Mandeep Singh blasted a quick-fire unbeaten half-century as India crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to level the Twenty20 series on Monday. 
 
The result sets up a series decider in the third and final game that will also be played at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. 
 
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat, but could only muster 99 for nine in their 20 overs as the Indian bowlers strangled the run-rate. 
 
The tourists made short work of their reply, racing to their victory target off 13.1 overs as Mandeep Singh (52 from 40 balls) and fellow opener Lokesh Rahul (47 from 40 balls) put on a century stand. 
 
All the Zimbabwe batsmen struggled to score quick runs in their innings with none managing more than a run a ball. Peter Moor (31 from 32 balls) was the only one to muster any sort of resistance. 
 
Debutant seamer Barinder Sran took for wickets to lead the Indian charge, while fellow paceman Jasprit Bumrah picked up three wickets in his four overs. 
 
India also handed a debut to seamer Dhawal Kulkarni, though he was by far the most expensive of the bowlers as his one wicket cost 32 runs. 
 
(Reuters)

None of the Zimbabwean batsmen managed more than a run a ball

Mandeep Singh blasted a quick-fire unbeaten half-century as India crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to level the Twenty20 series on Monday. The result sets up a series decider in the third and final game that will also be played at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat, but could only muster 99 for nine in their 20 overs as the Indian bowlers strangled the run-rate. The tourists made short work of their reply, racing to their victory target off 13.1 overs as Mandeep Singh (52 from 40 balls) and fellow opener Lokesh Rahul (47 from 40 balls) put on a century stand. All the Zimbabwe batsmen struggled to score quick runs in their innings with none managing more than a run a ball. Peter Moor (31 from 32 balls) was the only one to muster any sort of resistance. Debutant seamer Barinder Sran took for wickets to lead the Indian charge, while fellow paceman Jasprit Bumrah picked up three wickets in his four overs. India also handed a debut to seamer Dhawal Kulkarni, though he was by far the most expensive of the bowlers as his one wicket cost 32 runs. (Reuters)

India beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in 2nd T20, level series 1-1

England&#39;s one-day captain Eoin Morgan said he hopes the test series win against Sri Lanka will provide the foundations for victory in the shorter format of the game, starting with the first ODI at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. 
 
England have recalled Jonny Bairstow into the ODI side following his superb form, which saw him named man of the series in the 2-0 test series victory against Sri Lanka. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s an unbelievable start. Cookie [test captain Alastair Cook] hands the baton over to me and hopefully I don&#39;t let him down,&quot; Morgan told reporters on Monday. &quot;Confidence is a big thing, and it&#39;s crucial to build on that confidence we&#39;ve had going forward.&quot; 
 
Morgan added that the absence of hard-hitting all-rounder Ben Stokes through injury would be a big blow for the side. 
 
&quot;It does affect us because Ben bats at five, doing both roles very well,&quot; he added. &quot;We don&#39;t have an answer to back up at the moment, but it does create an opportunity for someone else.&quot; 
 
Sri Lanka will have to cope without paceman Shaminda Eranga, who was banned for an illegal action by the International Cricket Council on Sunday just hours after he had been taken to hospital to undergo tests on his heart. 
 
Morgan said that though conditions have posed a challenge to Sri Lanka, he expects a tough fight in the shorter format of the game. 
 
&quot;They (Sri Lanka) have found it tough work since they came here, but ODI cricket comes more naturally to them,&quot; he said. &quot;They are ranked above us, so we won&#39;t take them for granted and we are looking to ourselves to build and put performances in.&quot; 
 
England play Sri Lanka in five ODI&#39;s and a one-off Twenty20 game in Southampton on July 5. 
 
(Reuters)

England take on Sri Lanka in the first ODI at Trent Bridge on Tuesday

England's one-day captain Eoin Morgan said he hopes the test series win against Sri Lanka will provide the foundations for victory in the shorter format of the game, starting with the first ODI at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. England have recalled Jonny Bairstow into the ODI side following his superb form, which saw him named man of the series in the 2-0 test series victory against Sri Lanka. "It's an unbelievable start. Cookie [test captain Alastair Cook] hands the baton over to me and hopefully I don't let him down," Morgan told reporters on Monday. "Confidence is a big thing, and it's crucial to build on that confidence we've had going forward." Morgan added that the absence of hard-hitting all-rounder Ben Stokes through injury would be a big blow for the side. "It does affect us because Ben bats at five, doing both roles very well," he added. "We don't have an answer to back up at the moment, but it does create an opportunity for someone else." Sri Lanka will have to cope without paceman Shaminda Eranga, who was banned for an illegal action by the International Cricket Council on Sunday just hours after he had been taken to hospital to undergo tests on his heart. Morgan said that though conditions have posed a challenge to Sri Lanka, he expects a tough fight in the shorter format of the game. "They (Sri Lanka) have found it tough work since they came here, but ODI cricket comes more naturally to them," he said. "They are ranked above us, so we won't take them for granted and we are looking to ourselves to build and put performances in." England play Sri Lanka in five ODI's and a one-off Twenty20 game in Southampton on July 5. (Reuters)

Morgan looking to carry on England's winning momentum

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has offered positive feedback on the pink ball in Indian conditions, after it was used on an experimental basis during a domestic game at Eden Gardens. 
 
In April, India&#39;s cricket board decided that one game of an upcoming three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair, pending trials of the pink ball. 
 
The 26-year-old, who picked up five wickets playing for Mohun Bagan in the day-night final, said South Asian conditions favoured swing with the pink ball, which was an exciting prospect. 
 
&quot;With red or white balls, there was some visibility problem as it took (on) the colour of grass,&quot; he was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India. 
 
&quot;Definitely I will prefer this (pink) ball, this is much better. The biggest plus point is (the swing) under lights, what else does a bowler want? It&#39;s challenging for both batsmen and bowlers. 
 
&quot;If we can maintain the dryness, I&#39;m sure it will reverse. It did (reverse), I noticed.&quot; 
 
Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha echoed Shami&#39;s sentiments but said pace would prove challenging for batsmen. 
 
&quot;Every ball is swinging a bit either way which was never the case with the red (ball). The visibility is perfect,&quot; Saha told PTI. &quot;But batsmen will have problem if a pacer consistently bowls at 140 km per hour.&quot; 
(Reuters)

In April, India's cricket board decided that one game of an upcoming three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has offered positive feedback on the pink ball in Indian conditions, after it was used on an experimental basis during a domestic game at Eden Gardens. In April, India's cricket board decided that one game of an upcoming three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair, pending trials of the pink ball. The 26-year-old, who picked up five wickets playing for Mohun Bagan in the day-night final, said South Asian conditions favoured swing with the pink ball, which was an exciting prospect. "With red or white balls, there was some visibility problem as it took (on) the colour of grass," he was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India. "Definitely I will prefer this (pink) ball, this is much better. The biggest plus point is (the swing) under lights, what else does a bowler want? It's challenging for both batsmen and bowlers. "If we can maintain the dryness, I'm sure it will reverse. It did (reverse), I noticed." Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha echoed Shami's sentiments but said pace would prove challenging for batsmen. "Every ball is swinging a bit either way which was never the case with the red (ball). The visibility is perfect," Saha told PTI. "But batsmen will have problem if a pacer consistently bowls at 140 km per hour." (Reuters)

Indian pacer Shami gives the thumbs up to pink balls for day-night tests

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first in the crucial second T20 of the three-match series at Harare Sports Club today. 
 
As far as Playing XI is concerned, India have roped in Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran in place of Jaydev Unadkat and Rishi Dhawan for the must-win match while the hosts have replaced Mutumbami with Peter Moor.Having lost the first T20 in a thrilling encounter, India will have to win the second match in order to keep the series alive. 
 
Meanwhile, the hosts, who suffered a whitewash in the ODI series, will aim to seal the series.Zimbabwe are currently leading the series 1-0 following their two-run win in the opening T20. 
 
India Playing XI: KL Rahul, Mandeep Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (captain), Axar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran, Yuzvendra Chahal.Zimbabwe Playing XI: Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Peter Moor, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Graeme Cremer, Neville Madziva, Taurai Muzarabani, Donald Tiripano. 
 
(ANI)

Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran make their debuts, replace Jaydev Unadkat and Rishi Dhawan

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first in the crucial second T20 of the three-match series at Harare Sports Club today. As far as Playing XI is concerned, India have roped in Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran in place of Jaydev Unadkat and Rishi Dhawan for the must-win match while the hosts have replaced Mutumbami with Peter Moor.Having lost the first T20 in a thrilling encounter, India will have to win the second match in order to keep the series alive. Meanwhile, the hosts, who suffered a whitewash in the ODI series, will aim to seal the series.Zimbabwe are currently leading the series 1-0 following their two-run win in the opening T20. India Playing XI: KL Rahul, Mandeep Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (captain), Axar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran, Yuzvendra Chahal.Zimbabwe Playing XI: Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Peter Moor, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Graeme Cremer, Neville Madziva, Taurai Muzarabani, Donald Tiripano. (ANI)

Zimbabwe win toss, ask India to bowl first in second T20

&nbsp;All-rounder Chris Woakes is confident that England selectors will be able to squeeze both Ben Stokes and himself into the starting lineup for the four-match test series against Pakistan starting next month. 
 
Woakes was called up to the side last month after fellow all-rounder Stokes injured his knee during the first test victory over Sri Lanka in Leeds. 
 
The 27-year-old went on to score 105 runs in three innings and picked up eight wickets as England romped to a 2-0 series victory over the Sri Lankans following a comfortable win in Durham and a rain-affected draw at Lord&#39;s. 
 
&quot;I&#39;d be stupid to think that, if Ben (Stokes) is fit, I&#39;m going to play (over him), but I might have given them (the selectors) a headache. I might be able to fit into the team even if he is involved again,&quot; Woakes told British media. 
 
Meanwhile, test team mate Stuart Broad has set his sights on representing England at the 2019 50-overs World Cup after the seamer was omitted from the squad for the Sri Lanka one-day series announced earlier this week. 
 
&quot;A big aim of mine is to be in that World Cup squad in 2019. The two major tournaments coming up are that and the Champions Trophy and I&#39;ve got to plot a way back in really,&quot; said Broad, who is England&#39;s third-highest wicket-taker in one-day cricket. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m still only 29... A lot of people have played at World Cups at 32 and that&#39;s certainly not an old age for a cricketer, so I&#39;ve got huge goals to be a part of that and have to pick some stuff to get involved in.&quot; 
 
The 2019 World Cup is being hosted by England and Wales. 
(Reuters)

He was called up after his fellow all-rounder hurt his knee

All-rounder Chris Woakes is confident that England selectors will be able to squeeze both Ben Stokes and himself into the starting lineup for the four-match test series against Pakistan starting next month. Woakes was called up to the side last month after fellow all-rounder Stokes injured his knee during the first test victory over Sri Lanka in Leeds. The 27-year-old went on to score 105 runs in three innings and picked up eight wickets as England romped to a 2-0 series victory over the Sri Lankans following a comfortable win in Durham and a rain-affected draw at Lord's. "I'd be stupid to think that, if Ben (Stokes) is fit, I'm going to play (over him), but I might have given them (the selectors) a headache. I might be able to fit into the team even if he is involved again," Woakes told British media. Meanwhile, test team mate Stuart Broad has set his sights on representing England at the 2019 50-overs World Cup after the seamer was omitted from the squad for the Sri Lanka one-day series announced earlier this week. "A big aim of mine is to be in that World Cup squad in 2019. The two major tournaments coming up are that and the Champions Trophy and I've got to plot a way back in really," said Broad, who is England's third-highest wicket-taker in one-day cricket. "I'm still only 29... A lot of people have played at World Cups at 32 and that's certainly not an old age for a cricketer, so I've got huge goals to be a part of that and have to pick some stuff to get involved in." The 2019 World Cup is being hosted by England and Wales. (Reuters)

Woakes thinks there'll be room for him, and Stokes on the England team

Pakistan cricket captain Misbah-ul Haq hopes the upcoming test series in England will help spur the return of international cricket to the South Asian nation after a seven-year absence due to security fears. 
 
Pakistan has not staged test matches since a 2009 gun attack on Sri Lanka&#39;s team bus in Lahore killed six Pakistani policemen and a van driver. Some players and a local umpire were injured. 
 
Improved security in Pakistan in recent years has prompted calls for international teams to return but test playing nations have so far refused to tour a country where Islamist militants still pose a threat. 
 
Misbah told Reuters he hoped the four-test series in England &quot;would help revive cricket series in Pakistan&quot;. 
 
Pakistan last played test matches in England in 2012 and the 42-year-old batsman said he expected an &quot;exciting&quot; tour after such a long gap. 
 
&quot;It is a big tour for Pakistan,&quot; Misbah said late on Thursday during a send-off dinner for the Pakistani team hosted by Britain&#39;s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Thomas Drew. 
 
Britain&#39;s Prime Minister David Cameron also sent a good luck message to Pakistan&#39;s team, saying: &quot;I hope that one day in the not too distant future I will be able to wish the England cricket team a successful tour of Pakistan.&quot; 
 
Pakistan&#39;s formidable pace attack, spearheaded by left-armers Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz, will face a resurgent and youthful England team captained by Alastair Cook, who last month became the first England cricketer to reach 10,000 test runs. 
 
&quot;England cricket team is a strong and balanced one,&quot; Pakistan&#39;s experienced all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez said. &quot;Pakistan team has plenty of talent. We will try to give a quality series to the spectators and cricket fans.&quot; 
 
Since 2009, Pakistan&#39;s national team has been hosting foreign teams in the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan defeated England in a three-test series in 2015, winning two matches and drawing the third. 
 
The coming test series will see the return of Amir to test cricket after serving a five-year ban following a spot-fixing scandal in England. 
 
It will also be the first test series for leg-spinner Yasir Shah since he served a three-month suspension for a doping violation. 
 
Shaharyar Khan, chairman of Pakistan&#39;s cricket board, said he was confident Misbah&#39;s squad would hold its own against England and urged them to show their worth. 
 
&quot;I would say, play hard, giving no quarter to England for under Alastair Cook they are too good an outfit to not make you regret it,&quot; he said. 
 
Pakistan will play four tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 International in England between July 14 and September 7.

Country has not hosted a game since a 2009 attack on Sri Lanka's team bus in Lahore killed six Pakistani policemen and a van driver

Pakistan cricket captain Misbah-ul Haq hopes the upcoming test series in England will help spur the return of international cricket to the South Asian nation after a seven-year absence due to security fears. Pakistan has not staged test matches since a 2009 gun attack on Sri Lanka's team bus in Lahore killed six Pakistani policemen and a van driver. Some players and a local umpire were injured. Improved security in Pakistan in recent years has prompted calls for international teams to return but test playing nations have so far refused to tour a country where Islamist militants still pose a threat. Misbah told Reuters he hoped the four-test series in England "would help revive cricket series in Pakistan". Pakistan last played test matches in England in 2012 and the 42-year-old batsman said he expected an "exciting" tour after such a long gap. "It is a big tour for Pakistan," Misbah said late on Thursday during a send-off dinner for the Pakistani team hosted by Britain's High Commissioner to Pakistan, Thomas Drew. Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron also sent a good luck message to Pakistan's team, saying: "I hope that one day in the not too distant future I will be able to wish the England cricket team a successful tour of Pakistan." Pakistan's formidable pace attack, spearheaded by left-armers Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz, will face a resurgent and youthful England team captained by Alastair Cook, who last month became the first England cricketer to reach 10,000 test runs. "England cricket team is a strong and balanced one," Pakistan's experienced all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez said. "Pakistan team has plenty of talent. We will try to give a quality series to the spectators and cricket fans." Since 2009, Pakistan's national team has been hosting foreign teams in the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan defeated England in a three-test series in 2015, winning two matches and drawing the third. The coming test series will see the return of Amir to test cricket after serving a five-year ban following a spot-fixing scandal in England. It will also be the first test series for leg-spinner Yasir Shah since he served a three-month suspension for a doping violation. Shaharyar Khan, chairman of Pakistan's cricket board, said he was confident Misbah's squad would hold its own against England and urged them to show their worth. "I would say, play hard, giving no quarter to England for under Alastair Cook they are too good an outfit to not make you regret it," he said. Pakistan will play four tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 International in England between July 14 and September 7.

Misbah hopes England series will lead to Test matches in Pakistan

A panel including former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly will select India&#39;s next head coach from a shortlist of 21 candidates by June 22, said&nbsp;the the Board of Control for&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;in India&nbsp;(BCCI). 
 
The BCCI received 57 applications and despite recommending a smaller pool of nominees, all of the petitions will still be available to a panel which also includes former test batsman VVS Laxman, said&nbsp;board secretary Ajay Shirke in a statement. 
 
The post has been vacant since Ravi Shastri&#39;s tenure as the team director ended with India&#39;s semi-final exit at the World Twenty20 tournament on home soil earlier this year. 
 
Shastri has thrown his hat in the ring once more, while former captain Anil Kumble and chief selector Sandeep Patil have also confirmed they were keen to take on one of the most challenging jobs in international cricket. 
(Reuters)

The post has been vacant since Ravi Shastri's tenure ended with India's semi-final exit at the World Twenty20 tournament earlier this year

A panel including former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly will select India's next head coach from a shortlist of 21 candidates by June 22, said the the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI received 57 applications and despite recommending a smaller pool of nominees, all of the petitions will still be available to a panel which also includes former test batsman VVS Laxman, said board secretary Ajay Shirke in a statement. The post has been vacant since Ravi Shastri's tenure as the team director ended with India's semi-final exit at the World Twenty20 tournament on home soil earlier this year. Shastri has thrown his hat in the ring once more, while former captain Anil Kumble and chief selector Sandeep Patil have also confirmed they were keen to take on one of the most challenging jobs in international cricket. (Reuters)

21 candidates shortlisted for Indian cricket head coach's role

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir became the first South African to claim seven wickets in a One-Day International as the Proteas demolished West Indies in St Kitts on Wednesday. 
 
Tahir served up a rich variety of deliveries to claim 7-45 from nine overs as the South Africa won by 139 runs, dismissing the bewildered West Indies for 204 in 38 overs at Warner Park. 
 
Earlier, Hashim Amla scored 110 off 99 balls to notch his 23rd career ODI century, sharing an opening partnership of 182 with Quinton de Kock (71) to set the visitors on their way to a formidable 343-4. 
 
West Indies made a bright start in reply with openers Johnson Charles and Andrew Fletcher compiling a quickfire 69 before the latter holed out at deep mid-wicket for 21 from the last ball of the ninth over to give Tahir his first wicket. 
 
The result was never in doubt once Charles, who scored 49, was sent packing in the 13th over. 
 
Tahir&#39;s haul included the scalp of World Twenty20 hero Carlos Brathwaite, who was clean bowled by a wicked googly for a golden duck. 
 
In his 58th match, Tahir became the fastest South African bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets, and the fourth quickest overall. 
 
Tahir said he had not realised he needed only two wickets to crack the century until a pre-match phone call came from his wife. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m grateful she reminded me,&quot; the 37-year-old said. &quot;I&#39;m really pleased.&quot; 
 
West Indies captain Jason Holder offered no excuses. 
 
&quot;We weren&#39;t good enough today and were totally outplayed. We didn&#39;t bowl well, especially the first 10 overs,&quot; he said. 
 
South Africa&#39;s victory leaves the triangular series evenly poised, with the Proteas, West Indies and Australia all on two wins from four matches. 
 
South Africa, thanks to two bonus points, lead the standings with 10 points, followed by Australia on nine and West Indies on eight. 
 
The series shifts to Barbados for three more matches from Sunday and the hosts face the biggest challenge if they are to make the June 25 final. 
 
&quot;Probably one (victory) out of two games will be enough for us to go to the final,&quot; said South African captain AB de Villiers. 
(Reuters)

In his 58th match, Imran Tahir became the fastest South African bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets, and the fourth quickest overall

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir became the first South African to claim seven wickets in a One-Day International as the Proteas demolished West Indies in St Kitts on Wednesday. Tahir served up a rich variety of deliveries to claim 7-45 from nine overs as the South Africa won by 139 runs, dismissing the bewildered West Indies for 204 in 38 overs at Warner Park. Earlier, Hashim Amla scored 110 off 99 balls to notch his 23rd career ODI century, sharing an opening partnership of 182 with Quinton de Kock (71) to set the visitors on their way to a formidable 343-4. West Indies made a bright start in reply with openers Johnson Charles and Andrew Fletcher compiling a quickfire 69 before the latter holed out at deep mid-wicket for 21 from the last ball of the ninth over to give Tahir his first wicket. The result was never in doubt once Charles, who scored 49, was sent packing in the 13th over. Tahir's haul included the scalp of World Twenty20 hero Carlos Brathwaite, who was clean bowled by a wicked googly for a golden duck. In his 58th match, Tahir became the fastest South African bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets, and the fourth quickest overall. Tahir said he had not realised he needed only two wickets to crack the century until a pre-match phone call came from his wife. "I'm grateful she reminded me," the 37-year-old said. "I'm really pleased." West Indies captain Jason Holder offered no excuses. "We weren't good enough today and were totally outplayed. We didn't bowl well, especially the first 10 overs," he said. South Africa's victory leaves the triangular series evenly poised, with the Proteas, West Indies and Australia all on two wins from four matches. South Africa, thanks to two bonus points, lead the standings with 10 points, followed by Australia on nine and West Indies on eight. The series shifts to Barbados for three more matches from Sunday and the hosts face the biggest challenge if they are to make the June 25 final. "Probably one (victory) out of two games will be enough for us to go to the final," said South African captain AB de Villiers. (Reuters)

Tahir spins South Africa to victory over West Indies

Day-night tests are the future of cricket&#39;s longest format but the boards should not rush into them, according to New Zealand pace great Richard Hadlee. Australia played the first day-night test against New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval last November and have agreed another flood-lit match with South Africa at the same venue during the home summer. 
 
The concept has found ready takers in south Asia with India trialling pink-balls and Pakistan agreeing to play a floodlit test in Brisbane in December. 
 
&quot;You try, it is the game of the future. Probably one test in a series is fair enough,&quot; Hadlee told reporters in Mumbai. &quot;I think most people like to see the traditional format during the day.&quot; 
 
The durability of the pink kookaburra ball and the dew factor in India have raised doubts about the future of a floodlit test in the country. 
 
Hadlee said the players must get ample practice before such a contest. 
 
&quot;It is important for the players to have practice games; you cannot ask them to go out there and ask them to play a day-night game against the pink ball. It is unrealistic in a professional environment era. That needs to be tried and tested, so players can get some confidence. Conditions are different all around the world, so we don&#39;t really know how the pink ball is going to work here in India and that&#39;s why players need to have those practice games,&quot; he added. 
 
(Reuters)

Australia played the first such Test against the Kiwis last November

Day-night tests are the future of cricket's longest format but the boards should not rush into them, according to New Zealand pace great Richard Hadlee. Australia played the first day-night test against New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval last November and have agreed another flood-lit match with South Africa at the same venue during the home summer. The concept has found ready takers in south Asia with India trialling pink-balls and Pakistan agreeing to play a floodlit test in Brisbane in December. "You try, it is the game of the future. Probably one test in a series is fair enough," Hadlee told reporters in Mumbai. "I think most people like to see the traditional format during the day." The durability of the pink kookaburra ball and the dew factor in India have raised doubts about the future of a floodlit test in the country. Hadlee said the players must get ample practice before such a contest. "It is important for the players to have practice games; you cannot ask them to go out there and ask them to play a day-night game against the pink ball. It is unrealistic in a professional environment era. That needs to be tried and tested, so players can get some confidence. Conditions are different all around the world, so we don't really know how the pink ball is going to work here in India and that's why players need to have those practice games," he added. (Reuters)

Hadlee warns against rushing into day-night Tests

Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has made it clear that he is not interested in replacing Craig McDermott as bowling coach of the Australia test side.

The 41-year-old, known universally as &quot;Dizzy&quot;, was mentioned as a target to join the Australia staff by head coach Darren &quot;Boof&quot; Lehmann after McDermott stepped down the wake of the World Twenty20 earlier this year.

Gillespie, however, said he had no intention of abandoning his job at English county Yorkshire, who he has led to successive County Championship titles, and heading back Down Under.

&quot;Darren had mentioned on radio in Australia that he&#39;d be keen to get me back into the system over there,&quot; he told the BBC.

&quot;I was always going to catch up with Darren when he was over here because he&#39;s one of my best mates, but I got stuck into him a bit because he didn&#39;t need to mention my name on the radio.

&quot;I informed him I wouldn&#39;t be applying for a role so we can end the speculation. I was not offered a job and I have made it very clear that I would not be applying for any role with Cricket Australia.&quot;

Former South African quick Allan Donald will mentor Australia&#39;s bowlers for the upcoming test series in Sri Lanka, while West Australia&#39;s Adam Griffith is in charge for the limited overs series against West Indies and South Africa that precedes it.

The Yorkshire coach has shot down rumours that he's replacing Craig McDermott

Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has made it clear that he is not interested in replacing Craig McDermott as bowling coach of the Australia test side. The 41-year-old, known universally as "Dizzy", was mentioned as a target to join the Australia staff by head coach Darren "Boof" Lehmann after McDermott stepped down the wake of the World Twenty20 earlier this year. Gillespie, however, said he had no intention of abandoning his job at English county Yorkshire, who he has led to successive County Championship titles, and heading back Down Under. "Darren had mentioned on radio in Australia that he'd be keen to get me back into the system over there," he told the BBC. "I was always going to catch up with Darren when he was over here because he's one of my best mates, but I got stuck into him a bit because he didn't need to mention my name on the radio. "I informed him I wouldn't be applying for a role so we can end the speculation. I was not offered a job and I have made it very clear that I would not be applying for any role with Cricket Australia." Former South African quick Allan Donald will mentor Australia's bowlers for the upcoming test series in Sri Lanka, while West Australia's Adam Griffith is in charge for the limited overs series against West Indies and South Africa that precedes it.

Gillespie rules out Australia coach roles

England test captain&nbsp;and&nbsp;skipper, Alastair Cook, believes his batsmen are well-prepared to deal with Pakistan&#39;s fiery attack next month after getting plenty of practice in the middle against a weakened Sri Lanka side. 
 
England crushed Sri Lanka 2-0 in the three-test home series that concluded on Monday, facing little resistance from a team shorn of frontline pacemen Dushmantha Chameera and Dhammika Prasad through injury at different stages during the tour. 
 
However, Cook&#39;s side can expect a far bigger challenge from a formidable Pakistani pace attack spearheaded by left-armers Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz, supplemented by tricky leg-spinner Yasir Shah. 
 
&quot;They&#39;ve got a very good pace attack, backed up with spinners,&quot; Cook said after the rain-hit final test against Sri Lanka ended in a tame draw at Lord&#39;s. 
 
&quot;But we&#39;re ready for them. We scored a lot of runs against Australia&#39;s attack here last year. I think it&#39;s going to be a brilliant series.&quot; 
 
Amir will be returning to test cricket after serving a five-year ban following a spot-fixing scandal in England, while the four-test series will be Shah&#39;s first since he served a three-month suspension for a doping violation. 
 
Cook will also be delighted to have finally found a stable opening partner in Alex Hales, who finished the series against Sri Lanka as the second highest scorer on 292 runs from five innings. 
 
His performance marked a significant improvement by the 27-year-old Hales, who averaged just 17 in his debut test series in South Africa earlier this year as he struggled to make the transition from limited-overs cricket. 
 
&quot;Three scores of 80 and above from Alex Hales was really pleasing,&quot; Cook said of his eighth opening partner since Andrew Strauss retired in 2012. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s certainly tightened up his game from South Africa and probably just learned about test cricket.&quot; 
 
It was a satisfying series for Jonny Bairstow too, the English wicketkeeper-batsman emerging as the top-scorer and walking away with the man-of-the-series award. 
 
Cook hailed Bairstow&#39;s batting prowess but admitted the 26-year-old had room for improvement behind the stumps. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s great to have an attacking batsman coming in and taking it to the opposition. He&#39;s been very similar to Matt Prior when he was at his best.&quot; 
 
&quot;He knows how hard he has to work at his keeping... He knows a couple of chances have gone down, but you don&#39;t become a world-class wicketkeeper overnight. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s made big strides since that South Africa series and is certainly heading in the right direction.&quot; 
 
Pakistan will play four tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 International in England between July 14 and September 7. 
 
(Reuters)

They've just come off a 2-0 win against Lanka but Pak's pace attack is going to be a lot more fiery

England test captain and skipper, Alastair Cook, believes his batsmen are well-prepared to deal with Pakistan's fiery attack next month after getting plenty of practice in the middle against a weakened Sri Lanka side. England crushed Sri Lanka 2-0 in the three-test home series that concluded on Monday, facing little resistance from a team shorn of frontline pacemen Dushmantha Chameera and Dhammika Prasad through injury at different stages during the tour. However, Cook's side can expect a far bigger challenge from a formidable Pakistani pace attack spearheaded by left-armers Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz, supplemented by tricky leg-spinner Yasir Shah. "They've got a very good pace attack, backed up with spinners," Cook said after the rain-hit final test against Sri Lanka ended in a tame draw at Lord's. "But we're ready for them. We scored a lot of runs against Australia's attack here last year. I think it's going to be a brilliant series." Amir will be returning to test cricket after serving a five-year ban following a spot-fixing scandal in England, while the four-test series will be Shah's first since he served a three-month suspension for a doping violation. Cook will also be delighted to have finally found a stable opening partner in Alex Hales, who finished the series against Sri Lanka as the second highest scorer on 292 runs from five innings. His performance marked a significant improvement by the 27-year-old Hales, who averaged just 17 in his debut test series in South Africa earlier this year as he struggled to make the transition from limited-overs cricket. "Three scores of 80 and above from Alex Hales was really pleasing," Cook said of his eighth opening partner since Andrew Strauss retired in 2012. "He's certainly tightened up his game from South Africa and probably just learned about test cricket." It was a satisfying series for Jonny Bairstow too, the English wicketkeeper-batsman emerging as the top-scorer and walking away with the man-of-the-series award. Cook hailed Bairstow's batting prowess but admitted the 26-year-old had room for improvement behind the stumps. "It's great to have an attacking batsman coming in and taking it to the opposition. He's been very similar to Matt Prior when he was at his best." "He knows how hard he has to work at his keeping... He knows a couple of chances have gone down, but you don't become a world-class wicketkeeper overnight. "He's made big strides since that South Africa series and is certainly heading in the right direction." Pakistan will play four tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 International in England between July 14 and September 7. (Reuters)

England ready for Pakistan, says Cook

Plans to host a first day-night test in India later this year remain intact, the country&#39;s cricket board (BCCI) secretary said on Tuesday, dismissing a local media report that prospective opponents New Zealand had rejected the idea. 
 
In April, the BCCI decided that one match of a three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair, pending trials of the pink-ball in a domestic tournament, with Kolkata&#39;s Eden Gardens a popular choice for the contest. 
 
A local media report claimed New Zealand Cricket (NZC) were wary of the dew factor and ground conditions in India during the series scheduled to start in September and had conveyed their reluctance to BCCI officials. 
 
BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, in a text message to Reuters, said the plan remained very much on. 
 
An NZC spokesman confirmed New Zealand, who played the first pink-ball test against Australia in November, were committed to a day-night test in India. 
 
&quot;NZC has taken the precaution of contacting the BCCI to advise statements in the article regarding a day-night test are in no way representative of our position, and that no such comments have been made by our Board,&quot; the spokesperson told www.stuff.co.nz. 
 
&quot;The only comment NZC has made on the matter is that it&#39;s supportive of the concept... and that stance hasn&#39;t changed.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

A New Zealand media report had claimed the Kiwis were wary of Indian ground conditions and the dew factor

Plans to host a first day-night test in India later this year remain intact, the country's cricket board (BCCI) secretary said on Tuesday, dismissing a local media report that prospective opponents New Zealand had rejected the idea. In April, the BCCI decided that one match of a three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair, pending trials of the pink-ball in a domestic tournament, with Kolkata's Eden Gardens a popular choice for the contest. A local media report claimed New Zealand Cricket (NZC) were wary of the dew factor and ground conditions in India during the series scheduled to start in September and had conveyed their reluctance to BCCI officials. BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, in a text message to Reuters, said the plan remained very much on. An NZC spokesman confirmed New Zealand, who played the first pink-ball test against Australia in November, were committed to a day-night test in India. "NZC has taken the precaution of contacting the BCCI to advise statements in the article regarding a day-night test are in no way representative of our position, and that no such comments have been made by our Board," the spokesperson told www.stuff.co.nz. "The only comment NZC has made on the matter is that it's supportive of the concept... and that stance hasn't changed." (Reuters)

India still keen on hosting day-night cricket test against New Zealand

India, powered by seamer Jasprit Bumrah&#39;s 4-22, crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in third and final One-day International (ODI) series whitewash at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. 
 
Zimbabwe made five changes for the third and final ODI, but it made no difference as they were bowled out for 123. 
 
India required less than 22 overs to chase a target of 124, as Lokesh Rahul made an unbeaten 63 and Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with 55 not out. 
 
The two teams begin a three-match Twenty20 international series at the same venue on Saturday. 
 
(AFP)

KL Rahul made an unbeaten 63, Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with a 55 not out

India, powered by seamer Jasprit Bumrah's 4-22, crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in third and final One-day International (ODI) series whitewash at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Zimbabwe made five changes for the third and final ODI, but it made no difference as they were bowled out for 123. India required less than 22 overs to chase a target of 124, as Lokesh Rahul made an unbeaten 63 and Faiz Fazal marked his international debut with 55 not out. The two teams begin a three-match Twenty20 international series at the same venue on Saturday. (AFP)

India thrash Zimbabwe in third ODI, win series 3-0

A hard-hitting 92 by Marlon Samuels, which included three consecutive sixes in the 42nd over, helped lift West Indies to a four-wicket win over Australia in the fifth game of a triangular one-day international (ODI) series in St Kitts on Monday. 
 
Samuels took advantage of the short boundaries at Warner Park on the small Caribbean island, compiling his score in just 87 balls as he smacked four sixes and eight fours to compile his first career ODI half-century against Australia. 
 
Opener Johnson Charles also played a big part in the result with a free-scoring 48 off 38 balls, which set the tone as they chased down Australia&#39;s total with 26 balls to spare after the visitors had compiled 265 for 7 off the 50 overs. 
 
Carlos Brathwaite hit the winning run as the hosts, who were soundly beaten by Australia earlier in the series, recorded their second victory from three matches. 
 
Australia have won two of four matches, while South Africa, the other team in the series, have one win from three games. 
 
After nine games, with each team playing six matches, the top two qualify for the June 26 final. 
 
West Indies&#39; performance reaffirmed the competitiveness of the Caribbean team in the sport&#39;s shorter formats, a stark contrast to their recent struggles in five-day Test cricket. 
 
&quot;It means a lot to us,&quot; captain Jason Holder said. &quot;It just shows we can beat these teams. We just need to be consistent.&quot; 
 
Australia, sent in to bat, promoted left-hander Usman Khawaja from number three to open in place of David Warner, who suffered a fractured finger on Saturday. 
 
Khawaja made 98 before being run out, while captain Steve Smith chimed in with 74 as the pair put on a second-wicket partnership of 170 after Aaron Finch had been sent packing for a golden duck. 
 
But it was slow going for Australia near the end of their innings, and Smith said his team&#39;s total was some 15 or 20 runs short of what he would have considered satisfactory. 
 
&quot;After 30 overs, we probably should have got a few more but credit to West Indies, I thought they bowled well,&quot; he said in an on-field interview. 
(Reuters)

West Indies won the 5th ODI of the tri-series tournament by four wickets

A hard-hitting 92 by Marlon Samuels, which included three consecutive sixes in the 42nd over, helped lift West Indies to a four-wicket win over Australia in the fifth game of a triangular one-day international (ODI) series in St Kitts on Monday. Samuels took advantage of the short boundaries at Warner Park on the small Caribbean island, compiling his score in just 87 balls as he smacked four sixes and eight fours to compile his first career ODI half-century against Australia. Opener Johnson Charles also played a big part in the result with a free-scoring 48 off 38 balls, which set the tone as they chased down Australia's total with 26 balls to spare after the visitors had compiled 265 for 7 off the 50 overs. Carlos Brathwaite hit the winning run as the hosts, who were soundly beaten by Australia earlier in the series, recorded their second victory from three matches. Australia have won two of four matches, while South Africa, the other team in the series, have one win from three games. After nine games, with each team playing six matches, the top two qualify for the June 26 final. West Indies' performance reaffirmed the competitiveness of the Caribbean team in the sport's shorter formats, a stark contrast to their recent struggles in five-day Test cricket. "It means a lot to us," captain Jason Holder said. "It just shows we can beat these teams. We just need to be consistent." Australia, sent in to bat, promoted left-hander Usman Khawaja from number three to open in place of David Warner, who suffered a fractured finger on Saturday. Khawaja made 98 before being run out, while captain Steve Smith chimed in with 74 as the pair put on a second-wicket partnership of 170 after Aaron Finch had been sent packing for a golden duck. But it was slow going for Australia near the end of their innings, and Smith said his team's total was some 15 or 20 runs short of what he would have considered satisfactory. "After 30 overs, we probably should have got a few more but credit to West Indies, I thought they bowled well," he said in an on-field interview. (Reuters)

Samuels' 92 helps Windies beat Australia

India named six new Test venues today as they prepare to host New Zealand, England and then top-ranked Australia in an exhaustive home season starting in October. 
 
India will kickstart the season against New Zealand with three Tests and five One-Day Internationals, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said. 
 
England then arrive for five Tests and six limited-overs matches, while the Australia series is scheduled for February and March next year. 
 
Bangladesh will also play a one-off Test during the season, their first such outing in India since they gained Test status in 2000. 
 
The cities of Rajkot, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Dharamsala, Ranchi and Indore will host Test matches for the first time, the BCCI said after a meeting in Mumbai. 
 
&quot;I welcome the new Test venues. Their arrival will take Test match cricket to every corner of the country,&quot; BCCI president Anurag Thakur said in a statement. 
 
India will play 13 Tests in total during the season, the most since the 1979-80 home season, along with eight ODIs and three T20 Internationals. 
 
The BCCI also said that the domestic Duleep Trophy tournament in September will be played under lights and with a pink ball for the first time in the country. 
 
Australia and New Zealand played the inaugural day-night Test in Adelaide last year, attracting huge crowds.

BCCI president Anurag Thakur believes that with these new venues, Test cricket will go to every corner of the country

India named six new Test venues today as they prepare to host New Zealand, England and then top-ranked Australia in an exhaustive home season starting in October. India will kickstart the season against New Zealand with three Tests and five One-Day Internationals, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said. England then arrive for five Tests and six limited-overs matches, while the Australia series is scheduled for February and March next year. Bangladesh will also play a one-off Test during the season, their first such outing in India since they gained Test status in 2000. The cities of Rajkot, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Dharamsala, Ranchi and Indore will host Test matches for the first time, the BCCI said after a meeting in Mumbai. "I welcome the new Test venues. Their arrival will take Test match cricket to every corner of the country," BCCI president Anurag Thakur said in a statement. India will play 13 Tests in total during the season, the most since the 1979-80 home season, along with eight ODIs and three T20 Internationals. The BCCI also said that the domestic Duleep Trophy tournament in September will be played under lights and with a pink ball for the first time in the country. Australia and New Zealand played the inaugural day-night Test in Adelaide last year, attracting huge crowds.

India names new Test venues for home season

Cricket Australia (CA) will push for up to two day-night Tests at next year&#39;s Ashes series despite the misgivings of captain Steven Smith and his England counterpart Alastair Cook. 
 
Both skippers said they felt the game&#39;s most enduring series could survive without being played under lights but CA CEO James Sutherland said he felt it was a &quot;natural progression&quot;. &quot;I respect the views of Steven and Alastair,&quot; he told reporters in Melbourne today. 
 
&quot;The Ashes is a great contest and will no doubt attract a huge audience both at the grounds and on television, but the facts of the matter are by playing day-night Tests, we&#39;re going to get even bigger audiences at the game and on television.&nbsp;The Ashes series is still a long way off and we want to get through this summer first but we will play somewhere between zero and two day-night Tests during the Ashes in 18 months&#39; time.&quot; 
 
Australia played the maiden day-night Test against New Zealand at Adelaide Oval last November and have just agreed another flood-lit match with South Africa at the same venue during the home summer. 
 
The hosts will also play their series-opener against Pakistan with the pink ball in Brisbane for the first time in December. 
 
Smith has backed day-night cricket repeatedly but said he did not feel it necessary for the Ashes, which reliably draws big crowds.&nbsp;&quot;I think it works pretty well with the red ball,&quot; he told media while on tour in the Caribbean.&nbsp;&quot;It&#39;s been around for years and I think playing against England we always get the viewers and the crowds out,&quot; added Smith. 
 
Cook echoed Smith&#39;s position. &quot;It&#39;s probably not a series where you need to do it exactly at this time,&quot; he said. 
 
England and Wales Cricket board chairman Colin Graves has also backed day-night cricket, saying it was only a matter of time that a match would be played in England.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland believes that day-night tests will draw bigger audiences to the game and on television

Cricket Australia (CA) will push for up to two day-night Tests at next year's Ashes series despite the misgivings of captain Steven Smith and his England counterpart Alastair Cook. Both skippers said they felt the game's most enduring series could survive without being played under lights but CA CEO James Sutherland said he felt it was a "natural progression". "I respect the views of Steven and Alastair," he told reporters in Melbourne today. "The Ashes is a great contest and will no doubt attract a huge audience both at the grounds and on television, but the facts of the matter are by playing day-night Tests, we're going to get even bigger audiences at the game and on television. The Ashes series is still a long way off and we want to get through this summer first but we will play somewhere between zero and two day-night Tests during the Ashes in 18 months' time." Australia played the maiden day-night Test against New Zealand at Adelaide Oval last November and have just agreed another flood-lit match with South Africa at the same venue during the home summer. The hosts will also play their series-opener against Pakistan with the pink ball in Brisbane for the first time in December. Smith has backed day-night cricket repeatedly but said he did not feel it necessary for the Ashes, which reliably draws big crowds. "I think it works pretty well with the red ball," he told media while on tour in the Caribbean. "It's been around for years and I think playing against England we always get the viewers and the crowds out," added Smith. Cook echoed Smith's position. "It's probably not a series where you need to do it exactly at this time," he said. England and Wales Cricket board chairman Colin Graves has also backed day-night cricket, saying it was only a matter of time that a match would be played in England.

Cricket Australia pushing for two day-night Ashes Tests

Dean Elgar has been called up by South Africa to replace injured batsman Rilee Rossouw for the rest of the Tri-Nation One-Day International series in West Indies, Cricket South Africa said yesterday. 
 
Rossouw dislocated his shoulder in Tuesday&rsquo;s 47-run victory over Australia at Providence. 
 
&ldquo;Rilee fell awkwardly on his shoulder while fielding the ball on the boundary. He was immediately taken to the local hospital for X-rays which confirmed he had dislocated the AC joint of his right shoulder,&quot; manager Mohammed Moosajee said in a statement. 
 
&quot;He will be unable to take further part in this series and will return back to South Africa as soon as possible. The extent of the injury and the recovery period will only be known once he has been assessed and managed by one of Cricket South Africa&rsquo;s panel of shoulder specialists.&rdquo; 
 
Elgar, 28, last played an ODI for South Africa against India in Mumbai in October. He has played six ODIs previously for South Africa. 
 
South Africa and Australia meet again on Saturday in Basseterre in St Kitts &amp; Nevis in the fourth match of the 10-game series.

Dean Elgar will replace batsman Rilee Rossouw who has a dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint of his right shoulder

Dean Elgar has been called up by South Africa to replace injured batsman Rilee Rossouw for the rest of the Tri-Nation One-Day International series in West Indies, Cricket South Africa said yesterday. Rossouw dislocated his shoulder in Tuesday’s 47-run victory over Australia at Providence. “Rilee fell awkwardly on his shoulder while fielding the ball on the boundary. He was immediately taken to the local hospital for X-rays which confirmed he had dislocated the AC joint of his right shoulder," manager Mohammed Moosajee said in a statement. "He will be unable to take further part in this series and will return back to South Africa as soon as possible. The extent of the injury and the recovery period will only be known once he has been assessed and managed by one of Cricket South Africa’s panel of shoulder specialists.” Elgar, 28, last played an ODI for South Africa against India in Mumbai in October. He has played six ODIs previously for South Africa. South Africa and Australia meet again on Saturday in Basseterre in St Kitts & Nevis in the fourth match of the 10-game series.

South Africa call up Elgar to replace injured Rossouw in ODI series

The record books were rewritten twice in an astonishing run spree at Nottinghamshire&#39;s Trent Bridge ground yesterday which saw a record English one-day partnership and the most aggregate runs scored in a List A match. 
 
By the close in the Royal London One-Day Cup game between Notts and Northamptonshire, statisticians were checking to see if there had ever been a day like it anywhere in the world. 
 
The big hitting began from the start with Nottinghamshire&#39;s Riki Wessels and Michael Lumb sharing a record one-day partnership in England of 342 from 39.2 overs. 
 
Wessels eventually departed for a career-best 146, from 97 balls, while Lumb went on to make 184, also his best and a record for the county, as Nottinghamshire posted 445 for 8, the second highest score for a List A match in the world. 
 
The runs continued to flow when Northamptonshire chased down what would have been another record for a team batting second. But they fell short despite 128 from Rory Kleinveldt. 
 
Their total of 425 gave Nottinghamshire victory by 20 runs in a game which saw an unprecedented 870 runs scored in the day, three more than Surrey and Glamorgan managed in 2002. 
 
Afterwards Lumb joked: &quot;It was a bit twitchy. What a great game of cricket. Never in doubt.&quot; 
 
&quot;I was surprised they took it that deep but it&#39;s credit to them. Rory Kleinveldt was unbelievable. It was an unbelievable game. I don&#39;t think we could do too much more. I&#39;m proud of all the boys.&quot; 
 
The Nottinghamshire stand beat the previous record in England of 318 by Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid for India against Sri Lanka at Taunton in the 1999 World Cup. 
 
Lumb and Wessels&#39; English record is the third-highest partnership in List A games, behind the 372 which Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels took off Zimbabwe in the 2015 World Cup. 
 
The record for the highest team total is held by Surrey, who made 496-4 against Gloucestershire in 2007. 
 
List A matches are played over 40-60 overs.

Nottinghamshire duo Riki Wessels and Michael Lumb's partnership of 342 runs beat the previous record in England of 318 by Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid for India

The record books were rewritten twice in an astonishing run spree at Nottinghamshire's Trent Bridge ground yesterday which saw a record English one-day partnership and the most aggregate runs scored in a List A match. By the close in the Royal London One-Day Cup game between Notts and Northamptonshire, statisticians were checking to see if there had ever been a day like it anywhere in the world. The big hitting began from the start with Nottinghamshire's Riki Wessels and Michael Lumb sharing a record one-day partnership in England of 342 from 39.2 overs. Wessels eventually departed for a career-best 146, from 97 balls, while Lumb went on to make 184, also his best and a record for the county, as Nottinghamshire posted 445 for 8, the second highest score for a List A match in the world. The runs continued to flow when Northamptonshire chased down what would have been another record for a team batting second. But they fell short despite 128 from Rory Kleinveldt. Their total of 425 gave Nottinghamshire victory by 20 runs in a game which saw an unprecedented 870 runs scored in the day, three more than Surrey and Glamorgan managed in 2002. Afterwards Lumb joked: "It was a bit twitchy. What a great game of cricket. Never in doubt." "I was surprised they took it that deep but it's credit to them. Rory Kleinveldt was unbelievable. It was an unbelievable game. I don't think we could do too much more. I'm proud of all the boys." The Nottinghamshire stand beat the previous record in England of 318 by Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid for India against Sri Lanka at Taunton in the 1999 World Cup. Lumb and Wessels' English record is the third-highest partnership in List A games, behind the 372 which Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels took off Zimbabwe in the 2015 World Cup. The record for the highest team total is held by Surrey, who made 496-4 against Gloucestershire in 2007. List A matches are played over 40-60 overs.

Records tumble in English county one-day game

Sri Lankan pace bowler Nuwan Kulasekara quit test cricket on Wednesday in order to focus his attention on the sport&#39;s shorter formats, in which he is considered a greater threat with the ball.

&quot;I would like to retire from playing test cricket with immediate effect,&quot; the 33-year-old said in a letter to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

&quot;After much thought, I believe it is the right time to retire and I hope it will allow me to better prepare for ODI and T20 cricket, which I would like to continue playing for Sri Lanka subject to good performance and selection.&quot;

Despite lacking express pace, Kulasekara made the most of his ability to swing the new ball to claim 48 test wickets since his 2005 debut against New Zealand in Napier.

Kulasekara played the last of his 21 tests against England at Lord&#39;s two years ago but has been a standout performer in one-dayers, with 186 wickets from 173 matches, and was ranked the top ODI bowler in March 2009.

The pace bowler wants to focus on ODIs and T20s

Sri Lankan pace bowler Nuwan Kulasekara quit test cricket on Wednesday in order to focus his attention on the sport's shorter formats, in which he is considered a greater threat with the ball. "I would like to retire from playing test cricket with immediate effect," the 33-year-old said in a letter to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). "After much thought, I believe it is the right time to retire and I hope it will allow me to better prepare for ODI and T20 cricket, which I would like to continue playing for Sri Lanka subject to good performance and selection." Despite lacking express pace, Kulasekara made the most of his ability to swing the new ball to claim 48 test wickets since his 2005 debut against New Zealand in Napier. Kulasekara played the last of his 21 tests against England at Lord's two years ago but has been a standout performer in one-dayers, with 186 wickets from 173 matches, and was ranked the top ODI bowler in March 2009.

Sri Lanka's Kulasekara bows out of Tests

Pakistan paceman Mohammad Amir, who spent time in jail and served a five-year ban for spot-fixing, will be able to handle the pressure of returning to England if he is granted a visa for their upcoming tour, said team mate Azhar Ali.

Amir was considered one of the most exciting fast bowlers in the world before a 2010 spot-fixing scandal that resulted in bans and jail sentences for him, former test captain Salman Butt and fast bowler Mohammad Asif.

The trio were cleared to return to the sport by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last September after serving suspensions.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has requested a visa for Amir, who has already toured New Zealand for a limited over series, played in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh and featured in the World Twenty20 in India since serving his ban.

Azhar had offered his resignation as one-day captain when Amir was brought back into the Pakistan fold but is now keen to move on and says the team will support the 24-year-old quick if he needs it in England.

&quot;(What happened in) 2010 is in the past and now we need to look forward,&quot; Azhar told reporters on Tuesday.

&quot;It has been a while now since he has been with us. It could have been tough, had he come in straight on such a tour, but now, after playing with us for a long time, things have settled.

&quot;Even he isn&#39;t under pressure because he has already made his comeback a few months ago and the toughest phase is over for him,&quot; Azhar said.

&quot;I know England was the place where the incident happened but hopefully he can handle the pressure like he did on his comeback. But still if anything happens, we, as a team, will handle it.&quot;

Pakistan will play four tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 International in England between July 14 and September 7.

Azhar Ali gives his vote of confidence to Mohammad Amir ahead of the England tour

Pakistan paceman Mohammad Amir, who spent time in jail and served a five-year ban for spot-fixing, will be able to handle the pressure of returning to England if he is granted a visa for their upcoming tour, said team mate Azhar Ali. Amir was considered one of the most exciting fast bowlers in the world before a 2010 spot-fixing scandal that resulted in bans and jail sentences for him, former test captain Salman Butt and fast bowler Mohammad Asif. The trio were cleared to return to the sport by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last September after serving suspensions. The Pakistan Cricket Board has requested a visa for Amir, who has already toured New Zealand for a limited over series, played in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh and featured in the World Twenty20 in India since serving his ban. Azhar had offered his resignation as one-day captain when Amir was brought back into the Pakistan fold but is now keen to move on and says the team will support the 24-year-old quick if he needs it in England. "(What happened in) 2010 is in the past and now we need to look forward," Azhar told reporters on Tuesday. "It has been a while now since he has been with us. It could have been tough, had he come in straight on such a tour, but now, after playing with us for a long time, things have settled. "Even he isn't under pressure because he has already made his comeback a few months ago and the toughest phase is over for him," Azhar said. "I know England was the place where the incident happened but hopefully he can handle the pressure like he did on his comeback. But still if anything happens, we, as a team, will handle it." Pakistan will play four tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 International in England between July 14 and September 7.

Pakistan's ODI skipper backs Amir in England return

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