Yuvraj Singh had a stellar career for Team India. Making his debut in 2000, the swashbuckling all-rounder retired in 2019 after having played his last game in 2017. While he couldn't be a regular in the Test line-up, Yuvraj is regarded as one of the best white-ball players.

Yuvraj made his international debut during the Sourav Ganguly-led Team India's ICC Knockout Trophy campaign, in Nairobi. In the quarter-final game, the former all-rounder made his presence felt against a solid Australian line-up. The then 18-year-old Yuvraj returned with a match-winning 84 to be adjudged Player-of-the-Match and guided India to a 20-run win over the Men in Yellow.

Nonetheless, Yuvraj had a sleepless night before his debut game.&nbsp;Recalling the night before the encounter, Singh said he could not sleep the whole night. The then skipper&nbsp;Ganguly had asked the southpaw whether he would be interested in opening the innings. To this, Yuvi had also given his nod.

“Yeah, if you want me to open, I’ll open,” Singh told Sports 18's Home of Heroes. “Whole night I didn’t sleep.”

“I was batting at No. 5, very nervous. But when I went into bat, focus turned to watching the ball,” recalled Yuvraj who faced the likes of Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie along with&nbsp;Australians'&nbsp;sledging. However, Yuvi went past all obstacles and was even given a reprieve at 37 as he made a memorable start to his international career. “If I today would’ve scored 37 on my debut against Australia, I would’ve been very happy because of the attack that I was facing,” Yuvraj asserted. “Luckily, I went on to score 84, I don’t know how, just watched the ball, hit the ball. It was a very big moment for me, to beat Australia and get the Man-of-the-Match award,” he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-needs-to-yuvraj-singh-shares-words-of-wisdom-for-struggling-rcb-and-indian-batter-474649">'Virat Kohli needs to....' - Yuvraj Singh shares words of wisdom for struggling RCB and Indian batter</a>

Yuvraj ended his international career with 1,900, 8,701 and 1,177 Test, ODI and T20I runs, respectively. In addition, he accounted for 148 international scalps. He was one of the top performers for India during the title-run in 2007 T20 World Cup and ended as the Player-of-the-Tournament in MS Dhoni &amp; Co.'s 2011 ODI World Cup triumph.

Yuvraj Singh had a stellar career for Team India. Making his debut in 2000, the swashbuckling all-rounder retired in 2019 after having played his last game in 2017.

Yuvraj Singh had a stellar career for Team India. Making his debut in 2000, the swashbuckling all-rounder retired in 2019 after having played his last game in 2017. While he couldn't be a regular in the Test line-up, Yuvraj is regarded as one of the best white-ball players. Yuvraj made his international debut during the Sourav Ganguly-led Team India's ICC Knockout Trophy campaign, in Nairobi. In the quarter-final game, the former all-rounder made his presence felt against a solid Australian line-up. The then 18-year-old Yuvraj returned with a match-winning 84 to be adjudged Player-of-the-Match and guided India to a 20-run win over the Men in Yellow. Nonetheless, Yuvraj had a sleepless night before his debut game. Recalling the night before the encounter, Singh said he could not sleep the whole night. The then skipper Ganguly had asked the southpaw whether he would be interested in opening the innings. To this, Yuvi had also given his nod. “Yeah, if you want me to open, I’ll open,” Singh told Sports 18's Home of Heroes. “Whole night I didn’t sleep.” “I was batting at No. 5, very nervous. But when I went into bat, focus turned to watching the ball,” recalled Yuvraj who faced the likes of Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie along with Australians' sledging. However, Yuvi went past all obstacles and was even given a reprieve at 37 as he made a memorable start to his international career. “If I today would’ve scored 37 on my debut against Australia, I would’ve been very happy because of the attack that I was facing,” Yuvraj asserted. “Luckily, I went on to score 84, I don’t know how, just watched the ball, hit the ball. It was a very big moment for me, to beat Australia and get the Man-of-the-Match award,” he added. ALSO READ | 'Virat Kohli needs to....' - Yuvraj Singh shares words of wisdom for struggling RCB and Indian batter Yuvraj ended his international career with 1,900, 8,701 and 1,177 Test, ODI and T20I runs, respectively. In addition, he accounted for 148 international scalps. He was one of the top performers for India during the title-run in 2007 T20 World Cup and ended as the Player-of-the-Tournament in MS Dhoni & Co.'s 2011 ODI World Cup triumph.

Yuvraj Singh reveals why he couldn't sleep before his international debut versus Australia

Former Australia cricketer and commentator Michael Slater has been taken to a hospital in Sydney due to mental health reasons. The news comes after domestic violence charges against him have been dismissed on mental health grounds. 
 
Slater was to appear before Waverley Local Court on Wednesday after the 52-year-old made an appeal for the charges to be dealt under the Mental Health Act. Last year, Slater was arrested after he allegedly sent several text messages and made phone calls to his ex-partner after stalking and harassing her in October. 
 
In a report by Fox Sports, Police prosecutor Sergeant Lachlan Kirby had been heard saying to the court that Slater had been detained by police and paramedics on Tuesday night and taken to a mental health facility on the northern beaches region in the city. 
 
His barrister Richard Pontello appeared via videolink and consented to Magistrate Ross Hudson handing down his decision in Slater`s absence. 
 
"The former opening batsman sent 66 text messages and made 18 phone calls to his ex-partner over about two-and-a-half hours on the night of December 14, the court heard. The court heard that his ex-partner had blocked his number but he sent her a barrage of messages via WhatsApp while signed in under the name `MJS`," further said the report. 
 
The report further said that Pontello told the court last week that Slater was suffering from several mental illnesses including major depressive disorder and ADHD at the time of the offending, but was in remission.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thought-i-might-get-an-autograph-brett-lee-recalls-his-first-meeting-with-legendary-sachin-tendulkar-473792">'Thought, I might get an autograph': Brett Lee recalls his first meeting with legendary Sachin Tendulkar</a>

"He previously told the court that Mr Slater had spent 108 days in a rehabilitation facility from January to March this year. He argued that there was a public interest in him being dealt with under the Mental Health Act so he could continue his treatment," added the report. 
 
Before the unravelling of his mental health, Slater had been dropped from the Channel 7 commentary panel ahead of the 2021/22 Australian summer due to "budgetary constraints". At that time, reports had surfaced that Slater`s infamous tweets against Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison in May 2021 made a partial contribution to his exit from Channel 7. 
 
In a series of fierce tweets, Slater controversially accused Morrison of having `blood on his hands` for preventing 40 Australian citizens participating in first half of IPL 2021 to return from India, where the second wave of COVID-19 infections put a halt to the tournament. 
 
"If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It`s a disgrace! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out the quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect," Slater had tweeted. 
 
His second tweet read, "Amazing to smoke out the PM on a matter that is a human crisis. The panic, the fear of every Australian in India is real!! How about you take your private jet and come and witness dead bodies on the street!"

Former Australia cricketer and commentator Michael Slater has been taken to a hospital in Sydney due to mental health reasons. The news comes after domestic violence charges against him have been dismissed on mental health grounds.

Former Australia cricketer and commentator Michael Slater has been taken to a hospital in Sydney due to mental health reasons. The news comes after domestic violence charges against him have been dismissed on mental health grounds. Slater was to appear before Waverley Local Court on Wednesday after the 52-year-old made an appeal for the charges to be dealt under the Mental Health Act. Last year, Slater was arrested after he allegedly sent several text messages and made phone calls to his ex-partner after stalking and harassing her in October. In a report by Fox Sports, Police prosecutor Sergeant Lachlan Kirby had been heard saying to the court that Slater had been detained by police and paramedics on Tuesday night and taken to a mental health facility on the northern beaches region in the city. His barrister Richard Pontello appeared via videolink and consented to Magistrate Ross Hudson handing down his decision in Slater`s absence. "The former opening batsman sent 66 text messages and made 18 phone calls to his ex-partner over about two-and-a-half hours on the night of December 14, the court heard. The court heard that his ex-partner had blocked his number but he sent her a barrage of messages via WhatsApp while signed in under the name `MJS`," further said the report. The report further said that Pontello told the court last week that Slater was suffering from several mental illnesses including major depressive disorder and ADHD at the time of the offending, but was in remission. ALSO READ | 'Thought, I might get an autograph': Brett Lee recalls his first meeting with legendary Sachin Tendulkar "He previously told the court that Mr Slater had spent 108 days in a rehabilitation facility from January to March this year. He argued that there was a public interest in him being dealt with under the Mental Health Act so he could continue his treatment," added the report. Before the unravelling of his mental health, Slater had been dropped from the Channel 7 commentary panel ahead of the 2021/22 Australian summer due to "budgetary constraints". At that time, reports had surfaced that Slater`s infamous tweets against Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison in May 2021 made a partial contribution to his exit from Channel 7. In a series of fierce tweets, Slater controversially accused Morrison of having `blood on his hands` for preventing 40 Australian citizens participating in first half of IPL 2021 to return from India, where the second wave of COVID-19 infections put a halt to the tournament. "If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It`s a disgrace! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out the quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect," Slater had tweeted. His second tweet read, "Amazing to smoke out the PM on a matter that is a human crisis. The panic, the fear of every Australian in India is real!! How about you take your private jet and come and witness dead bodies on the street!"

Former Aussie cricketer Michael Slater taken to hospital due to mental health concerns

Shane Warne passed away on March 04 (Friday), leaving a huge void in the cricketing fraternity. The 52-year-old was in Thailand on a personal trip when he breathed his last due to a suspected heart attack. As the world cricket is still trying to recover from the loss of one of their all-time greats, former Aussie wicketkeeper-batsman and Warne's ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist spilled the beans on his relationship with the leg spinner and his last chat with him.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/charter-plane-carrying-shane-warnes-body-arrives-in-his-home-city-of-melbourne-460932">Charter plane carrying Shane Warne's body arrives in his home city of Melbourne</a>

"I spoke to Shane about a week ago. I received a really nice text from him. Probably, I am assuming this was eight hours before he passed away. He was just sending me a message. He was one of the few guys that consistently called me church. It’s a nickname only those in the inner circle knew about – about being confused by a young English fan and they called me 'Eric Gilchurch'. He always called me 'Churchy' and it always felt like a term of endearment from a friend," Gilchrist told ABC News.

"He messaged me saying, 'Church, wonderful tribute to Rod Marsh'. Which I was very honoured to do a voice over. We were not even close to coming to terms with the passing of my childhood hero in Rod Marsh and another legend of the cricket world. Warnie just messaged me and said 'well done on that sir'. So that was the last contact. It's a text message I will never delete."

Warne and Gilchrist were two of Australia's mainstays, across formats, during the Men in Yellow's golden run from late 1990s to mid-2000s. The duo was part of Australia's 1999 ODI World Cup win, Ashes dominance and many other such memorable victories.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-what-is-extreme-liquid-diet-that-late-shane-warne-followed-and-how-it-affects-the-body-460308">Explained: What is extreme liquid diet that late Shane Warne followed and how it affects the body</a>

On Thursday (March 10), Warne's body&nbsp;landed in his home city of Melbourne following an eight-hour flight from Thailand, via a chartered plane. For the unversed, the iconic former spin-bowler&nbsp;will be buried at a private funeral, as stated by his family members last week. A state memorial service will follow suit at the 100,000-seater Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on March 30.

Warne remains a big name in world cricket, who had a stellar international career with 708 Test and 293 ODI scalps. He&nbsp;was&nbsp;the first-ever IPL-winning captain (leading Rajasthan Royals to the title in 2008) and also served as a&nbsp;commentator.

Shane Warne passed away on March 04 (Friday), leaving a huge void in the cricketing fraternity. The 52-year-old was in Thailand on a personal trip when he breathed his last due to a suspected heart attack.

Shane Warne passed away on March 04 (Friday), leaving a huge void in the cricketing fraternity. The 52-year-old was in Thailand on a personal trip when he breathed his last due to a suspected heart attack. As the world cricket is still trying to recover from the loss of one of their all-time greats, former Aussie wicketkeeper-batsman and Warne's ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist spilled the beans on his relationship with the leg spinner and his last chat with him. ALSO READ | Charter plane carrying Shane Warne's body arrives in his home city of Melbourne "I spoke to Shane about a week ago. I received a really nice text from him. Probably, I am assuming this was eight hours before he passed away. He was just sending me a message. He was one of the few guys that consistently called me church. It’s a nickname only those in the inner circle knew about – about being confused by a young English fan and they called me 'Eric Gilchurch'. He always called me 'Churchy' and it always felt like a term of endearment from a friend," Gilchrist told ABC News. "He messaged me saying, 'Church, wonderful tribute to Rod Marsh'. Which I was very honoured to do a voice over. We were not even close to coming to terms with the passing of my childhood hero in Rod Marsh and another legend of the cricket world. Warnie just messaged me and said 'well done on that sir'. So that was the last contact. It's a text message I will never delete." Warne and Gilchrist were two of Australia's mainstays, across formats, during the Men in Yellow's golden run from late 1990s to mid-2000s. The duo was part of Australia's 1999 ODI World Cup win, Ashes dominance and many other such memorable victories. ALSO READ | Explained: What is extreme liquid diet that late Shane Warne followed and how it affects the body On Thursday (March 10), Warne's body landed in his home city of Melbourne following an eight-hour flight from Thailand, via a chartered plane. For the unversed, the iconic former spin-bowler will be buried at a private funeral, as stated by his family members last week. A state memorial service will follow suit at the 100,000-seater Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on March 30. Warne remains a big name in world cricket, who had a stellar international career with 708 Test and 293 ODI scalps. He was the first-ever IPL-winning captain (leading Rajasthan Royals to the title in 2008) and also served as a commentator.

It's a text message I will never delete: Adam Gilchrist reveals his last chat with Shane Warne

The charter plane carrying the body of Shane Warne landed in his home city of Melbourne on Thursday evening after an eight-hour flight from Thailand, where the Australian cricketing great died last week at the age of 52. Warne died while on holiday on the Thai island of Koh Samui last Friday. Local authorities said an autopsy showed his death was caused by a suspected heart attack and congenital disease.

On Thursday morning, his coffin, wrapped in the Australian flag, was taken from the morgue to Bangkok airport before being loaded onto a private Dassault Falcon 7X jet. The popular former spin-bowler and media personality will be buried at a private funeral, his family said last week. A state memorial service will follow at the 100,000-seater Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on March 30.

Dan Andrews, the Premier of the state of Victoria, said the evening service would be free and a large turnout could be expected. "There will be no limits on crowds and that sort of stuff," he said. "It will be a very big event. It will be a celebration of his life as it should be."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-legend-shane-warnes-state-memorial-service-to-be-held-at-melbourne-cricket-ground-on-march-30-460555">Australian legend Shane Warne's state memorial service to be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30</a>

Warne took his 700th test wicket in front of a crowd of 89,155 at the MCG during the fourth Ashes test against England on Boxing Day, 2006. The Great Southern Stand at the stadium will soon be renamed in his honour. A statue of Warne outside the cavernous arena has become an impromptu shrine to the leg-spinner, who was popular as much for his effervescent and grounded personality as his all but peerless skill with the cricket ball.

Tributes from across the world have continued to pour in for Warne since his death, both from fellow cricketing greats and the likes of rock star Mick Jagger and Oscar winner Russell Crowe. Australia`s Prime Minister Scott Morrison called Warne "one of our nation`s greatest characters".

The charter plane carrying the body of Shane Warne landed in his home city of Melbourne on Thursday evening after an eight-hour flight from Thailand, where the Australian cricketing great died last week at the age of 52.

The charter plane carrying the body of Shane Warne landed in his home city of Melbourne on Thursday evening after an eight-hour flight from Thailand, where the Australian cricketing great died last week at the age of 52. Warne died while on holiday on the Thai island of Koh Samui last Friday. Local authorities said an autopsy showed his death was caused by a suspected heart attack and congenital disease. On Thursday morning, his coffin, wrapped in the Australian flag, was taken from the morgue to Bangkok airport before being loaded onto a private Dassault Falcon 7X jet. The popular former spin-bowler and media personality will be buried at a private funeral, his family said last week. A state memorial service will follow at the 100,000-seater Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on March 30. Dan Andrews, the Premier of the state of Victoria, said the evening service would be free and a large turnout could be expected. "There will be no limits on crowds and that sort of stuff," he said. "It will be a very big event. It will be a celebration of his life as it should be." ALSO READ | Australian legend Shane Warne's state memorial service to be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30 Warne took his 700th test wicket in front of a crowd of 89,155 at the MCG during the fourth Ashes test against England on Boxing Day, 2006. The Great Southern Stand at the stadium will soon be renamed in his honour. A statue of Warne outside the cavernous arena has become an impromptu shrine to the leg-spinner, who was popular as much for his effervescent and grounded personality as his all but peerless skill with the cricket ball. Tributes from across the world have continued to pour in for Warne since his death, both from fellow cricketing greats and the likes of rock star Mick Jagger and Oscar winner Russell Crowe. Australia`s Prime Minister Scott Morrison called Warne "one of our nation`s greatest characters".

Charter plane carrying Shane Warne's body arrives in his home city of Melbourne

Shane Warne passed away on March 04 due to a heart attack which he suffered during his personal trip to Thailand. Warne's death has left a huge void in the cricketing fraternity as his former teammates, rivals and fans are in a state of shock.

According to the brief statement given to Fox News by Warne's&nbsp;management, the former cricketer died due to a heart attack in Thailand. "Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived," the statement read. "The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course," it added.

&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-what-is-extreme-liquid-diet-that-late-shane-warne-followed-and-how-it-affects-the-body-460308">Explained: What is extreme liquid diet that late Shane Warne followed and how it affects the body</a>

Warne's final image, before his sudden departure, has now gone viral on social media platforms. Warne's close friend Thomas Hall,&nbsp;had taken to his official&nbsp;Instagram handle to share the picture with one and all. The image&nbsp;was taken in Koh Samui where Warne and his friends&nbsp;stayed at a villa before the sudden turn of events. Here's the image:

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Hall, who is the Chief Executive of&nbsp;The Sporting News website, shared&nbsp;the final moments of Warne before he passed away, leaving a huge void in world cricket.

&nbsp;

"The first question is, 'How can we watch Australia v Pakistan test here in Thailand; the game’s about to start?', Hall wrote on the website, quoting Warne. "Warney and cricket were never far apart," said Hall.

After a few deliveries in the opening Test between Australia-Pakistan, held in Rawalpindi,&nbsp;Warne jumped up and rushed off into his room.

"He came back with an armful of clothes looking like he had been at a yard sale," added Hall. "Shane had been working with me at The Sporting News for the past year or so and he presented me with his jumper from the 2005 Ashes Test, his 2008 IPL shirt and a one-day international shirt and cap to place in the TSN offices in Australia and the UK," Hall concluded.

Shane Warne passed away on March 04 due to a heart attack which he suffered during his personal trip to Thailand. Warne's death has left a huge void in the cricketing fraternity as his former teammates, rivals and fans are in a state of shock.

Shane Warne passed away on March 04 due to a heart attack which he suffered during his personal trip to Thailand. Warne's death has left a huge void in the cricketing fraternity as his former teammates, rivals and fans are in a state of shock. According to the brief statement given to Fox News by Warne's management, the former cricketer died due to a heart attack in Thailand. "Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived," the statement read. "The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course," it added. ALSO READ | Explained: What is extreme liquid diet that late Shane Warne followed and how it affects the body Warne's final image, before his sudden departure, has now gone viral on social media platforms. Warne's close friend Thomas Hall, had taken to his official Instagram handle to share the picture with one and all. The image was taken in Koh Samui where Warne and his friends stayed at a villa before the sudden turn of events. Here's the image: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thomas Hall (@hongkongtom888) × Hall, who is the Chief Executive of The Sporting News website, shared the final moments of Warne before he passed away, leaving a huge void in world cricket. "The first question is, 'How can we watch Australia v Pakistan test here in Thailand; the game’s about to start?', Hall wrote on the website, quoting Warne. "Warney and cricket were never far apart," said Hall. After a few deliveries in the opening Test between Australia-Pakistan, held in Rawalpindi, Warne jumped up and rushed off into his room. "He came back with an armful of clothes looking like he had been at a yard sale," added Hall. "Shane had been working with me at The Sporting News for the past year or so and he presented me with his jumper from the 2005 Ashes Test, his 2008 IPL shirt and a one-day international shirt and cap to place in the TSN offices in Australia and the UK," Hall concluded.

VIRAL: Shane Warne's close friend shares spin wizard's final image before sudden demise - See pic

Shane Warne's death has left a huge void in the cricketing fraternity. The 52-year-old former Aussie spin wizard breathed his last on Friday evening (March 04) as he passed away due to a heart attack in Thailand. After his shocking demise, the members of the cricketing fraternity have shared stories of Warne from both on and off the field.

During his illustrious 15-year-long international career for Australia, Warne made a huge mark with his leg spin. As a result, he ended with 708 Test and 293 ODI wickets (1,001 scalps overall). He had some fierce rivalry with many greats of the gentlemen's game, including Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. The two faced each other in 29 matches at the international level where their face-off was riveting, say the least. Warne dismissed Tendulkar on four occasions whereas the latter also smacked him all around the park during many of his memorable knocks versus Australia.

Nonetheless, Warne and Tendulkar shared a great camaraderie off the 22-yard cricket strip. In the Amazon Prime Video documentary 'Shane', Warne revealed that he got along really well with him and they were great mates.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-would-say-just-how-much-i-love-him-ricky-ponting-breaks-down-as-he-recalls-late-shane-warne-460021">I would say just how much I love him: Ricky Ponting breaks down as he recalls late Shane Warne</a>

In the documentary, Warne had revealed,&nbsp;"I went to his place (in Mumbai)…I thought I will go for dinner and then go back to the hotel. I took a bite of the chicken to start with and nearly blew my head off. I kept cutting it up and moving it to the side. I had too much respect for him and for his family."

Recalling the same incident, Tendulkar shared, "We were in Mumbai and I said why don’t you come home for a meal. I said, 'Do you like Indian food?' He said I love it and he said however you guys cook at home."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunil-gavaskar-regrets-making-controversial-remarks-on-shane-warne-says-it-wasnt-right-time-460045">Sunil Gavaskar regrets making controversial remarks on Shane Warne, says 'it wasn't right time'</a>

He further added, "While I am busy serving others, Shane is putting his food onto his plate and that’s when I realised Shane can not handle spicy food. "He didn’t want to hurt me, but he kept nudging my manager and saying ‘help me’. By the end of that evening, Shane had gone into the kitchen and was making sausages and beans and mashed potatoes – he ended up eating that at my place."

After hearing the news of Warne's death, Tendulkar had tweeted saying, "Shocked, stunned &amp; miserable. Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels &amp; off field banter. You always had a special place for India &amp; Indians had a special place for you. Gone too young!"

Warne signed off from international cricket with second-most Test scalps (708), a hat-trick in the purest format, ODI World Cup medal and also the Player-of-the-Match in the 1999 edition's finale.

Shane Warne's death has left a huge void in the cricketing fraternity. The 52-year-old former Aussie spin wizard breathed his last on Friday evening (March 04) as he passed away due to a heart attack in Thailand.

Shane Warne's death has left a huge void in the cricketing fraternity. The 52-year-old former Aussie spin wizard breathed his last on Friday evening (March 04) as he passed away due to a heart attack in Thailand. After his shocking demise, the members of the cricketing fraternity have shared stories of Warne from both on and off the field. During his illustrious 15-year-long international career for Australia, Warne made a huge mark with his leg spin. As a result, he ended with 708 Test and 293 ODI wickets (1,001 scalps overall). He had some fierce rivalry with many greats of the gentlemen's game, including Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. The two faced each other in 29 matches at the international level where their face-off was riveting, say the least. Warne dismissed Tendulkar on four occasions whereas the latter also smacked him all around the park during many of his memorable knocks versus Australia. Nonetheless, Warne and Tendulkar shared a great camaraderie off the 22-yard cricket strip. In the Amazon Prime Video documentary 'Shane', Warne revealed that he got along really well with him and they were great mates. ALSO READ | I would say just how much I love him: Ricky Ponting breaks down as he recalls late Shane Warne In the documentary, Warne had revealed, "I went to his place (in Mumbai)…I thought I will go for dinner and then go back to the hotel. I took a bite of the chicken to start with and nearly blew my head off. I kept cutting it up and moving it to the side. I had too much respect for him and for his family." Recalling the same incident, Tendulkar shared, "We were in Mumbai and I said why don’t you come home for a meal. I said, 'Do you like Indian food?' He said I love it and he said however you guys cook at home." ALSO READ | Sunil Gavaskar regrets making controversial remarks on Shane Warne, says 'it wasn't right time' He further added, "While I am busy serving others, Shane is putting his food onto his plate and that’s when I realised Shane can not handle spicy food. "He didn’t want to hurt me, but he kept nudging my manager and saying ‘help me’. By the end of that evening, Shane had gone into the kitchen and was making sausages and beans and mashed potatoes – he ended up eating that at my place." After hearing the news of Warne's death, Tendulkar had tweeted saying, "Shocked, stunned & miserable. Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you. Gone too young!" Warne signed off from international cricket with second-most Test scalps (708), a hat-trick in the purest format, ODI World Cup medal and also the Player-of-the-Match in the 1999 edition's finale.

'He ended up....': Sachin Tendulkar shares hilarious episode when Shane Warne visited his place for dinner

On Friday evening (March 04), the cricketing world became poorer with the loss of Shane Warne. The former leg spinner&nbsp;passed away&nbsp;following a suspected heart attack in Thailand.&nbsp;As per&nbsp;a brief statement given to Fox News by the ex-cricketer Warne's&nbsp;management, the statement said, "Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived. The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course."

After Warne's shocking demise, the cricketing fraternity remains in a state of disbelief. The 52-year-old signed off from international cricket with a Test hat-trick, ODI World Cup medal (in 1999) and accounting for a total of 1,001 wickets at the highest level during his 15-year-long illustrious career for the Australian cricket team. During his international run, Warne played a lot alongside former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting.&nbsp;

Thus, Ponting was very close with Warne and recently broke down remembering his former teammate during a conversation with former English cricketer Isa Guha in the latest edition of The ICC Review.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-made-me-look-like-a-fool-when-virat-kohli-recalled-his-face-off-with-shane-warne-during-ipl-2009-459943">'He made me look like a fool': When Virat Kohli recalled his face-off with Shane Warne during IPL 2009</a>

"I woke up nice and early I was getting the kids ready to go to netball and Rianna (Ponting’s wife) looked at her phone and told me the news about Warney, "Punter told former Isa Guha.

He further asserted, "I grabbed the phone out of her hand to look at it, and I couldn’t believe it. It is still the same now. It was so raw for me that I couldn’t really speak, and every time I thought about him and our experiences and our journey together, I just got short of words. Even today, I have had the TV on watching the tributes, but every time I hear his voice I have to turn it off. It's been a tough couple of days, but it makes us a bit more aware of things we probably need to pay more attention to, and there is stuff there for all of us to learn. "

"I would say just how much I love him," Ponting said while breaking down on being&nbsp;asked as to what he would say to Warne if he had the chance for one final chat. "I didn't say that to him, and I wish I had," added the ex-Aussie cricketer.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shane-warne-passes-away-snippets-from-australian-spin-wizards-life-and-career-459000">Shane Warne passes away: Snippets from Australian spin wizard's life and career</a>

“His passion for the game and knowledge of the game is something to behold. He would have made a great coach. He has done a little bit of it in the Hundred, but having someone like Shane Warne to take over the England job would have done a terrific job. He is a huge loss to the world game. Whether he would have done some coaching or even just the way he talks about the insights he gives through his commentary, I think we are all going to miss that," Ponting concluded.

For the unversed, Warne was the first man&nbsp;to reach the 700-wicket club&nbsp;in Test cricket. He completed the feat at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2006. As a result, the&nbsp;Great Southern Stand at the MCG has been named after him in a bid to celebrate his legacy. Warne remains the second-highest wicket-taker in Test history with 708 scalps to his name in 145 matches. He was also a decent batter, with 13 international half-centuries, and led Rajasthan Royals (RR) to the title in the inaugural IPL edition (in 2008).

On Friday evening (March 04), the cricketing world became poorer with the loss of Shane Warne. The former leg spinner passed away following a suspected heart attack in Thailand.

On Friday evening (March 04), the cricketing world became poorer with the loss of Shane Warne. The former leg spinner passed away following a suspected heart attack in Thailand. As per a brief statement given to Fox News by the ex-cricketer Warne's management, the statement said, "Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived. The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course." After Warne's shocking demise, the cricketing fraternity remains in a state of disbelief. The 52-year-old signed off from international cricket with a Test hat-trick, ODI World Cup medal (in 1999) and accounting for a total of 1,001 wickets at the highest level during his 15-year-long illustrious career for the Australian cricket team. During his international run, Warne played a lot alongside former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting. Thus, Ponting was very close with Warne and recently broke down remembering his former teammate during a conversation with former English cricketer Isa Guha in the latest edition of The ICC Review. ALSO READ | 'He made me look like a fool': When Virat Kohli recalled his face-off with Shane Warne during IPL 2009 "I woke up nice and early I was getting the kids ready to go to netball and Rianna (Ponting’s wife) looked at her phone and told me the news about Warney, "Punter told former Isa Guha. He further asserted, "I grabbed the phone out of her hand to look at it, and I couldn’t believe it. It is still the same now. It was so raw for me that I couldn’t really speak, and every time I thought about him and our experiences and our journey together, I just got short of words. Even today, I have had the TV on watching the tributes, but every time I hear his voice I have to turn it off. It's been a tough couple of days, but it makes us a bit more aware of things we probably need to pay more attention to, and there is stuff there for all of us to learn. " "I would say just how much I love him," Ponting said while breaking down on being asked as to what he would say to Warne if he had the chance for one final chat. "I didn't say that to him, and I wish I had," added the ex-Aussie cricketer. ALSO READ | Shane Warne passes away: Snippets from Australian spin wizard's life and career “His passion for the game and knowledge of the game is something to behold. He would have made a great coach. He has done a little bit of it in the Hundred, but having someone like Shane Warne to take over the England job would have done a terrific job. He is a huge loss to the world game. Whether he would have done some coaching or even just the way he talks about the insights he gives through his commentary, I think we are all going to miss that," Ponting concluded. For the unversed, Warne was the first man to reach the 700-wicket club in Test cricket. He completed the feat at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2006. As a result, the Great Southern Stand at the MCG has been named after him in a bid to celebrate his legacy. Warne remains the second-highest wicket-taker in Test history with 708 scalps to his name in 145 matches. He was also a decent batter, with 13 international half-centuries, and led Rajasthan Royals (RR) to the title in the inaugural IPL edition (in 2008).

I would say just how much I love him: Ricky Ponting breaks down as he recalls late Shane Warne

Former India spinner Anil Kumble revealed an 'untold secret' of the Australian team as he paid tribute to Shane Warne after the tragic demise of the Australian cricket legend. Warne passed away on Friday (March 04) after suffering a suspected heart attack in Thailand. The news of his sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity.

Several greats of the game have paid rich tributes to the former Australia spinner, who is regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time. Former India spinner Kumble also recalled the time spent with Warne and revealed the Australian team would never sledge him because he was friends with the legendary spinner during his playing days.

“There was this secret, an untold secret about the Australian team, that they will not go after a cricketer if you are friends with Shane Warne. So when you went out to bat, and if you were friends with Warne, you didn't get any banter from the Aussies. So when I went to bat, Aussies didn't need to do any banter to unsettle me. That was Warnie, that was how he looked after his friends," Kumble said while speaking on Star Sports.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/glenn-mcgrath-pens-emotional-note-for-shane-warne-he-lived-more-in-his-life-than-most-people-would-live-in-20-459290">McGrath pens emotional note for Shane Warne: He lived more in his life than most people would live in 20</a>

Kumble also revealed how Warne always wanted to do well against India as the Indian team had some of the best batters against spin during his playing days. Warne always wanted to test himself against the best and enjoyed great duels with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman among others.

“His greatness magnifies because he played really well against India. He wanted to do really well against us because we were good players of spin. There was this series in 1998 where everybody was speaking about 'Sachin vs Warne'. Warne got the better of him in the first innings, and then Sachin got the better of him in the second," said Kumble.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-spin-wizard-five-records-held-by-legendary-shane-warne-459050">The spin wizard! Five records held by legendary Shane Warne</a>

Warne will go down as one of the greatest bowlers in Test history for his heroics with the ball throughout his Test career. Ever since making his Test debut for Australia in 1992, Warne never looked back and went on to become one of the best spinners in the world.

He was the first to reach the milestones of 600 and 700 Test wickets and finished his career with 708 wickets in 145 Test matches - the second-most by any bowler in the longest format of the game.

 
&nbsp;

Former India spinner Anil Kumble revealed an 'untold secret' of the Australian team as he paid tribute to Shane Warne after the tragic demise of the Australian cricket legend.

Former India spinner Anil Kumble revealed an 'untold secret' of the Australian team as he paid tribute to Shane Warne after the tragic demise of the Australian cricket legend. Warne passed away on Friday (March 04) after suffering a suspected heart attack in Thailand. The news of his sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity. Several greats of the game have paid rich tributes to the former Australia spinner, who is regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time. Former India spinner Kumble also recalled the time spent with Warne and revealed the Australian team would never sledge him because he was friends with the legendary spinner during his playing days. “There was this secret, an untold secret about the Australian team, that they will not go after a cricketer if you are friends with Shane Warne. So when you went out to bat, and if you were friends with Warne, you didn't get any banter from the Aussies. So when I went to bat, Aussies didn't need to do any banter to unsettle me. That was Warnie, that was how he looked after his friends," Kumble said while speaking on Star Sports. Also Read: McGrath pens emotional note for Shane Warne: He lived more in his life than most people would live in 20 Kumble also revealed how Warne always wanted to do well against India as the Indian team had some of the best batters against spin during his playing days. Warne always wanted to test himself against the best and enjoyed great duels with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman among others. “His greatness magnifies because he played really well against India. He wanted to do really well against us because we were good players of spin. There was this series in 1998 where everybody was speaking about 'Sachin vs Warne'. Warne got the better of him in the first innings, and then Sachin got the better of him in the second," said Kumble. Also Read: The spin wizard! Five records held by legendary Shane Warne Warne will go down as one of the greatest bowlers in Test history for his heroics with the ball throughout his Test career. Ever since making his Test debut for Australia in 1992, Warne never looked back and went on to become one of the best spinners in the world. He was the first to reach the milestones of 600 and 700 Test wickets and finished his career with 708 wickets in 145 Test matches - the second-most by any bowler in the longest format of the game.

Anil Kumble reveals 'untold secret of Australian team' as he pays tribute to Shane Warne

Australian cricket has been rocked with a big jolt in the form of Shane Warne's sudden demise. The former leg spinner passed away due to a suspected heart attack in Thailand, as confirmed by his management.&nbsp;

As per&nbsp;a brief statement given to Fox News by the ex-cricketer Warne's&nbsp;management, he passed away in Thailand due to a heart attack. "Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived," the statement read. "The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course."

Known to be one of the all-time greats in world cricket, the former leg spinner Warne has surely left a huge void in the cricketing fraternity. He ended his international career with a staggering 708 Test scalps and 293 ODI wickets, along with being a World Cup-medallist and claiming a Test hat-trick along with several other significant achievements.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shane-warne-passes-away-snippets-from-australian-spin-wizards-life-and-career-459000">Shane Warne passes away: Snippets from Australian spin wizard's life and career</a>

On the day Warne passed away, the 52-year-old had taken to his official Twitter handle to express his condolences on former Aussie cricketer Rod Marsh's death. For the unversed, Marsh, who represented Australia in&nbsp;96 Tests and 92 ODIs in the 1970s and 1980s, had breathed his last&nbsp;earlier in the day. The ex-keeper-batter had&nbsp;suffered a heart attack in Queensland last week and was in an induced coma at Royal Adelaide Hospital until his passing away.

On hearing the news of Marsh's death, Warne had tweeted:

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Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game &amp; an inspiration to so many young boys &amp; girls. Rod cared deeply about cricket &amp; gave so much-especially to Australia &amp; England players. Sending lots &amp; lots of love to Ros &amp; the family. RIP mate❤️
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1499563703083044865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-cricket-star-rod-marsh-dies-at-74-458769">Australian cricket star Rod Marsh dies at 74</a>

Warne has left world cricket in a state of mourning with his sudden demise. He had revived leg-spin single-handedly by producing magical deliveries from time to time and leaving fans wanting for more. He was also Rajasthan Royals' (RR) first-ever captain and took them to the title in the inaugural season in 2008.

Australian cricket has been rocked with a big jolt in the form of Shane Warne's sudden demise. The former leg spinner passed away due to a suspected heart attack in Thailand, as confirmed by his management.

Australian cricket has been rocked with a big jolt in the form of Shane Warne's sudden demise. The former leg spinner passed away due to a suspected heart attack in Thailand, as confirmed by his management. As per a brief statement given to Fox News by the ex-cricketer Warne's management, he passed away in Thailand due to a heart attack. "Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived," the statement read. "The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course." Known to be one of the all-time greats in world cricket, the former leg spinner Warne has surely left a huge void in the cricketing fraternity. He ended his international career with a staggering 708 Test scalps and 293 ODI wickets, along with being a World Cup-medallist and claiming a Test hat-trick along with several other significant achievements. ALSO READ | Shane Warne passes away: Snippets from Australian spin wizard's life and career On the day Warne passed away, the 52-year-old had taken to his official Twitter handle to express his condolences on former Aussie cricketer Rod Marsh's death. For the unversed, Marsh, who represented Australia in 96 Tests and 92 ODIs in the 1970s and 1980s, had breathed his last earlier in the day. The ex-keeper-batter had suffered a heart attack in Queensland last week and was in an induced coma at Royal Adelaide Hospital until his passing away. On hearing the news of Marsh's death, Warne had tweeted: Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game & an inspiration to so many young boys & girls. Rod cared deeply about cricket & gave so much-especially to Australia & England players. Sending lots & lots of love to Ros & the family. RIP mate❤️ — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 4, 2022 × ALSO READ | Australian cricket star Rod Marsh dies at 74 Warne has left world cricket in a state of mourning with his sudden demise. He had revived leg-spin single-handedly by producing magical deliveries from time to time and leaving fans wanting for more. He was also Rajasthan Royals' (RR) first-ever captain and took them to the title in the inaugural season in 2008.

Shane Warne passes away: Here's Aussie spin wizard's last tweet before sudden demise

Australia batsman Steve Smith said on Tuesday the players felt "incredibly safe" on their first tour of Pakistan in nearly 25 years, despite spinner Ashton Agar receiving a death threat via social media just days before the start of the first Test. Agar was warned against travelling to Pakistan, though the threat was dismissed following an investigation by the boards of Pakistan and Australia and government security agencies.

Cricket Australia said extensive security plans were in place for such social media activity and that the threat was "not considered a risk". Smith said the team trusted the security arrangements in place. "We`re aware of social media and the unfortunate events that can occur on platforms," he told reporters ahead of the first test, which starts on Friday in Rawalpindi. "We`ve got a lot of people working here with us, we trust our security and we`re feeling incredibly safe in Pakistan." Top teams have largely shunned Pakistan since an attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009 that killed six policemen and two civilians.

International sides have recently started touring Pakistan again but in September New Zealand returned home after abruptly abandoning a tour minutes before the opening game in Rawalpindi following a government security alert. England followed suit three days later, withdrawing their men`s and women`s teams from a tour in October citing the "mental and physical well-being" of players.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-cricketer-ashton-agar-receives-death-threat-ahead-of-pakistans-test-series-against-aussies-457621">Australian cricketer Ashton Agar receives death threat ahead of Pakistan's Test series against Aussies</a>

Smith said that he was relishing the challenge of playing in Pakistan. "It`s great to be back here and playing cricket," he said. "It`s the first time a lot of us have been here and we`re excited. We know how passionate Pakistanis are about cricket."

Smith sustained a concussion in a match against Sri Lanka in Sydney last month, slamming his head to the ground after falling over the boundary rope but the 32-year-old said he had progressed well. "It`s the first session back for me facing fast bowling. I`m recovering from the concussion and I`ve faced some side-arm and spinners," Smith said.

"The head has progressed really well the last few days. I`m feeling in a good space, done a lot of stuff where I`ve got my heart rate up to a good amount and brought it down ... all part of the protocols of getting back to playing."

Australia batsman Steve Smith said on Tuesday the players felt "incredibly safe" on their first tour of Pakistan in nearly 25 years, despite spinner Ashton Agar receiving a death threat via social media just days before the start of the first Test.

Australia batsman Steve Smith said on Tuesday the players felt "incredibly safe" on their first tour of Pakistan in nearly 25 years, despite spinner Ashton Agar receiving a death threat via social media just days before the start of the first Test. Agar was warned against travelling to Pakistan, though the threat was dismissed following an investigation by the boards of Pakistan and Australia and government security agencies. Cricket Australia said extensive security plans were in place for such social media activity and that the threat was "not considered a risk". Smith said the team trusted the security arrangements in place. "We`re aware of social media and the unfortunate events that can occur on platforms," he told reporters ahead of the first test, which starts on Friday in Rawalpindi. "We`ve got a lot of people working here with us, we trust our security and we`re feeling incredibly safe in Pakistan." Top teams have largely shunned Pakistan since an attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009 that killed six policemen and two civilians. International sides have recently started touring Pakistan again but in September New Zealand returned home after abruptly abandoning a tour minutes before the opening game in Rawalpindi following a government security alert. England followed suit three days later, withdrawing their men`s and women`s teams from a tour in October citing the "mental and physical well-being" of players. ALSO READ | Australian cricketer Ashton Agar receives death threat ahead of Pakistan's Test series against Aussies Smith said that he was relishing the challenge of playing in Pakistan. "It`s great to be back here and playing cricket," he said. "It`s the first time a lot of us have been here and we`re excited. We know how passionate Pakistanis are about cricket." Smith sustained a concussion in a match against Sri Lanka in Sydney last month, slamming his head to the ground after falling over the boundary rope but the 32-year-old said he had progressed well. "It`s the first session back for me facing fast bowling. I`m recovering from the concussion and I`ve faced some side-arm and spinners," Smith said. "The head has progressed really well the last few days. I`m feeling in a good space, done a lot of stuff where I`ve got my heart rate up to a good amount and brought it down ... all part of the protocols of getting back to playing."

Steve Smith says Australian cricket team 'incredibly safe' in Pakistan despite Ashton Agar threat

Australia and Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is set to tie the knot with his&nbsp;Indian-origin fiancee, Vini Raman, on March 27. As a result, the wedding card for the big occasion has been printed in&nbsp;Tamil language and is doing the rounds on social media platforms.&nbsp;

Actress Kasturi Shankar shared the wedding card and wrote, "GlennvMaxwell marrying Vini Raman. Going by the cute traditional Tamil muhurta patrikai, we'd&nbsp; bet there may likely be a TamBram ceremony... Will there be a white gown wedding too? Congratulations Glenn and Vini !"&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/royal-challengers-bangalore-complete-squad-for-ipl-2022-faf-du-plessis-to-captain-pace-heavy-line-up-453152">Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up?</a>

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GlennMaxwell marrying Vini Raman. Going by the cute traditional Tamil muhurta patrikai, we'd bet there may likely be a TamBram ceremony... Will there be a white gown wedding too? 
Congratulations Glenn and Vini ! <a href="https://twitter.com/Gmaxi_32?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gmaxi_32</a> <a href="https://t.co/uJeSjHM1we">pic.twitter.com/uJeSjHM1we</a>
— Kasturi Shankar (@KasthuriShankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/KasthuriShankar/status/1492558901958508546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Talking about the soon-to-be-married couple, Maxwell and Vini&nbsp;got engaged to each other in the pre-Covid era. They have been dating for quite sometime and pictures of the two have created a storm and been a hot topic of discussion since 2017.

According to a report by&nbsp;News18, Maxwell's better half Vini&nbsp;is a practicing pharmacist in Melbourne.&nbsp;

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-faf-du-plessis-sunil-gavaskar-picks-virat-kohlis-successor-at-rcb-for-ipl-2022-453479">Not Faf du Plessis! Sunil Gavaskar picks Virat Kohli's successor at RCB for IPL 2022</a>

With their wedding on March 27, reportedly the date for IPL 2022's commencement in India, Maxwell might miss the initial few games for the Virat Kohli-starrer RCB camp. He has been retained by the Bengaluru-based camp for INR 110 million (INR 11 crore) ahead of the&nbsp;15th edition.

Currently, the 33-year-old all-rounder is part of Australia's five-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. Aaron Finch-led T20I World Champions beat Sri Lanka in the third encounter by six wickets to take an unassailable lead in the five-match series on Wednesday (February 15).

Australia and Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is set to tie the knot with his Indian-origin fiancee, Vini Raman, on March 27. As a result, the wedding card for the big occasion has been printed in Tamil language and is doing the rounds on social media platforms.

Australia and Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is set to tie the knot with his Indian-origin fiancee, Vini Raman, on March 27. As a result, the wedding card for the big occasion has been printed in Tamil language and is doing the rounds on social media platforms. Actress Kasturi Shankar shared the wedding card and wrote, "GlennvMaxwell marrying Vini Raman. Going by the cute traditional Tamil muhurta patrikai, we'd bet there may likely be a TamBram ceremony... Will there be a white gown wedding too? Congratulations Glenn and Vini !" ALSO READ | Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up? GlennMaxwell marrying Vini Raman. Going by the cute traditional Tamil muhurta patrikai, we'd bet there may likely be a TamBram ceremony... Will there be a white gown wedding too? Congratulations Glenn and Vini ! @Gmaxi_32 pic.twitter.com/uJeSjHM1we — Kasturi Shankar (@KasthuriShankar) February 12, 2022 × Talking about the soon-to-be-married couple, Maxwell and Vini got engaged to each other in the pre-Covid era. They have been dating for quite sometime and pictures of the two have created a storm and been a hot topic of discussion since 2017. According to a report by News18, Maxwell's better half Vini is a practicing pharmacist in Melbourne. View this post on Instagram A post shared by VINI (@vini.raman) × ALSO READ | Not Faf du Plessis! Sunil Gavaskar picks Virat Kohli's successor at RCB for IPL 2022 With their wedding on March 27, reportedly the date for IPL 2022's commencement in India, Maxwell might miss the initial few games for the Virat Kohli-starrer RCB camp. He has been retained by the Bengaluru-based camp for INR 110 million (INR 11 crore) ahead of the 15th edition. Currently, the 33-year-old all-rounder is part of Australia's five-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. Aaron Finch-led T20I World Champions beat Sri Lanka in the third encounter by six wickets to take an unassailable lead in the five-match series on Wednesday (February 15).

Glenn Maxwell set to tie the knot with Indian-origin fiancee as Tamil wedding card goes viral - See pic!

Justin Langer, on February 5, stepped down as the Australian team's head coach. Langer succeeded his former teammate Darren Lehmann at the top post in early 2018, following the spot-fixing scandal which rocked the Australian cricket. Since then, he did a remarkable job in once again lifting the national side and leading them to a 4-0 Ashes win, recently at home, and a maiden T20 World Cup title.

However, a lot has been said and written regarding Langer's method of coaching, which didn't go down nicely amongst the national players.&nbsp;"Justin was offered a short-term extension to his current contract, which sadly he has opted not to accept," stated an official Cricket Australia release.

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ian-chappell-terms-former-cricketers-pr-machine-backs-pat-cummins-and-ca-amid-justin-langer-saga-451557">Ian Chappell terms former cricketers 'PR Machine', backs Pat Cummins and CA amid Justin Langer saga</a>

Following Langer's exit, former Aussie pacer Mitchell Johnson lashed out at Test captain Pat Cummins and called him 'gutless'. Johnson&nbsp;feels that Cummins had&nbsp;an agenda of his own to bring down his national coach. Thus, Cummins recently opened up on Langer's exit and the&nbsp;criticism received while talking to reporters on Wednesday (February 8). He said, "I think he (Langer) tweaked and changed quite a bit. He deserves a lot of credit for that. I think the question then became do we think that it's sustainable. We thought it is the right time to make a change. I think some of these skill sets are perhaps a little bit different to perhaps his traditional coaching style."

"I think he tweaked his coaching style in the last six months and did a really good job, but we think now is the right time for a different direction. It's a matter of opinion but we think it's the right one. I don't think he should be surprised though, it's been two years of evaluation. I don't think there's any big surprise," he added.

On Johnson's comments, Cummins asserted, "Mitchell Johnson is just standing up for his mates. I absolutely disagree with what he said. No, he hasn't reached out, but that's fine. He's entitled to his opinion, he's standing up for his mate. I can hold my head high so I'm fine. I actually haven't really had much of it (personal criticism) before, so it's actually been good to get it out of the way early in the captaincy."

"I knew when I took on the job it's gonna come with added scrutiny. The last week's been good ... I'll cop it, but I'm absolutely fine with it. I know a lot of it's come from the right place. We all want to do what's best for Australian cricket. There's been a lot of emotion flying around. Added to the feedback, you've got to take everything in that kind of context. They're all people I really respect so I listen to them for sure. I'd welcome chatting to any of them directly about feedback and thoughts they have."

"We're custodians of the Australian cricket team. It's not forever. We just want to do what's best. Me as captain, I want to do what's best for Australian cricket and what's best for the team. It's a responsibility I've been given and I take that really seriously,"&nbsp;the 28-year-old Cummins added.

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-ms-dhoni-sachin-tendulkar-make-the-cut-in-venkatesh-prasads-all-time-indian-odi-xi-451324">Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar make the cut in Venkatesh Prasad's all-time Indian ODI XI</a>

Langer was offered a contract extension, which was the result of a thorough review process that evaluated many factors --&nbsp;future requirements of the national side as well as the upcoming extensive schedule of fixtures. For the unversed, the contract extension was approved by Cricket Australia (CA) and presented before Justin, which he didn't accept.

It will be interesting to see who takes the top job and succeeds Langer as the Aussie head coach in the coming days.

Justin Langer, on February 5, stepped down as the Australian team's head coach. Langer succeeded his former teammate Darren Lehmann at the top post in early 2018, following the spot-fixing scandal which rocked the Australian cricket.

Justin Langer, on February 5, stepped down as the Australian team's head coach. Langer succeeded his former teammate Darren Lehmann at the top post in early 2018, following the spot-fixing scandal which rocked the Australian cricket. Since then, he did a remarkable job in once again lifting the national side and leading them to a 4-0 Ashes win, recently at home, and a maiden T20 World Cup title. However, a lot has been said and written regarding Langer's method of coaching, which didn't go down nicely amongst the national players. "Justin was offered a short-term extension to his current contract, which sadly he has opted not to accept," stated an official Cricket Australia release. ALSO READ | Ian Chappell terms former cricketers 'PR Machine', backs Pat Cummins and CA amid Justin Langer saga Following Langer's exit, former Aussie pacer Mitchell Johnson lashed out at Test captain Pat Cummins and called him 'gutless'. Johnson feels that Cummins had an agenda of his own to bring down his national coach. Thus, Cummins recently opened up on Langer's exit and the criticism received while talking to reporters on Wednesday (February 8). He said, "I think he (Langer) tweaked and changed quite a bit. He deserves a lot of credit for that. I think the question then became do we think that it's sustainable. We thought it is the right time to make a change. I think some of these skill sets are perhaps a little bit different to perhaps his traditional coaching style." "I think he tweaked his coaching style in the last six months and did a really good job, but we think now is the right time for a different direction. It's a matter of opinion but we think it's the right one. I don't think he should be surprised though, it's been two years of evaluation. I don't think there's any big surprise," he added. On Johnson's comments, Cummins asserted, "Mitchell Johnson is just standing up for his mates. I absolutely disagree with what he said. No, he hasn't reached out, but that's fine. He's entitled to his opinion, he's standing up for his mate. I can hold my head high so I'm fine. I actually haven't really had much of it (personal criticism) before, so it's actually been good to get it out of the way early in the captaincy." "I knew when I took on the job it's gonna come with added scrutiny. The last week's been good ... I'll cop it, but I'm absolutely fine with it. I know a lot of it's come from the right place. We all want to do what's best for Australian cricket. There's been a lot of emotion flying around. Added to the feedback, you've got to take everything in that kind of context. They're all people I really respect so I listen to them for sure. I'd welcome chatting to any of them directly about feedback and thoughts they have." "We're custodians of the Australian cricket team. It's not forever. We just want to do what's best. Me as captain, I want to do what's best for Australian cricket and what's best for the team. It's a responsibility I've been given and I take that really seriously," the 28-year-old Cummins added. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar make the cut in Venkatesh Prasad's all-time Indian ODI XI Langer was offered a contract extension, which was the result of a thorough review process that evaluated many factors -- future requirements of the national side as well as the upcoming extensive schedule of fixtures. For the unversed, the contract extension was approved by Cricket Australia (CA) and presented before Justin, which he didn't accept. It will be interesting to see who takes the top job and succeeds Langer as the Aussie head coach in the coming days.

Intensity wasn't the issue: Pat Cummins opens up on Justin Langer's resignation as Aussie head coach

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc made a startling revelation about almost giving up on playing cricket after winning the prestigious Allan Border medal on Saturday (January 29). Starc was named Australia's Male Cricketer of The Year 2021 for his brilliant performances across all formats last year.

Starc took 43 wickets across all formats for Australia in 2021 to become only the fifth bowler in history to clinch the top honour at the Cricket Australia awards on Saturday. Despite being one of the senior members in the current Aussie squad, Starc won the Male Cricketer of the Year award for the first time in his career this time around.

Starc, however, didn't have a fairytale journey to the top honour and had to deal with his own share of struggles. The left-arm pacer recalled up and downs he had to undergo on and off-field, and revealed he was almost on the verge of giving up cricket. Starc revealed he thought he would never play cricket again at one stage last year.

I'm not really sure what words to say at the moment. It was a huge surprise. To look at some of those names who have won it before, it'll take a bit to sink in. Hugely honoured to receive this award," Starc said on Channel 7.

“Obviously last year was particularly tough on and off the field. I probably didn’t play the cricket I wanted to and, at certain stages, I probably didn’t want to play cricket at all,” he added.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mitchell-starc-wins-maiden-allan-border-medal-ashleigh-gardner-secures-belinda-clarke-award-448696">Mitchell Starc wins maiden Allan Border medal; Ashleigh Gardner secures Belinda Clarke award</a>

Starc has faced intense criticism from former Australian spinner Shane Warne, who had recently suggested that the left-arm seamer should be replaced by &nbsp;Jhye Richardson in the Gabba Test of the recently-concluded Ashes 2021-22. Starc responded in brilliant fashion and enjoyed a great Ashes, picking up 19 wickets in five matches to finish as the second-highest wicket-taker in the series.

“It doesn’t interest me at all. He’s entitled to his opinion," Starc said when asked about Warne's criticism of him.

“I’m just going to go about my cricket the way I’d like to, and I’ve got my family support networks and I get to play cricket with some of my best mates, so I’m pretty comfortable with where I’m at," he added. 
&nbsp;

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc made a startling revelation about almost giving up on playing cricket after winning the prestigious Allan Border medal on Saturday (January 29).

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc made a startling revelation about almost giving up on playing cricket after winning the prestigious Allan Border medal on Saturday (January 29). Starc was named Australia's Male Cricketer of The Year 2021 for his brilliant performances across all formats last year. Starc took 43 wickets across all formats for Australia in 2021 to become only the fifth bowler in history to clinch the top honour at the Cricket Australia awards on Saturday. Despite being one of the senior members in the current Aussie squad, Starc won the Male Cricketer of the Year award for the first time in his career this time around. Starc, however, didn't have a fairytale journey to the top honour and had to deal with his own share of struggles. The left-arm pacer recalled up and downs he had to undergo on and off-field, and revealed he was almost on the verge of giving up cricket. Starc revealed he thought he would never play cricket again at one stage last year. I'm not really sure what words to say at the moment. It was a huge surprise. To look at some of those names who have won it before, it'll take a bit to sink in. Hugely honoured to receive this award," Starc said on Channel 7. “Obviously last year was particularly tough on and off the field. I probably didn’t play the cricket I wanted to and, at certain stages, I probably didn’t want to play cricket at all,” he added. Also Read: Mitchell Starc wins maiden Allan Border medal; Ashleigh Gardner secures Belinda Clarke award Starc has faced intense criticism from former Australian spinner Shane Warne, who had recently suggested that the left-arm seamer should be replaced by Jhye Richardson in the Gabba Test of the recently-concluded Ashes 2021-22. Starc responded in brilliant fashion and enjoyed a great Ashes, picking up 19 wickets in five matches to finish as the second-highest wicket-taker in the series. “It doesn’t interest me at all. He’s entitled to his opinion," Starc said when asked about Warne's criticism of him. “I’m just going to go about my cricket the way I’d like to, and I’ve got my family support networks and I get to play cricket with some of my best mates, so I’m pretty comfortable with where I’m at," he added.

'Didn't want to play cricket': Mitchell Starc makes shocking revelation after winning Allan Border medal

Aussie spin wizard Shane Warne remains a big name in world cricket. Warner ended with 708 wickets in the purest format of the game, being the second-highest wicket-taker in whites to date. However, the superstar cricketer endured several controversies during his illustrious career for his national side.&nbsp;

Recently, Warne has dropped a bomb by revealing that he was offered a whopping amount (a hefty $276,000) to underperform in a Test match against Pakistan in Karachi in 1994. In his upcoming documentary 'Shane' on Amazon Prime, Warne said tainted Pakistan cricketer Saleem Malik told him, “I need to see you.” He added, "We’re feeling pretty confident that we’re going to knock over Pakistan. I knock on the door, Saleem Malik answers the door. I sit down, and he goes, ‘Good match we’ve got going’. I went, ‘Yep, I think we should win tomorrow though’."

“He goes, ‘Well we can’t lose …. you don’t understand what happens when we lose in Pakistan. Our houses will get burnt down, out family’s houses will get burnt down’," asserted the legendary spinner.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-message-does-that-send-david-warner-recalls-his-srh-omission-makes-glaring-remark-442951">'What message does that send?' - David Warner recalls his SRH omission, makes glaring remark</a>

Warne then went onto add that Malik offered him and teammate Tim May a $276,000 bribe to bowl a string of wides and not look for wickets.

“I don’t really know what to say,” Warne claimed. “I just sort of sat there, stunned. And then I go, ‘F*** you, mate. We’re going to beat ya’.”

Warne further told,&nbsp;"When you talk about match-fixing now, people hope it doesn’t go on. Back in that time, 30 years ago, there was no talk about it. It had never raised its head anywhere in any sport. When he offered me that, it was a bit like, ‘What the hell?’ I was blown away, I didn’t know anything about it."

Later, Warne revealed that May and he went onto inform&nbsp;captain Mark Taylor and coach Bob Taylor about the whole turn of events and the matter was reported to the match-referee. As a result, Malik paid the price for ultimately being given a life ban from the gentlemen's game in 2000.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jonny-bairstows-century-keeps-england-in-fight-despite-australias-dominance-in-4th-ashes-test-442927">Jonny Bairstow's century keeps England in fight despite Australia's dominance in 4th Ashes Test</a>

At present, Warne remains very vocal about the gentlemen's game and often shares his views on various platforms. Currently, the Australian cricket team is involved in Ashes 2021 versus England, at home. After claiming the series 3-0 and retaining the urn, the Pat Cummins-led hosts are now aiming for a series whitewash and are already in the driver's seat in the ongoing fourth and penultimate Test at SCG, Sydney.

Aussie spin wizard Shane Warne remains a big name in world cricket. Warner ended with 708 wickets in the purest format of the game, being the second-highest wicket-taker in whites to date.

Aussie spin wizard Shane Warne remains a big name in world cricket. Warner ended with 708 wickets in the purest format of the game, being the second-highest wicket-taker in whites to date. However, the superstar cricketer endured several controversies during his illustrious career for his national side. Recently, Warne has dropped a bomb by revealing that he was offered a whopping amount (a hefty $276,000) to underperform in a Test match against Pakistan in Karachi in 1994. In his upcoming documentary 'Shane' on Amazon Prime, Warne said tainted Pakistan cricketer Saleem Malik told him, “I need to see you.” He added, "We’re feeling pretty confident that we’re going to knock over Pakistan. I knock on the door, Saleem Malik answers the door. I sit down, and he goes, ‘Good match we’ve got going’. I went, ‘Yep, I think we should win tomorrow though’." “He goes, ‘Well we can’t lose …. you don’t understand what happens when we lose in Pakistan. Our houses will get burnt down, out family’s houses will get burnt down’," asserted the legendary spinner. ALSO READ | 'What message does that send?' - David Warner recalls his SRH omission, makes glaring remark Warne then went onto add that Malik offered him and teammate Tim May a $276,000 bribe to bowl a string of wides and not look for wickets. “I don’t really know what to say,” Warne claimed. “I just sort of sat there, stunned. And then I go, ‘F*** you, mate. We’re going to beat ya’.” Warne further told, "When you talk about match-fixing now, people hope it doesn’t go on. Back in that time, 30 years ago, there was no talk about it. It had never raised its head anywhere in any sport. When he offered me that, it was a bit like, ‘What the hell?’ I was blown away, I didn’t know anything about it." Later, Warne revealed that May and he went onto inform captain Mark Taylor and coach Bob Taylor about the whole turn of events and the matter was reported to the match-referee. As a result, Malik paid the price for ultimately being given a life ban from the gentlemen's game in 2000. ALSO READ | Jonny Bairstow's century keeps England in fight despite Australia's dominance in 4th Ashes Test At present, Warne remains very vocal about the gentlemen's game and often shares his views on various platforms. Currently, the Australian cricket team is involved in Ashes 2021 versus England, at home. After claiming the series 3-0 and retaining the urn, the Pat Cummins-led hosts are now aiming for a series whitewash and are already in the driver's seat in the ongoing fourth and penultimate Test at SCG, Sydney.

Warne makes heads turn with shocking claim, says was offered WHOPPING amount as bribe during PAK tie

Australia's cricketing chiefs said Monday they were assisting a police investigation into shock allegations that an under-19 cricketer was sexually assaulted while on tour in India and Sri Lanka in the 1980s.

Cricket Australia said it supported ex-Australian under-19 Jamie Mitchell, whose claims that he was raped on the tour by a team official were first reported by national broadcaster ABC on Sunday.

"We acknowledge and applaud the courage of Jamie Mitchell in speaking out about his experience," the governing body said in a statement, adding that it was "fully assisting" a police probe.

"We have no tolerance for any form of abuse," said Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley.

Mitchell told ABC he was sexually assaulted in Colombo on the last night of the tour in 1985.

A team official named in the ABC report denied wrongdoing and no charges have been made.

"Instead of being a highlight of my cricketing life, that tour has caused me trauma and distress over many years," Mitchell said in a statement released by his lawyers to Australian media.

"Cricket Australia has a chance to distinguish itself by facing up to this issue and doing the right thing.

"And that means transparency, starting with proper answers to many questions. I'm going to send a list of them to Cricket Australia."

Former Australian captain Greg Chappell, who was a national selector at the time of the alleged attack, told Nine Entertainment newspapers that he was appalled by the allegations.

"I would hope that CA will respond in a human way and deal empathetically with the individuals rather than try to defend the organisation," he said.

"It was a shocking revelation. I would have hoped nothing like that had happened, but realism tells you that other areas of life have seen that sort of thing go on."

A spokesman for the Australian Federal Police said they do not comment on "specific investigations".

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Australia's cricketing chiefs said Monday they were assisting a police investigation into shock allegations that an under-19 cricketer was sexually assaulted while on tour in India and Sri Lanka in the 1980s.

Australia's cricketing chiefs said Monday they were assisting a police investigation into shock allegations that an under-19 cricketer was sexually assaulted while on tour in India and Sri Lanka in the 1980s. Cricket Australia said it supported ex-Australian under-19 Jamie Mitchell, whose claims that he was raped on the tour by a team official were first reported by national broadcaster ABC on Sunday. "We acknowledge and applaud the courage of Jamie Mitchell in speaking out about his experience," the governing body said in a statement, adding that it was "fully assisting" a police probe. "We have no tolerance for any form of abuse," said Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley. Mitchell told ABC he was sexually assaulted in Colombo on the last night of the tour in 1985. A team official named in the ABC report denied wrongdoing and no charges have been made. "Instead of being a highlight of my cricketing life, that tour has caused me trauma and distress over many years," Mitchell said in a statement released by his lawyers to Australian media. "Cricket Australia has a chance to distinguish itself by facing up to this issue and doing the right thing. "And that means transparency, starting with proper answers to many questions. I'm going to send a list of them to Cricket Australia." Former Australian captain Greg Chappell, who was a national selector at the time of the alleged attack, told Nine Entertainment newspapers that he was appalled by the allegations. "I would hope that CA will respond in a human way and deal empathetically with the individuals rather than try to defend the organisation," he said. "It was a shocking revelation. I would have hoped nothing like that had happened, but realism tells you that other areas of life have seen that sort of thing go on." A spokesman for the Australian Federal Police said they do not comment on "specific investigations".

Ex-Australian youth cricketer accuses team official of rape during 1985 tour

Tim Paine took over as Australia's Test captain following the sandpaper gate in early 2018, forcing then skipper Steve Smith to step aside from the post. While Paine did lead the side relatively well and enjoyed some good success, his tenure also ended in a controversial manner with his sexting scandal being exposed.

With Paine stepping aside as the Test captain as soon as the sexting scandal broke out, pacer Pat Cummins and ex-skipper Smith were interviewed by a Cricket Australia panel -- as per a report in Sydney News Herald -- for the position of skipper and deputy, respectively, on Wednesday (November 24).&nbsp;The entire process has brought CA a step closer to revealing Cummins as the next Test skipper.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-add-to-the-circus-former-australia-cricketer-warns-ca-against-appointing-steve-smith-as-test-captain-431411">'Will add to the circus': Former Australia cricketer warns CA against appointing Steve Smith as Test captain</a>

For the unversed, if Smith gets the vice-captain post, it will be the first time that the dependable batsman will regain leadership responsibilities post the sandpaper gate fiasco in 2018. It is believed that both Cummins and Smith appeared before a committee comprising selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide, chief executive Nick Hockley, chair Richard Freudenstein and board member Mel Jones to share their vision for the men's Test team going forward.&nbsp;

It is also to be noted that Australia's head coach Justin Langer is not a part of the panel who have been assigned to pick Paine's successor in the purest format.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-steve-smith-michael-clarke-picks-australias-next-test-captain-after-tim-paines-exit-431267">Not Steve Smith! Michael Clarke picks Australia's next Test captain after Tim Paine's exit</a>

CA will like to end the procedure as soon as possible and name the next Aussie Test captain ahead of the Ashes 2021 opener. The marquee series is all set to begin from December 8 at The Gabba, Brisbane. The Ashes 2019 edition ended in with a 2-2 scoreline and the hosts Australia will like to retain the urn this time around as well versus the Joe Root-led English line-up.

Tim Paine took over as Australia's Test captain following the sandpaper gate in early 2018, forcing then skipper Steve Smith to step aside from the post. While Paine did lead the side relatively well and enjoyed some good success, his tenure also ended in a controversial manner with his sexting scandal being exposed.

Tim Paine took over as Australia's Test captain following the sandpaper gate in early 2018, forcing then skipper Steve Smith to step aside from the post. While Paine did lead the side relatively well and enjoyed some good success, his tenure also ended in a controversial manner with his sexting scandal being exposed. With Paine stepping aside as the Test captain as soon as the sexting scandal broke out, pacer Pat Cummins and ex-skipper Smith were interviewed by a Cricket Australia panel -- as per a report in Sydney News Herald -- for the position of skipper and deputy, respectively, on Wednesday (November 24). The entire process has brought CA a step closer to revealing Cummins as the next Test skipper. ALSO READ | 'Will add to the circus': Former Australia cricketer warns CA against appointing Steve Smith as Test captain For the unversed, if Smith gets the vice-captain post, it will be the first time that the dependable batsman will regain leadership responsibilities post the sandpaper gate fiasco in 2018. It is believed that both Cummins and Smith appeared before a committee comprising selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide, chief executive Nick Hockley, chair Richard Freudenstein and board member Mel Jones to share their vision for the men's Test team going forward. It is also to be noted that Australia's head coach Justin Langer is not a part of the panel who have been assigned to pick Paine's successor in the purest format. ALSO READ | Not Steve Smith! Michael Clarke picks Australia's next Test captain after Tim Paine's exit CA will like to end the procedure as soon as possible and name the next Aussie Test captain ahead of the Ashes 2021 opener. The marquee series is all set to begin from December 8 at The Gabba, Brisbane. The Ashes 2019 edition ended in with a 2-2 scoreline and the hosts Australia will like to retain the urn this time around as well versus the Joe Root-led English line-up.

Pat Cummins interviewed by CA for Test captaincy, Steve Smith likely to be pacer's deputy: Reports

Australia and Sri Lanka will lock horns with each other in match 22 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Thursday evening (October 28). The match will be played at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium as both sides will look to make it two wins in a row after their hard-fought victories in their respective Super 12 opening games.&nbsp;

While Aaron Finch-led Australia restricted South Africa for a paltry 118-9 in 20 overs, with Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood chipping in with two wickets apiece, their batters got starts but lost wickets at regular intervals in their run-chase versus the Proteas. Steve Smith's 35 and other vital contributions from Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade completed the run-chase for the Men in Yellow, with 5 wickets in hand in the final over.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, had a tough encounter versus Bangladesh on Sunday afternoon (October 24) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. While their bowlers did err with their line and lengths as the Bangla Tigers posted 171-4, Charith Asalanka's 80 not out and&nbsp;Bhanuka Rajapaksa's 53 took the Lankans to an emphatic 5-wicket win, despite being at 79-4 at one stage.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-sa-star-quinton-de-kock-apologises-for-blm-row-pledges-to-take-the-knee-424674">T20 World Cup: SA star Quinton de Kock apologises for BLM row, pledges to take the knee</a>

Match prediction for Australia-Sri Lanka T20 WC encounter:&nbsp;The pitch at Dubai has something for the pacers, spinners as well as the batters. Meanwhile, the larger boundaries also gives plenty of temptation to the spinners to flight the ball whereas running between wickets becomes very important on such grounds. Expect a good and intense game, with scores being around 160-175. It is tough to predict a winner as both sides have had equal success versus each other (8-8 in head-to-head tally) but Aussies lead the Islanders 2-1 in T20 WC history. This will be their first face-off in the tournament-history since the 2010 edition.

Aussies to have a tough game but eventually to topple the inexperienced Lankans?

Australia and Sri Lanka will lock horns with each other in match 22 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Thursday evening (October 28). The match will be played at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium as both sides will look to make it two wins in a row after their hard-fought victories in their respective Super 12 opening games.

Australia and Sri Lanka will lock horns with each other in match 22 of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Thursday evening (October 28). The match will be played at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium as both sides will look to make it two wins in a row after their hard-fought victories in their respective Super 12 opening games. While Aaron Finch-led Australia restricted South Africa for a paltry 118-9 in 20 overs, with Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood chipping in with two wickets apiece, their batters got starts but lost wickets at regular intervals in their run-chase versus the Proteas. Steve Smith's 35 and other vital contributions from Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade completed the run-chase for the Men in Yellow, with 5 wickets in hand in the final over. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, had a tough encounter versus Bangladesh on Sunday afternoon (October 24) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. While their bowlers did err with their line and lengths as the Bangla Tigers posted 171-4, Charith Asalanka's 80 not out and Bhanuka Rajapaksa's 53 took the Lankans to an emphatic 5-wicket win, despite being at 79-4 at one stage. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: SA star Quinton de Kock apologises for BLM row, pledges to take the knee Match prediction for Australia-Sri Lanka T20 WC encounter: The pitch at Dubai has something for the pacers, spinners as well as the batters. Meanwhile, the larger boundaries also gives plenty of temptation to the spinners to flight the ball whereas running between wickets becomes very important on such grounds. Expect a good and intense game, with scores being around 160-175. It is tough to predict a winner as both sides have had equal success versus each other (8-8 in head-to-head tally) but Aussies lead the Islanders 2-1 in T20 WC history. This will be their first face-off in the tournament-history since the 2010 edition. Aussies to have a tough game but eventually to topple the inexperienced Lankans?

AUS vs SL, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's match between Australia and Sri Lanka?

Australia`s Test captain Tim Paine is confident he will be ready for the start of the Ashes series against England in December following surgery to fix a bulging disc in his neck. 
 
The 36-year-old had been suffering from severe pain down his left side caused by a pinched nerve and, on the advice of surgeons, underwent the procedure on Tuesday. 
 
Paine said he hopes to return to full training by the end of October after a six-week recuperation period. 
 
"The precedent has been set, guys have got back from it reasonably quickly," he told SEN radio. "We`ve been talking to all those players, their physios, their surgeons to track their rehab plans and get me back as quick as we can. 
 
"I`m pretty confident outside of that six weeks I`ll be ready to go within a week. That gives me plenty of time (for the Ashes). "I won`t be as fit or as strong as I`d like to be. If I am moving freely, I`ll give a good fist of it." 
 
The first test against England at the Gabba in Brisbane is scheduled to start on Dec. 8 and will be followed by four further matches in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. 
 
"I`m pretty happy with the decision," said Paine. "After the surgeon had a look in there, he said it was a good decision to get it done." 
 
The wicketkeeper-batsman, who took over as captain following Steve Smith`s sacking in the wake of the 2018 Newlands ball-tampering scandal, said he had the operation in a bid to prolong his career beyond his Test playing days. 
 
"I want to keep playing for Tasmania after my international career," he said. "To have it fixed and out of the way was the correct decision long term."

Australia`s Test captain Tim Paine is confident he will be ready for the start of the Ashes series against England in December following surgery to fix a bulging disc in his neck.

Australia`s Test captain Tim Paine is confident he will be ready for the start of the Ashes series against England in December following surgery to fix a bulging disc in his neck. The 36-year-old had been suffering from severe pain down his left side caused by a pinched nerve and, on the advice of surgeons, underwent the procedure on Tuesday. Paine said he hopes to return to full training by the end of October after a six-week recuperation period. "The precedent has been set, guys have got back from it reasonably quickly," he told SEN radio. "We`ve been talking to all those players, their physios, their surgeons to track their rehab plans and get me back as quick as we can. "I`m pretty confident outside of that six weeks I`ll be ready to go within a week. That gives me plenty of time (for the Ashes). "I won`t be as fit or as strong as I`d like to be. If I am moving freely, I`ll give a good fist of it." The first test against England at the Gabba in Brisbane is scheduled to start on Dec. 8 and will be followed by four further matches in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. "I`m pretty happy with the decision," said Paine. "After the surgeon had a look in there, he said it was a good decision to get it done." The wicketkeeper-batsman, who took over as captain following Steve Smith`s sacking in the wake of the 2018 Newlands ball-tampering scandal, said he had the operation in a bid to prolong his career beyond his Test playing days. "I want to keep playing for Tasmania after my international career," he said. "To have it fixed and out of the way was the correct decision long term."

I'll be ready for Ashes 2021, says Australia captain Tim Paine

The last quarter&nbsp;of 2021 promises to provide plenty of cricketing action for the gentlemen's game's ardent lovers worldwide with IPL 2021, T20 World Cup and Ashes 2021 on cards. However, the fate of Ashes 2021 hangs in the balance as Joe Root &amp; Co. could boycott this year's Ashes citing strict bio-bubble life Down Under.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) remain adamant and have not given much thought about postponement, which has not been received well by the senior players and support staff.

"The prospect of England fielding a significantly under-strength squad in the Ashes would appear to have grown following talks between the team and officials at the ECB," the website reported. "As a result, they are considering their options. One of those options is understood to be the entire team - including coaching and support staff - taking a collective decision to boycott the tour.

"While the players appear, in general, fairly sanguine about the prospect of a two-week quarantine for themselves, they are reluctant to put their families through it. And with some players away for the best part of four months (the IPL being followed by the T20 World Cup and the Ashes), they are understandably reluctant not to see their families for the entire period," it stated.

Strict quarantine rules Down Under

It also reported, "The nature of the quarantine is also understood to have disappointed the players. Although there has been talk of allowing them the use of a resort hotel on the Gold Coast, it is now understood they are likely to be permitted only two or three hours out of their hotel rooms each day for training.

"There is also a possibility the squad will be obliged to remain in some sort of 'bubble' throughout the tour to avoid difficulties in moving between states. Families, meanwhile, could still be required to undergo a 'hard' quarantine involving 14 days in a hotel room."

Even during India's tour of Australia last year, the bio-bubble life had taken a toll on the Indian cricketers and many had opened up about how tough it had become for them by the end of the tour.&nbsp;

Thus, it remains to be seen how the forthcoming Ashes 2021 will go ahead or will Root &amp; Co. simply boycott the upcoming edition. For the unversed, Ashes 2019 had ended in a 2-2 scoreline, which provided enthralling contest between bat and ball throughout the English summer.

The last quarter of 2021 promises to provide plenty of cricketing action for the gentlemen's game's ardent lovers worldwide with IPL 2021, T20 World Cup and Ashes 2021 on cards.

The last quarter of 2021 promises to provide plenty of cricketing action for the gentlemen's game's ardent lovers worldwide with IPL 2021, T20 World Cup and Ashes 2021 on cards. However, the fate of Ashes 2021 hangs in the balance as Joe Root & Co. could boycott this year's Ashes citing strict bio-bubble life Down Under. According to ESPN Cricinfo, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) remain adamant and have not given much thought about postponement, which has not been received well by the senior players and support staff. "The prospect of England fielding a significantly under-strength squad in the Ashes would appear to have grown following talks between the team and officials at the ECB," the website reported. "As a result, they are considering their options. One of those options is understood to be the entire team - including coaching and support staff - taking a collective decision to boycott the tour. "While the players appear, in general, fairly sanguine about the prospect of a two-week quarantine for themselves, they are reluctant to put their families through it. And with some players away for the best part of four months (the IPL being followed by the T20 World Cup and the Ashes), they are understandably reluctant not to see their families for the entire period," it stated. Strict quarantine rules Down Under It also reported, "The nature of the quarantine is also understood to have disappointed the players. Although there has been talk of allowing them the use of a resort hotel on the Gold Coast, it is now understood they are likely to be permitted only two or three hours out of their hotel rooms each day for training. "There is also a possibility the squad will be obliged to remain in some sort of 'bubble' throughout the tour to avoid difficulties in moving between states. Families, meanwhile, could still be required to undergo a 'hard' quarantine involving 14 days in a hotel room." Even during India's tour of Australia last year, the bio-bubble life had taken a toll on the Indian cricketers and many had opened up about how tough it had become for them by the end of the tour. Thus, it remains to be seen how the forthcoming Ashes 2021 will go ahead or will Root & Co. simply boycott the upcoming edition. For the unversed, Ashes 2019 had ended in a 2-2 scoreline, which provided enthralling contest between bat and ball throughout the English summer.

Joe Root-led England on verge of boycotting Ashes 2021 citing strict bio-bubble life: Reports

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters. 
 
The ACB fears being isolated after Cricket Australia (CA) threatened to scrap a test match against the men`s team if Afghanistan`s new Taliban government did not allow women to play the sport. 
 
The Australian board said driving the growth of women`s cricket was "incredibly important" to it but Fazli said the CA communication was result of a "misunderstanding" which was being cleared up. 
 
"We officially talked with them and the issue regarding the test match will be resolved," Fazli said. A Cricket Australia spokesman confirmed they were in "regular dialogue with the ACB" but said that, as things stand, the board`s position on the Hobart test had not changed from last week. 
 
The row was sparked when a Taliban representative last week told Australian broadcaster SBS that he did not think women would be allowed to play cricket because it was "not necessary" and would be against Islam. Fazli, who returned as the ACB chairman last month in the first major cricket development in the country since the Taliban took control, said he was still awaiting instructions from the government on the future of women`s cricket. 
 
"The new government of Afghanistan is focusing on its priority programmes," the administrator said. "They haven`t told us anything regarding women cricket (but) we are committed to maintaining and supporting women cricket." 
 
When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education. 
 
The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) will discuss the issue at its next board meeting in November. 
 
Australia test captain Tim Paine said last week that other countries might refuse to play Afghanistan in the men`s Twenty20 World Cup, which begins next month, because of the issue. 
 
Fazli ruled out such a prospect.&nbsp; "There`s no threat to Afghanistan`s participation in the T20 World Cup," he said. "We are already beginning our camp preparation. As a full-member team, our international relation with other full-member countries is very good." 
 
The ACB also found themselves in an awkward situation last week when Rashid Khan stepped down as captain of the Twenty20 World Cup squad, saying the selectors had not consulted him before picking the team. 
 
Fazli said fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nabi would now lead the side in the showpiece tournament in the United Arab Emirates. "Mohammad Nabi is a senior team player, and now he is the captain," he added. "He knows his team members very well."

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters. The ACB fears being isolated after Cricket Australia (CA) threatened to scrap a test match against the men`s team if Afghanistan`s new Taliban government did not allow women to play the sport. The Australian board said driving the growth of women`s cricket was "incredibly important" to it but Fazli said the CA communication was result of a "misunderstanding" which was being cleared up. "We officially talked with them and the issue regarding the test match will be resolved," Fazli said. A Cricket Australia spokesman confirmed they were in "regular dialogue with the ACB" but said that, as things stand, the board`s position on the Hobart test had not changed from last week. The row was sparked when a Taliban representative last week told Australian broadcaster SBS that he did not think women would be allowed to play cricket because it was "not necessary" and would be against Islam. Fazli, who returned as the ACB chairman last month in the first major cricket development in the country since the Taliban took control, said he was still awaiting instructions from the government on the future of women`s cricket. "The new government of Afghanistan is focusing on its priority programmes," the administrator said. "They haven`t told us anything regarding women cricket (but) we are committed to maintaining and supporting women cricket." When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education. The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) will discuss the issue at its next board meeting in November. Australia test captain Tim Paine said last week that other countries might refuse to play Afghanistan in the men`s Twenty20 World Cup, which begins next month, because of the issue. Fazli ruled out such a prospect. "There`s no threat to Afghanistan`s participation in the T20 World Cup," he said. "We are already beginning our camp preparation. As a full-member team, our international relation with other full-member countries is very good." The ACB also found themselves in an awkward situation last week when Rashid Khan stepped down as captain of the Twenty20 World Cup squad, saying the selectors had not consulted him before picking the team. Fazli said fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nabi would now lead the side in the showpiece tournament in the United Arab Emirates. "Mohammad Nabi is a senior team player, and now he is the captain," he added. "He knows his team members very well."

Afghanistan board committed to women's cricket, optimistic on Hobart Test vs Australia

Former captain Ricky Ponting has lent his support to ex-team mate Justin Langer as the embattled coach attempts to weather a challenging period at the helm of Australian cricket.

Langer has come under scrutiny amid media reports players have tired of his intense coaching style after disappointing results on recent limited-overs tours of the West Indies and Bangladesh.

"I know there's been a lot of negativity the last few weeks, I really felt for Justin, I rang Justin a few times," Ponting, who captained Australia from 2004 to 2008, told 2GB radio.

"They just got back from that tough tour of the West Indies and then Bangladesh, and he was locked up in his hotel room in Adelaide, and he was sort of copping it left, right and centre.

"Me and a lot of his close friends have reached out to him."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/under-pressure-coach-justin-langer-says-australia-in-better-place-after-talks-409390">Under-pressure coach Justin Langer says Australia in 'better place' after talks</a>

Test captain Tim Paine and other senior players have held talks with Langer.

"As I made really clear to Justin, when you're in that position in Australian sport, whether you're a high-profile coach or a captain of a national team, if you're not getting the results then you've got to expect the negativity," Ponting said.

"If you wind the clock back not even 12 months ago, the Australian team were the number one-ranked test team and T20 team in the world, we know all the talent is there."

Langer said on Sunday that the talks had been beneficial.

"We all got a lot off our chests," he told the Western Australian. "I think we are all in a better place now.

"When you win, everyone is happy and gets on with things but when you are losing, that is when the finger-pointing starts and people look for excuses," he added.

"We have had a rough trot in recent times but....get back to winning and you won't hear about anything else."

&nbsp;

Former captain Ricky Ponting has lent his support to ex-team mate Justin Langer as the embattled coach attempts to weather a challenging period at the helm of Australian cricket.

Former captain Ricky Ponting has lent his support to ex-team mate Justin Langer as the embattled coach attempts to weather a challenging period at the helm of Australian cricket. Langer has come under scrutiny amid media reports players have tired of his intense coaching style after disappointing results on recent limited-overs tours of the West Indies and Bangladesh. "I know there's been a lot of negativity the last few weeks, I really felt for Justin, I rang Justin a few times," Ponting, who captained Australia from 2004 to 2008, told 2GB radio. "They just got back from that tough tour of the West Indies and then Bangladesh, and he was locked up in his hotel room in Adelaide, and he was sort of copping it left, right and centre. "Me and a lot of his close friends have reached out to him." ALSO READ | Under-pressure coach Justin Langer says Australia in 'better place' after talks Test captain Tim Paine and other senior players have held talks with Langer. "As I made really clear to Justin, when you're in that position in Australian sport, whether you're a high-profile coach or a captain of a national team, if you're not getting the results then you've got to expect the negativity," Ponting said. "If you wind the clock back not even 12 months ago, the Australian team were the number one-ranked test team and T20 team in the world, we know all the talent is there." Langer said on Sunday that the talks had been beneficial. "We all got a lot off our chests," he told the Western Australian. "I think we are all in a better place now. "When you win, everyone is happy and gets on with things but when you are losing, that is when the finger-pointing starts and people look for excuses," he added. "We have had a rough trot in recent times but....get back to winning and you won't hear about anything else."

Ricky Ponting lends support to embattled Australia coach Justin Langer

Embattled coach Justin Langer on Monday insisted the Australian cricket team was "in a better place" after clear-the-air talks with senior players following discontent over his management style.

Langer came under intense scrutiny in the wake of recent consecutive white-ball series losses to the West Indies and Bangladesh, with friction over his intense leadership and mood swings again resurfacing.

It sparked an emergency meeting with Test skipper Tim Paine, his deputy Pat Cummins, limited-overs captain Aaron Finch and Cricket Australia executives.

Langer admitted it had been a "tough" time personally, but said he had learned from the experience, drawing on the darkest moments in his playing career as a parallel.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/54-minutes-for-7-wickets-to-fall-is-a-little-bit-hard-to-take-says-sunil-gavaskar-409233">'54 minutes for 7 wickets to fall is a little bit hard to take', says Sunil Gavaskar</a>

"I look back at 1993, 1998 and 2001 when I was dropped from the Australian team," he told the West Australian newspaper as he aimed to reset ahead of the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup and a home Ashes series against England.

"I was devastated when they happened and thought they were amongst the worst times in my life."

"Yet I look back on them now and realise that those experiences, as gutting as they were at the time, made me stronger and better as a player," he added.

"The situation at the moment is very tough but I am confident that I will become a better coach from it."

Both Paine and Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley have publicly backed Langer, who revealed he had held candid conversations with select players in which numerous issues were aired.

"We all got a lot off our chests," he said. "I think we are all in a better place now."

While Langer has been widely praised for restoring the culture of the Australian team after the 2018 "Sandpaper-gate" scandal in South Africa, rumours of dressing-room friction have never been far away.

He was forced to address negative feedback earlier this year when discontent surfaced about his "headmaster-like" leadership.

Langer said criticism came with not winning.

"When you win, everyone is happy and gets on with things but when you are losing, that is when the finger-pointing starts and people look for excuses," he said.

"We have had a rough trot in recent times but we retained the Ashes only a little while ago and were ranked No.1 in Test and T20 cricket not that long ago.

"Get back to winning and you won't hear about anything else."

Embattled coach Justin Langer on Monday insisted the Australian cricket team was "in a better place" after clear-the-air talks with senior players following discontent over his management style.

Embattled coach Justin Langer on Monday insisted the Australian cricket team was "in a better place" after clear-the-air talks with senior players following discontent over his management style. Langer came under intense scrutiny in the wake of recent consecutive white-ball series losses to the West Indies and Bangladesh, with friction over his intense leadership and mood swings again resurfacing. It sparked an emergency meeting with Test skipper Tim Paine, his deputy Pat Cummins, limited-overs captain Aaron Finch and Cricket Australia executives. Langer admitted it had been a "tough" time personally, but said he had learned from the experience, drawing on the darkest moments in his playing career as a parallel. ALSO READ | '54 minutes for 7 wickets to fall is a little bit hard to take', says Sunil Gavaskar "I look back at 1993, 1998 and 2001 when I was dropped from the Australian team," he told the West Australian newspaper as he aimed to reset ahead of the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup and a home Ashes series against England. "I was devastated when they happened and thought they were amongst the worst times in my life." "Yet I look back on them now and realise that those experiences, as gutting as they were at the time, made me stronger and better as a player," he added. "The situation at the moment is very tough but I am confident that I will become a better coach from it." Both Paine and Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley have publicly backed Langer, who revealed he had held candid conversations with select players in which numerous issues were aired. "We all got a lot off our chests," he said. "I think we are all in a better place now." While Langer has been widely praised for restoring the culture of the Australian team after the 2018 "Sandpaper-gate" scandal in South Africa, rumours of dressing-room friction have never been far away. He was forced to address negative feedback earlier this year when discontent surfaced about his "headmaster-like" leadership. Langer said criticism came with not winning. "When you win, everyone is happy and gets on with things but when you are losing, that is when the finger-pointing starts and people look for excuses," he said. "We have had a rough trot in recent times but we retained the Ashes only a little while ago and were ranked No.1 in Test and T20 cricket not that long ago. "Get back to winning and you won't hear about anything else."

Under-pressure coach Justin Langer says Australia in 'better place' after talks

Tim Paine has asked Steve Smith to take as much time as is needed as he recuperates from injury. The Australian Test captain conceded he might want to see Steve Smith at top fitness when the Ashes comes around not long from now.&nbsp;

Steve Smith is at present recuperating from an elbow injury subsequent to changing his batting grip. The star batsman conceded last week that getting fit for the Ashes outweighs the forthcoming T20 World Cup for him.&nbsp;

Tim Paine addressed the media, where he encouraged Steve Smith not to rush his physical issue return: He said: "What's important for me is that he's fit to go, whether that's at the T20 World Cup or the Ashes. Obviously from a selfish point of view, I would love him to be 100 percent fit and if that means he misses that tournament then so be it."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mitchell-starc-unperturbed-by-quarantine-hurdle-amidst-australias-tight-scheduled-395874" hreflang="en">Cricket: Mitchell Starc unperturbed by quarantine hurdle amidst Australia’s tight scheduled</a>

Steve Smith is one of the most important members of the Australian side across all formats. Tending to worries over his recuperation, Tim Paine needs Steve Smith to focus on his recovery to keep playing cricket in the coming years.&nbsp;

“But Steve is a professional, he'll know where his body is at and if he doesn't feel like he's right then he'll make the right call. It's important now that he takes the time to get it right, not just for the Ashes but to prolong his career for another four or five or six years,” Paine pointed out.

The Ashes in the not-so-distant future is probably going to see full limit crowds, with all scenes aside from the MCG being offered to the full limit. Tickets are being offered to the full limit, except for the Melbourne Cricket Ground which has an 85 percent limit presently. Regardless of whether the standard crowds of Barmy Army allies will actually want to make a trip to Australia, given current restrictions on worldwide restrictions, stays unclear.&nbsp;

"Absolutely, I hope they do open up (the borders) because they bring a brilliant atmosphere. The Barmy Army is a crucial part of the history of the Ashes and something the players love, whether they're ripping into you or barracking for the English. It adds to the Test match, to the theatre, so fingers crossed those guys can get in,” Paine signed off.

The 2021/22 Ashes starts off at The Gabba on December 8, with the last Test occurring in Perth from January 14 one year from now.

Tim Paine has asked Steve Smith to take as much time as is needed as he recuperates from injury. The Australian Test captain conceded he might want to see Steve Smith at top fitness when the Ashes comes around not long from now.

Tim Paine has asked Steve Smith to take as much time as is needed as he recuperates from injury. The Australian Test captain conceded he might want to see Steve Smith at top fitness when the Ashes comes around not long from now. Steve Smith is at present recuperating from an elbow injury subsequent to changing his batting grip. The star batsman conceded last week that getting fit for the Ashes outweighs the forthcoming T20 World Cup for him. Tim Paine addressed the media, where he encouraged Steve Smith not to rush his physical issue return: He said: "What's important for me is that he's fit to go, whether that's at the T20 World Cup or the Ashes. Obviously from a selfish point of view, I would love him to be 100 percent fit and if that means he misses that tournament then so be it." ALSO READ: Cricket: Mitchell Starc unperturbed by quarantine hurdle amidst Australia’s tight scheduled Steve Smith is one of the most important members of the Australian side across all formats. Tending to worries over his recuperation, Tim Paine needs Steve Smith to focus on his recovery to keep playing cricket in the coming years. “But Steve is a professional, he'll know where his body is at and if he doesn't feel like he's right then he'll make the right call. It's important now that he takes the time to get it right, not just for the Ashes but to prolong his career for another four or five or six years,” Paine pointed out. The Ashes in the not-so-distant future is probably going to see full limit crowds, with all scenes aside from the MCG being offered to the full limit. Tickets are being offered to the full limit, except for the Melbourne Cricket Ground which has an 85 percent limit presently. Regardless of whether the standard crowds of Barmy Army allies will actually want to make a trip to Australia, given current restrictions on worldwide restrictions, stays unclear. "Absolutely, I hope they do open up (the borders) because they bring a brilliant atmosphere. The Barmy Army is a crucial part of the history of the Ashes and something the players love, whether they're ripping into you or barracking for the English. It adds to the Test match, to the theatre, so fingers crossed those guys can get in,” Paine signed off. The 2021/22 Ashes starts off at The Gabba on December 8, with the last Test occurring in Perth from January 14 one year from now.

Cricket: 'Important he takes time' — Tim Paine urges Steve Smith not to rush injury return

The Australian cricket team is set to form a “barefoot circle” during the upcoming series against India to express their opposition to racism and celebrate Aboriginal culture. Australian vice-captain Pat Cummins announced the move on Monday as he said the decision came after talks within the team.

Earlier during Australia’s tour of England in September, former West Indies Michael Holding had criticized Australian team for not taking a knee. &nbsp;

The practice of “barefoot circle” on the pitch before a series was introduced by the Australian women’s team earlier in 2020 at the urging of all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, who has Aboriginal heritage.

Cummins revealed that the men’s team would do the same during the India tour, which gets underway on November 27 while making it a regular pre-match ritual at the start of a series.&nbsp;

TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-kangaroo-land-ajinkya-rahane-faces-ashwin-and-jadeja-in-nets-343485" hreflang="en">WATCH- 'Kangaroo land!': Ajinkya Rahane faces Ashwin and Jadeja in nets</a>

"We think it's really important to do our bit and we've decided to do the barefoot circle," he told reporters in a conference call.

"Not only as a sport, but we as people are absolutely against racism.

"I think we could probably put our hands up and say we haven't done enough in the past and we want to get better, so this is one small thing we're going to introduce this summer."

Taking a knee on the ground was popularized by former American NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who first took a knee in 2016 to express his displeasure against police brutality against black people and other minorities.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-reverts-after-novak-djokovic-replicates-iconic-siu-celebration-343479" hreflang="en">Cristiano Ronaldo reverts after Novak Djokovic replicates iconic 'Siu' celebration</a>

"In Australia, we think the most marginalised group is the First Nations people, the indigenous people," he said.

"We think the barefoot circle is a great way to celebrate them. Some people might want to take the knee and show it (support) in different ways, we're absolutely all for that."

Whereas Australian coach Justin Langer was left aback by Holding’s criticism and said that his team wanted to send a "sustained and powerful" message against racism. 
&nbsp;

The Australian cricket team is set to form a “barefoot circle” during the upcoming series against India to express their opposition to racism and celebrate Aboriginal culture.

The Australian cricket team is set to form a “barefoot circle” during the upcoming series against India to express their opposition to racism and celebrate Aboriginal culture. Australian vice-captain Pat Cummins announced the move on Monday as he said the decision came after talks within the team. Earlier during Australia’s tour of England in September, former West Indies Michael Holding had criticized Australian team for not taking a knee. The practice of “barefoot circle” on the pitch before a series was introduced by the Australian women’s team earlier in 2020 at the urging of all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, who has Aboriginal heritage. Cummins revealed that the men’s team would do the same during the India tour, which gets underway on November 27 while making it a regular pre-match ritual at the start of a series. TRENDING: WATCH- 'Kangaroo land!': Ajinkya Rahane faces Ashwin and Jadeja in nets "We think it's really important to do our bit and we've decided to do the barefoot circle," he told reporters in a conference call. "Not only as a sport, but we as people are absolutely against racism. "I think we could probably put our hands up and say we haven't done enough in the past and we want to get better, so this is one small thing we're going to introduce this summer." Taking a knee on the ground was popularized by former American NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who first took a knee in 2016 to express his displeasure against police brutality against black people and other minorities. ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo reverts after Novak Djokovic replicates iconic 'Siu' celebration "In Australia, we think the most marginalised group is the First Nations people, the indigenous people," he said. "We think the barefoot circle is a great way to celebrate them. Some people might want to take the knee and show it (support) in different ways, we're absolutely all for that." Whereas Australian coach Justin Langer was left aback by Holding’s criticism and said that his team wanted to send a "sustained and powerful" message against racism.

India tour of Australia: Aussie team to make barefoot anti-racism gesture

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../australia-tour-of-india-virat-kohli-is-looking-for -exciting-and-competitive-series-marnus-a-threat-of-india-274046">Virat Kohli</a> has been India's leading run-scoring machine in the past decade. The Indian skipper is set to face Australia for the first One Day International at Wankhede Stadium, today.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-1st-odi-in-form-indian-team-to-take-on-confident-aussies-274112">India vs Australia, 1st ODI: In-form Indian team to take on confident Aussies</a> 
 
The 31-year-old closes onto another Indian record held by Sachin Tendulkar if the Captain scores a century in this match he will equal the Master Blaster's record of most centuries in the ODI's at home.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/3rd-t20i-ind-vs-lanka-virat-kohli-and-jasprit-bumrah-break-records-after-emphatic-victory-over-sri-lanka-273577">Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah shatter records as India claim series win against Sri Lanka</a> 
 
Sahin Tendulkar has scored 20 centuries in India, whereas Virat Kohli has scored 19 of those. Virat has just scored one century at the Wankhede stadium in ODIs, where he scored 121 runs off 125 balls against New Zealand in 2017. 
 
Virat has scored a Test double (235) against England in 2016. Sunil Gavaskar holds the record for most centuries (5) on this ground.

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Action starts in a few hours 🇮🇳🇦🇺 
Get ready for an exciting contest between two swashbuckling sides 📺📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://t.co/0lSTYD2w2I">pic.twitter.com/0lSTYD2w2I</a>
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Apart from this Indian record, a world record is on the verge to be broken. Kohli has already equaled Ricky Ponting's record (41) for most centuries by a skipper across all formats. If the Indian Captain scores a century he will go past Ponting and also become the fastest to do so. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../bushfire-cricket-bash-ricky-ponting-and-shane- warne-to-come-out-of-retirement-to-raise-funds-273874">Ricky Ponting</a> scored these centuries in 376 innings whereas Virat took just 196 innings. 
 
Last time Virat scored a century was in the 'Pink-ball Test' against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata&nbsp;in November 2019. 
 
Virat Kohli as a captain has scored 20 Test centuries and 21 ODI centuries. 
 
Virat Kohli's Test average is 54.97, his average as a captain is significantly higher at 63.80. 
 
In ODIs, his career average is 59.84, while he averages 77.60 as captain. 
 
Indian Skipper will look forward to breaking these records as well as winning the series against the Aussies.

Virat Kohli has been India's leading run-scoring machine in the past decade. The Indian skipper is set to face Australia for the first One Day International at Wankhede Stadium, today.

Virat Kohli has been India's leading run-scoring machine in the past decade. The Indian skipper is set to face Australia for the first One Day International at Wankhede Stadium, today. Also read: India vs Australia, 1st ODI: In-form Indian team to take on confident Aussies The 31-year-old closes onto another Indian record held by Sachin Tendulkar if the Captain scores a century in this match he will equal the Master Blaster's record of most centuries in the ODI's at home. Also read: Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah shatter records as India claim series win against Sri Lanka Sahin Tendulkar has scored 20 centuries in India, whereas Virat Kohli has scored 19 of those. Virat has just scored one century at the Wankhede stadium in ODIs, where he scored 121 runs off 125 balls against New Zealand in 2017. Virat has scored a Test double (235) against England in 2016. Sunil Gavaskar holds the record for most centuries (5) on this ground. Action starts in a few hours 🇮🇳🇦🇺 Get ready for an exciting contest between two swashbuckling sides 📺📺 #TeamIndia #INDvAUS @Paytm pic.twitter.com/0lSTYD2w2I — BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2020 × Apart from this Indian record, a world record is on the verge to be broken. Kohli has already equaled Ricky Ponting's record (41) for most centuries by a skipper across all formats. If the Indian Captain scores a century he will go past Ponting and also become the fastest to do so. Ricky Ponting scored these centuries in 376 innings whereas Virat took just 196 innings. Last time Virat scored a century was in the 'Pink-ball Test' against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in November 2019. Virat Kohli as a captain has scored 20 Test centuries and 21 ODI centuries. Virat Kohli's Test average is 54.97, his average as a captain is significantly higher at 63.80. In ODIs, his career average is 59.84, while he averages 77.60 as captain. Indian Skipper will look forward to breaking these records as well as winning the series against the Aussies.

India vs Australia, 1st ODI: Virat Kohli looks forward to equal Tendulkar's record and go past Ricky Ponting

Australia coach Justin Langer has urged the struggling batsmen in his team to step up and deliver when the final Ashes Test against England starts at The Oval on Thursday.

Australia took an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-Test series following their 185-run win in the fourth Test at Old Trafford and now have the chance to wrap up their first series win in England since 2001, when Steve Waugh's men won 4-1.

The performances of Steve Smith, with an astronomical average of 134.2, and Marnus Labuschagne, combined with a strong showing from the bowlers, have minimised the impact of failures from the other specialist batsmen during the series.

Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner have all been posted missing, with experienced opening batsman Warner the worst of the lot with an average of 9.87.

While safe in the knowledge that England cannot win the Ashes, Langer said Australia would not be easing off in the fifth Test.

"You've still got to perform, as an Australian Test cricketer," he told reporters.

"Whether or not winning the Ashes will make a difference, time will tell, but you've still got to perform whether you are young or a veteran."

With 671 runs from three Tests, Smith has carried the Australian batting on his shoulders with some support from Labuschagne, who has an average of 58.2 in the series.

Langer called for patience with the young batters in the side.

"He (Smith) has done a lot for Australian cricket for the last few years actually, and so has Dave Warner," Langer said.

"But we've also got to remember, Travis Head is new to Test cricket, Marnus (Labuschagne) is new to Test cricket, Marcus Harris is new to Test cricket, Cameron Bancroft is new to Test cricket.

"You can't just give them that experience, they've got to earn that and we're very thankful to have Steve batting. We're lucky to have him but Test cricket takes time. We've got to respect that, it takes a lot of time."

While his batsmen have been misfiring, Langer has no such problems with his fast bowling unit.

Pat Cummins has played all four Tests and is the pick of the fast bowlers with 24 wickets while Josh Hazlewood has taken 18 from three.

The touring side have James Pattinson and Peter Siddle with two Tests each under their belt in the series, and the uncapped Michael Neser is also an option.

"We've James Pattinson literally jumping out of his skin to play the next Test," Langer said. "Peter Siddle, in those first two Tests, was probably the standout bowler, a great professional and a ripping person to have in the team.

"It'll be fascinating to see how they (Cummins and Hazlewood) pull up ... whatever happens we're lucky to have a couple of other guys who are raring to go if we need them."

Australia coach Justin Langer has urged the struggling batsmen in his team to step up and deliver when the final Ashes Test against England starts at The Oval on Thursday.

Australia coach Justin Langer has urged the struggling batsmen in his team to step up and deliver when the final Ashes Test against England starts at The Oval on Thursday. Australia took an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-Test series following their 185-run win in the fourth Test at Old Trafford and now have the chance to wrap up their first series win in England since 2001, when Steve Waugh's men won 4-1. The performances of Steve Smith, with an astronomical average of 134.2, and Marnus Labuschagne, combined with a strong showing from the bowlers, have minimised the impact of failures from the other specialist batsmen during the series. Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner have all been posted missing, with experienced opening batsman Warner the worst of the lot with an average of 9.87. While safe in the knowledge that England cannot win the Ashes, Langer said Australia would not be easing off in the fifth Test. "You've still got to perform, as an Australian Test cricketer," he told reporters. "Whether or not winning the Ashes will make a difference, time will tell, but you've still got to perform whether you are young or a veteran." With 671 runs from three Tests, Smith has carried the Australian batting on his shoulders with some support from Labuschagne, who has an average of 58.2 in the series. Langer called for patience with the young batters in the side. "He (Smith) has done a lot for Australian cricket for the last few years actually, and so has Dave Warner," Langer said. "But we've also got to remember, Travis Head is new to Test cricket, Marnus (Labuschagne) is new to Test cricket, Marcus Harris is new to Test cricket, Cameron Bancroft is new to Test cricket. "You can't just give them that experience, they've got to earn that and we're very thankful to have Steve batting. We're lucky to have him but Test cricket takes time. We've got to respect that, it takes a lot of time." While his batsmen have been misfiring, Langer has no such problems with his fast bowling unit. Pat Cummins has played all four Tests and is the pick of the fast bowlers with 24 wickets while Josh Hazlewood has taken 18 from three. The touring side have James Pattinson and Peter Siddle with two Tests each under their belt in the series, and the uncapped Michael Neser is also an option. "We've James Pattinson literally jumping out of his skin to play the next Test," Langer said. "Peter Siddle, in those first two Tests, was probably the standout bowler, a great professional and a ripping person to have in the team. "It'll be fascinating to see how they (Cummins and Hazlewood) pull up ... whatever happens we're lucky to have a couple of other guys who are raring to go if we need them."

Australia coach Langer wants struggling batsmen to step up

Australia has warned Chris Gayle and company to be ready for 'chin music' when it takes on West Indies in its second ICC World Cup game at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Thursday.&nbsp;

Australia pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile said they are ready to give West Indies a taste of its own medicine - bouncers - to keep Gayle and company in check.

"You've got to give it (bowl bouncers) to the Windies, otherwise they just get on the front foot and pogo you everywhere," said the right-arm quick after Australia's seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in its World Cup opener here on Saturday.

"We'll definitely give it to them - we give it to every team. You've got to use your two (permitted bouncers per over).

"The grounds are so small and the wickets are generally pretty flat, so you've got to use bouncers when you can," he added.

In Coulter-Nile, Mitchel Starc and Pat Cummins, Australia boast of a fiery pace battery.

Coulter-Nile's statement came close on the heels of West Indies' devastating fast-bowling display against Pakistan, bundling out the opposition for just 105 in 21.4 overs.&nbsp;

Coulter-Nile said Australian bowlers need to be aggressive upfront against a batsman of Gayle's calibre.

"Oh Starcy (Mitchell Starc) will knock his off pole out. It will be easy," he said jokingly about the 39-year-old Gayle.&nbsp;

"You know he's going to hit your good balls for four and hit your bad balls for six. Just keep as bowling as many good balls as you can we'll stick a few up him.

"I think you just need to be aggressive at him. He's still smacking them but he is getting older. I don't know if he's faced too much of Starcy and Paddy (Pat Cummins) recently but they're bowling quick. So we'll see how he handles that early," Coulter-Nile added.

Australia has warned Chris Gayle and company to be ready for 'chin music' when it takes on West Indies in its second ICC World Cup game at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Thursday.

Australia has warned Chris Gayle and company to be ready for 'chin music' when it takes on West Indies in its second ICC World Cup game at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Thursday. Australia pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile said they are ready to give West Indies a taste of its own medicine - bouncers - to keep Gayle and company in check. "You've got to give it (bowl bouncers) to the Windies, otherwise they just get on the front foot and pogo you everywhere," said the right-arm quick after Australia's seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in its World Cup opener here on Saturday. "We'll definitely give it to them - we give it to every team. You've got to use your two (permitted bouncers per over). "The grounds are so small and the wickets are generally pretty flat, so you've got to use bouncers when you can," he added. In Coulter-Nile, Mitchel Starc and Pat Cummins, Australia boast of a fiery pace battery. Coulter-Nile's statement came close on the heels of West Indies' devastating fast-bowling display against Pakistan, bundling out the opposition for just 105 in 21.4 overs. Coulter-Nile said Australian bowlers need to be aggressive upfront against a batsman of Gayle's calibre. "Oh Starcy (Mitchell Starc) will knock his off pole out. It will be easy," he said jokingly about the 39-year-old Gayle. "You know he's going to hit your good balls for four and hit your bad balls for six. Just keep as bowling as many good balls as you can we'll stick a few up him. "I think you just need to be aggressive at him. He's still smacking them but he is getting older. I don't know if he's faced too much of Starcy and Paddy (Pat Cummins) recently but they're bowling quick. So we'll see how he handles that early," Coulter-Nile added.

Nathan Coulter-Nile warns Windies, says be ready for chin music

Ahead of Australia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup campaign</a> opener, head coach Justin Langer has urged the English fans not to boo Steve Smith and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-warners-fitness-a-concern-ahead-of-australias-opening-world-cup-2019-match-223071">David Warner</a> during the tournament, saying that both the players&nbsp;made a mistake and have paid the price for it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both Warner and Smith were booed by the crowd in their warm-up game against England.&nbsp;

The duo returned to the Australian team earlier this month after completing one-year bans for their involvement in a ball-tampering scandal in a Test match in South Africa. The ban had ended on March 29.&nbsp;

The World Cup will be the first international assignment for the two.&nbsp;

"We have talked about it a lot. We are expecting it. That said, when it happens, it doesn't make it any easier. You can take about it as much as you like but that doesn't make it any easier," Langer told a cricket related website.&nbsp;

"I mean they are human beings, and that's the truth. That's where I find it hard. I am a dad, and I have got kids. A lot of the time, players feel like they are my kids," he added.&nbsp;

"And you see that happen. You know you feel for them personally. They are going to have to have thick skin."

We have talked about earning respect. I think it is really important that people show some respect as well. Because they are humans, they are really good cricketers. They made a mistake. They have paid the price for it. Big price actually. I feel for them as people more than anything else," he said.

"After the experience of the other day at Hampshire, I think they have got a pretty good idea what to expect. And, as I said, you can talk about it as much as you like, you can put strategies in place to make sure they deal with it, but no human likes it. That is the truth. As professional cricketers, they will put that out of their mind. They will go and do their job but no one likes that," the head coach added.

Langer further said that he will be disappointed to see any cricketer getting booed in the stadium.

Here's a complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019
<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fa4283c5-b19c-48b4-b300-71fd219bf56b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019_2.jpg" />
"I will be disappointed any day if any cricketer is booed on a cricket ground. Regardless of what country they play for. It is not the spirit that any of us like to see. Obviously, it hurts because I have got an emotional attachment, and personal attachment, to our players. But it is never a good look, is it, when that happens," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of Australia's World Cup campaign opener, head coach Justin Langer has urged the English fans not to boo Steve Smith and David Warner during the tournament, saying that both the players made a mistake and have paid the price for it.

Ahead of Australia's World Cup campaign opener, head coach Justin Langer has urged the English fans not to boo Steve Smith and David Warner during the tournament, saying that both the players made a mistake and have paid the price for it. Both Warner and Smith were booed by the crowd in their warm-up game against England. The duo returned to the Australian team earlier this month after completing one-year bans for their involvement in a ball-tampering scandal in a Test match in South Africa. The ban had ended on March 29. The World Cup will be the first international assignment for the two. "We have talked about it a lot. We are expecting it. That said, when it happens, it doesn't make it any easier. You can take about it as much as you like but that doesn't make it any easier," Langer told a cricket related website. "I mean they are human beings, and that's the truth. That's where I find it hard. I am a dad, and I have got kids. A lot of the time, players feel like they are my kids," he added. "And you see that happen. You know you feel for them personally. They are going to have to have thick skin." We have talked about earning respect. I think it is really important that people show some respect as well. Because they are humans, they are really good cricketers. They made a mistake. They have paid the price for it. Big price actually. I feel for them as people more than anything else," he said. "After the experience of the other day at Hampshire, I think they have got a pretty good idea what to expect. And, as I said, you can talk about it as much as you like, you can put strategies in place to make sure they deal with it, but no human likes it. That is the truth. As professional cricketers, they will put that out of their mind. They will go and do their job but no one likes that," the head coach added. Langer further said that he will be disappointed to see any cricketer getting booed in the stadium. Here's a complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019 "I will be disappointed any day if any cricketer is booed on a cricket ground. Regardless of what country they play for. It is not the spirit that any of us like to see. Obviously, it hurts because I have got an emotional attachment, and personal attachment, to our players. But it is never a good look, is it, when that happens," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian coach Justin Langer coach requests crowd not to boo Steve Smith, David Warner

Fitting the disgraced duo of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Steve+Smith">Steve Smith</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=David+Warner">David Warner</a> into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch.

Both Smith and Warner are eligible to return to the national side after their 12-month suspensions for ball-tampering ended on Thursday.

Australia beat Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match ODI series, and have now won six matches in succession after coming back to defeat India 3-2 away.

Finch said it would be tough for selectors to decide who to leave out of the 15-man squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England.

"It is bloody hard," he said.

"Especially when the side is playing so well, it's going to be difficult. No matter who it is.

"At the end of the day ... it's an incredibly tough decision. Whatever balance you go with in that 15-man squad, there's going to be some very unlucky blokes out there."

One could be Usman Khawaja, formerly a fringe member of the one-day side, who has flourished opening the batting with Finch since his recall in January, with 609 runs at an average of 55.36.

The left-hander could make way for Warner, who has scored more than 4,300 one-day runs and 14 centuries, in an explosive opening combination with Finch.

Smith, who has only just returned from elbow surgery, would complement a middle order of Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb, with all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell providing power-hitting through the lower-middle order.

Having struggled for a period without Smith and Warner, Finch's side have shown the kind of form that propelled them to a fifth World Cup title four years ago on home soil.

Finch said consistency of selection had aided their turnaround.

"The fact that guys are getting more of an opportunity to keep developing their role, and developing the role they've been asked to play or the game demands, is gold," he said.

"That probably goes under the radar a little bit when you're looking at teams that have been successful in the past.

"I think leading up to the 2015 World Cup, we'd had the same 15 players for a good 18 months or so.

"That goes a long way, not just to your culture but just an understanding of how each other plays."

Fitting the disgraced duo of Steve Smith and David Warner into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch.

Fitting the disgraced duo of Steve Smith and David Warner into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch. Both Smith and Warner are eligible to return to the national side after their 12-month suspensions for ball-tampering ended on Thursday. Australia beat Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match ODI series, and have now won six matches in succession after coming back to defeat India 3-2 away. Finch said it would be tough for selectors to decide who to leave out of the 15-man squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England. "It is bloody hard," he said. "Especially when the side is playing so well, it's going to be difficult. No matter who it is. "At the end of the day ... it's an incredibly tough decision. Whatever balance you go with in that 15-man squad, there's going to be some very unlucky blokes out there." One could be Usman Khawaja, formerly a fringe member of the one-day side, who has flourished opening the batting with Finch since his recall in January, with 609 runs at an average of 55.36. The left-hander could make way for Warner, who has scored more than 4,300 one-day runs and 14 centuries, in an explosive opening combination with Finch. Smith, who has only just returned from elbow surgery, would complement a middle order of Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb, with all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell providing power-hitting through the lower-middle order. Having struggled for a period without Smith and Warner, Finch's side have shown the kind of form that propelled them to a fifth World Cup title four years ago on home soil. Finch said consistency of selection had aided their turnaround. "The fact that guys are getting more of an opportunity to keep developing their role, and developing the role they've been asked to play or the game demands, is gold," he said. "That probably goes under the radar a little bit when you're looking at teams that have been successful in the past. "I think leading up to the 2015 World Cup, we'd had the same 15 players for a good 18 months or so. "That goes a long way, not just to your culture but just an understanding of how each other plays."

Return of Steve Smith, David Warner makes for hard selections: Aaron Finch

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year.

Ponting, however, added that there won't be any internal hostility towards the former captain and vice-captain.

The two were banned for a period of 12 months for their in the aftermath of ball tampering incident against South Africa in Cape Town.&nbsp;

"I don't think it is much of a challenge internally around the players," Ponting told cricket.com.au.&nbsp;

"You'd like to think that those guys are having conversations now, so they're not leaving it to the last minute and just be exposed to this thing that could be derailing to a team.

"I'm sure this would have been talked about at a higher level for a long time - how do we integrate them back in? How do they fit in? How is it all going to be seamless?

"But the hardest part for those guys is going to be the public perception of us, especially in England. They`re coming back into a World Cup in the UK - they shouldn`t be expecting too many pats on the back over there," he said.

"They`re going to cop it everywhere they go. They`ve got to know that, they`ve got to accept that and understand that.

"The team needs to as well, because that could also be something that could be unsettling for a team," he added.

Despite their bans getting over before the fourth ODI in Dubai, the two&nbsp;weren't named in Australia's final World Cup buildup in the UAE, an upcoming five-match series against Pakistan,

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year.

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year. Ponting, however, added that there won't be any internal hostility towards the former captain and vice-captain. The two were banned for a period of 12 months for their in the aftermath of ball tampering incident against South Africa in Cape Town. "I don't think it is much of a challenge internally around the players," Ponting told cricket.com.au. "You'd like to think that those guys are having conversations now, so they're not leaving it to the last minute and just be exposed to this thing that could be derailing to a team. "I'm sure this would have been talked about at a higher level for a long time - how do we integrate them back in? How do they fit in? How is it all going to be seamless? "But the hardest part for those guys is going to be the public perception of us, especially in England. They`re coming back into a World Cup in the UK - they shouldn`t be expecting too many pats on the back over there," he said. "They`re going to cop it everywhere they go. They`ve got to know that, they`ve got to accept that and understand that. "The team needs to as well, because that could also be something that could be unsettling for a team," he added. Despite their bans getting over before the fourth ODI in Dubai, the two weren't named in Australia's final World Cup buildup in the UAE, an upcoming five-match series against Pakistan,

Steve Smith, David Warner return won't be easy, believes Ricky Ponting

India's wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) was replaced by young bloke Rishabh Pant in the fourth ODI against Australia. Pant gave a decent performance with bat scoring 34 off 26 balls but failed miserably with the gloves.&nbsp;

One of the reasons India lost the fourth game despite scoring a mammoth 358, was poor fielding, especially by Pant.&nbsp;

The youngster missing a few clear-cut chances, with one being trying to stump a batsman in Dhoni's no-look flick. His missed chance actually turned the game in Australia's favour.&nbsp;

His failure behind the stumps also drew an angry reaction <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-blames-drs-after-losing-4th-odi-to-australia-202423">from India skipper Virat Kohli</a>.

Right-arm leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also didn't look happy as Pant smiled sheepishly after his another failed attempt.

Out of many, here are the three major mistakes Pant committed that cost India 4th ODI.

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Pant's mistakes...!! <a href="https://t.co/qyo9Kpkdox">pic.twitter.com/qyo9Kpkdox</a>
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It turned out to be a dismal day for India in the field despite the heroics of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. The opening duo's record partnership, which includes a sensational 143, had helped India post a mammoth target.&nbsp;

Australia chase down a record-breaking target of 359 runs, making it the highest ever total that Indian team failed to defend in its ODI history, losing the game by four wickets.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/shikhar-dhawan-is-vital-as-we-need-left-right-combination-at-top-going-sanjay-bangar-202257">Also read:&nbsp;Shikhar Dhawan is vital as we need left-right combination at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/shikhar-dhawan-is-vital-as-we-need-left-right-combination-at-top-going-sanjay-bangar-202257">top</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/shikhar-dhawan-is-vital-as-we-need-left-right-combination-at-top-going-sanjay-bangar-202257"> going: Sanjay Bangar</a>

Playing only his second ODI, Turner hit an unbeaten 84 off 43 balls with five boundaries and as many as six sixes to help Australia reach the target with 13 balls to spare.

India's wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) was replaced by young bloke Rishabh Pant in the fourth ODI against Australia. Pant gave a decent performance with bat scoring 34 off 26 balls but failed miserably with the gloves.

India's wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) was replaced by young bloke Rishabh Pant in the fourth ODI against Australia. Pant gave a decent performance with bat scoring 34 off 26 balls but failed miserably with the gloves. One of the reasons India lost the fourth game despite scoring a mammoth 358, was poor fielding, especially by Pant. The youngster missing a few clear-cut chances, with one being trying to stump a batsman in Dhoni's no-look flick. His missed chance actually turned the game in Australia's favour. His failure behind the stumps also drew an angry reaction from India skipper Virat Kohli. Right-arm leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also didn't look happy as Pant smiled sheepishly after his another failed attempt. Out of many, here are the three major mistakes Pant committed that cost India 4th ODI. Pant's mistakes...!! pic.twitter.com/qyo9Kpkdox — Vidshots (@Vidshots1) March 10, 2019 × It turned out to be a dismal day for India in the field despite the heroics of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. The opening duo's record partnership, which includes a sensational 143, had helped India post a mammoth target. Australia chase down a record-breaking target of 359 runs, making it the highest ever total that Indian team failed to defend in its ODI history, losing the game by four wickets. Also read: Shikhar Dhawan is vital as we need left-right combination at top going: Sanjay Bangar Playing only his second ODI, Turner hit an unbeaten 84 off 43 balls with five boundaries and as many as six sixes to help Australia reach the target with 13 balls to spare.

Watch: Three mistakes of Rishabh Pant that cost India 4th ODI