trophies for India. "Rankings do not matter. We are not struggling. Since the England tour, we have played reasonable Test cricket," Gambhir said ahead of the Colombo Test. Also read| Rahul Dravid backs 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to lead Test cricket revival Since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Test retirements last year, India drew the away Test series in England (2-2), only beat the West Indies at home (2-0) but suffered a clean sweep against South Africa (0-2) in November – their second since losing a three-match home Test series (0-3) to New Zealand in late 2024. Even though India’s Test cricket is not close to its best, Gambhir feels the team hasn’t performed badly in Tests, and it’s going through a transition period. "My job is to win trophies, not to garner views and likes. We’re not doing too badly in Test cricket since England, and this team is going through a transition phase," he added. However, in their first away Test on this tour, India beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs, with spinners doing the major damage. Newcomer Manav Suthar has become an emerging star following his second five-wicket haul in only his second Test, and a maiden 10-wicket haul in the game. On the contrary, ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav has struggled to trouble the batters across formats. Speaking on providing him with an extended rope despite his lean patch, Gambhir said, "We will try to field the best bowling attack that can get us 20 wickets. Kuldeep is a good bowler, and sometimes it's up to the captain as well.”

Gautam Gambhir defends India's Test record, asserting his job is to win trophies rather than chase views. Read his thoughts on WTC qualification, transition, and player backing.&nbsp;

‘Rankings don’t matter; my job is to win trophies’: Gautam Gambhir defends India’s Test slump

India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, saying the left-arm wrist-spinner bowled very well in Galle despite having to adjust his role according to the match situation.&nbsp;“He’s been bowling extremely well. It’s just that the situations that arose in Galle, he had to play a different role. So that’s all he had to adapt to, and he tried his best to adapt to that role and tried to execute as much as possible,” Bahutule said during the pre-match press conference.&nbsp;Kuldeep bowled with a flatter trajectory in Galle instead of his usual style of giving the ball more air. Bahutule explained that the change was made based on the pitch conditions and what was needed at different stages of the match.&nbsp;“We had to see how the trajectory or the speeds work in every session. And as the days went by, and as there was a demand for different types of speeds and different types of trajectories, he definitely was making an effort to bowl that,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/diamond-league-2026-live-when-and-where-to-watch-neeraj-chopra-s-javelin-event-1787314132744">Diamond League 2026 Live: When and where to watch Neeraj Chopra’s javelin event</a>&nbsp;Bahutule also said Kuldeep continued to rely on his strengths as a wrist-spinner, even as the pitch became slower during the Test.&nbsp;“He was playing his role. Each bowler has his own strengths. He was operating as a wrist-spinner in a way, where obviously the wicket got slower and slower each day. But I’m sure he was bowling the way he normally bowls,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read - &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bwf-world-championships-satwik-chirag-suffer-heartbreaking-loss-in-quarterfinals-to-chinese-pair-1787319256986">BWF World Championships: Satwik-Chirag knocked out after losing to Chinese pair</a>&nbsp;The India spin coach also praised young spinner Manav Suthar, saying his experience in domestic cricket has helped him understand his bowling well.&nbsp;“He’s somebody who, since he’s been bowling, has bowled a lot in domestic cricket in the Ranji Trophy. He’s done the hard yards, and he’s come into international cricket. So he understands his bowling well,” Bahutule said.&nbsp;&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Kuldeep Yadav is expected to remain in India’s plans for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo despite a quiet outing in Galle. Spin coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed the wrist-spinner to make a comeback, even as Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja impressed in the series opener.

India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, saying the left-arm wrist-spinner bowled very well in Galle despite having to adjust his role according to the match situation. “He’s been bowling extremely well. It’s just that the situations that arose in Galle, he had to play a different role. So that’s all he had to adapt to, and he tried his best to adapt to that role and tried to execute as much as possible,” Bahutule said during the pre-match press conference. Kuldeep bowled with a flatter trajectory in Galle instead of his usual style of giving the ball more air. Bahutule explained that the change was made based on the pitch conditions and what was needed at different stages of the match. “We had to see how the trajectory or the speeds work in every session. And as the days went by, and as there was a demand for different types of speeds and different types of trajectories, he definitely was making an effort to bowl that,” he said. Also Read - Diamond League 2026 Live: When and where to watch Neeraj Chopra’s javelin event Bahutule also said Kuldeep continued to rely on his strengths as a wrist-spinner, even as the pitch became slower during the Test. “He was playing his role. Each bowler has his own strengths. He was operating as a wrist-spinner in a way, where obviously the wicket got slower and slower each day. But I’m sure he was bowling the way he normally bowls,” he added. Also Read - BWF World Championships: Satwik-Chirag knocked out after losing to Chinese pair The India spin coach also praised young spinner Manav Suthar, saying his experience in domestic cricket has helped him understand his bowling well. “He’s somebody who, since he’s been bowling, has bowled a lot in domestic cricket in the Ranji Trophy. He’s done the hard yards, and he’s come into international cricket. So he understands his bowling well,” Bahutule said. With inputs from agencies

Kuldeep Yadav is expected to remain in India’s plans for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo despite a quiet outing in Galle. Spin coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed the wrist-spinner to make a comeback, even as Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja impressed in the series opener.

'Bowling extremely well': India coach backs Kuldeep ahead of second Test vs Sri Lanka

18 wickets fell on day one of the second Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Mackay as the hosts led by 101 runs at stumps. The first day belonged to the two left-arm quicks, Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam, as both claimed six wickets each in the highlight of the day. While Shoriful’s 14 at number 11 was also the highest score by a Bangladeshi batter, Cameron Green continued from where he left off in the last innings in Darwin, scoring an unbeaten 51. Bangladesh were all out for just 64 in the first innings, before reducing Australia to 165 for eight. &nbsp;Australia won the toss and elected to field first. Mitchell Starc struck gold on the first ball of the match by dismissing opener Shadman Islam, caught in gully for a duck. That wicket also saw Starc surpass James Anderson for the most first-ball wickets in Tests: nine. Starc didn’t stop there as he picked four more in his first spell to reduce Bangladesh to 12 for five inside the first 40 minutes. He took just 22 balls to achieve his 19th Test five-for.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ban-2nd-test-mitchell-starc-six-wicket-haul-anderson-record-mackay-1787380601048">Starc breaks Anderson’s record for most first-ball Test wickets: See top 5 list</a> &nbsp;Captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood shared four wickets between them, before a 25-run last-wicket stand helped Bangladesh avoid getting folded for their lowest Test total. They, however, were bowled out for 64, with Starc picking the last wicket – his sixth for the day for just 12 runs.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">22 balls, five wickets, one Mitchell Starc <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/AUSvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvBAN</a> Catch up on a stunning start: <a href="https://t.co/drrfqp5tb0">https://t.co/drrfqp5tb0</a> <a href="https://t.co/JLTQq5EZO9">pic.twitter.com/JLTQq5EZO9</a>&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/2090996890276098469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Shoriful picks six in Mackay</h2>Just when the Mackay crowd thought they were done with watching a left-arm masterclass on the opening day, Shoriful Islam entered. The medium-pacer bowled a tighter wicket-taking line and length and never allowed Australia to build on a partnership.&nbsp;Following Matt Renshaw’s wicket to Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful picked three, including Travis Head (22), Marnus Labuschagne (4) and Steve Smith (42).

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;The slimmest margin&quot; 😮 A massive moment as Shoriful Islam gets Steve Smith. <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/AUSvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/IgkklEnsre">pic.twitter.com/IgkklEnsre</a>&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/2091048213528690808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mehidy Hasan Miraz removed Alex Carey for five before Shoriful returned to Australia’s tail and picked up three more wickets to complete his six-for so far in this innings.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Shoriful Islam went bang to claim his first Test five-wicket haul, before topping it with an even better sixth! <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://x.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NRMAInsurance</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/AUSvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/kmK6ZOZupX">pic.twitter.com/kmK6ZOZupX</a>&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/2091059178009714833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Green, however, was Australia’s lone silver lining, hitting an unbeaten 51 with eight fours. Nathan Lyon stood like a rock, scoring 10 not out before stumps were called on day one of the second Test.

18 wickets fell on Day 1 of the 2nd Test in Mackay as Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam took 6 wickets each. Australia hold a 101-run lead over Bangladesh at stumps.

18 wickets fell on day one of the second Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Mackay as the hosts led by 101 runs at stumps. The first day belonged to the two left-arm quicks, Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam, as both claimed six wickets each in the highlight of the day. While Shoriful’s 14 at number 11 was also the highest score by a Bangladeshi batter, Cameron Green continued from where he left off in the last innings in Darwin, scoring an unbeaten 51. Bangladesh were all out for just 64 in the first innings, before reducing Australia to 165 for eight. Australia won the toss and elected to field first. Mitchell Starc struck gold on the first ball of the match by dismissing opener Shadman Islam, caught in gully for a duck. That wicket also saw Starc surpass James Anderson for the most first-ball wickets in Tests: nine. Starc didn’t stop there as he picked four more in his first spell to reduce Bangladesh to 12 for five inside the first 40 minutes. He took just 22 balls to achieve his 19th Test five-for. Also read| Starc breaks Anderson’s record for most first-ball Test wickets: See top 5 list Captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood shared four wickets between them, before a 25-run last-wicket stand helped Bangladesh avoid getting folded for their lowest Test total. They, however, were bowled out for 64, with Starc picking the last wicket – his sixth for the day for just 12 runs.

18 wickets fell on Day 1 of the 2nd Test in Mackay as Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam took 6 wickets each. Australia hold a 101-run lead over Bangladesh at stumps.

18 Wickets on Day 1 in Mackay: Starc, Shoriful claim six-fors as Australia lead by 101

Rahul Dravid, cricket great and a Test veteran, wants players like 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to lead the charge in Test cricket’s revival. Already impressed with the batting prodigy Sooryavanshi, who recently became the youngest Indian men’s debutant during the concluded UK tour, Dravid is concerned about his growth, development and management without hampering his red-ball ambitions. Having worked with the attacking left-hander at Rajasthan Royals, Dravid knows the depth of talent but urges him to maintain balance between white and red-ball cricket. &nbsp;"I think you always have to find that balance," Dravid said in a chat with Cricinfo at an event in Dublin to unveil the ETPL, where he co-owns the franchise Dublin Guardians.&nbsp; &nbsp;"And I think it's a great thing that Vaibhav is getting the experience of playing some white-ball cricket through the IPL in India, but he's also having the time to go back and play red-ball cricket in the Indian domestic system and grow his red-ball career. &nbsp;"All of us also want to see Test cricket survive, all of us want to see Test cricket grow, and we need players like him to be able to hopefully play all formats of the game,” Dravid noted.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ban-2nd-test-mitchell-starc-six-wicket-haul-anderson-record-mackay-1787380601048">Starc breaks Anderson’s record for most first-ball Test wickets: See top 5 list</a> &nbsp;Sooryavanshi has played and dominated in his brief white-ball domestic and India career, including at the age-group cricket, but hasn’t been tested enough against the red ball. With him set to embrace his journey as the vice-captain of the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, Vaibhav will have plenty of red-ball cricket waiting for him. Dravid too wants him to explore that aspect of the game. &nbsp;"The good thing is he's going to take some time; he's going to need some experience, he's going to get an opportunity to play a lot of red-ball cricket," Dravid said. "He's not played as much red-ball cricket as probably white-ball cricket. &nbsp;"He's only 15, and I think you've got to just give him some time and you've got to be patient with him. He's obviously been such a success straightaway, right, but he's going to go through his ups and downs, and I think people are going to have to be patient with him,” Dravid added.<h2>Dravid cautions Sooryavanshi</h2>Sooryavanshi has played just eight first-class matches, averaging a mere 17.25. With at least two East Zone games and a potential unofficial Tests against Australia A in September, Vaibhav has a chance to improve his numbers.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I think he's going to have some success, but he also might have periods where it probably doesn't work out well for him," Dravid cautioned. "But let's all remember he's only 15 and he has a long way to go. So, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, by not playing in T20 competitions all over the world, is actually playing in the red-ball Indian domestic competition. He's growing; he's getting better at red-ball skills. &nbsp;"Hopefully, someday if he does well and performs well like he has in white-ball cricket, he might become a red-ball player for India. And how exciting that would be for the world game as well."

Rahul Dravid backs 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to help revive Test cricket, urging patience as the young star focuses on red-ball domestic cricket.

Rahul Dravid, cricket great and a Test veteran, wants players like 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to lead the charge in Test cricket’s revival. Already impressed with the batting prodigy Sooryavanshi, who recently became the youngest Indian men’s debutant during the concluded UK tour, Dravid is concerned about his growth, development and management without hampering his red-ball ambitions. Having worked with the attacking left-hander at Rajasthan Royals, Dravid knows the depth of talent but urges him to maintain balance between white and red-ball cricket. "I think you always have to find that balance," Dravid said in a chat with Cricinfo at an event in Dublin to unveil the ETPL, where he co-owns the franchise Dublin Guardians. "And I think it's a great thing that Vaibhav is getting the experience of playing some white-ball cricket through the IPL in India, but he's also having the time to go back and play red-ball cricket in the Indian domestic system and grow his red-ball career. "All of us also want to see Test cricket survive, all of us want to see Test cricket grow, and we need players like him to be able to hopefully play all formats of the game,” Dravid noted. Also read| Starc breaks Anderson’s record for most first-ball Test wickets: See top 5 list Sooryavanshi has played and dominated in his brief white-ball domestic and India career, including at the age-group cricket, but hasn’t been tested enough against the red ball. With him set to embrace his journey as the vice-captain of the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, Vaibhav will have plenty of red-ball cricket waiting for him. Dravid too wants him to explore that aspect of the game. "The good thing is he's going to take some time; he's going to need some experience, he's going to get an opportunity to play a lot of red-ball cricket," Dravid said. "He's not played as much red-ball cricket as probably white-ball cricket. "He's only 15, and I think you've got to just give him some time and you've got to be patient with him. He's obviously been such a success straightaway, right, but he's going to go through his ups and downs, and I think people are going to have to be patient with him,” Dravid added. Dravid cautions Sooryavanshi Sooryavanshi has played just eight first-class matches, averaging a mere 17.25. With at least two East Zone games and a potential unofficial Tests against Australia A in September, Vaibhav has a chance to improve his numbers. "I think he's going to have some success, but he also might have periods where it probably doesn't work out well for him," Dravid cautioned. "But let's all remember he's only 15 and he has a long way to go. So, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, by not playing in T20 competitions all over the world, is actually playing in the red-ball Indian domestic competition. He's growing; he's getting better at red-ball skills. "Hopefully, someday if he does well and performs well like he has in white-ball cricket, he might become a red-ball player for India. And how exciting that would be for the world game as well."

Rahul Dravid backs 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to help revive Test cricket, urging patience as the young star focuses on red-ball domestic cricket.

Rahul Dravid backs 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to lead Test cricket revival

Australia’s Mitchell Starc couldn’t have asked for a better start to the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay. The left-arm quick broke multiple records inside the first session on the opening day on Saturday (Aug 22). Starc, 36, picked up a wicket on the first ball of the match, and surpassed James Anderson with a ninth career first-ball strike. &nbsp;Playing his 107th Test match, Starc also surpassed Dale Steyn’s tally of 439 Test wickets, entering the list of top-10 highest Test wicket-takers of all time. He returned with excellent figures of 6/12 in 10 overs, with six maidens, as Bangladesh got all out for 64 in just 34 overs. He sits in the 10th position with 441 Test wickets and counting.<h2>Record five-for and more</h2>Unsurprisingly, Starc picked up his 19th Test five-wicket haul in just 22 balls, his second-fastest and sixth overall in the format’s history. Against the West Indies in an away Test last year, he created a world record by dismissing five batters in 15 deliveries. &nbsp;Starc first dismissed the left-hander Shadman on a first-ball duck caught in the gully, before removing his opening partner Tanzid Hasan (0) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) on successive deliveries in his second over. In his third over, Starc accounted for Mominul Haque caught for nine and then completed his record five-wicket haul—in just 22 minutes—by trapping Litton Das lbw for a duck.&nbsp;WATCH Starc's Mackay Magic -

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ban-2nd-test-mitchell-starc-five-wicket-haul-mackay-video-1787366813577">AUS vs BAN, 2nd Test: Starc strikes on first ball, floors Bangladesh with 5-wicket haul on Day 1 | WATCH</a> &nbsp;Starc’s magical spell reduced Bangladesh to 12 for five at one stage, with things turning bad to worse after Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood made it 39 for nine. A 24-run stand for the 10th wicket between Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam saved Bangladesh from registering their lowest Test total. But Starc returned to pick up his sixth wicket and dismiss Bangladesh for 64 in the first innings.<h3>Bowlers with most first-ball dismissals in Tests -</h3><ul><li>Mitchell Starc (AUS) : 9 wickets</li><li>James Anderson (ENG) : 8 wickets</li><li>Ray Lindwall (AUS) : 7 wickets</li><li>Richard Hadlee (NZ) : 7 wickets</li><li>Kapil Dev (IND) : 7 wickets</li></ul><h3>Australia’s top order fumbles</h3>In response, Australia too lost their top four just after surpassing the three-digit mark. While returning Matt Renshaw was out for eight, Travis Head (22) got out chopped on for the third time in this series. Marnus Labuschagne was the next to depart for just four, before Steve Smith and Cameron Green stitched a partnership to bail them out.&nbsp; &nbsp;The left-arm seamer Shoriful then dismissed Smith plumb for 42.

Mitchell Starc broke James Anderson's record and passed Dale Steyn with a stunning 6/12 spell against Bangladesh in the 2nd Test in Mackay. Read match highlights and top order updates.

Australia’s Mitchell Starc couldn’t have asked for a better start to the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay. The left-arm quick broke multiple records inside the first session on the opening day on Saturday (Aug 22). Starc, 36, picked up a wicket on the first ball of the match, and surpassed James Anderson with a ninth career first-ball strike. Playing his 107th Test match, Starc also surpassed Dale Steyn’s tally of 439 Test wickets, entering the list of top-10 highest Test wicket-takers of all time. He returned with excellent figures of 6/12 in 10 overs, with six maidens, as Bangladesh got all out for 64 in just 34 overs. He sits in the 10th position with 441 Test wickets and counting. Record five-for and more Unsurprisingly, Starc picked up his 19th Test five-wicket haul in just 22 balls, his second-fastest and sixth overall in the format’s history. Against the West Indies in an away Test last year, he created a world record by dismissing five batters in 15 deliveries. Starc first dismissed the left-hander Shadman on a first-ball duck caught in the gully, before removing his opening partner Tanzid Hasan (0) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) on successive deliveries in his second over. In his third over, Starc accounted for Mominul Haque caught for nine and then completed his record five-wicket haul—in just 22 minutes—by trapping Litton Das lbw for a duck. WATCH Starc's Mackay Magic -

Mitchell Starc broke James Anderson's record and passed Dale Steyn with a stunning 6/12 spell against Bangladesh in the 2nd Test in Mackay. Read match highlights and top order updates.

Starc breaks Anderson’s record for most first-ball Test wickets: See top 5 list

Mitchell Starc floored Bangladesh inside the first session on day one of the ongoing second Test in Mackay. Starc struck gold on the first ball of a Test match, later bagging a five-for inside his first five overs to leave Bangladesh in tatters. &nbsp;Almost a week after Australia shockingly conceded the series opener in Darwin by nine wickets, the hosts bounced back in some style by reducing Bangladesh to 35 for six at lunch on the opening day. The showstopper, Starc, returned with figures of 9-6-11-5, while captain Pat Cummins picked the remaining one wicket.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-pak-1st-test-england-crush-pakistan-by-an-innings-and-103-runs-1787323306846">ENG vs PAK, 1st Test: England crush Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs</a> &nbsp;Just as Bangladeshi quicks troubled the Aussie batters on day one in Darwin, they suffered a similar, or rather poorer, fate during their turn in the second Test. The left-arm quick brought the crowd to its feet by removing opener Shadman Islam caught in the gully for a first-ball duck.&nbsp; &nbsp;WATCH VIDEO –

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">38 minutes, 22 balls, five wickets 🤯 <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/AUSvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvBAN</a> Catch up on the incredible morning session: <a href="https://t.co/drrfqp5tb0">https://t.co/drrfqp5tb0</a> <a href="https://t.co/CdY4geJRlW">pic.twitter.com/CdY4geJRlW</a>&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/2090992067787059579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Starc returned with the same aggression and tweaked planning in his second over and picked up wickets of Tanzid Hasan (0) and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) in successive deliveries. Two wickets in two balls meant only one thing: a hat-trick, which he missed, and so the ball went over Mushfiqur Rahim’s stumps straight to the keeper. &nbsp;Bangladesh’s scorecard read 9 for 3 in 2.2 overs.&nbsp; &nbsp;Things turned from bad to worse for them after Starc, in his third and fourth over, respectively, and less than 42 minutes into the opening day in Mackay, picked two more wickets and completed his five-wicket haul. He first accounted for Mominul Haque, caught by Cameron Green on nine, before getting his fifth of the day by removing Litton Das plumb in front for a duck. Precise line and zeal through the wicket crushed Bangladesh’s momentum as Australia sit in the driver’s seat. &nbsp;“Still a little bit of shape there,” Starc said of Mackay’s wicket on day one.&nbsp; &nbsp;“It’s probably not as much sideways as the first session over at Darwin. I think if it’s a lot like the Gabba, it’s going to get a little bit quicker, harden up a little bit more. It’s still quite greasy underfoot to start with. So obviously it’s beautiful weather; it might harden up a little bit, get a bit quicker and then hopefully once we get four more wickets, there’s plenty of runs in it,” he added.

Mitchell Starc tore through Bangladesh with a stunning 5-wicket haul inside his first five overs on Day 1 of the 2nd Test in Mackay. Watch the video of Starc’s fiery opening spell here.

Mitchell Starc floored Bangladesh inside the first session on day one of the ongoing second Test in Mackay. Starc struck gold on the first ball of a Test match, later bagging a five-for inside his first five overs to leave Bangladesh in tatters. Almost a week after Australia shockingly conceded the series opener in Darwin by nine wickets, the hosts bounced back in some style by reducing Bangladesh to 35 for six at lunch on the opening day. The showstopper, Starc, returned with figures of 9-6-11-5, while captain Pat Cummins picked the remaining one wicket. Also read| ENG vs PAK, 1st Test: England crush Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs Just as Bangladeshi quicks troubled the Aussie batters on day one in Darwin, they suffered a similar, or rather poorer, fate during their turn in the second Test. The left-arm quick brought the crowd to its feet by removing opener Shadman Islam caught in the gully for a first-ball duck. WATCH VIDEO –

Mitchell Starc tore through Bangladesh with a stunning 5-wicket haul inside his first five overs on Day 1 of the 2nd Test in Mackay. Watch the video of Starc’s fiery opening spell here.

AUS vs BAN, 2nd Test: Starc strikes on first ball, floors Bangladesh with 5-wicket haul on Day 1 | WATCH

England began their new era in impressive style under returning captain Joe Root, defeating Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs inside three days in the first Test at Headingley in Leeds on Friday (Aug 21). It was England’s first Test since Ben Stokes retired and Brendon McCullum stepped down as head coach and the hosts delivered a strong all-round performance to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After bowling Pakistan out for 171, England scored 409 before dismissing the visitors for 135 in their second innings.&nbsp;The win was England’s biggest innings victory over Pakistan at Headingley and their second successive innings win against them at the venue after their innings and 55 runs victory in 2018.&nbsp;Earlier in the Test, England opted to bowl after winning the toss, with their pace attack quickly putting Pakistan under pressure. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue shared all 10 wickets, taking five each as Pakistan fell from 117/3 to 171 all out. Abdullah Shafique top-scored with a patient 61, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled.&nbsp;England finished the opening day at 112/2 and were in a strong position.&nbsp;On the next day, despite rain interruptions, England dominated as Harry Brook scored 91 off 93 balls, while Jordan Cox made 73. Root contributed 66 and Dan Lawrence added a quick 51.&nbsp;Pakistan spinner Ali Usman claimed his first five-wicket haul in Tests, finishing with 5/95, but England still reached 409 to secure a huge 238-run lead.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jannik-sinner-withdraws-from-us-open-2026-due-to-knee-injury-1787323383729">Jannik Sinner withdraws from US Open 2026 due to Knee injury</a>&nbsp;Pakistan struggled again in their second innings, reaching 59/3 at lunch. Mohammad Rizwan offered some resistance with 41, but England’s pace attack soon finished the job.&nbsp;Jofra Archer (3/50), Josh Tongue (3/43) and Ollie Robinson (3/29) picked up three wickets each as Pakistan were bowled out for 135 in 37.3 overs, giving England a comfortable victory before tea.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bwf-world-championships-satwik-chirag-suffer-heartbreaking-loss-in-quarterfinals-to-chinese-pair-1787319256986">BWF World Championships: Satwik-Chirag knocked out after losing to Chinese pair</a>&nbsp;Pakistan’s 135 is among their lowest Test totals in England since 2000. It was also only the second time England’s pace bowlers had taken all 20 Pakistan wickets in a Test, after the previous instance at Lord’s in 2001.

England’s Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue claimed three wickets each as Pakistan were bowled out for 135 in their second innings, handing the hosts a dominant innings and 103 runs victory.

England began their new era in impressive style under returning captain Joe Root, defeating Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs inside three days in the first Test at Headingley in Leeds on Friday (Aug 21). It was England’s first Test since Ben Stokes retired and Brendon McCullum stepped down as head coach and the hosts delivered a strong all-round performance to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After bowling Pakistan out for 171, England scored 409 before dismissing the visitors for 135 in their second innings. The win was England’s biggest innings victory over Pakistan at Headingley and their second successive innings win against them at the venue after their innings and 55 runs victory in 2018. Earlier in the Test, England opted to bowl after winning the toss, with their pace attack quickly putting Pakistan under pressure. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue shared all 10 wickets, taking five each as Pakistan fell from 117/3 to 171 all out. Abdullah Shafique top-scored with a patient 61, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled. England finished the opening day at 112/2 and were in a strong position. On the next day, despite rain interruptions, England dominated as Harry Brook scored 91 off 93 balls, while Jordan Cox made 73. Root contributed 66 and Dan Lawrence added a quick 51. Pakistan spinner Ali Usman claimed his first five-wicket haul in Tests, finishing with 5/95, but England still reached 409 to secure a huge 238-run lead. Also Read - Jannik Sinner withdraws from US Open 2026 due to Knee injury Pakistan struggled again in their second innings, reaching 59/3 at lunch. Mohammad Rizwan offered some resistance with 41, but England’s pace attack soon finished the job. Jofra Archer (3/50), Josh Tongue (3/43) and Ollie Robinson (3/29) picked up three wickets each as Pakistan were bowled out for 135 in 37.3 overs, giving England a comfortable victory before tea. Also Read - BWF World Championships: Satwik-Chirag knocked out after losing to Chinese pair Pakistan’s 135 is among their lowest Test totals in England since 2000. It was also only the second time England’s pace bowlers had taken all 20 Pakistan wickets in a Test, after the previous instance at Lord’s in 2001.

England’s Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue claimed three wickets each as Pakistan were bowled out for 135 in their second innings, handing the hosts a dominant innings and 103 runs victory.

ENG vs PAK, 1st Test: England crush Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs

From Virat Kohli to Sachin Tendulkar, here's a look at the five Indian batters fastest to 6000 Test runs. This list also includes Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid

From Virat Kohli to Sachin Tendulkar, here's a look at the five Indian batters fastest to 6000 Test runs. This list also includes Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid

Meet top 5 Indian batters fastest to 6000 Test runs

England star Joe Root on Friday (Aug 21) has surpassed Australia’s Steve Smith to become the fielder with most catches in Test cricket history. Root achieved the feat on Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, Leeds, with a stunning catch at leg slip to dismiss Azan Awais off Jofra Archer.&nbsp;&nbsp;The dismissal came after a smart fielding plan between Root and Archer. A few balls earlier, Root had suggested adding a leg slip and short leg and Archer then bowled one that moved sharply into Awais. The Pakistan batter tried to guide it towards fine leg, but the ball took the inside edge and went straight to Root at leg slip.&nbsp;The catch took Root’s tally to 219 catches in 169* Test matches. Smith is second with 218 catches from 124 matches, while India legend Rahul Dravid is third with 210 catches in 164 matches. &nbsp;<h3>Most catches by a fielder in Test cricket</h3><ul><li>219 - Joe Root* (England)</li><li>218 - Steve Smith (Australia)</li><li>&nbsp;210 - Rahul Dravid (India)</li><li>205 - Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)</li><li>200 - Jacques Kallis (South Africa)</li></ul>Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/here-we-go-carlos-alcaraz-announces-us-open-return-following-wrist-injury-layoff-1787307631660">'Here we go': Alcaraz announces US Open return following wrist injury layoff</a><h3>England build strong lead at Headingley</h3>Root’s record came as England continued to control the first Test. England were bowled out for 409 early on the third day after starting at 366/8.&nbsp;The hosts added 43 runs to their overnight score, with Jofra Archer contributing a useful 23, including two fours and a six.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/battle-against-fear-nozomi-okuhara-reveals-painful-reason-behind-withdrawal-from-bwf-world-championships-1787308467690">'Battle against fear': Why Okuhara pulled out from BWF World Championships 2026</a>&nbsp;Khurram Shahzad took the final two England wickets, removing Jamie Smith for 25 before bowling Josh Tongue for eight. Shahzad finished with figures of 3/133.&nbsp;England’s first-innings total gave them a huge 238-run lead after Pakistan were dismissed for 171 in less than two sessions on the opening day. &nbsp;

Joe Root has surpassed Australia’s Steve Smith to become the fielder with the most catches in Test cricket history.

England star Joe Root on Friday (Aug 21) has surpassed Australia’s Steve Smith to become the fielder with most catches in Test cricket history. Root achieved the feat on Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, Leeds, with a stunning catch at leg slip to dismiss Azan Awais off Jofra Archer. The dismissal came after a smart fielding plan between Root and Archer. A few balls earlier, Root had suggested adding a leg slip and short leg and Archer then bowled one that moved sharply into Awais. The Pakistan batter tried to guide it towards fine leg, but the ball took the inside edge and went straight to Root at leg slip. The catch took Root’s tally to 219 catches in 169* Test matches. Smith is second with 218 catches from 124 matches, while India legend Rahul Dravid is third with 210 catches in 164 matches. Most catches by a fielder in Test cricket 219 - Joe Root* (England) 218 - Steve Smith (Australia) 210 - Rahul Dravid (India) 205 - Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) 200 - Jacques Kallis (South Africa) Also Read - 'Here we go': Alcaraz announces US Open return following wrist injury layoff England build strong lead at Headingley Root’s record came as England continued to control the first Test. England were bowled out for 409 early on the third day after starting at 366/8. The hosts added 43 runs to their overnight score, with Jofra Archer contributing a useful 23, including two fours and a six. Also Read - 'Battle against fear': Why Okuhara pulled out from BWF World Championships 2026 Khurram Shahzad took the final two England wickets, removing Jamie Smith for 25 before bowling Josh Tongue for eight. Shahzad finished with figures of 3/133. England’s first-innings total gave them a huge 238-run lead after Pakistan were dismissed for 171 in less than two sessions on the opening day.

Joe Root has surpassed Australia’s Steve Smith to become the fielder with the most catches in Test cricket history.

ENG vs PAK: Joe Root scripts Test history, breaks record for most catches by a fielder

Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige have been added to Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the second match against India in Colombo, as the hosts look to recover from their 165-run defeat in the series opener in Galle. The batter and all-rounder have been called up for the must-win Test, which starts on Aug 23.&nbsp;Both uncapped players earned their places after producing strong recent performances. Arachchige was the leading run-scorer for his team in the series against India A, while Mishara has impressed with his consistent performances in domestic cricket. &nbsp;Sri Lanka are also facing a growing injury crisis, as head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka will miss the second Test, leaving the hosts short of key batting options.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-pakistan-cricketer-blames-skipper-babar-azam-for-decline-in-bowling-prowess-1787303508459">Former Pakistan cricketer blames skipper Babar Azam for decline in bowling prowess</a>&nbsp;Mendis is still recovering from a serious hamstring injury, while Nissanka is yet to return after wrist surgery. Chandimal suffered a concussion on the fourth day of the first Test and will have to complete a mandatory seven-day stand-down period.&nbsp;&nbsp;With three regular batters unavailable, Mishara and Arachchige could be given a chance in the playing XI as Sri Lanka aim to level the two-match series.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bwf-world-championships-treesa-jolly-gayatri-gopichand-script-history-end-india-s-15-year-wait-as-duo-assured-of-medal-1787301484191">BWF World Championships: Treesa-Gayatri make epic comeback, assured of medal</a>&nbsp;India won the first Test by 165 runs, with Manav Suthar taking his maiden 10-wicket haul and Devdutt Padikkal scoring 167 in the first innings to play major roles in the victory.<h3>Sri Lanka squad for second Test against India</h3>Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando

Sahan Arachchige and Kamil Mishara have been included in Sri Lanka’s 14-member squad for the second Test against India in Colombo.

Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige have been added to Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the second match against India in Colombo, as the hosts look to recover from their 165-run defeat in the series opener in Galle. The batter and all-rounder have been called up for the must-win Test, which starts on Aug 23. Both uncapped players earned their places after producing strong recent performances. Arachchige was the leading run-scorer for his team in the series against India A, while Mishara has impressed with his consistent performances in domestic cricket. Sri Lanka are also facing a growing injury crisis, as head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka will miss the second Test, leaving the hosts short of key batting options. Also Read - Former Pakistan cricketer blames skipper Babar Azam for decline in bowling prowess Mendis is still recovering from a serious hamstring injury, while Nissanka is yet to return after wrist surgery. Chandimal suffered a concussion on the fourth day of the first Test and will have to complete a mandatory seven-day stand-down period. With three regular batters unavailable, Mishara and Arachchige could be given a chance in the playing XI as Sri Lanka aim to level the two-match series. Also Read - BWF World Championships: Treesa-Gayatri make epic comeback, assured of medal India won the first Test by 165 runs, with Manav Suthar taking his maiden 10-wicket haul and Devdutt Padikkal scoring 167 in the first innings to play major roles in the victory. Sri Lanka squad for second Test against India Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando

Sahan Arachchige and Kamil Mishara have been included in Sri Lanka’s 14-member squad for the second Test against India in Colombo.

IND vs SL: Kamil Mishara, Sahan Arachchige join Sri Lanka squad for second Test

Pakistan are currently in England for a three-Test series and are dismally behind in the ongoing first Test at Leeds. The visitors were bowled out for 171 in the first innings, thanks to five-wicket each by Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson, and England have piled up 366/8 so far, leading by 195 runs. Pakistan's struggle on the pitches with assist to bowlers isn't new and now even the bowlers are being rendered ineffective. Former Pak women's cricketer Urooj Mumtaz has blamed the decline of Pak pacers on skipper Babar Azam.<h2>Ex-Pak cricketer blames Babar for decline in bowling prowess</h2>Pakistan were once known for thier fearsome pace bowling with names like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar which were succeeded by Mohammed Amir, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, and Mohammed Irfan. Nowadays, however, Pak bowling looks toothless even on assisting pitches as visible in first Test against England. &nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uk-athletics-coach-leon-baptiste-believed-missing-is-serving-prison-term-in-morocco-1787297306595">UK Athletics coach Baptiste, believed missing, is serving prison term in Morocco</a>Speaking to Sky Sports, former Pakistan women's cricketer Urooj Mumtaz put the blame of the situation on lifeless pitches in domestic cricket, which were backed by Babar Azam's first stint as captain. "There’s obviously a problem with the pitches that we prepare back home. One of the examples of that was England touring Pakistan both times around," she said."We’ve gone so far away from it because our batters, especially when Babar was captain, wanted flatter tracks, wanted the batsmen to dominate the way things ran more. Even in first-class cricket, grass was taken off. So, you were almost putting the fast bowlers up against the wall, giving them zero assistance in first-class cricket, and providing a lot of batters to score runs without any test, really. And that’s where I feel they’ve just fallen off the boil," added Mumtaz.<h2>Pakistan on ropes in 1st Test vs England</h2>Pakistan had lost the first two wickets early in their first innings, but things seems to stabilize with 91-run stand for third wicket between Imam-ul-haq and Abdullah Shafique. England, however struck back decisively and bowled them out for 171. In reply, the hosts are nearly 200 runs ahead at 366/8, thanks to Jordan Cox (73), Joe Root (66), Harry Brook (91), and Dan Lawrence (51). For Pakistan, Ali Usman was pick of the bowlers with 5/92.

Pakistan were once known for thier fearsome pace bowling with names like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar which were succeeded by Mohammed Amir, Wahaz Riaz, Umar Gul, and Mohammed Irfan.

Pakistan are currently in England for a three-Test series and are dismally behind in the ongoing first Test at Leeds. The visitors were bowled out for 171 in the first innings, thanks to five-wicket each by Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson, and England have piled up 366/8 so far, leading by 195 runs. Pakistan's struggle on the pitches with assist to bowlers isn't new and now even the bowlers are being rendered ineffective. Former Pak women's cricketer Urooj Mumtaz has blamed the decline of Pak pacers on skipper Babar Azam. Ex-Pak cricketer blames Babar for decline in bowling prowess Pakistan were once known for thier fearsome pace bowling with names like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar which were succeeded by Mohammed Amir, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, and Mohammed Irfan. Nowadays, however, Pak bowling looks toothless even on assisting pitches as visible in first Test against England. Also Read - UK Athletics coach Baptiste, believed missing, is serving prison term in Morocco Speaking to Sky Sports, former Pakistan women's cricketer Urooj Mumtaz put the blame of the situation on lifeless pitches in domestic cricket, which were backed by Babar Azam's first stint as captain. "There’s obviously a problem with the pitches that we prepare back home. One of the examples of that was England touring Pakistan both times around," she said. "We’ve gone so far away from it because our batters, especially when Babar was captain, wanted flatter tracks, wanted the batsmen to dominate the way things ran more. Even in first-class cricket, grass was taken off. So, you were almost putting the fast bowlers up against the wall, giving them zero assistance in first-class cricket, and providing a lot of batters to score runs without any test, really. And that’s where I feel they’ve just fallen off the boil," added Mumtaz. Pakistan on ropes in 1st Test vs England Pakistan had lost the first two wickets early in their first innings, but things seems to stabilize with 91-run stand for third wicket between Imam-ul-haq and Abdullah Shafique. England, however struck back decisively and bowled them out for 171. In reply, the hosts are nearly 200 runs ahead at 366/8, thanks to Jordan Cox (73), Joe Root (66), Harry Brook (91), and Dan Lawrence (51). For Pakistan, Ali Usman was pick of the bowlers with 5/92.

Pakistan were once known for thier fearsome pace bowling with names like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar which were succeeded by Mohammed Amir, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, and Mohammed Irfan.

Former Pakistan cricketer blames skipper Babar Azam for decline in bowling prowess

England’s batters put their team in a strong position despite a five-wicket haul from Ali Usman on Day 2 of the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley. The hosts finished the rain-affected day on 366-8, giving them a 195-run lead after Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in the first innings.&nbsp;Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence all scored half-centuries for England but missed the chance to turn their scores into hundreds.&nbsp;Earlier, rain delayed the start and only 58 overs were possible during the day. Cox and Root resumed their innings under cloudy skies but handled the Pakistan bowlers well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both batters reached their fifties in back-to-back deliveries, with Cox bringing up his maiden Test half-century.&nbsp;Cox was dismissed for 73 when he edged Usman behind the stumps. Root soon followed after Khurram Shehzad trapped him lbw.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bwf-world-championships-2026-the-wisest-thing-to-do-anders-antonsen-sticks-to-game-by-game-approach-1787247952481">BWF World Championships 2026: ‘The wisest thing to do’: Anders Antonsen sticks to game-by-game approach</a>&nbsp;Brook and Lawrence then came together and continued England’s strong batting display and the pair added 120 runs and put the Pakistan pace attack under pressure.&nbsp;Lawrence, playing his first Test since an unsuccessful spell as an opener, was dismissed soon after reaching his fifty while attempting a slog-sweep against Usman. Brook also missed out on a century, losing his wicket for 91 after his stumps were hit.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fih-women-s-hockey-world-cup-india-hold-england-to-goalless-draw-advance-to-round-2-1787241065514">FIH Women’s Hockey WC: India hold England to goalless draw, advance to Round 2</a>&nbsp;Usman was Pakistan’s best bowler, taking 5-92. It was his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket and came in only his third match.&nbsp;Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali also picked up a wicket apiece but failed to trouble England’s batters much.

Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence hit half-centuries as England built a 195-run lead despite Ali Usman’s five-wicket haul.

England’s batters put their team in a strong position despite a five-wicket haul from Ali Usman on Day 2 of the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley. The hosts finished the rain-affected day on 366-8, giving them a 195-run lead after Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in the first innings. Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence all scored half-centuries for England but missed the chance to turn their scores into hundreds. Earlier, rain delayed the start and only 58 overs were possible during the day. Cox and Root resumed their innings under cloudy skies but handled the Pakistan bowlers well. Both batters reached their fifties in back-to-back deliveries, with Cox bringing up his maiden Test half-century. Cox was dismissed for 73 when he edged Usman behind the stumps. Root soon followed after Khurram Shehzad trapped him lbw. Also Read - BWF World Championships 2026: ‘The wisest thing to do’: Anders Antonsen sticks to game-by-game approach Brook and Lawrence then came together and continued England’s strong batting display and the pair added 120 runs and put the Pakistan pace attack under pressure. Lawrence, playing his first Test since an unsuccessful spell as an opener, was dismissed soon after reaching his fifty while attempting a slog-sweep against Usman. Brook also missed out on a century, losing his wicket for 91 after his stumps were hit. Also Read - FIH Women’s Hockey WC: India hold England to goalless draw, advance to Round 2 Usman was Pakistan’s best bowler, taking 5-92. It was his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket and came in only his third match. Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali also picked up a wicket apiece but failed to trouble England’s batters much.

Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence hit half-centuries as England built a 195-run lead despite Ali Usman’s five-wicket haul.

ENG vs PAK 1st Test, Day 2: England batters dominate despite Usman’s five-for

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will not be held this year as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) plans to restructure the troubled T20 competition, BCB president Tamim Iqbal said on Thursday (Aug 20). The decision comes after several financial and administrative issues affected the league, including franchise rule violations, corruption allegations, unpaid payments and problems with bank guarantees.&nbsp;The BPL is one of the oldest and most popular T20 leagues, but the tournament has faced growing uncertainty in recent years. The 2025 edition was criticised for poor scheduling and logistical issues. Several players also went unpaid for an extended period, while a brief player strike added to the problems.&nbsp;“The BPL will not happen this year,” Tamim told reporters, saying the board needed to solve the existing issues before bringing the tournament back.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/raised-the-bar-ab-de-villiers-picks-kohli-over-tendulkar-in-test-debate-1787235148651">‘Raised the bar’: AB de Villiers picks Kohli over Tendulkar in Test debate</a>&nbsp;Tamim revealed that the BCB has suffered losses of around $3.3 million (approximately INR 31 crore) from the BPL over the last two years. He said the league’s financial structure must be improved before another season is organised.&nbsp;“The BPL is a great product and there is a lot of interest in it. If we can do it properly, the interest will increase even more,” Tamim said.&nbsp;“BCB is supposed to make a profit from franchise cricket, not a loss. So until we fix this, holding a tournament at a loss is not important,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-india-s-mixed-disability-team-recreates-ganguly-s-iconic-lord-s-celebration-1787227160155">WATCH | India’s mixed disability team recreates Ganguly’s Lord’s celebration</a>&nbsp;The former Bangladesh captain made it clear that the decision to skip this year’s tournament does not mean the BCB is ending the BPL. Instead, the board will use the extra time to build a stronger and more sustainable system.&nbsp;“Our intention is 1,000 percent to host BPL. But I do not want to rush. I want to do it properly; if it takes six months or 12 months, I will take that time,” he added.&nbsp;Tamim made the comments after being appointed chairman of the International Cricket Council’s newly formed Franchise League Committee. He said Bangladesh’s plans to rebuild the BPL could also provide an example for franchise cricket worldwide.&nbsp;“If franchise cricket does not run properly in my country, then stopping it, and rebuilding it, will be a big message for my committee,” he said.&nbsp;The BCB has already started talks with the current franchises and expects to complete the franchise process by Apr or May next year. The longer timeline will also give the board the opportunity to consider new teams if any existing franchise fails to meet its financial obligations.&nbsp;Tamim also said the BCB could explore the possibility of bringing foreign franchises into the BPL as part of the restructuring process.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has been cancelled this year due to financial and administrative challenges, putting the popular T20 tournament on hold for the season.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will not be held this year as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) plans to restructure the troubled T20 competition, BCB president Tamim Iqbal said on Thursday (Aug 20). The decision comes after several financial and administrative issues affected the league, including franchise rule violations, corruption allegations, unpaid payments and problems with bank guarantees. The BPL is one of the oldest and most popular T20 leagues, but the tournament has faced growing uncertainty in recent years. The 2025 edition was criticised for poor scheduling and logistical issues. Several players also went unpaid for an extended period, while a brief player strike added to the problems. “The BPL will not happen this year,” Tamim told reporters, saying the board needed to solve the existing issues before bringing the tournament back. Also Read - ‘Raised the bar’: AB de Villiers picks Kohli over Tendulkar in Test debate Tamim revealed that the BCB has suffered losses of around $3.3 million (approximately INR 31 crore) from the BPL over the last two years. He said the league’s financial structure must be improved before another season is organised. “The BPL is a great product and there is a lot of interest in it. If we can do it properly, the interest will increase even more,” Tamim said. “BCB is supposed to make a profit from franchise cricket, not a loss. So until we fix this, holding a tournament at a loss is not important,” he added. Also Read - WATCH | India’s mixed disability team recreates Ganguly’s Lord’s celebration The former Bangladesh captain made it clear that the decision to skip this year’s tournament does not mean the BCB is ending the BPL. Instead, the board will use the extra time to build a stronger and more sustainable system. “Our intention is 1,000 percent to host BPL. But I do not want to rush. I want to do it properly; if it takes six months or 12 months, I will take that time,” he added. Tamim made the comments after being appointed chairman of the International Cricket Council’s newly formed Franchise League Committee. He said Bangladesh’s plans to rebuild the BPL could also provide an example for franchise cricket worldwide. “If franchise cricket does not run properly in my country, then stopping it, and rebuilding it, will be a big message for my committee,” he said. The BCB has already started talks with the current franchises and expects to complete the franchise process by Apr or May next year. The longer timeline will also give the board the opportunity to consider new teams if any existing franchise fails to meet its financial obligations. Tamim also said the BCB could explore the possibility of bringing foreign franchises into the BPL as part of the restructuring process.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has been cancelled this year due to financial and administrative challenges, putting the popular T20 tournament on hold for the season.

BPL T20 League cancelled by Bangladesh after heavy financial losses

South Africa batting great AB de Villiers said former India captain Virat Kohli took Indian batting to a higher level in overseas conditions and inspired other players to perform better outside the country.&nbsp;De Villiers explained that Sachin Tendulkar was the first Indian batter to set the standard abroad, but Kohli pushed it even further. Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer in Test cricket with 15,921 runs and 51 centuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;While, Kohli, who retired from Test cricket in 2025, ended his career with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I think of someone like Sachin Tendulkar way back, who started that trend for India. Yet, he wasn’t as strong as someone like Virat Kohli, who was even better. But Sachin was the first guy to show that as a subcontinent batter, you can do well in bouncy and seaming conditions. Virat took that forward and raised the bar,” said de Villiers on his YouTube channel.&nbsp;“Because of that, there are quite a few players now like [KL] Rahul and Padikkal, who have started to up that trend and follow in the footsteps of a Virat and a Sachin.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-india-s-mixed-disability-team-recreates-ganguly-s-iconic-lord-s-celebration-1787227160155">WATCH | India’s mixed disability team recreates Ganguly’s iconic Lord’s celebration</a>&nbsp;De Villiers, who scored 8,765 runs in 114 Tests at an average of over 50, also spoke about KL Rahul’s performances overseas and praised his technique but said the opener needs to convert his starts into bigger scores away from home.&nbsp;“KL is a guy with a sound technique and is a big asset in that Indian lineup. But he averages only 34 away from home. So you’ll expect more and that is one area where he has to work on. He has to get bigger scores once he gets in and not just get a 100 but make it a 180 because that first-ball duck and getting out to the newish ball is always around the corner. So for him, the name of the game will be to make the big scores even bigger,” said de Villiers.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canada-coach-monty-desai-steps-down-amid-corruption-probe-1787224674348">Canada coach Monty Desai steps down amid corruption probe</a>&nbsp;The 34-year-old, Rahul, scored a useful 81 for India in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka this week, while Devdutt Padikkal hit his maiden Test century at No. 3 as India went on to win the match by 165 runs.

AB de Villiers said Sachin Tendulkar set the benchmark for India overseas, but Virat Kohli took it to another level.

South Africa batting great AB de Villiers said former India captain Virat Kohli took Indian batting to a higher level in overseas conditions and inspired other players to perform better outside the country. De Villiers explained that Sachin Tendulkar was the first Indian batter to set the standard abroad, but Kohli pushed it even further. Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer in Test cricket with 15,921 runs and 51 centuries. While, Kohli, who retired from Test cricket in 2025, ended his career with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85. “I think of someone like Sachin Tendulkar way back, who started that trend for India. Yet, he wasn’t as strong as someone like Virat Kohli, who was even better. But Sachin was the first guy to show that as a subcontinent batter, you can do well in bouncy and seaming conditions. Virat took that forward and raised the bar,” said de Villiers on his YouTube channel. “Because of that, there are quite a few players now like [KL] Rahul and Padikkal, who have started to up that trend and follow in the footsteps of a Virat and a Sachin.” Also Read - WATCH | India’s mixed disability team recreates Ganguly’s iconic Lord’s celebration De Villiers, who scored 8,765 runs in 114 Tests at an average of over 50, also spoke about KL Rahul’s performances overseas and praised his technique but said the opener needs to convert his starts into bigger scores away from home. “KL is a guy with a sound technique and is a big asset in that Indian lineup. But he averages only 34 away from home. So you’ll expect more and that is one area where he has to work on. He has to get bigger scores once he gets in and not just get a 100 but make it a 180 because that first-ball duck and getting out to the newish ball is always around the corner. So for him, the name of the game will be to make the big scores even bigger,” said de Villiers. Also Read - Canada coach Monty Desai steps down amid corruption probe The 34-year-old, Rahul, scored a useful 81 for India in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka this week, while Devdutt Padikkal hit his maiden Test century at No. 3 as India went on to win the match by 165 runs.

AB de Villiers said Sachin Tendulkar set the benchmark for India overseas, but Virat Kohli took it to another level.

‘Raised the bar’: AB de Villiers picks Kohli over Tendulkar in Test debate

India’s mixed disability cricket team turned back the clock at Lord’s by recreating Sourav Ganguly’s iconic shirt-waving celebration from 2002 after securing a memorable win at the home of cricket. India defeated England by 118 runs in the seventh and final T20I of their mixed disability series in London on Wednesday, however, the hosts won the seven-match series 4-3.&nbsp;After the match, the Indian players and officials went to the Lord’s balcony, took off their blazers and celebrated with the Tricolour. The scenes reminded fans of Ganguly’s famous celebration after India beat England in the NatWest Trophy final at the same venue 24 years ago.&nbsp;A video shared by the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) showed the Indian team celebrating on the balcony.&nbsp;<h2>WATCH</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">India&#39;s Mixed Disability team celebrates its massive 118-run win over their English counterparts in a T20 match at the iconic Lord&#39;s Cricket Ground by waving their shirts like Sourav Ganguly famously did way back in 2002!! <a href="https://x.com/dcciofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dcciofficial</a> <a href="https://t.co/gx0cDt9CUQ">pic.twitter.com/gx0cDt9CUQ</a>&mdash; Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) <a href="https://x.com/toi_gauravG/status/2090157320840061392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“When India wins at Lord’s, the celebrations hit different. A moment of pure cricketing joy on the Lord’s Balcony — coats off, spirits high, and the Tricolour flying with pride. 118 runs. One unforgettable celebration,” DCCI wrote on X.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arya-concedes-feeling-pressure-in-ipl-but-feels-proud-on-performance-1787223481540">Priyansh Arya concedes feeling pressure in IPL but 'feels proud on performance'</a>&nbsp;The celebration followed a dominant performance by India in the series finale.&nbsp;Batting first, India scored 206 for four, their highest total in the seven-match series. Arjun Gawre top-scored with 68 off 44 balls, while captain Majid Magray produced a stunning late attack, hitting an unbeaten 63 off just 19 deliveries. Sai Akash also made a valuable contribution as India posted a strong total.&nbsp;While, England struggled throughout their chase and were bowled out for just 88. Hilal Ahmad Wani was the pick of the bowlers for India with four wickets for 21 runs, while Jayesh Parmar picked up three for 14.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/infantino-faces-fresh-setback-as-senior-fifa-official-pulls-support-1787220570397">Infantino faces fresh setback as senior FIFA official pulls support</a>&nbsp;The defeat ended England’s successful series on a disappointing note. Captain Callum Flynn said his team had hoped to finish the series with a win at Lord’s.&nbsp;“Ultimately India were too good for us today, but we can be happy that we’ve won the series,” Flynn said.&nbsp;“It’s been an amazing series. The standard and the competition has risen every series we’ve had against India.”

India’s mixed disability cricket team recreated Sourav Ganguly’s iconic shirt-waving celebration at Lord’s after a 118-run win over England.

India’s mixed disability cricket team turned back the clock at Lord’s by recreating Sourav Ganguly’s iconic shirt-waving celebration from 2002 after securing a memorable win at the home of cricket. India defeated England by 118 runs in the seventh and final T20I of their mixed disability series in London on Wednesday, however, the hosts won the seven-match series 4-3. After the match, the Indian players and officials went to the Lord’s balcony, took off their blazers and celebrated with the Tricolour. The scenes reminded fans of Ganguly’s famous celebration after India beat England in the NatWest Trophy final at the same venue 24 years ago. A video shared by the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) showed the Indian team celebrating on the balcony. WATCH

India’s mixed disability cricket team recreated Sourav Ganguly’s iconic shirt-waving celebration at Lord’s after a 118-run win over England.

WATCH | India’s mixed disability team recreates Ganguly’s iconic Lord’s celebration

Monty Desai has left his role as Canada’s head coach after just three months, as Canadian cricket faces continued fallout from the T20 World Cup and an ongoing dispute with the ICC. Desai became interim head coach in May, soon after the team’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. During his short stint, he guided the side in two Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series.&nbsp;“A short chapter, but a meaningful one,” Desai wrote on Instagram. “Grateful to Cricket Canada for the opportunity to serve as Interim Head Coach over the past three months.”&nbsp;“Every environment leaves you with learnings. This experience further strengthened my belief that sustainable performance is built through time, trust, preparation, strong relationships and collective ownership."&nbsp;&nbsp;This was Desai’s second spell with Canada, having first worked with the team in 2019. He returned after Canada lost all four of their matches at the T20 World Cup. The team’s campaign later came under investigation by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arya-concedes-feeling-pressure-in-ipl-but-feels-proud-on-performance-1787223481540">Priyansh Arya concedes feeling pressure in IPL but 'feels proud on performance'</a>&nbsp;The investigation focused on allegations linked to Canada’s match against New Zealand. At the same time, separate issues emerged over the administration of Cricket Canada and its compliance with ICC membership rules.&nbsp;The ICC suspended funding for Cricket Canada in May and later suspended the country’s Associate membership. The board remains suspended and must meet certain conditions before it can be reinstated.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/infantino-faces-fresh-setback-as-senior-fifa-official-pulls-support-1787220570397">Infantino faces fresh setback as senior FIFA official pulls support</a>&nbsp;On the field, Canada are currently sixth in the CWC League 2 table with four matches left. The top four teams will qualify for next year’s ODI World Cup Qualifier and Canada’s next games will be against Oman and Nepal in Oman, starting Oct 9.&nbsp;The baord has begun the search for Desai’s replacement, with applications open to interested candidates until Aug 28.&nbsp;

Canada has parted ways with interim head coach Monty Desai after three months, as the cricket team remains under ICC scrutiny and battles for World Cup qualification.

Monty Desai has left his role as Canada’s head coach after just three months, as Canadian cricket faces continued fallout from the T20 World Cup and an ongoing dispute with the ICC. Desai became interim head coach in May, soon after the team’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. During his short stint, he guided the side in two Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series. “A short chapter, but a meaningful one,” Desai wrote on Instagram. “Grateful to Cricket Canada for the opportunity to serve as Interim Head Coach over the past three months.” “Every environment leaves you with learnings. This experience further strengthened my belief that sustainable performance is built through time, trust, preparation, strong relationships and collective ownership." This was Desai’s second spell with Canada, having first worked with the team in 2019. He returned after Canada lost all four of their matches at the T20 World Cup. The team’s campaign later came under investigation by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit. Also Read - Priyansh Arya concedes feeling pressure in IPL but 'feels proud on performance' The investigation focused on allegations linked to Canada’s match against New Zealand. At the same time, separate issues emerged over the administration of Cricket Canada and its compliance with ICC membership rules. The ICC suspended funding for Cricket Canada in May and later suspended the country’s Associate membership. The board remains suspended and must meet certain conditions before it can be reinstated. Also Read - Infantino faces fresh setback as senior FIFA official pulls support On the field, Canada are currently sixth in the CWC League 2 table with four matches left. The top four teams will qualify for next year’s ODI World Cup Qualifier and Canada’s next games will be against Oman and Nepal in Oman, starting Oct 9. The baord has begun the search for Desai’s replacement, with applications open to interested candidates until Aug 28.

Canada has parted ways with interim head coach Monty Desai after three months, as the cricket team remains under ICC scrutiny and battles for World Cup qualification.

Canada coach Monty Desai steps down amid corruption probe

From Virender Sehwag to Sachin Tendulkar, here's a look at the top five Indian batters fastest to 4000 Test runs. This list also includes Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara

From Virender Sehwag to Sachin Tendulkar, here's a look at the top five Indian batters fastest to 4000 Test runs. This list also includes Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara

Meet top 5 Indian batters fastest to 4000 Test runs

The day 1 (Aug 19) of the England vs Pakistan first Test in Headingley, Leeds saw host pacers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue dismantling the visitors with precision. Both the pacers took five wickets each as <a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/world-test-championship/matches/264906/england-vs-pakistan">Pakistan were bowled out for 171</a> in the first innings. While the instance of two bowlers taking a five-wicket haul in same Test innings is very rare, what happened after was even more unique. Traditionally, the bowler who takes a five-wicket haul, keeps the match ball as a memory, but this time the ball was cut into half to give both, Robinson and Tongue one piece each to mark the occasion.<h2>Robinson, Tongue share ball after five-wicket haul vs Pakistan</h2>Robinson and Tongue became the first England pair to take five-wickets each in the same innings of a Test since Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar did so in 2006, also against Pakistan in Manchester. After the match, the ground staff split the ball in two exact halves to ensure both bowlers get to keep a piece of history with them.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson have had the ball split in half so they can both have a momento from their five-wicket hauls 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏 Brilliant picture by <a href="https://x.com/dudleyplatypus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dudleyplatypus</a> 📸<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/a5yUZIvuMx">pic.twitter.com/a5yUZIvuMx</a>&mdash; England&#39;s Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) <a href="https://x.com/TheBarmyArmy/status/2090160218004959739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Robbo said we can split the ball in half," Tongue told Test Match Special. "The groundstaff have kindly done that. It’s the first time I’ve seen that happen. I’m sure I’ll be putting that up somewhere."Also read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-ashwin-says-jadeja-not-attacking-anymore-as-suthar-steps-up-1787200098549">IND vs SL: Ashwin says 'Jadeja not attacking anymore' as Suthar steps up</a>"Josh said it and I said: 'We actually should do that, it would be quite cool.' You don’t really have too many halves of a cricket ball, so it would be something that we never forget," Robinson added."Wayne Bentley, the team manager, took it down to the groundstaff. I said: 'Do you reckon they will be able to do it? Within five minutes he brought it back up and it was done. It’s really nice," Robinson added.<h2>England in driver seat of opening Test</h2>Robinson (5/51) and Tongue (5/46) helped England bowl Pakistan cheaply despite Imam-ul-haq (42) and Abdullah Shafique (61) adding 91 runs for the third wicket. In reply, England openers Ben Duckett (15) and Emilio Gay (33) added 36 runs for the first wicket before both of them were back in the dressing room for 48 runs. Jordan Cox (23 not out) and skipper Joe Root (37 not out) were at the crease at the close of play with England at 112/2, 59 runs behind Pakistan's first innings total.

Robinson and Tongue became the first England pair to take five-wickets each in the same innings of a Test since Steve Harminson and Monty Panesar did so in 2006, also against Pakistan in Manchester.

The day 1 (Aug 19) of the England vs Pakistan first Test in Headingley, Leeds saw host pacers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue dismantling the visitors with precision. Both the pacers took five wickets each as Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in the first innings. While the instance of two bowlers taking a five-wicket haul in same Test innings is very rare, what happened after was even more unique. Traditionally, the bowler who takes a five-wicket haul, keeps the match ball as a memory, but this time the ball was cut into half to give both, Robinson and Tongue one piece each to mark the occasion. Robinson, Tongue share ball after five-wicket haul vs Pakistan Robinson and Tongue became the first England pair to take five-wickets each in the same innings of a Test since Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar did so in 2006, also against Pakistan in Manchester. After the match, the ground staff split the ball in two exact halves to ensure both bowlers get to keep a piece of history with them.

Robinson and Tongue became the first England pair to take five-wickets each in the same innings of a Test since Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar did so in 2006, also against Pakistan in Manchester.

ENG vs PAK, 1st Test: Robinson, Tongue split Pakistan and 'match ball' in half after day 1 heroics

Former India spinner Ravi Ashwin thinks that his long-time spin partner Ravindra Jadeja is 'no longer an attacking spinner,' but has transitioned into a solid middle-order batter with added experience with the ball. Ashwin's comments came after India's 165-run win against Sri Lanka in the first of two Tests at Galle on Wednesday (Aug 19). Jadeja did take four wickets in the match but the spotlight was on 24-year-old Manav Suthar, who took a 10-for in only his second Test match - making him <a href="Galle Jackpot: Manav Suthar becomes youngest Indian to pick 10-for in away Test">the youngest Indian</a> spinner to do so away from home.<h2>Ashwin says Jadeja no longer 'attacking'</h2>Jadeja has long been one of the mainstays of Indian spinner with other being Ashwin. The left-arm all-rounder, however, is now 90-Test old and has 352 wickets to his name, making him the most experienced active bowler in India. The 37-year-old, however, has taken a back seat to offer support in the middle overs rather leading the attack.Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jaiswal-dickwella-ipl-deal-sledge-galle-test-wicket-1787141583916">'I’ll Take You to IPL" — How Jaiswal’s mind games trapped Dickwella</a>“Jadeja and Suthar are completely different bowlers. Suthar’s strength is the ball rotation in his hands. Jadeja will bowl to the wickets and give you control with his stock balls. I feel Jadeja is not that attacking spinner anymore. He is a batter who will give experience with the ball and I feel he has transitioned to that role, which is not such a bad thing,” Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.<h2>Jadeja still remains India's prime spinner in WTC 2025-27</h2>Despite growing age and new spinners coming into the Indian team, Jadeja remains <a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/world-test-championship/stats">India's best spinner in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle</a>. He has played 10 matches in the ongoing cycle, taking 29 wickets, joint-second best for India among all bowlers, tying with Jasprit Bumrah and only second to Mohammed Siraj's 41 wickets in 10 matches.Overall, Jadeja has 160 wickets in 49 WTC Tests - making him the third best Indian bowler behind Ravi Ashwin (195 wickets) and Jasprit Bumrah (185 wickets).

Ravichandran Ashwin believes Ravindra Jadeja has shifted from an attacking spinner to a solid middle-order batter who offers control and experience with the ball, despite remaining a key WTC performer.

Former India spinner Ravi Ashwin thinks that his long-time spin partner Ravindra Jadeja is 'no longer an attacking spinner,' but has transitioned into a solid middle-order batter with added experience with the ball. Ashwin's comments came after India's 165-run win against Sri Lanka in the first of two Tests at Galle on Wednesday (Aug 19). Jadeja did take four wickets in the match but the spotlight was on 24-year-old Manav Suthar, who took a 10-for in only his second Test match - making him the youngest Indian spinner to do so away from home. Ashwin says Jadeja no longer 'attacking' Jadeja has long been one of the mainstays of Indian spinner with other being Ashwin. The left-arm all-rounder, however, is now 90-Test old and has 352 wickets to his name, making him the most experienced active bowler in India. The 37-year-old, however, has taken a back seat to offer support in the middle overs rather leading the attack. Also Watch - 'I’ll Take You to IPL" — How Jaiswal’s mind games trapped Dickwella “Jadeja and Suthar are completely different bowlers. Suthar’s strength is the ball rotation in his hands. Jadeja will bowl to the wickets and give you control with his stock balls. I feel Jadeja is not that attacking spinner anymore. He is a batter who will give experience with the ball and I feel he has transitioned to that role, which is not such a bad thing,” Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel. Jadeja still remains India's prime spinner in WTC 2025-27 Despite growing age and new spinners coming into the Indian team, Jadeja remains India's best spinner in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. He has played 10 matches in the ongoing cycle, taking 29 wickets, joint-second best for India among all bowlers, tying with Jasprit Bumrah and only second to Mohammed Siraj's 41 wickets in 10 matches. Overall, Jadeja has 160 wickets in 49 WTC Tests - making him the third best Indian bowler behind Ravi Ashwin (195 wickets) and Jasprit Bumrah (185 wickets).

Ravichandran Ashwin believes Ravindra Jadeja has shifted from an attacking spinner to a solid middle-order batter who offers control and experience with the ball, despite remaining a key WTC performer.

IND vs SL: Ashwin says 'Jadeja not attacking anymore' as Suthar steps up

England's Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue shared both the wickets and the match ball as they joined forces to bowl out Pakistan on the opening day of the first Test at Headingley on Wednesday (Aug 19). The two paceman took five wickets each as Pakistan were dismissed for a meagre 171 on the first day of England's post-Bazball era, with Joe Root starting his second stint as full-time England captain following the shock international retirement of former skipper Ben Stokes.Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jaiswal-dickwella-ipl-deal-sledge-galle-test-wicket-1787141583916">'I’ll Take You to IPL" — How Jaiswal’s mind games trapped Dickwella</a>Root rounded off a fine day on his Yorkshire home ground reaching 37 not out at stumps, with England 112-2 -- a deficit of just 59 runs.Robinson took a wicket with the very first ball of the match and dismissed four top-order batsmen in a haul of 5-51.Tongue followed up the Sussex seamer's initial burst with 5-46.Normally when a bowler takes five wickets in a Test innings, he keeps the ball for a souvenir.But with both Robinson and Tongue performing the feat on Wednesday they asked a member of the groundstaff to saw it in half.Robinson, showing off the newly-sliced ball at his post-match press conference, told reporters: "As we were walking off Tonguey said, 'I think we should split it'. I was like, 'yeah, we should actually do that, I think it'd be quite cool'."I said 'do you reckon they'll be able to do it?' and within five minutes they brought it back up and it was done."It’s one of those things that you don't really have too many halves of….half a cricket ball. It's something we'll never forget really and it's not too often two guys get five in the same innings, so it’s a nice gesture and something to remember."Robinson took a career-best seven wickets in an innings during England's first Test of their home season, against New Zealand in June.That was his first appearance for England in over two-and-a-half years, with team management long concerned about Robinson's fitness rather than his skill.The 32-year-old seamer then suffered a knee problem that meant he missed the second Test against New Zealand, with Robinson overlooked for the series finale at Trent Bridge -- a loss that ended in Stokes's dramatic exit from international duty."It was frustrating not to be able to play at the Oval, it was just a bit of a freak training injury and then I was available for Trent Bridge but not selected," said Robinson."I was ready to go but I suppose that's part of professional sport, isn't it? I've just worked really hard on a bit more fitness and a bit more skill, so it's nice when it comes off on days like today."Robinson, who recently became a father for the second time, added: "We had the newborn last Thursday at 2:00 am so I've been catching up on my sleep since I got to the hotel in Leeds."But it was a really special week last week having another baby and it almost makes today even sweeter."

The two paceman took five wickets each as Pakistan were dismissed for a meagre 171 on the first day of England's post-Bazball era, with Joe Root starting his second stint as full-time England captain.

England's Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue shared both the wickets and the match ball as they joined forces to bowl out Pakistan on the opening day of the first Test at Headingley on Wednesday (Aug 19). The two paceman took five wickets each as Pakistan were dismissed for a meagre 171 on the first day of England's post-Bazball era, with Joe Root starting his second stint as full-time England captain following the shock international retirement of former skipper Ben Stokes. Also Watch - 'I’ll Take You to IPL" — How Jaiswal’s mind games trapped Dickwella Root rounded off a fine day on his Yorkshire home ground reaching 37 not out at stumps, with England 112-2 -- a deficit of just 59 runs. Robinson took a wicket with the very first ball of the match and dismissed four top-order batsmen in a haul of 5-51. Tongue followed up the Sussex seamer's initial burst with 5-46. Normally when a bowler takes five wickets in a Test innings, he keeps the ball for a souvenir. But with both Robinson and Tongue performing the feat on Wednesday they asked a member of the groundstaff to saw it in half. Robinson, showing off the newly-sliced ball at his post-match press conference, told reporters: "As we were walking off Tonguey said, 'I think we should split it'. I was like, 'yeah, we should actually do that, I think it'd be quite cool'. "I said 'do you reckon they'll be able to do it?' and within five minutes they brought it back up and it was done. "It’s one of those things that you don't really have too many halves of….half a cricket ball. It's something we'll never forget really and it's not too often two guys get five in the same innings, so it’s a nice gesture and something to remember." Robinson took a career-best seven wickets in an innings during England's first Test of their home season, against New Zealand in June. That was his first appearance for England in over two-and-a-half years, with team management long concerned about Robinson's fitness rather than his skill. The 32-year-old seamer then suffered a knee problem that meant he missed the second Test against New Zealand, with Robinson overlooked for the series finale at Trent Bridge -- a loss that ended in Stokes's dramatic exit from international duty. "It was frustrating not to be able to play at the Oval, it was just a bit of a freak training injury and then I was available for Trent Bridge but not selected," said Robinson. "I was ready to go but I suppose that's part of professional sport, isn't it? I've just worked really hard on a bit more fitness and a bit more skill, so it's nice when it comes off on days like today." Robinson, who recently became a father for the second time, added: "We had the newborn last Thursday at 2:00 am so I've been catching up on my sleep since I got to the hotel in Leeds. "But it was a really special week last week having another baby and it almost makes today even sweeter."

The two paceman took five wickets each as Pakistan were dismissed for a meagre 171 on the first day of England's post-Bazball era, with Joe Root starting his second stint as full-time England captain.

ENG vs PAK, 1st Test: Robinson, Tounge take five wickets each as England take honours on day 1

Playing only his second Test match, the left-arm orthodox spinner Manav Suthar etched his name into the history books with his maiden 10-wicket haul in Galle. Suthar picked up four wickets in the first innings and six in the final one to help India win the series opener by 165 runs. &nbsp;He spun his way through Sri Lanka’s tail, and at 24 years and 16 days, became the youngest Indian and seventh spinner from the country to unlock this milestone on away soil. He joined the elite company of Ravichandran Ashwin, Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Significantly, Suthar is the only spinner from this list to pick a 10-for away from home before turning 28.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-injury-crisis-chandimal-mendis-nissanka-ruled-out-2nd-test-1787145024684">Injury crisis hits Sri Lanka as Chandimal, Mendis and Nissanka ruled out of 2nd Test</a> &nbsp;His second-innings five-for also saw him become the fifth Indian bowler to collect five wickets in an innings more than once in his first two Tests. After doing so against Afghanistan on his Test debut in Mullanpur, Suthar picked his second (6/55) in the final innings – the best figures by an Indian bowler in this match. The first four are: Narendra Hirwani (three), Axar Patel (three), Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (two) and Mohammad Nissar (two). &nbsp;Suthar’s match-winning performance also saw him become only the fourth Indian to pick a 10-wicket haul within his first two Tests, alongside Hirwani – who was the quickest, picking up 16 wickets on debut against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988, while Sivaramakrishnan and Axar Patel are the other two. &nbsp;Besides this, his feat puts him in the same category as Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin amongst the Indian spinners to pick 10 wickets in a match against Sri Lanka. Interestingly, three of those four feats have been recorded in Galle. &nbsp;Indian Test captain Gill also praised him, saying, "He's been bowling magnificently, even in the first match that he played in India (vs Afghanistan), and in this match. He looks like a very promising guy and someone who can play for India for a very long time.” &nbsp;Meanwhile, India will play Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo starting Sunday (Aug 23).

Manav Suthar picked a maiden 10-wicket haul in Galle to fire India to a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the 1st Test, becoming the youngest Indian spinner to achieve the feat on away soil.

Playing only his second Test match, the left-arm orthodox spinner Manav Suthar etched his name into the history books with his maiden 10-wicket haul in Galle. Suthar picked up four wickets in the first innings and six in the final one to help India win the series opener by 165 runs. He spun his way through Sri Lanka’s tail, and at 24 years and 16 days, became the youngest Indian and seventh spinner from the country to unlock this milestone on away soil. He joined the elite company of Ravichandran Ashwin, Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Significantly, Suthar is the only spinner from this list to pick a 10-for away from home before turning 28. Also read| Injury crisis hits Sri Lanka as Chandimal, Mendis and Nissanka ruled out of 2nd Test His second-innings five-for also saw him become the fifth Indian bowler to collect five wickets in an innings more than once in his first two Tests. After doing so against Afghanistan on his Test debut in Mullanpur, Suthar picked his second (6/55) in the final innings – the best figures by an Indian bowler in this match. The first four are: Narendra Hirwani (three), Axar Patel (three), Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (two) and Mohammad Nissar (two). Suthar’s match-winning performance also saw him become only the fourth Indian to pick a 10-wicket haul within his first two Tests, alongside Hirwani – who was the quickest, picking up 16 wickets on debut against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988, while Sivaramakrishnan and Axar Patel are the other two. Besides this, his feat puts him in the same category as Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin amongst the Indian spinners to pick 10 wickets in a match against Sri Lanka. Interestingly, three of those four feats have been recorded in Galle. Indian Test captain Gill also praised him, saying, "He's been bowling magnificently, even in the first match that he played in India (vs Afghanistan), and in this match. He looks like a very promising guy and someone who can play for India for a very long time.” Meanwhile, India will play Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo starting Sunday (Aug 23).

Manav Suthar picked a maiden 10-wicket haul in Galle to fire India to a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the 1st Test, becoming the youngest Indian spinner to achieve the feat on away soil.

Galle Jackpot: Manav Suthar becomes youngest Indian to pick 10-wicket haul in away Test

The ODI tri-series is back. Pakistan on Wednesday (Aug 19) announced the schedule of multi-format matches at home involving Sri Lanka and England in October. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a press release that Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for three T20Is followed by a one-day tri-series, involving England. The two Asian teams will face off in a two-match Test series in November. &nbsp;While the T20I series will take place from October 9 to 13 in Rawalpindi, the ODI series will get underway on October 18, with the final scheduled on October 31. Lahore and Rawalpindi will host the One-Day matches.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-injury-crisis-chandimal-mendis-nissanka-ruled-out-2nd-test-1787145024684">Injury crisis hits Sri Lanka as Chandimal, Mendis and Nissanka ruled out of 2nd Test</a> &nbsp;"Sri Lanka will arrive on 4 October to feature in a three-match T20I series, which will be played in Rawalpindi from 9 to 13 October," the PCB said. "England will join Pakistan and Sri Lanka to take part in an ODI tri-series, scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 18 to 31 October.” &nbsp;The tri-series gets underway with Pakistan hosting Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on October 18. The Men in Green will face England in the second match two days later at the same venue before England and Sri Lanka face off in the third game at the Rawalpindi Stadium on October 22. &nbsp;The three teams will move to Lahore next, where Pakistan and England will go one-on-one in the fourth One-Dayer on October 25. The Gaddafi Stadium will then host Pakistan and Sri Lanka for the fifth ODI two days later. The final group game will take place between Sri Lanka and England on October 29 in Lahore. &nbsp;The top two teams will meet in the tri-series final on October 31. &nbsp;Following the tri-series, Sri Lanka will feature in a three-day match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6 before the Test series, which falls under the current WTC cycle, begins in Rawalpindi on November 9. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the second Test from November 17 to 21.<h3>ODI Tri-Series 2026 Schedule –</h3><ul><li>1st ODI – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi – October 18</li><li>2nd ODI – Pakistan vs England, Rawalpindi – October 20</li><li>3rd ODI – England vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi – October 22</li><li>4th ODI – Pakistan vs England, Lahore – October 25</li><li>5th ODI – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Lahore – October 27</li><li>6th ODI – England vs Sri Lanka, Lahore – October 29</li><li>Final – TBD vs TBD, Lahore – October 31</li></ul>

Pakistan will host Sri Lanka and England for an ODI tri-series in October 2026. Check out the complete match schedule, venues, and fixtures.

The ODI tri-series is back. Pakistan on Wednesday (Aug 19) announced the schedule of multi-format matches at home involving Sri Lanka and England in October. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a press release that Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for three T20Is followed by a one-day tri-series, involving England. The two Asian teams will face off in a two-match Test series in November. While the T20I series will take place from October 9 to 13 in Rawalpindi, the ODI series will get underway on October 18, with the final scheduled on October 31. Lahore and Rawalpindi will host the One-Day matches. Also read| Injury crisis hits Sri Lanka as Chandimal, Mendis and Nissanka ruled out of 2nd Test "Sri Lanka will arrive on 4 October to feature in a three-match T20I series, which will be played in Rawalpindi from 9 to 13 October," the PCB said. "England will join Pakistan and Sri Lanka to take part in an ODI tri-series, scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 18 to 31 October.” The tri-series gets underway with Pakistan hosting Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on October 18. The Men in Green will face England in the second match two days later at the same venue before England and Sri Lanka face off in the third game at the Rawalpindi Stadium on October 22. The three teams will move to Lahore next, where Pakistan and England will go one-on-one in the fourth One-Dayer on October 25. The Gaddafi Stadium will then host Pakistan and Sri Lanka for the fifth ODI two days later. The final group game will take place between Sri Lanka and England on October 29 in Lahore. The top two teams will meet in the tri-series final on October 31. Following the tri-series, Sri Lanka will feature in a three-day match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6 before the Test series, which falls under the current WTC cycle, begins in Rawalpindi on November 9. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the second Test from November 17 to 21. ODI Tri-Series 2026 Schedule – 1st ODI – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi – October 18 2nd ODI – Pakistan vs England, Rawalpindi – October 20 3rd ODI – England vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi – October 22 4th ODI – Pakistan vs England, Lahore – October 25 5th ODI – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Lahore – October 27 6th ODI – England vs Sri Lanka, Lahore – October 29 Final – TBD vs TBD, Lahore – October 31

Pakistan will host Sri Lanka and England for an ODI tri-series in October 2026. Check out the complete match schedule, venues, and fixtures.

ODI Tri-Series is Back: Pakistan to host Sri Lanka and England in October; check schedule

Sri Lankan cricket has been hit by injuries to three first-team players: Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal, with all three ruled out of the second Test against India in Colombo starting Sunday (Aug 23). While Nissanka and Mendis were already ruled out of the first Test with respective injuries, Chandimal suffered a concussion while attempting to save a boundary during the concluded fixture in Galle. Trailing 1-0 in this two-match series, Sri Lanka would need a humongous effort from a rather inexperienced squad in the second Test to make a comeback against India. &nbsp;Mendis has been absent from the cricket scene since busting his hamstring during the Lankan Premier League this season, and was replaced by Niroshan Dickwella in the XI for the first Test. Besides making headlines for his viral chatter with Jaiswal on the final day, which later led to his wicket, Dickwella impressed all with his gritty 80 in the first innings. The left-hander will likely retain his place in the side for the deciding Test.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jaiswal-dickwella-ipl-deal-sledge-galle-test-wicket-1787141583916">'Hit a Six, I’ll Take You to IPL" — How Jaiswal’s mind games trapped Dickwella on day 5 | WATCH</a><h2>ICC Concussion Rules</h2>On the other hand, Chandimal, who was replaced for concussion on the fourth day of the Test, will miss the game in Colombo due to an ICC rule.&nbsp; &nbsp;Under the ICC guidelines, players substituted as concussion replacements cannot feature in a competitive match for seven days. With the next Test starting in four days, Chandimal remains ineligible for selection. His replacement, debutant Pasindu Sooriyabandara, was dismissed for a duck in Sri Lanka's second innings, but is also likely to retain his place for the next match. &nbsp;Nissanka, meanwhile, continues to recover from the wrist surgery undergone in June. The latest reports suggest that he is closer than Mendis to being match fit, but continues to experience discomfort while batting.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Kusal Mendis has a proper hamstring injury, and will not be available for a while," Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten said after the first Test.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Dinesh is also not available for the next Test. So we're missing a few guys from that perspective, but it creates a good opportunity for young players to come in and stake their claim. There are players who have got really good first-class records in this country. It's a good opportunity for them,” he continued. &nbsp;Sri Lanka hasn’t named the squad for the second Test yet.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka suffers a major blow as Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka are ruled out of the 2nd Test against India in Colombo.

Sri Lankan cricket has been hit by injuries to three first-team players: Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal, with all three ruled out of the second Test against India in Colombo starting Sunday (Aug 23). While Nissanka and Mendis were already ruled out of the first Test with respective injuries, Chandimal suffered a concussion while attempting to save a boundary during the concluded fixture in Galle. Trailing 1-0 in this two-match series, Sri Lanka would need a humongous effort from a rather inexperienced squad in the second Test to make a comeback against India. Mendis has been absent from the cricket scene since busting his hamstring during the Lankan Premier League this season, and was replaced by Niroshan Dickwella in the XI for the first Test. Besides making headlines for his viral chatter with Jaiswal on the final day, which later led to his wicket, Dickwella impressed all with his gritty 80 in the first innings. The left-hander will likely retain his place in the side for the deciding Test. Also read| 'Hit a Six, I’ll Take You to IPL" — How Jaiswal’s mind games trapped Dickwella on day 5 | WATCH ICC Concussion Rules On the other hand, Chandimal, who was replaced for concussion on the fourth day of the Test, will miss the game in Colombo due to an ICC rule. Under the ICC guidelines, players substituted as concussion replacements cannot feature in a competitive match for seven days. With the next Test starting in four days, Chandimal remains ineligible for selection. His replacement, debutant Pasindu Sooriyabandara, was dismissed for a duck in Sri Lanka's second innings, but is also likely to retain his place for the next match. Nissanka, meanwhile, continues to recover from the wrist surgery undergone in June. The latest reports suggest that he is closer than Mendis to being match fit, but continues to experience discomfort while batting. "Kusal Mendis has a proper hamstring injury, and will not be available for a while," Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten said after the first Test. "Dinesh is also not available for the next Test. So we're missing a few guys from that perspective, but it creates a good opportunity for young players to come in and stake their claim. There are players who have got really good first-class records in this country. It's a good opportunity for them,” he continued. Sri Lanka hasn’t named the squad for the second Test yet.

Sri Lanka suffers a major blow as Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka are ruled out of the 2nd Test against India in Colombo.

Injury crisis hits Sri Lanka as Chandimal, Mendis and Nissanka ruled out of 2nd Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal plays as a batter in the Test team, and although he rolls his arms a bit, he still doesn’t bowl often; however, he was crucial in Sri Lankan keeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella’s dismissal on day five of the concluded Test in Galle. On Wednesday (Aug 19), on-field chatter between the two around grabbing an IPL deal led to Dickwella’s dismissal, and credit must be given to Jaiswal. The instance took place in the 60th over of Sri Lanka’s second innings, and although the banter itself was good-natured, the two were in each other’s faces throughout it. &nbsp;The Indian opener, who was trying to get under Dickwella’s skin and wanting him to push for a hook shot despite knowing it wasn’t his strongest shot, began the banter, saying, "There wasn't a lot of shots in the first innings. I need to see something,” to which Dickwella responded with ‘okay’.&nbsp; Jaiswal then pointed towards the deep square leg area and said to him, "Hit him there, I need to see something."&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-1st-test-manav-suthar-10-for-in-only-second-match-helps-india-win-by-165-runs-1787127046951">IND vs SL, 1st Test: Manav Suthar's 10-for in only second match helps India win by 165 runs</a> &nbsp;"No, I'm not Jaiswal," Dickwella, who returned to the Test side for the first time in three years, replied. The Sri Lankan keeper, however, kept the conversation going by quipping that he would do it ‘if you would take me to IPL’, to which Jaiswal responded, “Come on, hit him a six, I'll take you to the IPL.”<h2>The Dismissal</h2>Two balls later, Dickwella found himself walking back to the pavilion. He cut the very next ball to deep point for two before the exchange continued, with Jaiswal saying, "If you hit him there [into the stand], I will definitely tell Sanga." Apparently, Kumar Sangakkara is Rajasthan Royals’ head coach and director of cricket, the IPL franchise for which Jaiswal plays.&nbsp;WATCH VIDEO -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The art of on-field sledging, decoded! 🗣️🔥 Ajay Jadeja breaks down Yashasvi Jaiswal’s hilarious yet effective mind games that led directly to a crucial breakthrough! 🎯 Watch <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SLvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLvIND</a> 2nd Test, starting 23rd August 9 AM onwards, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels &amp; Sony… <a href="https://t.co/dpTjsar1Qz">pic.twitter.com/dpTjsar1Qz</a>&mdash; Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) <a href="https://x.com/SonySportsNetwk/status/2090016620450312354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ironically, Sangakkara and Dickwella also have another thing in common besides nationality and wicketkeeping duties: both are products of the same school - Trinity College, Kandy. &nbsp;The moment came on the next ball -- when instead of hooking a short-pitched delivery off Prasidh Krishna -- Dickwella gave himself room to hit it over third man, and top-edged it to the keeper. The Indian camp erupted in joy as the last-recognised batting partnership was broken, and more so for Jaiswal triggering Dickwella’s wicket, with several Indian players celebrating with Jaiswal.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's viral "IPL deal" banter with Niroshan Dickwella sparked a key wicket on Day 5 in Galle. Watch the hilarious on-field exchange here.

Yashasvi Jaiswal plays as a batter in the Test team, and although he rolls his arms a bit, he still doesn’t bowl often; however, he was crucial in Sri Lankan keeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella’s dismissal on day five of the concluded Test in Galle. On Wednesday (Aug 19), on-field chatter between the two around grabbing an IPL deal led to Dickwella’s dismissal, and credit must be given to Jaiswal. The instance took place in the 60th over of Sri Lanka’s second innings, and although the banter itself was good-natured, the two were in each other’s faces throughout it. The Indian opener, who was trying to get under Dickwella’s skin and wanting him to push for a hook shot despite knowing it wasn’t his strongest shot, began the banter, saying, "There wasn't a lot of shots in the first innings. I need to see something,” to which Dickwella responded with ‘okay’. Jaiswal then pointed towards the deep square leg area and said to him, "Hit him there, I need to see something." Also read| IND vs SL, 1st Test: Manav Suthar's 10-for in only second match helps India win by 165 runs "No, I'm not Jaiswal," Dickwella, who returned to the Test side for the first time in three years, replied. The Sri Lankan keeper, however, kept the conversation going by quipping that he would do it ‘if you would take me to IPL’, to which Jaiswal responded, “Come on, hit him a six, I'll take you to the IPL.” The Dismissal Two balls later, Dickwella found himself walking back to the pavilion. He cut the very next ball to deep point for two before the exchange continued, with Jaiswal saying, "If you hit him there [into the stand], I will definitely tell Sanga." Apparently, Kumar Sangakkara is Rajasthan Royals’ head coach and director of cricket, the IPL franchise for which Jaiswal plays. WATCH VIDEO -

Yashasvi Jaiswal's viral "IPL deal" banter with Niroshan Dickwella sparked a key wicket on Day 5 in Galle. Watch the hilarious on-field exchange here.

'Hit a Six, I’ll Take You to IPL" — How Jaiswal’s mind games trapped Dickwella on day 5 | WATCH

India have <a href="https://www.bcci.tv/matches/9492698a-0cbe-4faa-ab47-44c1048dc8d0/sri-lanka-vs-india">beaten Sri Lanka in the first of two Tests</a> of the ongoing series by 165 runs on Wednesday (Aug 19). Chasing 372, Sri Lanka started the day at 84/4 and were bowled out for 206 shortly after lunch. For India, Manav Suthar picked 6/55 in the second innings and finished with a 10-for in his second ever Test only. For Sri Lanka, skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (59) and Sonal Dinusha (84) tried their best but it was not enough to change the inevitable in the end.<h2>How India orchestrated win in their 600th Test</h2>Sri Lanka began the day at 84/4 with skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (31 not out) and Sonal Dinusha (25 not out) having already added 37 runs for the fifth wicket. The duo went on add 95 runs before Ravindra Jadeja dismissed de Silva (59) to break the partnership. Niroshan Dickwella was next to go 14 runs later, thanks to Prasidh Krishna. Suthar then picked up rest of the four wickets to complete his six-for in addition to 4/76 taken in the first innings.Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-watch-suthar-jurel-combine-for-contentious-dismissal-in-1st-test-1787115695176">IND vs SL: Manav Suthar, Dhruv Jurel combine for contentious dismissal in 1st Test</a>This was India's <a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/world-test-championship/standings">fifth win in 10 matches in World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle</a>, as they improved their percentage of 53.33 while staying put on the fifth place.<h2>India skipper Gill praises Padikkal and Suthar for impressive performance</h2>Devdutt Padikkal, who came in the side in place of injured Sai Sudharsan, was named Player of the Match for 167 in the first innings and 44 in the second innings. Skipper Gill was full praise for the batter as well as Suthar for his 10-wicket haul."He was magnificent to watch. Important to get hundreds but even after getting a hundred…he got a big one. Being in a competitive match and in a comfortable position…the way he batted and dominated in the second innings, was great to watch," Gill about Padikkal."He has been bowling magnificently. Looks like a very promising guy and someone who can play for India for a long time," he added about Suthar.

India beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test in Galle on day 5 (Wednesday, Aug 19). For India, Manav Suthar picked up 6/55 in the second innings and finished with a 10-wicket haul.

India have beaten Sri Lanka in the first of two Tests of the ongoing series by 165 runs on Wednesday (Aug 19). Chasing 372, Sri Lanka started the day at 84/4 and were bowled out for 206 shortly after lunch. For India, Manav Suthar picked 6/55 in the second innings and finished with a 10-for in his second ever Test only. For Sri Lanka, skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (59) and Sonal Dinusha (84) tried their best but it was not enough to change the inevitable in the end. How India orchestrated win in their 600th Test Sri Lanka began the day at 84/4 with skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (31 not out) and Sonal Dinusha (25 not out) having already added 37 runs for the fifth wicket. The duo went on add 95 runs before Ravindra Jadeja dismissed de Silva (59) to break the partnership. Niroshan Dickwella was next to go 14 runs later, thanks to Prasidh Krishna. Suthar then picked up rest of the four wickets to complete his six-for in addition to 4/76 taken in the first innings. Also Watch - IND vs SL: Manav Suthar, Dhruv Jurel combine for contentious dismissal in 1st Test This was India's fifth win in 10 matches in World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, as they improved their percentage of 53.33 while staying put on the fifth place. India skipper Gill praises Padikkal and Suthar for impressive performance Devdutt Padikkal, who came in the side in place of injured Sai Sudharsan, was named Player of the Match for 167 in the first innings and 44 in the second innings. Skipper Gill was full praise for the batter as well as Suthar for his 10-wicket haul. "He was magnificent to watch. Important to get hundreds but even after getting a hundred…he got a big one. Being in a competitive match and in a comfortable position…the way he batted and dominated in the second innings, was great to watch," Gill about Padikkal. "He has been bowling magnificently. Looks like a very promising guy and someone who can play for India for a long time," he added about Suthar.

Match Summary: IND 462 &amp; 193; SL 284 &amp; 206India beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test in Galle on day 5 (Wednesday, Aug 19). For India, Manav Suthar picked up 6/55 in the second innings and finished with a 10-wicket haul.

IND vs SL, 1st Test: Manav Suthar's 10-for in only second match helps India win by 165 runs

The first Test between India vs Sri Lanka moved with a rapid pace on Day 4 (Aug 18) in Galle as the visitors took long strides for a victory. Sri Lanka were set a target of 372 runs to win but lost four wickets before even putting 50 runs on the board, and th fourth of those wicket became embroiled in controversy. It was Sri Lanka opener Lahiru Udara, who was dismissed by India spinner Manav Suthar in the 22nd over of Sri Lanka's second innings, but the catch taken by Dhruv Jurel in the slips created controversy.<h2>IND-SL Test sees contentious decision of TV umpire</h2>The moment came on the fourth ball of the 22nd over, when Suthar drew Udara forward, but only for him to edge the ball which was caught by Jurel in the slips. India appealed, but the on-field umpire wasn't fully sure if the ball had carried and referred the decision to the TV umpire.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pr-sreejesh-downplays-india-pakistan-rivalry-hockey-world-cup-1787068206362">Hockey WC: ‘Pakistan matches are no longer tough' - Sreejesh downplays rivalry</a>Upon a couple of reviews, Udara, much to his dismay, was given out despite the ball seemingly touching the ground as Jurel tried to get his fingers underneath it. Have a look at the video of the moment below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Manav Suthar draws the edge, and Dhruv Jurel clings on to a sensational low catch in the slips! 🏏 Sri Lanka are now four down! Watch <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SLvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLvIND</a>, 1st Test | Day 4, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels &amp; Sony LIV.<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SonySportsNetwork?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SonySportsNetwork</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SonyLIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SonyLIV</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/BeautifulGameOfTestCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeautifulGameOfTestCricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/U7mpHGJHH7">pic.twitter.com/U7mpHGJHH7</a>&mdash; Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) <a href="https://x.com/SonySportsNetwk/status/2089696221766328323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"It's been pushed along the ground for a bit. The ball was pushed along the ground. You can see, it was pushed along. When you look at that slow-motion replay, it seems that the fingers were pushed back and the front of the ball was touching the ground," former SL batter Russel Arnold said on air about the decision. "For me, the ball is on the ground there. The fingers are behind the ball," he added.<h2>India in driver's seat in Galle</h2>The visitors first dismissed Sri Lanka for 284 in the first innings to take a lead of 178 runs before scoring 193 runs in the second innings. Rishabh Pant was India's highest run scorer with 66, during which he also became the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-fastest-to-100-test-sixes-galle-test-1787050459534">fastest player to hit 100 Test sixes</a>. Pant also took over India skipper Shubman Gill has India's best batter in World Test Championship (WTC) Tests.Batting fourth, Sri Lanka had a horrible start as they lost first wicket for just 13 runs, second at 14 runs, and third at 21 runs. Just as things started to settle down a bit, Suthar dismissed Udara to bring SL at 47/4. Skipper Dananjaya de Silva (31 not out) and Sonal Dinusha (25 not out), then added 37 runs for the fifth wicket and avoided any further loss. On day 5 (Aug 19), Sri Lanka need 288 runs to win while India need six wickets.&nbsp;

Controversy struck Day 4 of the Galle Test as Sri Lanka fell to 84/4 chasing 372 against India. TV umpire's decision to give Lahiru Udara out off Manav Suthar sparked debate over a low catch.

The first Test between India vs Sri Lanka moved with a rapid pace on Day 4 (Aug 18) in Galle as the visitors took long strides for a victory. Sri Lanka were set a target of 372 runs to win but lost four wickets before even putting 50 runs on the board, and th fourth of those wicket became embroiled in controversy. It was Sri Lanka opener Lahiru Udara, who was dismissed by India spinner Manav Suthar in the 22nd over of Sri Lanka's second innings, but the catch taken by Dhruv Jurel in the slips created controversy. IND-SL Test sees contentious decision of TV umpire The moment came on the fourth ball of the 22nd over, when Suthar drew Udara forward, but only for him to edge the ball which was caught by Jurel in the slips. India appealed, but the on-field umpire wasn't fully sure if the ball had carried and referred the decision to the TV umpire. Also Read - Hockey WC: ‘Pakistan matches are no longer tough' - Sreejesh downplays rivalry Upon a couple of reviews, Udara, much to his dismay, was given out despite the ball seemingly touching the ground as Jurel tried to get his fingers underneath it. Have a look at the video of the moment below:

Controversy struck Day 4 of the Galle Test as Sri Lanka fell to 84/4 chasing 372 against India. TV umpire's decision to give Lahiru Udara out off Manav Suthar sparked debate over a low catch.

IND vs SL: Manav Suthar, Dhruv Jurel combine for contentious dismissal in 1st Test - WATCH

cricket

Cricket, News on Cricket, stories on Cricket, articles on Cricket, Cricket stories at Wion, Cricket news, Cricket latest news

cricket

‘Rankings don’t matter; my job is to win trophies’: Gautam Gambhir defends India’s Test slump

'Bowling extremely well': India coach backs Kuldeep ahead of 2nd Test vs SL

18 Wickets on Day 1 in Mackay: Starc, Shoriful claim six-fors as AUS lead by 101

Rahul Dravid backs 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to lead Test cricket revival

Starc breaks Anderson’s record for most first-ball Test wickets: See top 5 list

AUS vs BAN, 2nd Test: Starc strikes on first ball, floors Bangladesh with 5-for

ENG vs PAK, 1st Test: England crush Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs

Meet top 5 Indian batters fastest to 6000 Test runs

Joe Root scripts Test history, breaks record for most catches by a fielder

IND vs SL: Kamil Mishara, Sahan Arachchige join Sri Lanka squad for 2nd Test

Former Pakistan cricketer blames skipper Babar for decline in bowling prowess

ENG vs PAK 1st Test, Day 2: England batters dominate despite Usman’s five-for

BPL T20 League cancelled by Bangladesh after heavy financial losses

‘Raised the bar’: AB de Villiers picks Kohli over Tendulkar in Test debate

WATCH | India’s mixed disability team recreates Ganguly’s Lord’s celebration

Canada coach Monty Desai steps down amid corruption probe

Meet top 5 Indian batters fastest to 4000 Test runs

ENG vs PAK, 1st Test: Robinson, Tongue split Pakistan and 'match ball' in half

IND vs SL: Ashwin says 'Jadeja not attacking anymore' as Suthar steps up

ENG vs PAK, 1st Test: Robinson, Tounge five-fors give England honours on day 1

Galle Jackpot: Manav Suthar becomes youngest Indian to pick 10-for in away Test

ODI Tri-Series: Pakistan to host Sri Lanka and England in October 2026

Injury crisis hits Sri Lanka as Chandimal, Mendis and Nissanka out of 2nd Test

'I’ll Take You to IPL" — How Jaiswal’s mind games trapped Dickwella | WATCH

IND vs SL, 1st Test: Suthar's 10-for helps India win by 165 runs & take 1-0 lead

IND vs SL: WATCH - Suthar, Jurel combine for contentious dismissal in 1st Test