A case was filed on Friday against the fan, who <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-ind-2nd-test-male-fan-invades-pitch-tries-to-kiss-virat-kohli-171050">breached security at the Hyderabad cricket ground</a>, to&nbsp;take a selfie with India's skipper Virat Kohli.

The overenthusiastic fan, who even tried to kiss Kohli,&nbsp;belongs to Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh.

Police inspector P Venkateswarlu said a case of trespassing was slapped against 19-year-old Mohammad Khan, who breached security cordon to get up close with Virat Kohli.

It happened an hour into the morning session when he climbed the barricade and sprinted around 70 metres towards Kohli.

The fan gave a tight hug to Kohli and&nbsp;managed to get the selfie. He did not get the kiss — security managed to stop him (and Virat pulled back) before he could plant a kiss on Virat's cheek.

Virat looked very upset while security personnel overpowered the youngster and hauled him off the field.

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That's Stumps on Day 1 of the 2nd Test. 
 
Windies bat through a day of Test cricket in India. The reason for the majestic recovery has been down to the fine batting of Roston Chase. He's closing in on another Test century 
 
Windies 295/7 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ob7C7AbaLz">pic.twitter.com/Ob7C7AbaLz</a>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-ind-2nd-test-day-1-with-unbeaten-98-run-knock-roston-chase-shines-west-indies-are-295-7-at-stumps-171121">West Indies were 295 for the loss of seven wickets</a> at stumps on the opening day of second and final Test

A case was filed on Friday against the fan, who breached security at the Hyderabad cricket ground, to take a selfie with India's skipper Virat Kohli. The overenthusiastic fan, who even tried to kiss Kohli, belongs to Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh.

A case was filed on Friday against the fan, who breached security at the Hyderabad cricket ground, to take a selfie with India's skipper Virat Kohli. The overenthusiastic fan, who even tried to kiss Kohli, belongs to Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh. Police inspector P Venkateswarlu said a case of trespassing was slapped against 19-year-old Mohammad Khan, who breached security cordon to get up close with Virat Kohli. It happened an hour into the morning session when he climbed the barricade and sprinted around 70 metres towards Kohli. The fan gave a tight hug to Kohli and managed to get the selfie. He did not get the kiss — security managed to stop him (and Virat pulled back) before he could plant a kiss on Virat's cheek. Virat looked very upset while security personnel overpowered the youngster and hauled him off the field. That's Stumps on Day 1 of the 2nd Test. Windies bat through a day of Test cricket in India. The reason for the majestic recovery has been down to the fine batting of Roston Chase. He's closing in on another Test century Windies 295/7 #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/Ob7C7AbaLz — BCCI (@BCCI) October 12, 2018 × West Indies were 295 for the loss of seven wickets at stumps on the opening day of second and final Test

Case filed against fan who tried to kiss Virat Kohli

Shardul Thakur, who received his maiden call-up for the second and final Test between India and West Indies suffered a terrible fate when he was forced to leave the field due to a groin strain.

After bowling the fourth delivery of the fourth over, his second, Thakur was seen to be having considerable pain as he started hobbling.

He was immediately attended by the physio Patrick Farhart on the pitch.

The 26-year-old then left the field after a couple of minutes of deliberation with captain Virat Kohli and the physio.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-ind-2nd-test-male-fan-invades-pitch-tries-to-kiss-virat-kohli-171050">WI vs Ind, 2nd Test: Male fan invades </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-ind-2nd-test-male-fan-invades-pitch-tries-to-kiss-virat-kohli-171050">pitch</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-ind-2nd-test-male-fan-invades-pitch-tries-to-kiss-virat-kohli-171050">, tries to kiss Virat Kohli</a>

Ravichandran Ashwin completed Thakur's over by bowling the last two deliveries. The extent of Thakur's injury and his further participation in the match is yet to be ascertained.

Pacer Shardul Thakur, who became the 294th player to represent team India in Test format, broke down for the second time in back-to-back international matches.&nbsp;

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👏👏 Proud moment for <a href="https://twitter.com/imShard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imShard</a> as he receives his Test cap from <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RaviShastriOfc</a>, becomes the 294th player to represent <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> in Tests.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/2XcClLka9a">pic.twitter.com/2XcClLka9a</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1050592854865719297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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📸📸 
 
Moment to cherish 🤙👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/a5Hm9g3wiE">pic.twitter.com/a5Hm9g3wiE</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1050595258654810112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In September, Thakur was sent home from the Asia Cup after complaining hip injury following the Hong Kong game.

Thakur, who first got into the Test squad in 2016 in West Indies, has been a back-up pacer for more than two years before he replaced Mohammed Shami in the second Test that started on Friday.

Thakur was a part of the Indian squad during the five-Test series in England but did not play a single game.

Shardul Thakur, who received his maiden call-up for the second and final Test between India and West Indies suffered a terrible fate when he was forced to leave the field due to a groin strain.

Shardul Thakur, who received his maiden call-up for the second and final Test between India and West Indies suffered a terrible fate when he was forced to leave the field due to a groin strain. After bowling the fourth delivery of the fourth over, his second, Thakur was seen to be having considerable pain as he started hobbling. He was immediately attended by the physio Patrick Farhart on the pitch. The 26-year-old then left the field after a couple of minutes of deliberation with captain Virat Kohli and the physio. WI vs Ind, 2nd Test: Male fan invades pitch, tries to kiss Virat Kohli Ravichandran Ashwin completed Thakur's over by bowling the last two deliveries. The extent of Thakur's injury and his further participation in the match is yet to be ascertained. Pacer Shardul Thakur, who became the 294th player to represent team India in Test format, broke down for the second time in back-to-back international matches. 👏👏 Proud moment for @imShard as he receives his Test cap from @RaviShastriOfc, becomes the 294th player to represent #TeamIndia in Tests.#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/2XcClLka9a — BCCI (@BCCI) October 12, 2018 × 📸📸 Moment to cherish 🤙👏#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/a5Hm9g3wiE — BCCI (@BCCI) October 12, 2018 × In September, Thakur was sent home from the Asia Cup after complaining hip injury following the Hong Kong game. Thakur, who first got into the Test squad in 2016 in West Indies, has been a back-up pacer for more than two years before he replaced Mohammed Shami in the second Test that started on Friday. Thakur was a part of the Indian squad during the five-Test series in England but did not play a single game.

WI vs Ind, 2nd Test: Debutant Shardul Thakur hobbles out after sustaining groin strain

Hosts India named its 12-member squad for the second and final test against West Indies beginning in Hyderabad on Friday.

The 'Men in Blue' lead the series 1-0 after beating visitors by a record inning and 272 runs. India&nbsp;is expected not to make any changes to the squad that won the first game inside three days in Rajkot.

The only area of concern for India will be vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane's form, who was touted as the best player in overseas conditions back in 2013-14 season, when he scored 96 at Durban, 118 at Wellington, 103 at the Lord's and 145 at Melbourne.

Rahane has gone without a Test hundred for nearly 14 months (last hundred came against Sri Lanka in August 2017). His career has tapered off a bit in the last couple of years.

And the second Test would be last shot to get back into a good frame of mind before the Australia series, which could make or break for him.

For West Indies, skipper Jason Holder is still not 100 per cent fit and their only fast bowler of repute Shannon Gabriel is a doubtful starter for the encounter.&nbsp;

India's Final 12: Virat Kohli&nbsp;(captain), Lokesh Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur

Hosts India named its 12-member squad for the second and final test against West Indies beginning in Hyderabad on Friday. The 'Men in Blue' lead the series 1-0 after beating visitors by a record inning and 272 runs.

Hosts India named its 12-member squad for the second and final test against West Indies beginning in Hyderabad on Friday. The 'Men in Blue' lead the series 1-0 after beating visitors by a record inning and 272 runs. India is expected not to make any changes to the squad that won the first game inside three days in Rajkot. The only area of concern for India will be vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane's form, who was touted as the best player in overseas conditions back in 2013-14 season, when he scored 96 at Durban, 118 at Wellington, 103 at the Lord's and 145 at Melbourne. Rahane has gone without a Test hundred for nearly 14 months (last hundred came against Sri Lanka in August 2017). His career has tapered off a bit in the last couple of years. And the second Test would be last shot to get back into a good frame of mind before the Australia series, which could make or break for him. For West Indies, skipper Jason Holder is still not 100 per cent fit and their only fast bowler of repute Shannon Gabriel is a doubtful starter for the encounter. India's Final 12: Virat Kohli (captain), Lokesh Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur

India name 12-member squad for 2nd Test vs West Indies

Pakistan's veteran cricketer Mohammad Hafeez slammed a ton against Australia in the first day of opening Test in Dubai to mark a stunning return to the Test format after a gap of two years.

Hafeez played a 126-run knock, which included 15 fours, before losing his wicket to Australia's medium pacer Peter Siddle. He put on a solid 205-run opening stand with Imam-ul-Haq who made a career-best 76.

The 37-year-old took to Twitter to celebrate his century, he wrote, "ALLAH is the best PLANNER."

While addressing the media he revealed his wife had persuaded him not to quit the sport.

He also mentioned that legendary Shoaib Akhtar too stepped in to persuade him he still had a role to play.

"I could have taken a drastic step but I was stopped by my wife and then Shoaib Akhtar phoned me as well."

"I was mentally disturbed after being dropped from the Asia Cup team," said Hafeez of last month's axing from the one-day side.

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Alham du Lillah 🤲🏼 , ALLAH is the best PLANNER <a href="https://t.co/HwcPnsp8sc">pic.twitter.com/HwcPnsp8sc</a>
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) <a href="https://twitter.com/MHafeez22/status/1048972381031727106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hafeez was dropped from the Test side after faring poorly in the first three matches of Pakistan's series in England two years ago.

Hafeez, who also did not play in any of the five one-day internationals in Zimbabwe in July despite being in the squad, hailed his teammates.&nbsp;

"I could have been doing something else (had I retired)," said Hafeez.

"But probably this was the place where I had to stage a comeback. When I came back in the team all the players welcomed me and gave me confidence and that increased my inner energy."

"I am very happy after this hundred. I tried my level best in the last couple of years to get back into this format and I am so happy to get a chance after a long time.&nbsp;

"I had no fear at all. I really backed myself and I knew that whenever it is the right time I will perform."

Pakistan's veteran cricketer Mohammad Hafeez slammed a ton against Australia in the first day of opening Test in Dubai to mark a stunning return to the Test format after a gap of two years.

Pakistan's veteran cricketer Mohammad Hafeez slammed a ton against Australia in the first day of opening Test in Dubai to mark a stunning return to the Test format after a gap of two years. Hafeez played a 126-run knock, which included 15 fours, before losing his wicket to Australia's medium pacer Peter Siddle. He put on a solid 205-run opening stand with Imam-ul-Haq who made a career-best 76. The 37-year-old took to Twitter to celebrate his century, he wrote, "ALLAH is the best PLANNER." While addressing the media he revealed his wife had persuaded him not to quit the sport. He also mentioned that legendary Shoaib Akhtar too stepped in to persuade him he still had a role to play. "I could have taken a drastic step but I was stopped by my wife and then Shoaib Akhtar phoned me as well." "I was mentally disturbed after being dropped from the Asia Cup team," said Hafeez of last month's axing from the one-day side. Alham du Lillah 🤲🏼 , ALLAH is the best PLANNER pic.twitter.com/HwcPnsp8sc — Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) October 7, 2018 × Hafeez was dropped from the Test side after faring poorly in the first three matches of Pakistan's series in England two years ago. Hafeez, who also did not play in any of the five one-day internationals in Zimbabwe in July despite being in the squad, hailed his teammates. "I could have been doing something else (had I retired)," said Hafeez. "But probably this was the place where I had to stage a comeback. When I came back in the team all the players welcomed me and gave me confidence and that increased my inner energy." "I am very happy after this hundred. I tried my level best in the last couple of years to get back into this format and I am so happy to get a chance after a long time. "I had no fear at all. I really backed myself and I knew that whenever it is the right time I will perform."

After stunning return, Pak's Mohammad Hafeez says wife persuaded him not to quit cricket

On the occasion of Indian Air Force's 86th anniversary, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar attended the celebrations at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad dressed as a&nbsp;Group Captain, on Monday.&nbsp;

Tendulkar was conferred the honorary title of Air Force Group Captain in 2010.

A Press Information Bureau (PIB) tweet on their official account also confirmed his participation.

"Group Captain @sachin_rt arrives at Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad to witness the #AirForceDay Parade," PIB tweeted.

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Group Captain <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> arrives at Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad to witness the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirForceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirForceDay</a> Parade. 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFDayCelebration?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFDayCelebration</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MondayMotivation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MondayMotivation</a> <a href="https://t.co/UtdBWWS1xv">pic.twitter.com/UtdBWWS1xv</a>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1049175606200389632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sachin Tendulkar had represented the nation in 200 Tests and 463 One-day Internationals (ODIs).&nbsp;

He had also scored a massive 15,921 Test runs and 18,426 ODI runs for India with a total of 100 centuries under his belt.

Tendulkar won the Arjuna Award in 1994. The 45-year-old is also a recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1997-98), Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Vibhushan in 2008.

On the occasion of Indian Air Force's 86th anniversary, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar attended the celebrations at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad dressed as a Group Captain, on Monday.

On the occasion of Indian Air Force's 86th anniversary, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar attended the celebrations at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad dressed as a Group Captain, on Monday. Tendulkar was conferred the honorary title of Air Force Group Captain in 2010. A Press Information Bureau (PIB) tweet on their official account also confirmed his participation. "Group Captain @sachin_rt arrives at Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad to witness the #AirForceDay Parade," PIB tweeted. Group Captain @sachin_rt arrives at Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad to witness the #AirForceDay Parade. #IndianAirForce #AFDayCelebration #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/UtdBWWS1xv — PIB India (@PIB_India) October 8, 2018 × Sachin Tendulkar had represented the nation in 200 Tests and 463 One-day Internationals (ODIs). He had also scored a massive 15,921 Test runs and 18,426 ODI runs for India with a total of 100 centuries under his belt. Tendulkar won the Arjuna Award in 1994. The 45-year-old is also a recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1997-98), Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Vibhushan in 2008.

Watch: Dressed as an officer, Tendulkar attends Air Force Day celebrations

West Indies' run machine Chris Gayle is a big omission from the West Indies squad for T20I series against India. Meanwhile, Darren Bravo and all-rounder Kieron Pollard were welcomed to the limited-overs squad.

Cricket West Indies said that Chris Gayle has decided to skip their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pollard-and-darren-bravo-back-for-west-indies-gayle-unavailable-170183">series in India and Bangladesh</a>.

"We will be without our stalwart, Chris Gayle, for this Indian tour and the next tour against Bangladesh as he has declined selection at this time..." Courtney Browne, chairman of the selection panel, said in a statement late on Sunday.

The 39-year-old Gayle has declined the selection because currently he is busy with the Afghanistan Premier League and will subsequently feature in the T10 league, also in the United Arab Emirates.

"... however, he has made himself available for the selection for the visit of England to the Caribbean and the CWC (Cricket World Cup) in 2019," Browne added.

ODI squad: Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Oshane Thomas

T20 squad: Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Oshane Thomas

West Indies' run machine Chris Gayle is a big omission from the West Indies squad for T20I series against India. Meanwhile, Darren Bravo and all-rounder Kieron Pollard were welcomed to the limited-overs squad.

West Indies' run machine Chris Gayle is a big omission from the West Indies squad for T20I series against India. Meanwhile, Darren Bravo and all-rounder Kieron Pollard were welcomed to the limited-overs squad. Cricket West Indies said that Chris Gayle has decided to skip their series in India and Bangladesh. "We will be without our stalwart, Chris Gayle, for this Indian tour and the next tour against Bangladesh as he has declined selection at this time..." Courtney Browne, chairman of the selection panel, said in a statement late on Sunday. The 39-year-old Gayle has declined the selection because currently he is busy with the Afghanistan Premier League and will subsequently feature in the T10 league, also in the United Arab Emirates. "... however, he has made himself available for the selection for the visit of England to the Caribbean and the CWC (Cricket World Cup) in 2019," Browne added. ODI squad: Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Oshane Thomas T20 squad: Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Oshane Thomas

Here is why Chris Gayle declined selection for India series

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat in the first Test against Australia at Dubai stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan included off-spinner Bilal Asif for his first Test at the age of 33, backing up leg-spinner Yasir Shah.

Young&nbsp;legs-pinner Shadab Khan missing the match because of injury.

Tim Paine's Australia feature three debutants,&nbsp;Aaron Finch, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, in a side containing two spinners in Nathan Lyon and Jon Holland.

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Pakistan are off to a steady start in the first Test against Australia in Dubai. 
 
Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvAUS</a> live ⬇️ 
<a href="https://t.co/sRNIJtdJBs">https://t.co/sRNIJtdJBs</a> <a href="https://t.co/9i3v642a7J">pic.twitter.com/9i3v642a7J</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1048824006613159936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Debutant <a href="https://twitter.com/bilalasif2411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bilalasif2411</a> receives his Test cap from <a href="https://twitter.com/MHafeez22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MHafeez22</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/KKHdiJBBcF">pic.twitter.com/KKHdiJBBcF</a>
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1048813697794289664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Playing XI:

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Wahab Riaz

Australia: Tim Paine (captain), Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat in the first Test against Australia at Dubai stadium on Sunday. Pakistan included off-spinner Bilal Asif for his first Test at the age of 33, backing up leg-spinner Yasir Shah.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat in the first Test against Australia at Dubai stadium on Sunday. Pakistan included off-spinner Bilal Asif for his first Test at the age of 33, backing up leg-spinner Yasir Shah. Young legs-pinner Shadab Khan missing the match because of injury. Tim Paine's Australia feature three debutants, Aaron Finch, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, in a side containing two spinners in Nathan Lyon and Jon Holland. Pakistan are off to a steady start in the first Test against Australia in Dubai. Follow #PAKvAUS live ⬇️ https://t.co/sRNIJtdJBs pic.twitter.com/9i3v642a7J — ICC (@ICC) October 7, 2018 × Debutant @bilalasif2411 receives his Test cap from @MHafeez22.#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/KKHdiJBBcF — PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) October 7, 2018 × Playing XI: Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Wahab Riaz Australia: Tim Paine (captain), Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc

PAK vs AUS, 1st Test, Day 1: Pakistan opt to bat against Australia

Captain of Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has requested the board to allow wives of players to extend their stay during overseas tours, a close source to&nbsp;Committee of Administrators (CoA) revealed.

According to the current policy, there has been a restriction on the stay of wives of players and support staff to just two weeks.

Reacting to the same, CoA sources said, "Yes he (Virat) had requested, but we are not going to take any decision soon. We have said that we will leave it to the new office bearers. The policy will not change now."

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Yes he requested but we are not going to take any decision soon,we have said we will leave it to the new office bearers. Policy will not change now: Committee of Administrators (CoA) Sources to ANI on Virat Kohli requests BCCI to allow wives for whole overseas tours <a href="https://t.co/pEYyWmXl7H">pic.twitter.com/pEYyWmXl7H</a>
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As per the CoA&nbsp;sources, no decision will be taken in the near future regarding the request to allow wives of cricketers to stay for the entire duration of overseas tours.

Earlier this year, the BCCI had announced that wives and girlfriends of cricketers will be allowed to stay with their partners for a duration of two weeks while the team is touring overseas.

Captain of Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has requested the board to allow wives of players to extend their stay during overseas tours, a close source to Committee of Administrators (CoA) revealed.

Captain of Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has requested the board to allow wives of players to extend their stay during overseas tours, a close source to Committee of Administrators (CoA) revealed. According to the current policy, there has been a restriction on the stay of wives of players and support staff to just two weeks. Reacting to the same, CoA sources said, "Yes he (Virat) had requested, but we are not going to take any decision soon. We have said that we will leave it to the new office bearers. The policy will not change now." Yes he requested but we are not going to take any decision soon,we have said we will leave it to the new office bearers. Policy will not change now: Committee of Administrators (CoA) Sources to ANI on Virat Kohli requests BCCI to allow wives for whole overseas tours pic.twitter.com/pEYyWmXl7H — ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2018 × As per the CoA sources, no decision will be taken in the near future regarding the request to allow wives of cricketers to stay for the entire duration of overseas tours. Earlier this year, the BCCI had announced that wives and girlfriends of cricketers will be allowed to stay with their partners for a duration of two weeks while the team is touring overseas.

Virat to Board: Let wives accompany team for full length of overseas tours

India captain Virat Kohli became the quickest batsman to reach 24 Test centuries after the great&nbsp;Donald&nbsp;Bradman&nbsp;early on day two against the West Indies on Friday.

Kohli, who was on 72 overnight, hit a four off Devendra Bishoo to bring up his 100 in the first Test in Rajkot.

The Indian skipper also surpassed Australia's Steve Smith to go second in the list of centurions among active players, behind South Africa's Hashim Amla on 28.

Smith, who is serving a one-year ball tampering ban, has 23 tons in 64 Tests.

Kohli reached his 24th century in his 123rd innings, while Australia's&nbsp;Bradman&nbsp;took just 66 knocks to achieve the same feat.

It was the second century of the Indian innings after 18-year-old opener Prithvi Shaw made 134 on day one to become India's youngest batsman to score a ton on debut.

India captain Virat Kohli became the quickest batsman to reach 24 Test centuries after the great Donald Bradman early on day two against the West Indies on Friday.

India captain Virat Kohli became the quickest batsman to reach 24 Test centuries after the great Donald Bradman early on day two against the West Indies on Friday. Kohli, who was on 72 overnight, hit a four off Devendra Bishoo to bring up his 100 in the first Test in Rajkot. The Indian skipper also surpassed Australia's Steve Smith to go second in the list of centurions among active players, behind South Africa's Hashim Amla on 28. Smith, who is serving a one-year ball tampering ban, has 23 tons in 64 Tests. Kohli reached his 24th century in his 123rd innings, while Australia's Bradman took just 66 knocks to achieve the same feat. It was the second century of the Indian innings after 18-year-old opener Prithvi Shaw made 134 on day one to become India's youngest batsman to score a ton on debut.

Virat Kohli quickest to 24th Test ton after Bradman

Afghanistan's spin sensation Rashid Khan has become the number one-ranked all-rounder in one-day internationals after his excellent performance in the recently concluded 2018 Asia Cup.

Rashid Khan topped bowling charts picking up 10 wickets from five matches, and also scored 87 runs at an average of 43.50 and displaced former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan from the top position.

In the bowlers' list, Rashid has retained his number two spot whereas India's yorker specialist Jasprit Bumrah is number one.

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RASHID KHAN IS NO.1! 
 
The Afghanistan spinner leads the way in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC ODI all-rounders' rankings following the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup2018</a>. ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/7UyP5yw1xh">https://t.co/7UyP5yw1xh</a> <a href="https://t.co/BiAvDja7Zs">pic.twitter.com/BiAvDja7Zs</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1046286839668047872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While 17-year-old spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has moved up 15 places to take the eighth place after finishing with seven wickets in the Asia Cup. Nabi meanwhile has gained two slots to reach the 15th position.

Afghanistan were outstanding, beating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the group stage and then losing to Pakistan and Bangladesh in last-over finishes in the Super Fours before tying their game against India.

Indian opener <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-attains-career-best-ranking-after-asia-cup-glory-168537">Rohit Sharma&nbsp;has jumped two places to attain a career-best second position</a> in the ODI player ranking.

Afghanistan's spin sensation Rashid Khan has become the number one-ranked all-rounder in one-day internationals after his excellent performance in the recently concluded 2018 Asia Cup.

Afghanistan's spin sensation Rashid Khan has become the number one-ranked all-rounder in one-day internationals after his excellent performance in the recently concluded 2018 Asia Cup. Rashid Khan topped bowling charts picking up 10 wickets from five matches, and also scored 87 runs at an average of 43.50 and displaced former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan from the top position. In the bowlers' list, Rashid has retained his number two spot whereas India's yorker specialist Jasprit Bumrah is number one. RASHID KHAN IS NO.1! The Afghanistan spinner leads the way in the @MRFWorldwide ICC ODI all-rounders' rankings following the #AsiaCup2018. ⬇️https://t.co/7UyP5yw1xh pic.twitter.com/BiAvDja7Zs — ICC (@ICC) September 30, 2018 × While 17-year-old spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has moved up 15 places to take the eighth place after finishing with seven wickets in the Asia Cup. Nabi meanwhile has gained two slots to reach the 15th position. Afghanistan were outstanding, beating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the group stage and then losing to Pakistan and Bangladesh in last-over finishes in the Super Fours before tying their game against India. Indian opener Rohit Sharma has jumped two places to attain a career-best second position in the ODI player ranking.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan jumps to No.1 in ODI all-rounder rankings

Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has been dropped from India's Test squad for the upcoming West Indies series, the country's cricket board announced Saturday.

Dhawan had a forgettable England tour with the left-handed opener managing just 162 runs in eight innings as top-ranked India lost the Test series 1-4.

Uncapped batsman Mayank Agarwal and rookie fast bowler Mohammed Siraj were included in the 15-man team that will be led by Virat Kohli, who was rested in the recent Asia Cup 50-over tournament won by India.

The national selectors decided to rest fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar due to their "recent workload", the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a statement.

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Alert: Indian team for the <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> Test series against Windies announced.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> 
 
Details - <a href="https://t.co/q3PsWeZnzm">https://t.co/q3PsWeZnzm</a> <a href="https://t.co/aJG5n8JbKm">pic.twitter.com/aJG5n8JbKm</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1046055518228353024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Indian team: Virat Kohli (captain), KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, C Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vc), H Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, M Shami, Umesh Yadav, M Siraj, Shardul Thakur
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1046055928943046656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Both Ishant Sharma and Hardik Pandya were not considered for selection, as they are yet to recover from their injuries," the BCCI added.

The first Test will be held in Rajkot starting October 4, with the second in Hyderabad from October 12.

The two teams will also play five one-day international and three Twenty20 matches after the Test matches.

The world's top Test side will then head to Australia for a full series starting November.

Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur

Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has been dropped from India's Test squad for the upcoming West Indies series, the country's cricket board announced Saturday. Dhawan had a forgettable England tour with the left-handed opener managing just 162 runs in eight innings as top-ranked India lost the Test series 1-4.

Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has been dropped from India's Test squad for the upcoming West Indies series, the country's cricket board announced Saturday. Dhawan had a forgettable England tour with the left-handed opener managing just 162 runs in eight innings as top-ranked India lost the Test series 1-4. Uncapped batsman Mayank Agarwal and rookie fast bowler Mohammed Siraj were included in the 15-man team that will be led by Virat Kohli, who was rested in the recent Asia Cup 50-over tournament won by India. The national selectors decided to rest fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar due to their "recent workload", the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a statement. Alert: Indian team for the @Paytm Test series against Windies announced.#TeamIndia #INDvWI Details - https://t.co/q3PsWeZnzm pic.twitter.com/aJG5n8JbKm — BCCI (@BCCI) September 29, 2018 × Indian team: Virat Kohli (captain), KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, C Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vc), H Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, M Shami, Umesh Yadav, M Siraj, Shardul Thakur — BCCI (@BCCI) September 29, 2018 × "Both Ishant Sharma and Hardik Pandya were not considered for selection, as they are yet to recover from their injuries," the BCCI added. The first Test will be held in Rajkot starting October 4, with the second in Hyderabad from October 12. The two teams will also play five one-day international and three Twenty20 matches after the Test matches. The world's top Test side will then head to Australia for a full series starting November. Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur

Shikhar Dhawan left out of India's Test squad for West Indies series

Experienced batsman Mushfiqur Rahim missed a century by one run while Mohammad Mithun notched a half-century to steer Bangladesh to 239 in their must-win game against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Former captain Rahim scored a 116-ball 99 and added an invaluable 144 for the fourth wicket with Mithun (60) to help Bangladesh recover from a shaky 12-3 after they won the toss and opted to bat at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Left-arm paceman Junaid Khan, who replaced Mohammad Amir in the squad, had jolted Bangladesh at the start, dismissing Liton Das (six), Soumya Sarkar (0) and Mominul Haque (five) to reduce them to 12-3.

Junaid finished with 4-19 in his nine incisive overs.

Rahim hit nine boundaries before he was caught behind with just one needed for a second hundred in the tournament, following his 144 against Sri Lanka in the first round.

It was sheer bad luck that he fell in the 42nd over, caught behind off paceman Shaheen Shah who finished with 2-47. Rahim became the first Bangladeshi batsman to be dismissed for 99 in one-day cricket.&nbsp;

Mithun, who added 134 with Rahim against Sri Lanka, hit four boundaries in his 84-ball innings.

The winner of this match will meet defending champions India in Friday's final in Dubai.

Experienced batsman Mushfiqur Rahim missed a century by one run while Mohammad Mithun notched a half-century to steer Bangladesh to 239 in their must-win game against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Experienced batsman Mushfiqur Rahim missed a century by one run while Mohammad Mithun notched a half-century to steer Bangladesh to 239 in their must-win game against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Former captain Rahim scored a 116-ball 99 and added an invaluable 144 for the fourth wicket with Mithun (60) to help Bangladesh recover from a shaky 12-3 after they won the toss and opted to bat at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Left-arm paceman Junaid Khan, who replaced Mohammad Amir in the squad, had jolted Bangladesh at the start, dismissing Liton Das (six), Soumya Sarkar (0) and Mominul Haque (five) to reduce them to 12-3. Junaid finished with 4-19 in his nine incisive overs. Rahim hit nine boundaries before he was caught behind with just one needed for a second hundred in the tournament, following his 144 against Sri Lanka in the first round. It was sheer bad luck that he fell in the 42nd over, caught behind off paceman Shaheen Shah who finished with 2-47. Rahim became the first Bangladeshi batsman to be dismissed for 99 in one-day cricket. Mithun, who added 134 with Rahim against Sri Lanka, hit four boundaries in his 84-ball innings. The winner of this match will meet defending champions India in Friday's final in Dubai.

Asia cup: Rahim, Mithun lead Bangladesh to 239 in must-win Pakistan clash

Sri&nbspLanka&nbspall-rounder Angelo Mathews will miss the rest of their West Indies tour after he left for home due to personal reasons, while fast bowler Lahiru Gamage was ruled out with an injury.

The duo's return is a major setback for&nbspSri&nbspLanka, who suffered a crushing 226-run defeat in the first of the three-test series at Port of Spain on Sunday.

Former captain Mathews, who scored 11 and 31 in the opening test, was determined to make a mark after missing five months of action with hamstring and calf injuries.

Sri&nbspLanka&nbspCricket confirmed Gamage fractured his finger while batting in the first test.

Batsman Dasun Shanaka, who last played a test against Bangladesh in February, and all-rounder Danushka Gunathilaka will be flown out as replacements later on Wednesday evening.

It is unlikely that the duo will be available for the start of the second test at St Lucia on Thursday, given the lengthy flights.

The visitors, though, have Dhananjaya de Silva and Mahela Udawatte as cover for Mathews, and extra quicks Kasun Rajitha and Asitha Fernando to replace Gamage.

Former captain Mathews, who scored 11 and 31 in the opening test, was determined to make a mark after missing five months of action with hamstring and calf injuries

Sri&nbspLanka&nbspall-rounder Angelo Mathews will miss the rest of their West Indies tour after he left for home due to personal reasons, while fast bowler Lahiru Gamage was ruled out with an injury. The duo's return is a major setback for&nbspSri&nbspLanka, who suffered a crushing 226-run defeat in the first of the three-test series at Port of Spain on Sunday. Former captain Mathews, who scored 11 and 31 in the opening test, was determined to make a mark after missing five months of action with hamstring and calf injuries. Sri&nbspLanka&nbspCricket confirmed Gamage fractured his finger while batting in the first test. Batsman Dasun Shanaka, who last played a test against Bangladesh in February, and all-rounder Danushka Gunathilaka will be flown out as replacements later on Wednesday evening. It is unlikely that the duo will be available for the start of the second test at St Lucia on Thursday, given the lengthy flights. The visitors, though, have Dhananjaya de Silva and Mahela Udawatte as cover for Mathews, and extra quicks Kasun Rajitha and Asitha Fernando to replace Gamage.

Mathews, Gamage out of Sri Lanka's West Indies tour

West Indies completed a crushing 226-run victory over Sri Lanka just after lunch on the final day of the first Test on Sunday as the tourists surrendered meekly following the demise of century-maker Kusal Mendis and captain Dinesh Chandimal.

Set a daunting target of 453, the Sri Lankans crashed from 189 for three in mid-morning to be dismissed for 226 just after lunch, suffering their first Test match defeat at the hands of the Caribbean side for ten years, when they were also beaten at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad.

Off-spinning all-rounder Roston Chase triggered the final capitulation in which five wickets fell for just eight runs.

His dismissal of Chandimal in the last over before the lunch interval broke the back of the tourists’ resistance and he claimed three of the remaining four wickets to fall to finish with the impressive figures of four for 15 off 8.2 overs.

It looked so much better for Sri Lanka when Mendis, 94 not out overnight with Sri Lanka on 176 for three, reached his fifth Test century shortly after the start of the day’s play.

However any hope of the visitors seriously challenging a world record target effectively evaporated with his dismissal, caught behind for 102 off fast bowler Shannon Gabriel.

Even the prospects of saving the match or at the very least taking the game into the final session disappeared with the loss of three more wickets before the break, including two off the final over bowled by Chase.

Stubborn nightwatchman Lahiru Gamage had fallen LBW to leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo for just three after more than an hour’s resistance but the death knell was really sounded for the Sri Lankans when Chase accounted for both Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella in the space of five deliveries.

Chandimal was forced to curtail his innings on Saturday afternoon when on 15 because he was feeling unwell.&nbsp

He resumed after the fall of Mendis and showed no signs of further discomfort in getting to 27 until a flighted delivery from Chase tempted him into attempting to heave over midwicket only for the miscue to offer a simple catch to Kraigg Brathwaite running around to short mid-on.

It was hardly the sort of example he would have wanted to set as Sri Lanka’s captain.

Within minutes he was joined by Dickwella in the dressing room as the wicketkeeper-batsman was trapped palpably leg-before by a quicker delivery from Chase.

"I think our fielding was below par in the first innings when we dropped some important catches,” said Chandimal in reflecting on his team’s disappointing overall performance.

“We need to learn from our mistakes and regroup quickly for the next match.”

Sri Lanka expect to welcome back middle-order batsman Dhananjaya de Silva for the second Test starting Thursday in St Lucia.

'Striving for consistency'

His arrival in the region was delayed by the shooting death of his father.

West Indies were in no mood to slacken their grip on the match on the resumption after lunch as Bishoo had Rangana Herath taken at short-leg before Chase sealed victory with the wickets of Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara off successive balls, both adjudged caught behind by 'man of the match' Shane Dowrich.

“I just wanted to stick to the basics and make the most of all my preparation coming into this series, and it worked out for me,” said the wicketkeeper-batsman, whose unbeaten 125 was the cornerstone of the West Indies first innings recovery and final total of 414 for eight declared.

“Consistency is something I have been striving for because I want to score runs in every game.”

Earlier, Mendis had wasted no time in getting to three figures.

He flicked a delivery from West Indies captain Jason Holder to backward square-leg for his tenth boundary.&nbsp

He also hoisted two sixes in a determined innings that occupied 110 deliveries. Yet for all that time at the crease, there was nothing he could do to avoid an unplayable delivery from Gabriel which kicked off a good length to brush the batsman’s gloves on the way through to Dowrich.

“Everyone in this team deserves enormous credit for the way we battled through on a pitch that wasn’t the easiest,” said Holder in reflecting on a victory achieved after two declarations by him.

“I wasn’t worried coming into this final day because the pitch was deteriorating a bit and I just felt our bowlers had to build a bit of pressure and we would be able to strike, and when we struck we got wickets in clusters.”

Sri Lankans crashed on the final day suffering their first Test match defeat at the hands of the Caribbean side for ten years

West Indies completed a crushing 226-run victory over Sri Lanka just after lunch on the final day of the first Test on Sunday as the tourists surrendered meekly following the demise of century-maker Kusal Mendis and captain Dinesh Chandimal. Set a daunting target of 453, the Sri Lankans crashed from 189 for three in mid-morning to be dismissed for 226 just after lunch, suffering their first Test match defeat at the hands of the Caribbean side for ten years, when they were also beaten at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad. Off-spinning all-rounder Roston Chase triggered the final capitulation in which five wickets fell for just eight runs. His dismissal of Chandimal in the last over before the lunch interval broke the back of the tourists’ resistance and he claimed three of the remaining four wickets to fall to finish with the impressive figures of four for 15 off 8.2 overs. It looked so much better for Sri Lanka when Mendis, 94 not out overnight with Sri Lanka on 176 for three, reached his fifth Test century shortly after the start of the day’s play. However any hope of the visitors seriously challenging a world record target effectively evaporated with his dismissal, caught behind for 102 off fast bowler Shannon Gabriel. Even the prospects of saving the match or at the very least taking the game into the final session disappeared with the loss of three more wickets before the break, including two off the final over bowled by Chase. Stubborn nightwatchman Lahiru Gamage had fallen LBW to leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo for just three after more than an hour’s resistance but the death knell was really sounded for the Sri Lankans when Chase accounted for both Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella in the space of five deliveries. Chandimal was forced to curtail his innings on Saturday afternoon when on 15 because he was feeling unwell. He resumed after the fall of Mendis and showed no signs of further discomfort in getting to 27 until a flighted delivery from Chase tempted him into attempting to heave over midwicket only for the miscue to offer a simple catch to Kraigg Brathwaite running around to short mid-on. It was hardly the sort of example he would have wanted to set as Sri Lanka’s captain. Within minutes he was joined by Dickwella in the dressing room as the wicketkeeper-batsman was trapped palpably leg-before by a quicker delivery from Chase. "I think our fielding was below par in the first innings when we dropped some important catches,” said Chandimal in reflecting on his team’s disappointing overall performance. “We need to learn from our mistakes and regroup quickly for the next match.” Sri Lanka expect to welcome back middle-order batsman Dhananjaya de Silva for the second Test starting Thursday in St Lucia. 'Striving for consistency' His arrival in the region was delayed by the shooting death of his father. West Indies were in no mood to slacken their grip on the match on the resumption after lunch as Bishoo had Rangana Herath taken at short-leg before Chase sealed victory with the wickets of Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara off successive balls, both adjudged caught behind by 'man of the match' Shane Dowrich. “I just wanted to stick to the basics and make the most of all my preparation coming into this series, and it worked out for me,” said the wicketkeeper-batsman, whose unbeaten 125 was the cornerstone of the West Indies first innings recovery and final total of 414 for eight declared. “Consistency is something I have been striving for because I want to score runs in every game.” Earlier, Mendis had wasted no time in getting to three figures. He flicked a delivery from West Indies captain Jason Holder to backward square-leg for his tenth boundary. He also hoisted two sixes in a determined innings that occupied 110 deliveries. Yet for all that time at the crease, there was nothing he could do to avoid an unplayable delivery from Gabriel which kicked off a good length to brush the batsman’s gloves on the way through to Dowrich. “Everyone in this team deserves enormous credit for the way we battled through on a pitch that wasn’t the easiest,” said Holder in reflecting on a victory achieved after two declarations by him. “I wasn’t worried coming into this final day because the pitch was deteriorating a bit and I just felt our bowlers had to build a bit of pressure and we would be able to strike, and when we struck we got wickets in clusters.”

Cricket: West Indies thrash Sri Lanka by 226-runs in first Test

Scotland enjoyed the greatest victory in their cricket history by holding their nerve to beat world number one-ranked England by six runs in a thrilling one-day international at Edinburgh on Sunday.

Despite making a mammoth 371 for five, thanks mainly to Calum MacLeod's brilliant 140 not out, Scotland were in danger of defeat as England's Jonny Bairstow took advantage of a good pitch and short boundaries at the Grange to make 105.

But a middle-order collapse gave non-Test nation Scotland renewed hope.

England rallied again, thanks to a 71-run eighth-wicket partnership between Moeen Ali and Liam Plunkett.

But paceman Safyaan Sharif sealed Scotland's victory with seven balls to spare when he had No.11 Mark Wood plumb lbw to spark a pitch invasion by jubilant home fans.

Scotland's first win in international cricket over England came in their first match since they were cruelly denied a place at next year's World Cup after a poor umpiring decision and rain saw them miss out in their final qualifier against the West Indies in Harare in March.&nbsp

"I'm lost for words, I don't know what to say," Sharif told Sky Sports. "We've been waiting for this for so long. England are a brilliant side but scoring 371 against them means the world."

The International Cricket Council's decision to shrink the World Cup from 14 teams to 10 had already been heavily criticised long before Scotland and their fellow associate or non-Test nations impressed with the quality of their play in Zimbabwe.

Asked if Scotland had sent a message to the ICC with this win, Sharif replied: "I'm not going to say anything -- they've seen it all today."

'Not the end of the world'

This was an embarrassing reverse for 2019 World Cup hosts England ahead of their upcoming five-match home ODI series against Australia and a reminder of how Eoin Morgan's side have been undone in one-off games, such as last year's Champions Trophy semi-final loss to eventual winners Pakistan in Cardiff.&nbsp

"(Scotland) are a very dangerous side, I thought they played close to their best cricket today and we didn't," said Morgan

"It's not the end of the world for us, it was a really good run out and good to have a practice coming into the series against Australia," he added ahead of a five-match campaign that gets underway at The Oval on Wednesday.

Scotland's total was their highest at this level, surpassing their 341 for nine against fellow non-Test nation Canada at Christchurch four years ago.

Bairstow set a record by becoming the first England batsman to make three ODI centuries in successive innings but it was not enough to deny the Scots.

Scotland saw captain Kyle Coetzer and Matthew Cross share a century stand after Morgan won the toss.

But they lost both openers in quick succession to be 107 for two.

MacLeod, however, ensured a promising start was not wasted and together with George Munsey (55) put on 107 for the fourth wicket.

The 29-year-old former Durham batsman went to a hundred off just 70 balls, his seventh at this level and the first by any Scotland batsman against England.

Jason Roy and Bairstow launched England's reply with a century stand but Bairstow holed out when he might have won the game.

Test skipper Joe Root was carelessly run out and England then lost Morgan and Alex Hales off successive deliveries to be 245 for five.

Ali's 46 threatened to spare England's blushes only for the all-rounder to be undone by a slower delivery from left-arm spinner Mark Watt.

The victory completed a notable double over England for the Sole family.

David Sole, the captain of the Scotland rugby union side that beat England at Edinburgh's Murrayfield in 1990 to win a Grand Slam in the old Five Nations, was among the Grange crowd to watch his son Chris, one of Scotland's new-ball bowlers.

Scotland enjoyed the greatest victory in their cricket history by holding their nerve to beat world number one-ranked England by six runs in a thrilling one-day international match

Scotland enjoyed the greatest victory in their cricket history by holding their nerve to beat world number one-ranked England by six runs in a thrilling one-day international at Edinburgh on Sunday. Despite making a mammoth 371 for five, thanks mainly to Calum MacLeod's brilliant 140 not out, Scotland were in danger of defeat as England's Jonny Bairstow took advantage of a good pitch and short boundaries at the Grange to make 105. But a middle-order collapse gave non-Test nation Scotland renewed hope. England rallied again, thanks to a 71-run eighth-wicket partnership between Moeen Ali and Liam Plunkett. But paceman Safyaan Sharif sealed Scotland's victory with seven balls to spare when he had No.11 Mark Wood plumb lbw to spark a pitch invasion by jubilant home fans. Scotland's first win in international cricket over England came in their first match since they were cruelly denied a place at next year's World Cup after a poor umpiring decision and rain saw them miss out in their final qualifier against the West Indies in Harare in March. "I'm lost for words, I don't know what to say," Sharif told Sky Sports. "We've been waiting for this for so long. England are a brilliant side but scoring 371 against them means the world." The International Cricket Council's decision to shrink the World Cup from 14 teams to 10 had already been heavily criticised long before Scotland and their fellow associate or non-Test nations impressed with the quality of their play in Zimbabwe. Asked if Scotland had sent a message to the ICC with this win, Sharif replied: "I'm not going to say anything -- they've seen it all today." 'Not the end of the world' This was an embarrassing reverse for 2019 World Cup hosts England ahead of their upcoming five-match home ODI series against Australia and a reminder of how Eoin Morgan's side have been undone in one-off games, such as last year's Champions Trophy semi-final loss to eventual winners Pakistan in Cardiff. "(Scotland) are a very dangerous side, I thought they played close to their best cricket today and we didn't," said Morgan "It's not the end of the world for us, it was a really good run out and good to have a practice coming into the series against Australia," he added ahead of a five-match campaign that gets underway at The Oval on Wednesday. Scotland's total was their highest at this level, surpassing their 341 for nine against fellow non-Test nation Canada at Christchurch four years ago. Bairstow set a record by becoming the first England batsman to make three ODI centuries in successive innings but it was not enough to deny the Scots. Scotland saw captain Kyle Coetzer and Matthew Cross share a century stand after Morgan won the toss. But they lost both openers in quick succession to be 107 for two. MacLeod, however, ensured a promising start was not wasted and together with George Munsey (55) put on 107 for the fourth wicket. The 29-year-old former Durham batsman went to a hundred off just 70 balls, his seventh at this level and the first by any Scotland batsman against England. Jason Roy and Bairstow launched England's reply with a century stand but Bairstow holed out when he might have won the game. Test skipper Joe Root was carelessly run out and England then lost Morgan and Alex Hales off successive deliveries to be 245 for five. Ali's 46 threatened to spare England's blushes only for the all-rounder to be undone by a slower delivery from left-arm spinner Mark Watt. The victory completed a notable double over England for the Sole family. David Sole, the captain of the Scotland rugby union side that beat England at Edinburgh's Murrayfield in 1990 to win a Grand Slam in the old Five Nations, was among the Grange crowd to watch his son Chris, one of Scotland's new-ball bowlers.

Cricket: Scotland stun top-ranked England in huge cricket shock

Bangladesh outplayed India and defeated the women's in blue in the finals of Women's Asia Cup T20 to clinch the trophy on Sunday at the Kinrara Academy Oval.

Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and invited Indian team to bat in the final clash of Women's Asia Cup. Batting first, India put up a total of 112 runs after losing nine wickets, thanks to Harmanpreet Singh's 56. Apart from her, no a single player scored more than 11 runs.

For India, the openers, Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana failed miserably as the former lost her wicket to Khadija Tul Kubra after scoring 11 runs for the team and the later, Smriti Mandhana fell short in running between the wickets and lost her wicket after scoring just seven runs.

At number three, Deepti Sharma came in and she also returned to the pavilion after scoring only four runs.

On one hand, Harmanpreet Kaur held the innings with her sensible and responsible batting but on the other one end, players fell like a castle of cards. For her diligent performance, Harmanpreet received player of the series award.

Rumana Ahmed got player of the match award for scoring 23 runs and taking two wickets for the team.

Chasing a modest target of 113 runs, Bangladesh lost two crucial wickets in the last over but somehow managed to win the game after a nailbiting finish. Bangladesh managed to get over the line in the final ball of their innings.&nbsp;

The last over gave a ray of hope to India team but Bangladesh were destined to beat India to lift their maiden Women's Asia Cup trophy.

Six-time record defending champions India had entered the finals after defeating the arch-rivals Pakistan in the semifinal of the tournament.

Rumana Ahmed got player of the match award for scoring 23 runs and taking two crucial wickets for the team

Bangladesh outplayed India and defeated the women's in blue in the finals of Women's Asia Cup T20 to clinch the trophy on Sunday at the Kinrara Academy Oval. Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and invited Indian team to bat in the final clash of Women's Asia Cup. Batting first, India put up a total of 112 runs after losing nine wickets, thanks to Harmanpreet Singh's 56. Apart from her, no a single player scored more than 11 runs. For India, the openers, Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana failed miserably as the former lost her wicket to Khadija Tul Kubra after scoring 11 runs for the team and the later, Smriti Mandhana fell short in running between the wickets and lost her wicket after scoring just seven runs. At number three, Deepti Sharma came in and she also returned to the pavilion after scoring only four runs. On one hand, Harmanpreet Kaur held the innings with her sensible and responsible batting but on the other one end, players fell like a castle of cards. For her diligent performance, Harmanpreet received player of the series award. Rumana Ahmed got player of the match award for scoring 23 runs and taking two wickets for the team. Chasing a modest target of 113 runs, Bangladesh lost two crucial wickets in the last over but somehow managed to win the game after a nailbiting finish. Bangladesh managed to get over the line in the final ball of their innings. The last over gave a ray of hope to India team but Bangladesh were destined to beat India to lift their maiden Women's Asia Cup trophy. Six-time record defending champions India had entered the finals after defeating the arch-rivals Pakistan in the semifinal of the tournament.

Bangladesh beat India to lift maiden Women's Asia Cup trophy

Arjun Tendulkar has been included in India's U-19 squad of for Sri Lanka tour next month. India will travel to Sri Lanka in July for two four-day and five one-day matches.&nbsp;

Arjun's name has been included in the four-day squad which will be led by Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman Anuj Rawat and it is expected that allrounder Arjun Tendulkar will play a vital role for the team.

Although, he failed to find a place in the one-day squad of the same series. Aryan Juyal of Uttar Pradesh, whose List A debut came in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, has been named the captain of the one-day squad.

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NEWS: Squads for India U19's two four-day games & five one-days against Sri Lanka announced. <a href="https://t.co/jIIPa9ga42">pic.twitter.com/jIIPa9ga42</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1004732614056398848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Arjun was part of the U-19 cricketers who were attending the camp in Zonal Cricket Academy (ZCA) and played matches in Una.

Squad for the two four-day games: Anuj Rawat (C) (WK) (DDCA), Atharva Taide (VCA), Devdutt Padikkal (KSCA), Aryan Juyal (VC) (WK) (UPCA), Yash Rathod (VCA), Ayush Badoni (DDCA), Sameer Choudhary (UPCA), Siddharth Desai (GCA), Harsh Tyagi (DDCA), Y.D. Mangwani (MHCA), Arjun Tendulkar (MCA), Nehal Wadhera (PCA), Akash Pande (GCA), Mohit Jangra (UPCA), Pawan Shah (MHCA).

Squad for one-days: Aryan Juyal (C) (WK) (UPCA), Anuj Rawat (WK) (DDCA), Devdutt Padikkal (KSCA), Atharva Taide (VCA), Yash Rathod (VCA), Ayush Badoni (DDCA), Sameer Choudhary (UPCA), Siddharth Desai (GCA), Harsh Tyagi (DDCA), Y.D. Mangwani (MHCA), Ajay Devgaud (HYD), Y. Jaiswal (MCA), Mohit Jangra (UPCA), Akash Pande (GCA), Pawan Shah (MHCA).

India will travel to Sri Lanka in July for two four-day and five one-day matches

Arjun Tendulkar has been included in India's U-19 squad of for Sri Lanka tour next month. India will travel to Sri Lanka in July for two four-day and five one-day matches. Arjun's name has been included in the four-day squad which will be led by Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman Anuj Rawat and it is expected that allrounder Arjun Tendulkar will play a vital role for the team. Although, he failed to find a place in the one-day squad of the same series. Aryan Juyal of Uttar Pradesh, whose List A debut came in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, has been named the captain of the one-day squad. NEWS: Squads for India U19's two four-day games & five one-days against Sri Lanka announced. pic.twitter.com/jIIPa9ga42 — BCCI (@BCCI) June 7, 2018 × Earlier, Arjun was part of the U-19 cricketers who were attending the camp in Zonal Cricket Academy (ZCA) and played matches in Una. Squad for the two four-day games: Anuj Rawat (C) (WK) (DDCA), Atharva Taide (VCA), Devdutt Padikkal (KSCA), Aryan Juyal (VC) (WK) (UPCA), Yash Rathod (VCA), Ayush Badoni (DDCA), Sameer Choudhary (UPCA), Siddharth Desai (GCA), Harsh Tyagi (DDCA), Y.D. Mangwani (MHCA), Arjun Tendulkar (MCA), Nehal Wadhera (PCA), Akash Pande (GCA), Mohit Jangra (UPCA), Pawan Shah (MHCA). Squad for one-days: Aryan Juyal (C) (WK) (UPCA), Anuj Rawat (WK) (DDCA), Devdutt Padikkal (KSCA), Atharva Taide (VCA), Yash Rathod (VCA), Ayush Badoni (DDCA), Sameer Choudhary (UPCA), Siddharth Desai (GCA), Harsh Tyagi (DDCA), Y.D. Mangwani (MHCA), Ajay Devgaud (HYD), Y. Jaiswal (MCA), Mohit Jangra (UPCA), Akash Pande (GCA), Pawan Shah (MHCA).

Allrounder Arjun Tendulkar named in India's U-19 squad

Mike&nbsp;Hesson&nbsp;stunned New Zealand cricket on Thursday by announcing he will step down as coach at the end of next month, less than a year out from the World Cup.

The 43-year-old, who was appointed to the role in 2012, is to leave the job on July 31.

He said in a statement he wanted to spend more time with his family and felt he could not commit to the job for another 12 months.

"This job requires 100 per cent commitment and is all-consuming,"&nbsp;Hesson&nbsp;said. "I know what's required over the next 12 months, but if I'm honest, I don't feel I have the capacity to give the job what it deserves.

"The idea of missing a match, a tour or a format, as has been proposed at different times, has never sat well with me."

Hesson, who was a surprise choice for the role in 2012, had a rocky start when he dumped Ross Taylor as captain but turned the team around, guiding them to the 2015 World Cup final and the world's top ranking in Twenty20 cricket.

New Zealand was also ranked as high as second for one-day internationals and third for tests during his tenure, which would have officially ended after the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England and Wales next year.

NZC Chief Executive David White said in a statement he was reluctant to see&nbsp;Hesson&nbsp;leave.

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New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson is stepping down from his position to spend more time with his family, effective 31st July.<a href="https://t.co/8Wyc62atcz">https://t.co/8Wyc62atcz</a> <a href="https://t.co/uETIjajkil">pic.twitter.com/uETIjajkil</a>
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"Mike&nbsp;has overseen one of NZC's most successful periods of international cricket, he's more than realised the potential we saw in him back in 2012 and has grown into one of the most respected coaches on the international circuit.

"I tried to persuade him to stay on for another 12 months but his mind was made up."

New Zealand's next cricket series is against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October and November, and White said the recruitment process for the new coach would begin shortly.

NZC Chief Executive David White said in a statement he was reluctant to see Hesson leave

Mike Hesson stunned New Zealand cricket on Thursday by announcing he will step down as coach at the end of next month, less than a year out from the World Cup. The 43-year-old, who was appointed to the role in 2012, is to leave the job on July 31. He said in a statement he wanted to spend more time with his family and felt he could not commit to the job for another 12 months. "This job requires 100 per cent commitment and is all-consuming," Hesson said. "I know what's required over the next 12 months, but if I'm honest, I don't feel I have the capacity to give the job what it deserves. "The idea of missing a match, a tour or a format, as has been proposed at different times, has never sat well with me." Hesson, who was a surprise choice for the role in 2012, had a rocky start when he dumped Ross Taylor as captain but turned the team around, guiding them to the 2015 World Cup final and the world's top ranking in Twenty20 cricket. New Zealand was also ranked as high as second for one-day internationals and third for tests during his tenure, which would have officially ended after the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England and Wales next year. NZC Chief Executive David White said in a statement he was reluctant to see Hesson leave. New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson is stepping down from his position to spend more time with his family, effective 31st July.https://t.co/8Wyc62atcz pic.twitter.com/uETIjajkil — ICC (@ICC) June 7, 2018 × "Mike has overseen one of NZC's most successful periods of international cricket, he's more than realised the potential we saw in him back in 2012 and has grown into one of the most respected coaches on the international circuit. "I tried to persuade him to stay on for another 12 months but his mind was made up." New Zealand's next cricket series is against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October and November, and White said the recruitment process for the new coach would begin shortly.

Mike Hesson to step down as the head coach of New Zealand

Cricket Australia's (CA) CEO James Sutherland announced in Melbourne today that he had resigned from his post after&nbspserving for seventeen years.

Sutherland will continue in his position till a replacement is found, his notice period will extend to 12 months, reports said.

"After nearly 20 years at Cricket Australia, the time is right. I feel very comfortable that this is the right time for me and a good time for the game," Sutherland said&nbsp

Sutherland's resignation comes nearly two months after the ball-tampering row which shook the foundations of Australian cricket leading to the suspension of ex-captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. Australian coach Darren Lehmann resigned during the disastrous South Africa tour with Sutherland playing the role of a firefighter.&nbsp 
&nbsp &nbsp&nbsp 
"In the last 12 months we have laid key foundation stones which have included a new strategy for Australian cricket, a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Cricketers' Association that provides certainty for our male and female cricketers, and just recently, a new domestic broadcast rights deals that will see broader TV coverage and significant increases in revenue flowing into the game," &nbspSutherland while announcing his resignation.

"With these foundations in place, I feel that it is a good time to hand over the reins to a new CEO. My successor will have a strong and stable platform from which to lead our national strategy and to deliver on our bold aspirations to grow cricket as Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all Australians," he said. &nbsp

"As it has been over the last 20 years, it will be a privilege and honour to continue to serve the game over the remaining months that I am in office," Sutherland added.

Sutherland will continue in his position till a replacement is found, his notice period will extend to 12 months, reports said.

Cricket Australia's (CA) CEO James Sutherland announced in Melbourne today that he had resigned from his post after&nbspserving for seventeen years. Sutherland will continue in his position till a replacement is found, his notice period will extend to 12 months, reports said. "After nearly 20 years at Cricket Australia, the time is right. I feel very comfortable that this is the right time for me and a good time for the game," Sutherland said Sutherland's resignation comes nearly two months after the ball-tampering row which shook the foundations of Australian cricket leading to the suspension of ex-captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. Australian coach Darren Lehmann resigned during the disastrous South Africa tour with Sutherland playing the role of a firefighter. "In the last 12 months we have laid key foundation stones which have included a new strategy for Australian cricket, a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Cricketers' Association that provides certainty for our male and female cricketers, and just recently, a new domestic broadcast rights deals that will see broader TV coverage and significant increases in revenue flowing into the game," &nbspSutherland while announcing his resignation. "With these foundations in place, I feel that it is a good time to hand over the reins to a new CEO. My successor will have a strong and stable platform from which to lead our national strategy and to deliver on our bold aspirations to grow cricket as Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all Australians," he said. "As it has been over the last 20 years, it will be a privilege and honour to continue to serve the game over the remaining months that I am in office," Sutherland added.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland resigns

England thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 55 runs to win the second Test at Headingley on Sunday.

Victory, completed inside three days, saw England level the two-match series at 1-1 after Pakistan won the first Test at Lord's by nine wickets.

It was also England's first victory in a Test match since they beat the West Indies at Lord's in September, with the side having endured a winless run of six defeats in eight Tests coming into this fixture.

By sharing the spoils in this short campaign, England avoided a third successive series defeat after reverses in Australia and New Zealand.

Jos Buttler's blistering 80 not out on Sunday saw England to a total of 363 and commanding first-innings lead of 189.

Pakistan then collapsed to 134, losing their last seven wickets for just 50 runs. Stuart Broad took three for 28 and off-spinner Dominic Bess grabbed his first wickets at Test level in a return of three for 33.

The match ended when England captain Joe Root, on his Yorkshire home ground, held a sharp slip catch to dismiss last man Mohammad Abbas off the bowling of Broad.

Brief scores:

Pakistan 1st Innings 174 (Shadab Khan 56 S Broad 3-38, J Anderson 3-43, C Woakes 3-55)

England 1st Innings 363 (J Buttler 80 no Faheem Ashraf 3-60)

Pakistan 2nd Innings 134 (S Broad 3-28, D Bess 3-33)

Result: England won by an innings and 55 runs

Series: Two-match series ends level at 1-1

England beat Pakistan by an innings and 55 runs to win 2nd Test, series ends 1-1

England thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 55 runs to win the second Test at Headingley on Sunday. Victory, completed inside three days, saw England level the two-match series at 1-1 after Pakistan won the first Test at Lord's by nine wickets. It was also England's first victory in a Test match since they beat the West Indies at Lord's in September, with the side having endured a winless run of six defeats in eight Tests coming into this fixture. By sharing the spoils in this short campaign, England avoided a third successive series defeat after reverses in Australia and New Zealand. Jos Buttler's blistering 80 not out on Sunday saw England to a total of 363 and commanding first-innings lead of 189. Pakistan then collapsed to 134, losing their last seven wickets for just 50 runs. Stuart Broad took three for 28 and off-spinner Dominic Bess grabbed his first wickets at Test level in a return of three for 33. The match ended when England captain Joe Root, on his Yorkshire home ground, held a sharp slip catch to dismiss last man Mohammad Abbas off the bowling of Broad. Brief scores: Pakistan 1st Innings 174 (Shadab Khan 56 S Broad 3-38, J Anderson 3-43, C Woakes 3-55) England 1st Innings 363 (J Buttler 80 no Faheem Ashraf 3-60) Pakistan 2nd Innings 134 (S Broad 3-28, D Bess 3-33) Result: England won by an innings and 55 runs Series: Two-match series ends level at 1-1

England hammer Pakistan to win 2nd Test by an innings; draw the two-match series

The BCCI has decided to reward the three national selectors with increased remuneration besides doubling the fees of umpires, scorers and video analysts.

The decision was taken by the Cricket Operations wing of BCCI headed by Saba Karim and the COA also feels that chief selector MSK Prasad and company should be rewarded for their services.

Interestingly, BCCI treasurer Aniruddh Chaudhry is not aware of the remuneration hike.

As of now, chairman gets Rs 80 lakh per annum while other selectors get Rs 60 lakh. The decision to increase the remuneration was taken as two ousted selectors Gagan Khoda and Jatin Paranjpe are drawing the same salary as Devang Gandhi and Sarandeep Singh.

"Since selectors can be only appointed in AGMs, Jatin and Gagan despite not rendering services are drawing a fat salary as per norms. This is being unfair to Devang and Sarandeep, who are crisscrossing the country," a senior BCCI official said.

It is expected that chairman will get something in the range of Rs 1 crore while the two others will get anything between Rs 75 to 80 lakh.

The BCCI has also decided to double the match duty fees of domestic match referees, umpires, scorers and video analysts after a gap of six years.

The recommendation for a hike in fees was made by the Cricket Operations Division headed by Karim in consultation with the CoA during a meeting on April 12.

However, treasurer Chaudhary has not been kept in the loop regarding any of these financial decisions.

"I can remember that Aniruddh had suggested a substantial hike during a finance committee meeting last year but I don't think he has been kept in the loop this time," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

As per the revised pay structure, an umpire will now get Rs 40, 000 per day for a first class, three days or 50 over game compared to the earlier Rs 20,000.

For T20 matches, it will be Rs 20,000 per match from the earlier Rs 10,000.

For the match referees, it will be Rs 30,000 for four days, three day and one day games while Rs 15,000 for T20 games.

The scorers, who have been the least paid, will now get Rs 10,000 per match day, save T20 games where they will be paid Rs 5000.

The video analysts will now get Rs 15000 per day for non-T20 games and Rs 7500 for the shortest format.

Meanwhile, Telangana Cricket Association has sought for associate membership from COA since Hyderabad has primary membership as a voting member.

The BCCI has decided to reward the three national selectors with increased remuneration besides doubling the fees of umpires, scorers and video analysts

The BCCI has decided to reward the three national selectors with increased remuneration besides doubling the fees of umpires, scorers and video analysts. The decision was taken by the Cricket Operations wing of BCCI headed by Saba Karim and the COA also feels that chief selector MSK Prasad and company should be rewarded for their services. Interestingly, BCCI treasurer Aniruddh Chaudhry is not aware of the remuneration hike. As of now, chairman gets Rs 80 lakh per annum while other selectors get Rs 60 lakh. The decision to increase the remuneration was taken as two ousted selectors Gagan Khoda and Jatin Paranjpe are drawing the same salary as Devang Gandhi and Sarandeep Singh. "Since selectors can be only appointed in AGMs, Jatin and Gagan despite not rendering services are drawing a fat salary as per norms. This is being unfair to Devang and Sarandeep, who are crisscrossing the country," a senior BCCI official said. It is expected that chairman will get something in the range of Rs 1 crore while the two others will get anything between Rs 75 to 80 lakh. The BCCI has also decided to double the match duty fees of domestic match referees, umpires, scorers and video analysts after a gap of six years. The recommendation for a hike in fees was made by the Cricket Operations Division headed by Karim in consultation with the CoA during a meeting on April 12. However, treasurer Chaudhary has not been kept in the loop regarding any of these financial decisions. "I can remember that Aniruddh had suggested a substantial hike during a finance committee meeting last year but I don't think he has been kept in the loop this time," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. As per the revised pay structure, an umpire will now get Rs 40, 000 per day for a first class, three days or 50 over game compared to the earlier Rs 20,000. For T20 matches, it will be Rs 20,000 per match from the earlier Rs 10,000. For the match referees, it will be Rs 30,000 for four days, three day and one day games while Rs 15,000 for T20 games. The scorers, who have been the least paid, will now get Rs 10,000 per match day, save T20 games where they will be paid Rs 5000. The video analysts will now get Rs 15000 per day for non-T20 games and Rs 7500 for the shortest format. Meanwhile, Telangana Cricket Association has sought for associate membership from COA since Hyderabad has primary membership as a voting member.

BCCI set to increase selectors', umpires' salaries

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi will lead the ICC World XI side against Windies at Lord's as Eoin Morgan has been forced to pull out due to a fractured finger.

Morgan injured his right ring finger during a Royal London One-Day cup encounter against Somerset on Sunday, May 27. He was sent for a precautionary x-ray, which revealed a crack.

Eoin Morgan was set to captain the side but due to the injury, former Pakistan's skipper Shahid Afridi will lead the squad.&nbsp

Sam Billings has been added to the squad at the place of Eoin Morgan. Also, Surrey all-rounder Sam Curran and England fast bowler Tymal Mills have been added to the World XI squad.

The match is being held to raise funds for the reconstruction of Ronald Webster Park in Anguilla, the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua, the Windsor Park Stadium in Dominica, the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground in the British Virgin Islands and the Carib Lumber Ball Park in St. Maarten, that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year.

ICC World XI squad:

Shahid Afridi (C), Dinesh Karthik, Mitchell McClenaghan, Thisara Perera, Rashid Khan, Luke Ronchi, Shoaib Malik, Tamim Iqbal, Sandeep Lamichhane, Adil Rashid, Mohammed Shami, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Tymal Mills

The match is being held to raise funds in order to reconstruct the stadiums which were damaged due to hurricanes last year

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi will lead the ICC World XI side against Windies at Lord's as Eoin Morgan has been forced to pull out due to a fractured finger. Morgan injured his right ring finger during a Royal London One-Day cup encounter against Somerset on Sunday, May 27. He was sent for a precautionary x-ray, which revealed a crack. Eoin Morgan was set to captain the side but due to the injury, former Pakistan's skipper Shahid Afridi will lead the squad. Sam Billings has been added to the squad at the place of Eoin Morgan. Also, Surrey all-rounder Sam Curran and England fast bowler Tymal Mills have been added to the World XI squad. The match is being held to raise funds for the reconstruction of Ronald Webster Park in Anguilla, the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua, the Windsor Park Stadium in Dominica, the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground in the British Virgin Islands and the Carib Lumber Ball Park in St. Maarten, that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year. ICC World XI squad: Shahid Afridi (C), Dinesh Karthik, Mitchell McClenaghan, Thisara Perera, Rashid Khan, Luke Ronchi, Shoaib Malik, Tamim Iqbal, Sandeep Lamichhane, Adil Rashid, Mohammed Shami, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Tymal Mills

Shahid Afridi to lead ICC World XI against Windies; Eoin Morgan out due to injury

David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will return to competitive cricket from the month of July for the NT Strike League,&nbsp;Darwin. Former vice-captain of Australia, David Warner is serving a ban of 12 months and Bancroft was handed out nine-month suspension over a ball-tampering scandal in March 2017 while playing against South Africa but both the batsmen were allowed to play the domestic tournaments worldwide.

However, Bancroft is available for the entire tournament but David Warner will play only two 50-over matches on July 21 and 22.

NT Strike League is a month-long limited-overs tournament which is comprised of T20 and one-day event that features four franchises - Desert Blaze, City Cyclones, Northern Tide and Southern Storm.

"We're delighted that Cameron and David will be joining us in Darwin for the Strike League," said Northern Territory Cricket chief Joel Morrison in a statement.

"Their presence and experience will be invaluable for our local players."In a statement, David Warner said, "I'm really looking forward to playing in the Strike League in July"

"I heard so much about the competition while I was in Darwin earlier this month that I'm keen to be part of it," he added.

Along with Warner and Bancroft, former skipper Steve Smith was also banned for 12 months for his involvement in the ball-tampering saga.

All the three players are working to rebuild their careers as Steve Smith too set to make his return at an inaugural Global T20 Canada event in Toronto from June 28-July 15.

David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will feature in the NT Strike League in Darwin

David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will return to competitive cricket from the month of July for the NT Strike League, Darwin. Former vice-captain of Australia, David Warner is serving a ban of 12 months and Bancroft was handed out nine-month suspension over a ball-tampering scandal in March 2017 while playing against South Africa but both the batsmen were allowed to play the domestic tournaments worldwide. However, Bancroft is available for the entire tournament but David Warner will play only two 50-over matches on July 21 and 22. NT Strike League is a month-long limited-overs tournament which is comprised of T20 and one-day event that features four franchises - Desert Blaze, City Cyclones, Northern Tide and Southern Storm. "We're delighted that Cameron and David will be joining us in Darwin for the Strike League," said Northern Territory Cricket chief Joel Morrison in a statement. "Their presence and experience will be invaluable for our local players."In a statement, David Warner said, "I'm really looking forward to playing in the Strike League in July" "I heard so much about the competition while I was in Darwin earlier this month that I'm keen to be part of it," he added. Along with Warner and Bancroft, former skipper Steve Smith was also banned for 12 months for his involvement in the ball-tampering saga. All the three players are working to rebuild their careers as Steve Smith too set to make his return at an inaugural Global T20 Canada event in Toronto from June 28-July 15.

David Warner, Cameron Bancroft to return to competitive cricket in July

Cricket Australia has released a statement in the wake of match-fixing allegations in several matches involving India, Sri Lanka, Australia and England last year.

According to the sting operation done by Al Jazeera television network, the match might have been played on a pitch doctored at the behest of match-fixers. The incident prompted the ICC to launch an investigation into the matter and said they were aware of the allegations.

Now, Cricket Australia has said it wasn't aware of any "credible evidence" linking two of its players to match-fixing.

CA chief James Sutherland urged the Qatari broadcaster to hand over its footage to the International Cricket Council following Sunday's documentary and pledged a full investigation if necessary.

"Although not having been provided an opportunity to view the documentary or any raw footage, our long-standing position on these matters is that credible claims will be treated very seriously and fully investigated," Sutherland said in a statement.

"Cricket Australia will continue to fully cooperate with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in its review of the matter. Neither the ICC or Cricket Australia is aware of any credible evidence linking Australian players to corruption in the game."

Sutherland also said, "Cricket Australia will continue to fully co-operate with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in its review of the matter."

He also urged Al Jazeera to provide all un-edited materials and any other evidence to the ICC investigation team so that a full and thorough investigation can be conducted.

The Al Jazeera programme claimed pitches were doctored to achieve desired results at Galle International Stadium, where Australia lost all their 20 wickets and were beaten by Sri Lanka inside three days in 2016.

They also made match-fixing allegations against England in their innings defeat to India in Chennai, which England captain Joe Root described as "outrageous".

The documentary made reference to the 2016 Test between Australia and Sri Lanka, where it claimed criminals had placed money on the game not ending in a draw, before it was wrapped up on the third day.

The names of the Australian players were bleeped out by Al Jazeera and the period of play under suspicion was also not revealed. 
&nbsp;

CA chief James Sutherland urged the Qatari broadcaster to hand over its footage to the International Cricket Council (ICC)

Cricket Australia has released a statement in the wake of match-fixing allegations in several matches involving India, Sri Lanka, Australia and England last year. According to the sting operation done by Al Jazeera television network, the match might have been played on a pitch doctored at the behest of match-fixers. The incident prompted the ICC to launch an investigation into the matter and said they were aware of the allegations. Now, Cricket Australia has said it wasn't aware of any "credible evidence" linking two of its players to match-fixing. CA chief James Sutherland urged the Qatari broadcaster to hand over its footage to the International Cricket Council following Sunday's documentary and pledged a full investigation if necessary. "Although not having been provided an opportunity to view the documentary or any raw footage, our long-standing position on these matters is that credible claims will be treated very seriously and fully investigated," Sutherland said in a statement. "Cricket Australia will continue to fully cooperate with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in its review of the matter. Neither the ICC or Cricket Australia is aware of any credible evidence linking Australian players to corruption in the game." Sutherland also said, "Cricket Australia will continue to fully co-operate with the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in its review of the matter." He also urged Al Jazeera to provide all un-edited materials and any other evidence to the ICC investigation team so that a full and thorough investigation can be conducted. The Al Jazeera programme claimed pitches were doctored to achieve desired results at Galle International Stadium, where Australia lost all their 20 wickets and were beaten by Sri Lanka inside three days in 2016. They also made match-fixing allegations against England in their innings defeat to India in Chennai, which England captain Joe Root described as "outrageous". The documentary made reference to the 2016 Test between Australia and Sri Lanka, where it claimed criminals had placed money on the game not ending in a draw, before it was wrapped up on the third day. The names of the Australian players were bleeped out by Al Jazeera and the period of play under suspicion was also not revealed.

No 'credible evidence' to link Australian players to corruption: Cricket Australia

Former Australia skipper Steve Smith, who is serving a 12-month ban for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal, may return to the ground next month.

Smith has been named as one of the 10 marquee players for the proposed Global T20 Canada league.

As per reports, if the tournament proceeds as scheduled in June, it will mark Smith's first cricket action since Cricket Australia (CA) had put a 12-month ban on him from all international and domestic cricket.

However, the ban doesn't extend to club cricket or global leagues, but Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan chose to drop him for the 2018 edition.

Besides Smith, explosive opener Chris Lynn is the other Australian in the list which also features Shahid Afridi (Pakistan), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Darren Sammy (West Indies) and David Miller (South Africa).

The tournament will be commenced from June 28 to July 15 and comprises six teams - five from Canada and one Cricket West Indies representative team - playing 22 matches.&nbsp 
&nbsp

It will be Smith's first cricket action since Cricket Australia (CA) had put a 12-month ban on him from all international and domestic cricket

Former Australia skipper Steve Smith, who is serving a 12-month ban for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal, may return to the ground next month. Smith has been named as one of the 10 marquee players for the proposed Global T20 Canada league. As per reports, if the tournament proceeds as scheduled in June, it will mark Smith's first cricket action since Cricket Australia (CA) had put a 12-month ban on him from all international and domestic cricket. However, the ban doesn't extend to club cricket or global leagues, but Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan chose to drop him for the 2018 edition. Besides Smith, explosive opener Chris Lynn is the other Australian in the list which also features Shahid Afridi (Pakistan), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Darren Sammy (West Indies) and David Miller (South Africa). The tournament will be commenced from June 28 to July 15 and comprises six teams - five from Canada and one Cricket West Indies representative team - playing 22 matches.

Despite ban, Steve Smith returns to cricket world next month

Exactly two years back in May 2016, I watched an IPL T20 Cricket match between Bangalore and Gujarat Lions. South African batsman AB de Villiers (ABD) and Virat Kohli, playing for Bangalore, were decimating Lions' bowling attack. It was an assault with no mercy. ABD was even more destructive and poor Suresh Raina, captain of Gujarat Lions was absolutely clueless on how to stop this juggernaut and rein ABD in. ABD was punishing deliveries irrespective of their merit. He scored a swashbuckling century and Bangalore crushed Gujarat Lions with immaculate ease.

I have been a die-hard fan of this duo (ABD-Kohli) in T20 particularly after that match and never missed a single game of their team Bangalore ever since.

So just when I was trying to cope with the exit of Bangalore from IPL 2018, the second shocker came. ABD announced his retirement from the game. My first reaction was "why, he has plenty, plenty of cricket left him". Just a few days back we saw him decimating bowlers and taking that superman type of catch at the boundary.

Trust me that for me it is not a routine farewell piece for a cricketer. ABD was special and he has been one among my all-time favourite overseas cricketers along with Shane Warne, Viv Richards and Wasim Akram.

The reason is simple and straight. Like other three, ABD has been the only one of his league. ABD is the one who set a unique style of playing and inspired a whole generation to follow him.

His 360-degree style of batting changed the game in its own way. If ABD is on fire, then quality and class of bowling is rather a meaningless term. As a bowler, you were at the mercy of ABD as no matter what you bowl, if ABD had to dispatch it, he would.

On his day, ABD would score with jaw-dropping pace. In January 2015 during an ODI against West Indies, ABD smashed 144 runs in less than an hour. He only faced 44 deliveries and set a world record of fastest ODI hundred in just 31 balls. He led his side with passion in 2015 World Cup and led the proceedings with his bat. South Africa had a heartbreak though as they lost out to New Zealand in the semi-final.

ABD has been one of the best fielders of all-times. The way he ran Simon Katich out in 2006 with his acrobatic stop and throw has become epic to narrate for the generations to come (like Jonty Rhodes’s cruise in the air to dismiss Inzamam in 1992 World Cup).

He is leaving the game while he is still on peak and till now he was spearheading the South African middle order. In the recent Test series against India, it was ABD who played the decisive knock for his side in the first two Test matches and denied India an upper hand.

One last thing. One of the greatest ODI and T-20 batsmen of all times is leaving the game without even a single ICC title for his side. It is sad, very sad.

I remember that when South Africa crashed out of 2015 World Cup, on an Indian Facebook Cricket fans page, a tribute was posted to ABD for missing out the ICC cup yet again and fans hoped that ABD will do this in 2019 for sure. But ABD had some other ideas. He won’t be around in 2019 World Cup.

Bye bye ABD: You will surely be missed by frenzied fans like me.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

His 360-degree style of batting changed the game of cricket in its own way.

Exactly two years back in May 2016, I watched an IPL T20 Cricket match between Bangalore and Gujarat Lions. South African batsman AB de Villiers (ABD) and Virat Kohli, playing for Bangalore, were decimating Lions' bowling attack. It was an assault with no mercy. ABD was even more destructive and poor Suresh Raina, captain of Gujarat Lions was absolutely clueless on how to stop this juggernaut and rein ABD in. ABD was punishing deliveries irrespective of their merit. He scored a swashbuckling century and Bangalore crushed Gujarat Lions with immaculate ease. I have been a die-hard fan of this duo (ABD-Kohli) in T20 particularly after that match and never missed a single game of their team Bangalore ever since. So just when I was trying to cope with the exit of Bangalore from IPL 2018, the second shocker came. ABD announced his retirement from the game. My first reaction was "why, he has plenty, plenty of cricket left him". Just a few days back we saw him decimating bowlers and taking that superman type of catch at the boundary. Trust me that for me it is not a routine farewell piece for a cricketer. ABD was special and he has been one among my all-time favourite overseas cricketers along with Shane Warne, Viv Richards and Wasim Akram. The reason is simple and straight. Like other three, ABD has been the only one of his league. ABD is the one who set a unique style of playing and inspired a whole generation to follow him. His 360-degree style of batting changed the game in its own way. If ABD is on fire, then quality and class of bowling is rather a meaningless term. As a bowler, you were at the mercy of ABD as no matter what you bowl, if ABD had to dispatch it, he would. On his day, ABD would score with jaw-dropping pace. In January 2015 during an ODI against West Indies, ABD smashed 144 runs in less than an hour. He only faced 44 deliveries and set a world record of fastest ODI hundred in just 31 balls. He led his side with passion in 2015 World Cup and led the proceedings with his bat. South Africa had a heartbreak though as they lost out to New Zealand in the semi-final. ABD has been one of the best fielders of all-times. The way he ran Simon Katich out in 2006 with his acrobatic stop and throw has become epic to narrate for the generations to come (like Jonty Rhodes’s cruise in the air to dismiss Inzamam in 1992 World Cup). He is leaving the game while he is still on peak and till now he was spearheading the South African middle order. In the recent Test series against India, it was ABD who played the decisive knock for his side in the first two Test matches and denied India an upper hand. One last thing. One of the greatest ODI and T-20 batsmen of all times is leaving the game without even a single ICC title for his side. It is sad, very sad. I remember that when South Africa crashed out of 2015 World Cup, on an Indian Facebook Cricket fans page, a tribute was posted to ABD for missing out the ICC cup yet again and fans hoped that ABD will do this in 2019 for sure. But ABD had some other ideas. He won’t be around in 2019 World Cup. Bye bye ABD: You will surely be missed by frenzied fans like me. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: AB de Villiers will be terribly missed

Indian skipper Virat Kohli&nbsp;is not suffering from slipped disc,&nbsp;but his much hyped County stint will be curtailed, as per new reports.

The previous reports&nbsp;claimed that Kohli was diagnosed with slip disc after he paid a visit to a Mumbai-based orthopaedic surgeon.

However, he will miss out on some of the matches of his county stint. &nbsp;

Kohli will play for Surrey, treating the same as a quality practice session, ahead of the power-packed tour of England in July.&nbsp;

India is scheduled to play three T20 Internationals, three One Day Internationals and five Test matches with England this July.&nbsp;

Reports of Kohli's injury came shortly after he released a video accepting Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's fitness challenge and breaking into one of his favourite core workouts.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I have accepted the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> by <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ra_THORe</a> sir. Now I would like to challenge my wife <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnushkaSharma</a> , our PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji and <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> Bhai for the same. ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ComeOutAndPlay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ComeOutAndPlay</a> <a href="https://t.co/e9BAToE6bg">pic.twitter.com/e9BAToE6bg</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/999297347032055808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kohli then passed on the challenge to Prime Minister Narendra who "accepted" his dare earlier today saying that he will soon share his fitness video.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> video soon. <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> <a href="https://t.co/qdc1JabCYb">https://t.co/qdc1JabCYb</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/999483037669879808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Kohli will play for Surrey, treating the same as a quality practice session, ahead of the power-packed tour of England in July

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is not suffering from slipped disc, but his much hyped County stint will be curtailed, as per new reports. The previous reports claimed that Kohli was diagnosed with slip disc after he paid a visit to a Mumbai-based orthopaedic surgeon. However, he will miss out on some of the matches of his county stint. Kohli will play for Surrey, treating the same as a quality practice session, ahead of the power-packed tour of England in July. India is scheduled to play three T20 Internationals, three One Day Internationals and five Test matches with England this July. Reports of Kohli's injury came shortly after he released a video accepting Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's fitness challenge and breaking into one of his favourite core workouts. I have accepted the #FitnessChallenge by @ra_THORe sir. Now I would like to challenge my wife @AnushkaSharma , our PM @narendramodi ji and @msdhoni Bhai for the same. ? #HumFitTohIndiaFit #ComeOutAndPlay pic.twitter.com/e9BAToE6bg — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 23, 2018 × Kohli then passed on the challenge to Prime Minister Narendra who "accepted" his dare earlier today saying that he will soon share his fitness video. Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit https://t.co/qdc1JabCYb — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 24, 2018 ×

BCCI to curtail Virat Kohli's county stint after reports of injury

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers or famously known as AB de Villiers, is South Africa's gem batsman with enviable wicketkeeping skills.&nbsp;

The cricketing legend debuted in late 2004 against a visiting England, partnering Graeme Smith as an opener.&nbsp;

In his second Test in the same series, he was given the responsibility of wicket-keeping as a stand-in for the injured Mark Boucher.&nbsp;

The duties led to a demotion in his batting line to the lower order. However, the experiment worked well, yielding a fifty on debut, in the second innings of the Test.&nbsp;

De Villiers announced his arrival with scores of 92 and 109 while opening the innings, in the last of the 5-Test series

In ODIs though, it took a while for him to find his footing, recording his first half-century in his 15th attempt, against Australia.&nbsp;

He was one of South Africa's most consistent performers in all formats. He was one of those players, who had no qualms in being deployed as an opener, middle or lower order batsman, depending on the situation.

The ability to offer dead bats, drives, flicks and pulls and his instinctive nature to innovate in manners, turned de Villiers into one of the most dangerous cricketers.

He has played 228 &nbsp;games and has smashed 9577 runs at an average of 53.5. His highest individual score is 176 runs.

As an accomplished gloveman, he was often called to deputize for Boucher, and with time he was even being touted as his eventual successor.

De Villiers' presence in the batting line up was important in South Africa's return to the pinnacle of cricket, registering historic wins in Australia and going on a 3-year unbeaten run since 2007.&nbsp;

He helped South Africa to a semi-final berth in the 2007 ICC Cricket World World Cup, restoring respectability after a poor showing in the tournament's previous edition.&nbsp;

If we see the T20I format, then the cricket legend has 1672 runs in his kitty of just 78 game played.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ab-de-villiers-retires-from-all-forms-of-cricket-with-immediate-effect-says-i-am-tired-139205">AB de Villiers retires from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, says 'I am tired'</a>

Consistent performances over the years gave the Proteas a new ODI captain in de Villiers, when he replaced Graeme Smith in 2011, post the ICC Cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

After proving his class in the Test arena, he was the number one batsman in ODIs as well as in Tests on a number of occasions.

De Villiers has played 114 Tests and has scored 8765 runs at an average of &nbsp;50.66, with unbeaten 278 being his highest score.

De Villiers was a hot-buy in the Indian T20 League and he started off representing Delhi until he moved to Bangalore for the later seasons.&nbsp;

AB was also one of the players to have been retained by Bangalore in 2014.&nbsp;

In 141 games in the Indian Premier League, since its inception in 2008, De Villiers has made 3953 runs in 141 matches. He has smashed three centuries and 28 half-centuries.&nbsp;

In 2018, he played 12 games for the Virat kohli-led side and scored 480 runs which include six half-centuries. &nbsp;

Though Bangalore failed to make it to the play-offs, De Villiers left an impression that there is still a lot of cricket left in him.&nbsp;

But, the South African star today announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect.&nbsp;

While some fans raised serious doubts over his retirement decision many wished him luck for his future plans.&nbsp;

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The cricketing legend debuted in late 2004 against a visiting England.

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers or famously known as AB de Villiers, is South Africa's gem batsman with enviable wicketkeeping skills. The cricketing legend debuted in late 2004 against a visiting England, partnering Graeme Smith as an opener. In his second Test in the same series, he was given the responsibility of wicket-keeping as a stand-in for the injured Mark Boucher. The duties led to a demotion in his batting line to the lower order. However, the experiment worked well, yielding a fifty on debut, in the second innings of the Test. De Villiers announced his arrival with scores of 92 and 109 while opening the innings, in the last of the 5-Test series In ODIs though, it took a while for him to find his footing, recording his first half-century in his 15th attempt, against Australia. He was one of South Africa's most consistent performers in all formats. He was one of those players, who had no qualms in being deployed as an opener, middle or lower order batsman, depending on the situation. The ability to offer dead bats, drives, flicks and pulls and his instinctive nature to innovate in manners, turned de Villiers into one of the most dangerous cricketers. He has played 228 games and has smashed 9577 runs at an average of 53.5. His highest individual score is 176 runs. As an accomplished gloveman, he was often called to deputize for Boucher, and with time he was even being touted as his eventual successor. De Villiers' presence in the batting line up was important in South Africa's return to the pinnacle of cricket, registering historic wins in Australia and going on a 3-year unbeaten run since 2007. He helped South Africa to a semi-final berth in the 2007 ICC Cricket World World Cup, restoring respectability after a poor showing in the tournament's previous edition. If we see the T20I format, then the cricket legend has 1672 runs in his kitty of just 78 game played. Also read: AB de Villiers retires from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, says 'I am tired' Consistent performances over the years gave the Proteas a new ODI captain in de Villiers, when he replaced Graeme Smith in 2011, post the ICC Cricket World Cup. After proving his class in the Test arena, he was the number one batsman in ODIs as well as in Tests on a number of occasions. De Villiers has played 114 Tests and has scored 8765 runs at an average of 50.66, with unbeaten 278 being his highest score. De Villiers was a hot-buy in the Indian T20 League and he started off representing Delhi until he moved to Bangalore for the later seasons. AB was also one of the players to have been retained by Bangalore in 2014. In 141 games in the Indian Premier League, since its inception in 2008, De Villiers has made 3953 runs in 141 matches. He has smashed three centuries and 28 half-centuries. In 2018, he played 12 games for the Virat kohli-led side and scored 480 runs which include six half-centuries. Though Bangalore failed to make it to the play-offs, De Villiers left an impression that there is still a lot of cricket left in him. But, the South African star today announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. While some fans raised serious doubts over his retirement decision many wished him luck for his future plans. ×

AB de Villiers: Mr 360 degree and his cricketing career

The first Qualifiers of&nbsp;IPL 2018 will be played on Tuesday between the two best teams, Chennai and Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

In previous meetings of the ongoing edition, MS Dhoni-led Chennai defeated the Kane Williamson's side.

Both the teams have scored 18 points, but Hyderabad stand&nbsp;atop&nbsp;league's table with a better Net Run Rate (NRR) than Chennai.

So, let us take a look at the players expected to perform in today's big clash.

1. Kane Williamson -&nbsp;The backbone of Hyderabad team and one of the most successful skippers in the ongoing league,&nbsp;Williamson&nbsp;has&nbsp;proved his calibre&nbsp;in the leadership skills. With his team being the table-toppers, he definitely fulfilled his duties as a captain. In 14 matches, he&nbsp;scored total 661 runs&nbsp;including eight half-centuries. Today, it is expected that he will cross Rishabh Pant in the race of 'Orange Cap' and also will outplay Chennai to book a finale berth.&nbsp;

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar -&nbsp;Although, Hyderabad have the best bowling unit in the IPL 2018 and Bhuvi is one of the best options for 'Orange Army' to damage Chennai's batting line-up. In such crucial&nbsp;matches, experience&nbsp;matters a lot and&nbsp;Bhuvneshwar has such potential. So far in nine matches, he has taken eight wickets with an economy of 8.14. He is definitely a player to watch out for in tonight's clash.

3. Lungi Ngidi - South African star pacer has impressed everyone with his economical bowling. His brilliant haul of 4 wickets&nbsp;including prized wickets of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle against&nbsp;Punjab was a reason&nbsp;Punjab's ouster from the tournament. Overall, he has played five matches and took nine wickets. He is definitely a player to watch out for in today's game.

4. Ambati Rayudu -&nbsp;He is an outstanding batsman and has been&nbsp;a consistent run scorer for Chennai in IPL 2018. His presence&nbsp;in today's&nbsp;crucial match will&nbsp;be an&nbsp;advantage for Chennai. He scored 586 runs in 14 games so far. His experience and ability to deplete any bowling attack makes him a player to watch out for in today's game.&nbsp;

5. Shane Watson - Chennai's opener&nbsp;Watson has scored 438 runs in his 13 games so far. He has smashed a century this season and has the potential to give a required start to the team. Watson has also made an important contribution with the bowl by taking important wickets in different occasions. Although he scored just 14 runs off 23 balls in the&nbsp;match against Delhi, still it is expected that he will&nbsp;survive the&nbsp;massive bowling attack&nbsp;of&nbsp;Hyderabad.

As the winner of today's match will directly enter finals, the match promises to be quite a contest.&nbsp;

The MS Dhoni-led team has beaten the Kane Williamson side on both occasions that they have previously met this year in the ongoing league

The first Qualifiers of IPL 2018 will be played on Tuesday between the two best teams, Chennai and Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. In previous meetings of the ongoing edition, MS Dhoni-led Chennai defeated the Kane Williamson's side. Both the teams have scored 18 points, but Hyderabad stand atop league's table with a better Net Run Rate (NRR) than Chennai. So, let us take a look at the players expected to perform in today's big clash. 1. Kane Williamson - The backbone of Hyderabad team and one of the most successful skippers in the ongoing league, Williamson has proved his calibre in the leadership skills. With his team being the table-toppers, he definitely fulfilled his duties as a captain. In 14 matches, he scored total 661 runs including eight half-centuries. Today, it is expected that he will cross Rishabh Pant in the race of 'Orange Cap' and also will outplay Chennai to book a finale berth. 2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar - Although, Hyderabad have the best bowling unit in the IPL 2018 and Bhuvi is one of the best options for 'Orange Army' to damage Chennai's batting line-up. In such crucial matches, experience matters a lot and Bhuvneshwar has such potential. So far in nine matches, he has taken eight wickets with an economy of 8.14. He is definitely a player to watch out for in tonight's clash. 3. Lungi Ngidi - South African star pacer has impressed everyone with his economical bowling. His brilliant haul of 4 wickets including prized wickets of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle against Punjab was a reason Punjab's ouster from the tournament. Overall, he has played five matches and took nine wickets. He is definitely a player to watch out for in today's game. 4. Ambati Rayudu - He is an outstanding batsman and has been a consistent run scorer for Chennai in IPL 2018. His presence in today's crucial match will be an advantage for Chennai. He scored 586 runs in 14 games so far. His experience and ability to deplete any bowling attack makes him a player to watch out for in today's game. 5. Shane Watson - Chennai's opener Watson has scored 438 runs in his 13 games so far. He has smashed a century this season and has the potential to give a required start to the team. Watson has also made an important contribution with the bowl by taking important wickets in different occasions. Although he scored just 14 runs off 23 balls in the match against Delhi, still it is expected that he will survive the massive bowling attack of Hyderabad. As the winner of today's match will directly enter finals, the match promises to be quite a contest.

IPL 2018: Players to watch out for in Chennai vs Hyderabad clash

Whenever I see KL Rahul, I recall India-Australia Test match on Boxing Day, 26th December 2014. KL Rahul, then 22 years old made his Test debut and he was literally nervous. Rahul got succumbed to the grandeur of the occasion after all, it is not easy to make your international debut against Australia, in Australia, and at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

KL Rahul played an inexplicable shot right in the beginning of the inning and threw his wicket. I remember headlines in a newspaper next day saying "Tell us Rahul, What were you actually trying to do?" It explains that how bizarre Rahul's shot was.

But then these adverse situations only distinguish a champion from others. KL Rahul did an immediate course correction after the debacle at Melbourne and came back strongly in the very next Test at Sydney as he slammed a century there.

KL Rahul has been impressive in all format of international ever since that century at Sydney. He is one of those rare batsmen, who have scored centuries in all three formats of international Cricket.

Having missed IPL 2017 due to injury, IPL 2018 has been a turning point of Rahul's career and it has certainly catapulted him into an even upper league. KL Rahul has been one of the most impactful players this IPL. The way KL Rahul almost single-handedly pulled match for his side against team Mumbai on 16th May was actually a mark of a true champion.

In the opening game of Punjab against Delhi at IPL 2018 itself, Rahul made a solid statement by smashing a fifty in just 14 balls and he has been among runs consistently and he alone is taking whole batting burden for his side.

It clearly endorses one thing that KL Rahul is set to play a major role for Team India in all formats in days to come. He, per se in the league of Virat Kohli in a sense that he can excel all formats of the games and this is where he scores well over the likes of Ajinkya Rahane (who is more suited for Test) and Rohit Sharma (who is more suited in T-20 and ODI).

KL is somewhat is on Virender Sehwag's template. He is free flowing and is a natural hitter of the ball. At the top of the order, his brisk batting can make a huge difference even the Test. Remember how one short but quick-fire innings from Sehwag set the tone for the historic chase against England in 2008 at Chennai Test. Over the years, Sehwag did one job for India with perfection and that was putting the pressure back on bowling attack by his attacking play. Now Rahul fits in that role.

KL Rahul has been a treat to watch and I am sure that going forward he would play an all-important role for India in all formats of the game. It is not an hyperbole but in my opinion, after watching Rahul's show so far in IPL 2018, overall KL Rahul is only second to Virat Kohli in Indian batting line-up, if we consider potential impact which Rahul can make in the all three formats put together.

He can be a key player when India will tour England this summer for the forthcoming series down under in Australia and World Cup next year as well. Let's wait and watch.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

KL Rahul has been a treat to watch and I am sure that going forward he would play an all-important role for India in all formats of the game

Whenever I see KL Rahul, I recall India-Australia Test match on Boxing Day, 26th December 2014. KL Rahul, then 22 years old made his Test debut and he was literally nervous. Rahul got succumbed to the grandeur of the occasion after all, it is not easy to make your international debut against Australia, in Australia, and at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. KL Rahul played an inexplicable shot right in the beginning of the inning and threw his wicket. I remember headlines in a newspaper next day saying "Tell us Rahul, What were you actually trying to do?" It explains that how bizarre Rahul's shot was. But then these adverse situations only distinguish a champion from others. KL Rahul did an immediate course correction after the debacle at Melbourne and came back strongly in the very next Test at Sydney as he slammed a century there. KL Rahul has been impressive in all format of international ever since that century at Sydney. He is one of those rare batsmen, who have scored centuries in all three formats of international Cricket. Having missed IPL 2017 due to injury, IPL 2018 has been a turning point of Rahul's career and it has certainly catapulted him into an even upper league. KL Rahul has been one of the most impactful players this IPL. The way KL Rahul almost single-handedly pulled match for his side against team Mumbai on 16th May was actually a mark of a true champion. In the opening game of Punjab against Delhi at IPL 2018 itself, Rahul made a solid statement by smashing a fifty in just 14 balls and he has been among runs consistently and he alone is taking whole batting burden for his side. It clearly endorses one thing that KL Rahul is set to play a major role for Team India in all formats in days to come. He, per se in the league of Virat Kohli in a sense that he can excel all formats of the games and this is where he scores well over the likes of Ajinkya Rahane (who is more suited for Test) and Rohit Sharma (who is more suited in T-20 and ODI). KL is somewhat is on Virender Sehwag's template. He is free flowing and is a natural hitter of the ball. At the top of the order, his brisk batting can make a huge difference even the Test. Remember how one short but quick-fire innings from Sehwag set the tone for the historic chase against England in 2008 at Chennai Test. Over the years, Sehwag did one job for India with perfection and that was putting the pressure back on bowling attack by his attacking play. Now Rahul fits in that role. KL Rahul has been a treat to watch and I am sure that going forward he would play an all-important role for India in all formats of the game. It is not an hyperbole but in my opinion, after watching Rahul's show so far in IPL 2018, overall KL Rahul is only second to Virat Kohli in Indian batting line-up, if we consider potential impact which Rahul can make in the all three formats put together. He can be a key player when India will tour England this summer for the forthcoming series down under in Australia and World Cup next year as well. Let's wait and watch. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: KL Rahul – A rejuvenated and repackaged batting power house

Cameron Bancroft has been cleared to play club cricket in Western Australia. Although he is serving a 9-month ban over the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa but with the opportunity to play club cricket, he will look to redeem his tarnished name.

Under WA Premier Cricket rules, any Cricket Australia suspension is automatically extended to club ranks, unlike in New South Wales state where Steve Smith and David Warner are able to play while serving their bans.

After discussing the issue with 16 WA Premier Cricket clubs, Bancroft was granted special dispensation to turn out for his club side Willetton.

"It was strongly debated across a number of areas, but ultimately approved. It's great news for Cameron," Western Australia Cricket Association chief executive Christina Matthews said.

Earlier, Cameron Bancroft along with Steve Smith and David Warner is serving bans for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal which was revealed in March 2018 when Australia men's cricket team was touring South Africa for a four-Test match series.

During the third Test at Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball by using sandpaper in order to ‘reverse swing’ the ball.

The incident was caught in various cameras around the ground. Bancroft and Smith accepted that they were involved in the ball tampering mess and eventually punishments followed and with it came the tears- live on TV.

Cameron Bancroft, steve smith, david warner, ball tampering, cricket

Cameron Bancroft has been cleared to play club cricket in Western Australia. Although he is serving a 9-month ban over the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa but with the opportunity to play club cricket, he will look to redeem his tarnished name. Under WA Premier Cricket rules, any Cricket Australia suspension is automatically extended to club ranks, unlike in New South Wales state where Steve Smith and David Warner are able to play while serving their bans. After discussing the issue with 16 WA Premier Cricket clubs, Bancroft was granted special dispensation to turn out for his club side Willetton. "It was strongly debated across a number of areas, but ultimately approved. It's great news for Cameron," Western Australia Cricket Association chief executive Christina Matthews said. Earlier, Cameron Bancroft along with Steve Smith and David Warner is serving bans for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal which was revealed in March 2018 when Australia men's cricket team was touring South Africa for a four-Test match series. During the third Test at Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball by using sandpaper in order to ‘reverse swing’ the ball. The incident was caught in various cameras around the ground. Bancroft and Smith accepted that they were involved in the ball tampering mess and eventually punishments followed and with it came the tears- live on TV.

Cameron Bancroft been cleared to play club cricket

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