Nick Hockley, the newly appointed CEO of Cricket Australia, heaped praises on BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and called the former Indian skipper a fantastic character.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-yuvraj-singh-predicts-opening-duo-of-team-india-for-wtc-finals-390411" hreflang="en">Cricket: Yuvraj Singh predicts opening duo of Team India for WTC Finals</a>

"He's just really great. He's a good, down-to-earth guy. I'll tell you what, there's no one that's more passionate about the game. And he's just been an absolute pleasure to deal with. We have been dealing with him recently because we have the Indian women's team coming out here for a Test match," Hockey said on The Grade Cricketer Podcast.

On May 31, Hockley was appointed as Australian cricket board's CEO, whereas, Sourav Ganguly kicked off his innings as the BCCI president on October 23, 2019.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-isnt-the-highest-paid-captain-in-international-cricket-check-full-list-of-skippers-and-salaries-in-2021-386865">Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021</a>

Under Ganguly, Team India played their first-ever Day/Night Test at the Eden Gardens in 2019. He saved BCCI from major loss after hosting IPL amidst the pandemic situation.

"I know they are really excited about it, it's a big moment for them. I have found them to be very relatable, very human. We have all worked together in a way where everyone understands that we've got to keep cricket going," Hockey added.&nbsp;

Nick Hockley, the newly appointed CEO of Cricket Australia, heaped praises on BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and called the former Indian skipper a fantastic character.

Nick Hockley, the newly appointed CEO of Cricket Australia, heaped praises on BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and called the former Indian skipper a fantastic character. ALSO READ: Cricket: Yuvraj Singh predicts opening duo of Team India for WTC Finals "He's just really great. He's a good, down-to-earth guy. I'll tell you what, there's no one that's more passionate about the game. And he's just been an absolute pleasure to deal with. We have been dealing with him recently because we have the Indian women's team coming out here for a Test match," Hockey said on The Grade Cricketer Podcast. On May 31, Hockley was appointed as Australian cricket board's CEO, whereas, Sourav Ganguly kicked off his innings as the BCCI president on October 23, 2019. IN PICS| Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021 Under Ganguly, Team India played their first-ever Day/Night Test at the Eden Gardens in 2019. He saved BCCI from major loss after hosting IPL amidst the pandemic situation. "I know they are really excited about it, it's a big moment for them. I have found them to be very relatable, very human. We have all worked together in a way where everyone understands that we've got to keep cricket going," Hockey added.

Cricket: 'He's just really great': Nick Hockley lauds BCCI prez Sourav Ganguly

Former Australian bowling coach David Saker urged Cricket Australia to make the investigation of the ball-tampering scandal open to the public in order to end speculations around the infamous incident.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-devon-conway-breaks-a-25-year-old-record-set-by-sourav-ganguly-389219" hreflang="en">Cricket: Devon Conway breaks a 25-year-old record set by Sourav Ganguly</a>

Cameron Bancroft, who was caught with the sandpaper hinted in an interview that it was 'obvious' that more players were aware of the plot. This has put the focus on the bowling department - Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon - who asserted in any case at the hour of the incident.

These comments from Bancroft raised several questions with many former cricketers commenting on the issue.&nbsp;

Saker, who was the bowling coach at the time, had said that even he could be held accountable for what happened.

"I can't see any point why it wouldn't be released, but that's, yeah that's up to them the way they want to handle that," Saker was quoted saying by the local media here.

Asked why the CA should release the information, Saker said, "Because these questions keep coming up, maybe if it's released, then maybe questions might stop but I don't think they will and the questions will keep getting asked."

Saker, however, denied any knowledge of the incident beforehand.&nbsp;

"Well, there's no doubt I had no idea there was any sandpaper involved. As far as we knew that we were using normal tactics to get the ball reverse-swinging so that's as far as I know.

"We've all gone in and did our bit so I can't see it going any further, but the questions will keep coming. There's no doubt about that, but that's just a part of life, you got to deal with that but it's never going to go away, that's for sure," he said.

(Inputs from PTI)

Former Australian bowling coach David Saker urged Cricket Australia to make the investigation of the ball-tampering scandal open to the public in order to end speculations around the infamous incident.

Former Australian bowling coach David Saker urged Cricket Australia to make the investigation of the ball-tampering scandal open to the public in order to end speculations around the infamous incident. ALSO READ: Cricket: Devon Conway breaks a 25-year-old record set by Sourav Ganguly Cameron Bancroft, who was caught with the sandpaper hinted in an interview that it was 'obvious' that more players were aware of the plot. This has put the focus on the bowling department - Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon - who asserted in any case at the hour of the incident. These comments from Bancroft raised several questions with many former cricketers commenting on the issue. Saker, who was the bowling coach at the time, had said that even he could be held accountable for what happened. "I can't see any point why it wouldn't be released, but that's, yeah that's up to them the way they want to handle that," Saker was quoted saying by the local media here. Asked why the CA should release the information, Saker said, "Because these questions keep coming up, maybe if it's released, then maybe questions might stop but I don't think they will and the questions will keep getting asked." Saker, however, denied any knowledge of the incident beforehand. "Well, there's no doubt I had no idea there was any sandpaper involved. As far as we knew that we were using normal tactics to get the ball reverse-swinging so that's as far as I know. "We've all gone in and did our bit so I can't see it going any further, but the questions will keep coming. There's no doubt about that, but that's just a part of life, you got to deal with that but it's never going to go away, that's for sure," he said. (Inputs from PTI)

Cricket Australia should make sandpapergate investigation public: David Saker

Steve&nbsp;Smith – It is enticing to say that Steve&nbsp;Smith is an upshot of the current generation, and an expression progressively utilised by journalists to rationalize trudging, however, in truth, he is the most recent in a long queue of manifestations.

At the point when Steve&nbsp;Smith made his first appearance in 2010, the job attributed to him was that of a leg spinner who might bat down the order. The Australian camp comprehended that something was dazzling about this 20-year-old child from New South Wales.

Steve Smith's fielding was impeccable, and the team management needed to sharpen his bowling abilities. When Smith came into the Australian squad in 2010, many had the perception that he would be the next Shane Warne.

Between Steve&nbsp;Smith's debut and Shane Warne's retirement, Australia had utilized various spinners.&nbsp;

Steve&nbsp;Smith was not adequate to play Test cricket as a leg spinner batting at number 8. After a line of lackluster showings, he was supplanted by another spinner named Nathan Lyon.&nbsp;

Steve&nbsp;Smith, however, in contrast to different spinners, got&nbsp;back to the Australian Test squad in their visit to India in 2013. Just this time, he was playing as a middle-order batsman with bowling being his optional expertise. He scored a splendid 92 in&nbsp;that match.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-are-those-people-judging-you-sheldon-jackson-lashes-out-on-team-indias-selectors-388955" hreflang="en">'Who are those people judging you': Sheldon Jackson lashes out on Team India's selectors</a>

His turning point, nonetheless, returned in the back-to-back Ashes soon thereafter. His unbeaten 138 at Oval was the high place of Australia's frustrating Ashes excursion in England.&nbsp;

His best exertion, however, came in the Ashes that late spring in Australia. He scored two centuries - one in Perth and the other in Sydney saving Australia from underneath in both circumstances. His crucial commitments assisted Australia with whipping England 5-0 and reclaim the urn.

He doesn't follow the instructing manual; he doesn't have a characteristic style that makes you expand at him in amazement. His batting procedure has consistently been exceptional. His way of batting is profoundly subject to making changes and discovering security in his underlying mix. However, he is seemingly the best batsman in the longest format of the game right now.

Also, what says a lot about his character is his capacity to get back to the Test format following a 12-month break because of sandpaper gate. He strode out, one certain foot before the other, everything he saw around him are&nbsp;the things he would prefer not to see, courageous the serenades of a threatening English crowd, posters of his pictures. Yet, there isn't anything else to do. At 17-2, there is nothing else to do except for striding out to the middle with a bat in his hand.&nbsp;

As Smith nears to three-mark score the sandpapers go up again. The boos just get stronger. They disdain him more if that was even conceivable. He had given them the most exceedingly terrible sight possible. He showed them that you could return from your most noticeably terrible mix-ups. He showed them how to trust. He grinned, crushed the air, and glanced back at the dressing area he ached to turn out to be essential for once more. His partners applaud in delight, and so do other spectators.

To score consecutive tons to agree with his position to an unrealistic triumph. Cricket is known to be a team sport; however, Smith can gladly say that he has been the sole motivation behind why Australia had acquired the high ground in the 2019 Ashes series. This comeback is one that will be carved perpetually in cricketing old stories.&nbsp;

Smith is the fastest batsman to cross the 7000 Test runs mark. His strong average of 61.8 and 27 centuries from only 139 innings mirror his willfulness to have the disposition to be in there for the long stretch and be an adversary for the resistance. Also, in his last 50 innings, the expert Test batsman has scored 3036 runs in Test cricket. Steve&nbsp;Smith's stupendous average of 67.46 in the longest format of the game is second just to the exceptional Sir Don Bradman, a definitive batting godlikeness.

All the more along these lines, unusual and versatile as he will be, he has demonstrated his virtuoso in his home conditions as well as in violent turning or seaming conditions overseas against the best of the sides.

His craving for runs is ravenous, his want achievement is unquenchable, and his capacity to vanquish difficulties is unmatched. Smith actually has far to go, a lot of assaults to tame, and significantly more fights to win. Be that as it may, at 32 years old, Steve Smith is now well on his approach to accomplishing batting interminability in the longest format of the game.

He meandered. He was lost. However, presently, he is here. Happy Birthday, Steve&nbsp;Smith.&nbsp;

Steve Smith – It is enticing to say that Steve Smith is an upshot of the current generation, and an expression progressively utilised by journalists to rationalize trudging, however, in truth, he is the most recent in a long queue of manifestations.

Steve Smith – It is enticing to say that Steve Smith is an upshot of the current generation, and an expression progressively utilised by journalists to rationalize trudging, however, in truth, he is the most recent in a long queue of manifestations. At the point when Steve Smith made his first appearance in 2010, the job attributed to him was that of a leg spinner who might bat down the order. The Australian camp comprehended that something was dazzling about this 20-year-old child from New South Wales. Steve Smith's fielding was impeccable, and the team management needed to sharpen his bowling abilities. When Smith came into the Australian squad in 2010, many had the perception that he would be the next Shane Warne. Between Steve Smith's debut and Shane Warne's retirement, Australia had utilized various spinners. Steve Smith was not adequate to play Test cricket as a leg spinner batting at number 8. After a line of lackluster showings, he was supplanted by another spinner named Nathan Lyon. Steve Smith, however, in contrast to different spinners, got back to the Australian Test squad in their visit to India in 2013. Just this time, he was playing as a middle-order batsman with bowling being his optional expertise. He scored a splendid 92 in that match. ALSO READ: 'Who are those people judging you': Sheldon Jackson lashes out on Team India's selectors His turning point, nonetheless, returned in the back-to-back Ashes soon thereafter. His unbeaten 138 at Oval was the high place of Australia's frustrating Ashes excursion in England. His best exertion, however, came in the Ashes that late spring in Australia. He scored two centuries - one in Perth and the other in Sydney saving Australia from underneath in both circumstances. His crucial commitments assisted Australia with whipping England 5-0 and reclaim the urn. He doesn't follow the instructing manual; he doesn't have a characteristic style that makes you expand at him in amazement. His batting procedure has consistently been exceptional. His way of batting is profoundly subject to making changes and discovering security in his underlying mix. However, he is seemingly the best batsman in the longest format of the game right now. Also, what says a lot about his character is his capacity to get back to the Test format following a 12-month break because of sandpaper gate. He strode out, one certain foot before the other, everything he saw around him are the things he would prefer not to see, courageous the serenades of a threatening English crowd, posters of his pictures. Yet, there isn't anything else to do. At 17-2, there is nothing else to do except for striding out to the middle with a bat in his hand. As Smith nears to three-mark score the sandpapers go up again. The boos just get stronger. They disdain him more if that was even conceivable. He had given them the most exceedingly terrible sight possible. He showed them that you could return from your most noticeably terrible mix-ups. He showed them how to trust. He grinned, crushed the air, and glanced back at the dressing area he ached to turn out to be essential for once more. His partners applaud in delight, and so do other spectators. To score consecutive tons to agree with his position to an unrealistic triumph. Cricket is known to be a team sport; however, Smith can gladly say that he has been the sole motivation behind why Australia had acquired the high ground in the 2019 Ashes series. This comeback is one that will be carved perpetually in cricketing old stories. Smith is the fastest batsman to cross the 7000 Test runs mark. His strong average of 61.8 and 27 centuries from only 139 innings mirror his willfulness to have the disposition to be in there for the long stretch and be an adversary for the resistance. Also, in his last 50 innings, the expert Test batsman has scored 3036 runs in Test cricket. Steve Smith's stupendous average of 67.46 in the longest format of the game is second just to the exceptional Sir Don Bradman, a definitive batting godlikeness. All the more along these lines, unusual and versatile as he will be, he has demonstrated his virtuoso in his home conditions as well as in violent turning or seaming conditions overseas against the best of the sides. His craving for runs is ravenous, his want achievement is unquenchable, and his capacity to vanquish difficulties is unmatched. Smith actually has far to go, a lot of assaults to tame, and significantly more fights to win. Be that as it may, at 32 years old, Steve Smith is now well on his approach to accomplishing batting interminability in the longest format of the game. He meandered. He was lost. However, presently, he is here. Happy Birthday, Steve Smith.

Happy Birthday Steve Smith - The batting virtuoso

Australian bowling quarter of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon has written a letter to the Australian public clarifying&nbsp;their stance on the infamous sandpaper gate incident&nbsp;during the Newlands Test against South Africa in 2018 where Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner were found guilty of trying to alter the condition of the ball.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-clarke-adam-gilchrist-react-to-cameron-bancrofts-ball-tampering-remarks-385550" hreflang="en">Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist react to Cameron Bancroft's ball-tampering remarks</a>

However, former Pakistan skipper, Salman Butt, has lashed out at the Aussie bowling lineup that featured in the Test match in Cape Town in 2018. He said that it is not possible for the bowlers to have not known.

"It is not true that the bowl is reverse (swinging) and the bowlers do not know. There are players in the team who are responsible for making sure the bowlers get reverse swing. The aim is to keep it as shiny as possible and keep rubbing it over the passage of time and after a point, the ball starts to reverse." said Butt.

"Hence, it is not possible for the team or the dressing room to know that the ball is not reversing. The moment it does, we see bowlers being changed. What Flintoff said was absolutely correct that how can the bowlers, for whom the ball is prepared, not know?"

Butt also hit out at the investigation that took place after the infamous incident.&nbsp;

"Bancroft was preparing the ball. Steve Smith, the captain, knew, and even David Warner was involved. All those punished were batsmen but not even a single bowler was. I commend the person who took these decisions," Butt said.

"I mean the ball is reverse swinging, the case is of ball-tampering and punishments have been given out. But no one paid attention to those who were actually bowling with it. Fear the god and stop confusing people," he signed off.

Australian bowling quarter of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon has written a letter to the Australian public clarifying their stance on the infamous sandpaper gate incident during the Newlands Test against South Africa in 2018 where Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner were found guilty of trying to alter the condition of the ball.

Australian bowling quarter of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon has written a letter to the Australian public clarifying their stance on the infamous sandpaper gate incident during the Newlands Test against South Africa in 2018 where Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner were found guilty of trying to alter the condition of the ball. ALSO READ: Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist react to Cameron Bancroft's ball-tampering remarks However, former Pakistan skipper, Salman Butt, has lashed out at the Aussie bowling lineup that featured in the Test match in Cape Town in 2018. He said that it is not possible for the bowlers to have not known. "It is not true that the bowl is reverse (swinging) and the bowlers do not know. There are players in the team who are responsible for making sure the bowlers get reverse swing. The aim is to keep it as shiny as possible and keep rubbing it over the passage of time and after a point, the ball starts to reverse." said Butt. "Hence, it is not possible for the team or the dressing room to know that the ball is not reversing. The moment it does, we see bowlers being changed. What Flintoff said was absolutely correct that how can the bowlers, for whom the ball is prepared, not know?" Butt also hit out at the investigation that took place after the infamous incident. "Bancroft was preparing the ball. Steve Smith, the captain, knew, and even David Warner was involved. All those punished were batsmen but not even a single bowler was. I commend the person who took these decisions," Butt said. "I mean the ball is reverse swinging, the case is of ball-tampering and punishments have been given out. But no one paid attention to those who were actually bowling with it. Fear the god and stop confusing people," he signed off.

'Not possible': Salman Butt lashes out at Australian bowlers' stance on sandpaper gate

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has reacted to Cameron Bancroft's recent statements on the 2018 Sandpaper gate. He feels that the statement by the Aussie batsman will affect the upcoming Ashes series.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/very-smartly-worded-and-written-michael-clarke-on-bowlers-letter-on-2018-sandpaper-gate-386094" hreflang="en">'Very smartly worded and written': Michael Clarke on bowlers' letter on 2018 Sandpaper gate</a>

Cameron Bancroft's recent comments over the 2018 Sandpapergate to the Guardian has reopened the wounds of Australian cricket. The batsman had hinted that the bowlers in the match knew about ball-tampering. However, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, who featured in the Test match, issued a statement to clarify that they were unaware of the incident.

In his latest column for The Telegraph, Vaughan wrote that the Sandpaper gate has shown 'cracks' in the Australian team. He even added that England's Test captain, Joe Root, will be enjoying it.

“Dragging up the ball-tampering scandal has shown there are cracks in the Australia team that England could exploit if they start the Ashes series well later this year. David Warner, Steve Smith and the bowlers are under scrutiny again, and it would only take a poor Australia performance in the first Ashes Test for the pressure to mount. The captain, Tim Paine, is under the microscope after defeat&nbsp;by India, and while some think this could galvanise Australia, rarely are such public problems good for a team's unity.

"Joe Root will be enjoying this and thinking it could help. He knows an argument or two in the opposing team is always good. But fundamentally, England still have to play great cricket to win in Australia. They should not become distracted by Australia’s problems. Enjoy it in private, but rise above it in public,” Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

“England have enough to worry about in their own backyard, by making sure they arrive with a settled batting unit, a fit bowling attack and a team who can ultimately win in those conditions. There are cracks in the England team as well, and I see two sides who are quite similar. Both are quite vulnerable and that should make for a fascinating contest,” he wrote.

Cricket Australia has released the schedule for the much-anticipated Ashes series. The Australian cricket board are hopeful to stage the series in front of a full crowd, however, they said that will follow government advice when it came to admitting travelling supporters.&nbsp;

According to the schedule, the Ashes is will kick off at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 8. Followed by a pink ball Test at the Adelaide Oval, then Melbourne hosting the traditional Boxing Day Test match. Sydney and Perth will host the remaining two games of the five-match Test series.&nbsp;

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has reacted to Cameron Bancroft's recent statements on the 2018 Sandpaper gate. He feels that the statement by the Aussie batsman will affect the upcoming Ashes series.

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has reacted to Cameron Bancroft's recent statements on the 2018 Sandpaper gate. He feels that the statement by the Aussie batsman will affect the upcoming Ashes series. ALSO READ: 'Very smartly worded and written': Michael Clarke on bowlers' letter on 2018 Sandpaper gate Cameron Bancroft's recent comments over the 2018 Sandpapergate to the Guardian has reopened the wounds of Australian cricket. The batsman had hinted that the bowlers in the match knew about ball-tampering. However, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, who featured in the Test match, issued a statement to clarify that they were unaware of the incident. In his latest column for The Telegraph, Vaughan wrote that the Sandpaper gate has shown 'cracks' in the Australian team. He even added that England's Test captain, Joe Root, will be enjoying it. “Dragging up the ball-tampering scandal has shown there are cracks in the Australia team that England could exploit if they start the Ashes series well later this year. David Warner, Steve Smith and the bowlers are under scrutiny again, and it would only take a poor Australia performance in the first Ashes Test for the pressure to mount. The captain, Tim Paine, is under the microscope after defeat by India, and while some think this could galvanise Australia, rarely are such public problems good for a team's unity. "Joe Root will be enjoying this and thinking it could help. He knows an argument or two in the opposing team is always good. But fundamentally, England still have to play great cricket to win in Australia. They should not become distracted by Australia’s problems. Enjoy it in private, but rise above it in public,” Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald. “England have enough to worry about in their own backyard, by making sure they arrive with a settled batting unit, a fit bowling attack and a team who can ultimately win in those conditions. There are cracks in the England team as well, and I see two sides who are quite similar. Both are quite vulnerable and that should make for a fascinating contest,” he wrote. Cricket Australia has released the schedule for the much-anticipated Ashes series. The Australian cricket board are hopeful to stage the series in front of a full crowd, however, they said that will follow government advice when it came to admitting travelling supporters. According to the schedule, the Ashes is will kick off at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 8. Followed by a pink ball Test at the Adelaide Oval, then Melbourne hosting the traditional Boxing Day Test match. Sydney and Perth will host the remaining two games of the five-match Test series.

'Root will be enjoying this': Michael Vaughan on Cameron Bancroft's statement over Sandpaper gate

Cameron Bancroft's recent comments over the 2018 Sandpapergate has reopened the wounds of Australian cricket. The batsman had hinted that the bowlers in the match knew about ball-tampering. However, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, who featured in the Test match, issued a statement to clarify that they were unaware of the incident.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-clarke-adam-gilchrist-react-to-cameron-bancrofts-ball-tampering-remarks-385550" hreflang="en">Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist react to Cameron Bancroft's ball-tampering remarks</a>

But, former Australian skipper Michael Clarke feels that the letter was written smartly by the bowlers and questioned their statement.&nbsp;

“I knew when I made my comments about what Cameron Bancroft's quotes were it was more than likely going to offend certain people. It certainly was not done personally from my perspective, particularly with the four bowlers concerned, I’m good friends with all of them. I think there have been a number of people, past players, journalists who have made comments based on what Cameron Bancroft said and then what David Saker, the bowling coach, as well had said,” Clarke told Sky Sports Radio on Wednesday morning.

“I think that is what's really important after seeing the joint statement. The one thing that stands out for mine in that statement [is] they forgot how this conversation was brought up. It was comments from a teammate Cameron Bancroft who was involved in the situation and then quotes from David Saker who was the bowling coach at the time.

“After journalists and past players like myself, Adam Gilchrist and Stuart Broad, a current player, had seen what was said and written, a lot of people have made comments. I think those guys and Cricket Australia need to remember how this conversation has been brought up so in their statement they should have added where it says: 'We pride ourselves on our honesty’. So, it’s been disappointing to see that our integrity has been questioned by some journalists and past players' -- you probably should have put current teammate who was there at the time and did the crime and bowling coach who was there too. You probably left two people out,” he added.

“This statement is very smartly worded and written so I'm not going to sit here and continue to talk about every word in that statement. I’ve said what I’ve said. It certainly was not personal towards them. I said what I said because that’s what I believe,” Clarke concluded.

Cameron Bancroft last played for Australia in the 2019 Ashes Test against England. The batsman acknowledges he cushioned his opportunity to make a long vacation in international cricket after his demonstration in the Cape Town Test. Cameron Bancroft has played 10 Tests, accumulating 446 runs at an average of 26.3, including three fifties. The batsman had played an amazing thump of 77 in Cape Town in the scandalous Test in 2018 and once named it as his best thump in international cricket.

Cameron Bancroft's recent comments over the 2018 Sandpapergate has reopened the wounds of Australian cricket. The batsman had hinted that the bowlers in the match knew about ball-tampering.

Cameron Bancroft's recent comments over the 2018 Sandpapergate has reopened the wounds of Australian cricket. The batsman had hinted that the bowlers in the match knew about ball-tampering. However, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, who featured in the Test match, issued a statement to clarify that they were unaware of the incident. ALSO READ: Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist react to Cameron Bancroft's ball-tampering remarks But, former Australian skipper Michael Clarke feels that the letter was written smartly by the bowlers and questioned their statement. “I knew when I made my comments about what Cameron Bancroft's quotes were it was more than likely going to offend certain people. It certainly was not done personally from my perspective, particularly with the four bowlers concerned, I’m good friends with all of them. I think there have been a number of people, past players, journalists who have made comments based on what Cameron Bancroft said and then what David Saker, the bowling coach, as well had said,” Clarke told Sky Sports Radio on Wednesday morning. “I think that is what's really important after seeing the joint statement. The one thing that stands out for mine in that statement [is] they forgot how this conversation was brought up. It was comments from a teammate Cameron Bancroft who was involved in the situation and then quotes from David Saker who was the bowling coach at the time. “After journalists and past players like myself, Adam Gilchrist and Stuart Broad, a current player, had seen what was said and written, a lot of people have made comments. I think those guys and Cricket Australia need to remember how this conversation has been brought up so in their statement they should have added where it says: 'We pride ourselves on our honesty’. So, it’s been disappointing to see that our integrity has been questioned by some journalists and past players' -- you probably should have put current teammate who was there at the time and did the crime and bowling coach who was there too. You probably left two people out,” he added. “This statement is very smartly worded and written so I'm not going to sit here and continue to talk about every word in that statement. I’ve said what I’ve said. It certainly was not personal towards them. I said what I said because that’s what I believe,” Clarke concluded. Cameron Bancroft last played for Australia in the 2019 Ashes Test against England. The batsman acknowledges he cushioned his opportunity to make a long vacation in international cricket after his demonstration in the Cape Town Test. Cameron Bancroft has played 10 Tests, accumulating 446 runs at an average of 26.3, including three fifties. The batsman had played an amazing thump of 77 in Cape Town in the scandalous Test in 2018 and once named it as his best thump in international cricket.

'Very smartly worded and written': Michael Clarke on bowlers' letter on 2018 Sandpaper gate

Cricket Australia has released the schedule for the much-anticipated Ashes series. The Australian cricket board are hopeful to stage the series in front of a full crowd, however, they said that will follow government advice when it came to admitting travelling supporters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-possible-salman-butt-lashes-out-at-australian-bowlers-stance-on-sandpaper-gate-385959" hreflang="en">'Not possible': Salman Butt lashes out at Australian bowlers' stance on sandpaper gate</a>

Along with Men's Ashes, Cricket Australia also released the schedule for the women's tour. According to the schedule, the Ashes is will kick off at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 8. Followed by a pink ball Test at the Adelaide Oval, then Melbourne hosting the traditional Boxing Day Test match. Sydney and Perth will host the remaining two games of the five-match Test series.&nbsp;

"The lessons learned from successfully delivering a safe summer in 20-21 gives us confidence on what we're able to achieve, and we're all hoping for a summer of full crowds and an Ashes atmosphere we're all accustomed to," said Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia's interim chief executive.

"In a perfect world, we would welcome England fans back to these shores for a summer of singing and sportsmanship. Of course, we will be guided by the Australian Government on all things related to international travel."

<h2>Schedule:</h2>

<h2>Men's Ashes 2021/22</h2>

Dec 8-12: 1st Test, Gabba, Brisbane

Dec 16-20: 2nd Test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (day/night)

Dec 26-30: 3rd Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Jan 5-9: 4th Test, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

Jan 14-18: 5th Test, Optus Stadium, Perth

<h2>Women's Ashes</h2>

Jan 27-30: Test, Manuka Oval, Canberra

Feb 4: 1st T20I, North Sydney Oval, Sydney

Feb 6: 2nd T20I, North Sydney Oval

Feb 10: 3rd T20I, Adelaide Oval

Feb 13: 1st ODI, Adelaide Oval

Feb 16: 2nd ODI, Junction Oval, Melbourne

Feb 19: 3rd ODI, Junction Oval, Melbourne

Cricket Australia has released the schedule for the much-anticipated Ashes series. The Australian cricket board are hopeful to stage the series in front of a full crowd, however, they said that will follow government advice when it came to admitting travelling supporters.

Cricket Australia has released the schedule for the much-anticipated Ashes series. The Australian cricket board are hopeful to stage the series in front of a full crowd, however, they said that will follow government advice when it came to admitting travelling supporters. ALSO READ: 'Not possible': Salman Butt lashes out at Australian bowlers' stance on sandpaper gate Along with Men's Ashes, Cricket Australia also released the schedule for the women's tour. According to the schedule, the Ashes is will kick off at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 8. Followed by a pink ball Test at the Adelaide Oval, then Melbourne hosting the traditional Boxing Day Test match. Sydney and Perth will host the remaining two games of the five-match Test series. "The lessons learned from successfully delivering a safe summer in 20-21 gives us confidence on what we're able to achieve, and we're all hoping for a summer of full crowds and an Ashes atmosphere we're all accustomed to," said Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia's interim chief executive. "In a perfect world, we would welcome England fans back to these shores for a summer of singing and sportsmanship. Of course, we will be guided by the Australian Government on all things related to international travel." Schedule: Men's Ashes 2021/22 Dec 8-12: 1st Test, Gabba, Brisbane Dec 16-20: 2nd Test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (day/night) Dec 26-30: 3rd Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Jan 5-9: 4th Test, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Jan 14-18: 5th Test, Optus Stadium, Perth Women's Ashes Jan 27-30: Test, Manuka Oval, Canberra Feb 4: 1st T20I, North Sydney Oval, Sydney Feb 6: 2nd T20I, North Sydney Oval Feb 10: 3rd T20I, Adelaide Oval Feb 13: 1st ODI, Adelaide Oval Feb 16: 2nd ODI, Junction Oval, Melbourne Feb 19: 3rd ODI, Junction Oval, Melbourne

Cricket Australia release schedule for Ashes; hopeful to host full crowd

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has brought up that he isn't astounded to discover that more than three individuals may have been involved in the ball-tampering plot and the previous Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has said Cricket Australia needed to do a more thorough investigation into sandpaper gate scandal when it happened and it is due to this reason that the issue will keep on lingering forever.

Michael Clarke said it's certain that three players knew about the incident. The former Australian skipper supported Cameron Bancroft's comments, saying that at the most elevated level of cricket, it is inconceivable for bowlers to not think about the state of their apparatus.

In a conversation with Fox Cricket Michael Clarke said:

“They’ve got to hold the ball to bowl with it. I can tell you now if you went and grabbed a pen, just a pen and put a little ‘1’ somewhere on my cricket bat; on top of the handle, on the edge of the bat, on the toe of the bat, on the face, under the grip, anywhere, just a little number one, I would have noticed. If you are playing sport at the highest level you know your tools that good it’s not funny. Can you imagine that ball being thrown back to the bowler and the bowler not knowing about it? Please” – he said.

Adam Gilchrist thinks the scandalous ball-altering adventure will canine Australian cricket for quite a long time to come, with new names surfacing sometimes. Responding to Cameron Bancroft's disclosure, Adam Gilchrist said more individuals like him have information on the plot and are trusting that the correct time will 'pull the trigger'.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/have-played-extraordinary-cricket-in-recent-times-says-pace-maestro-mohammed-shami-385426" hreflang="en">'Have played extraordinary cricket in recent times', says pace maestro Mohammed Shami</a>

Cameron Bancroft, who was caught with the sandpaper hinted in an interview that it was 'obvious' that more players were aware of the plot. This has put the focus on the bowling department - Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon - who asserted in any case at the hour of the incident.

“It will linger forever, whether it is someone’s book or an ad hoc interview. Eventually, I think names will be named. I think there are some people who have it stored away and are ready to pull the trigger when the time is right. I think Cricket Australia is responsible for why this will be continually asked...They went there and did this very quick review of that isolated incident and perhaps no one in the team knew" - he said.

Adam Gilchrist additionally added that it would be guileless to believe that lone Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft knew about the circumstance. He added that Cricket Australia made it resemble a separate occurrence without testing if the ball-tampering was 'systematically' escorting Australian cricket.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/havent-been-a-match-fixer-michael-vaughan-hits-back-at-salman-butt-385416" hreflang="en">'Haven't been a match fixer': Michael Vaughan hits back at Salman Butt</a>

"Anyone would be naive to think people were not aware of what was going on about ball maintenance. I don’t think Cricket Australia wanted to go there. They did not want to go any deeper than that superficial example of ball-tampering. They did not investigate to see whether it was systemic had it been going on and on and on. Around the cricketing globe, it was widely accepted a lot of teams were doing it’’ - he added.

Cricket Australia has implied that it's available to reinvestigate the issue on the off chance that anybody has 'new information. It stays not yet clear what sway Adam Gilchrist and Michael Clarke's remarks will have on such a stage. 
&nbsp;

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has brought up that he isn't astounded to discover that more than three individuals may have been involved in the ball-tampering plot and the previous Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has said Cricket Australia needed to do a more thorough investigation into sandpaper gate scandal when it happened and it is due to this reason that the issue will keep on lingering forever.

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has brought up that he isn't astounded to discover that more than three individuals may have been involved in the ball-tampering plot and the previous Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has said Cricket Australia needed to do a more thorough investigation into sandpaper gate scandal when it happened and it is due to this reason that the issue will keep on lingering forever. Michael Clarke said it's certain that three players knew about the incident. The former Australian skipper supported Cameron Bancroft's comments, saying that at the most elevated level of cricket, it is inconceivable for bowlers to not think about the state of their apparatus. In a conversation with Fox Cricket Michael Clarke said: “They’ve got to hold the ball to bowl with it. I can tell you now if you went and grabbed a pen, just a pen and put a little ‘1’ somewhere on my cricket bat; on top of the handle, on the edge of the bat, on the toe of the bat, on the face, under the grip, anywhere, just a little number one, I would have noticed. If you are playing sport at the highest level you know your tools that good it’s not funny. Can you imagine that ball being thrown back to the bowler and the bowler not knowing about it? Please” – he said. Adam Gilchrist thinks the scandalous ball-altering adventure will canine Australian cricket for quite a long time to come, with new names surfacing sometimes. Responding to Cameron Bancroft's disclosure, Adam Gilchrist said more individuals like him have information on the plot and are trusting that the correct time will 'pull the trigger'. ALSO READ: 'Have played extraordinary cricket in recent times', says pace maestro Mohammed Shami Cameron Bancroft, who was caught with the sandpaper hinted in an interview that it was 'obvious' that more players were aware of the plot. This has put the focus on the bowling department - Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon - who asserted in any case at the hour of the incident. “It will linger forever, whether it is someone’s book or an ad hoc interview. Eventually, I think names will be named. I think there are some people who have it stored away and are ready to pull the trigger when the time is right. I think Cricket Australia is responsible for why this will be continually asked...They went there and did this very quick review of that isolated incident and perhaps no one in the team knew" - he said. Adam Gilchrist additionally added that it would be guileless to believe that lone Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft knew about the circumstance. He added that Cricket Australia made it resemble a separate occurrence without testing if the ball-tampering was 'systematically' escorting Australian cricket. ALSO READ: 'Haven't been a match fixer': Michael Vaughan hits back at Salman Butt "Anyone would be naive to think people were not aware of what was going on about ball maintenance. I don’t think Cricket Australia wanted to go there. They did not want to go any deeper than that superficial example of ball-tampering. They did not investigate to see whether it was systemic had it been going on and on and on. Around the cricketing globe, it was widely accepted a lot of teams were doing it’’ - he added. Cricket Australia has implied that it's available to reinvestigate the issue on the off chance that anybody has 'new information. It stays not yet clear what sway Adam Gilchrist and Michael Clarke's remarks will have on such a stage.

Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist react to Cameron Bancroft's ball-tampering remarks

Australia have announced an all-inclusive 23-member squad for the limited-overs tour of the West Indies. The eight-game tour for the Aaron Finch-led team will include five T20Is in St Lucia and three ODIs in Barbados.&nbsp;

Eight players who missed the T20 visit through New Zealand attributable to the now-cancelled Test visit through South Africa have all gotten back to the squad. Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Alex Carey, and leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson have all been included in the squad.&nbsp;

In the interim, Ben McDermott, Ashton Turner and all-rounder Daniel Sams, every one of whom played in New Zealand, have been discarded from the group. Sams made himself inaccessible for the visit, referring to health reasons.&nbsp;

Marnus Labuschagne at present playing County Cricket in England - and Cameron Green are likewise obvious by their absence.&nbsp;

Tanveer Sangha, Swepson, alongside Adam Zampa, make it three leg-spinners in the squad, giving an understanding of Australia's plan for the forthcoming T20 World Cup.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-was-lot-of-politics-going-on-within-team-shahid-afridi-on-almost-quitting-cricket-in-2009-385440" hreflang="en">'There was lot of politics going on within team': Shahid Afridi on almost quitting cricket in 2009</a>

“Mitch Swepson has been in exceptional form across all three forms of the game. His Big Bash performances with the Heat have been superb, as was his bowling for Queensland. Tanveer Sanga was extremely impressive for the Sydney Thunder and we regard him very highly. While he didn’t play in New Zealand it was a great opportunity for a young bowler to be around the group. Along with the class of Adam and Ashton we are very fortunate to have four highly capable spinners on this list” - &nbsp;said Trevor Hohns (Australia National Selector)

Profoundly appraised batsman Josh Phillipe adds another top-order option with Aaron Finch and David Warner and as an extra reinforcement wicketkeeper/batsman to Alex Carey and Matthew Wade.&nbsp;All-rounders Stoinis, Moises Henriques, and Shaun Marsh are joined by the in-form Maxwell in the squad.&nbsp;

Pacemen Kane Richardson, Jhye Richardson, and Andrew Tye join Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Starc as the essential pace strike weapons. They are joined by firearm speedster Riley Meredith and left-armer Jason Behrendorff.

“This preliminary list gives selectors a solid base from which to choose a final touring party in the coming weeks while allowing players to prepare” - Trevor Hohns said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/have-played-extraordinary-cricket-in-recent-times-says-pace-maestro-mohammed-shami-385426" hreflang="en">'Have played extraordinary cricket in recent times', says pace maestro Mohammed Shami</a>

“The Australian men’s T20 squad has the ability to match it with any team in the world and the competition for places will be fierce, which is exactly what we are looking for. The West Indies men’s team has won two of the six ICC T20 World Cups played, including the most recent tournament in India and 2016, and this series will provide us with excellent preparation ahead of the 2021 edition in October and November,” he added.

Australia's 23 member squad - Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Tanveer Sangh, D’Arcy Short, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. 
&nbsp;

Australia have announced an all-inclusive 23-member squad for the limited-overs tour of the West Indies. The eight-game tour for the Aaron Finch-led team will include five T20Is in St Lucia and three ODIs in Barbados.

Australia have announced an all-inclusive 23-member squad for the limited-overs tour of the West Indies. The eight-game tour for the Aaron Finch-led team will include five T20Is in St Lucia and three ODIs in Barbados. Eight players who missed the T20 visit through New Zealand attributable to the now-cancelled Test visit through South Africa have all gotten back to the squad. Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Alex Carey, and leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson have all been included in the squad. In the interim, Ben McDermott, Ashton Turner and all-rounder Daniel Sams, every one of whom played in New Zealand, have been discarded from the group. Sams made himself inaccessible for the visit, referring to health reasons. Marnus Labuschagne at present playing County Cricket in England - and Cameron Green are likewise obvious by their absence. Tanveer Sangha, Swepson, alongside Adam Zampa, make it three leg-spinners in the squad, giving an understanding of Australia's plan for the forthcoming T20 World Cup. ALSO READ: 'There was lot of politics going on within team': Shahid Afridi on almost quitting cricket in 2009 “Mitch Swepson has been in exceptional form across all three forms of the game. His Big Bash performances with the Heat have been superb, as was his bowling for Queensland. Tanveer Sanga was extremely impressive for the Sydney Thunder and we regard him very highly. While he didn’t play in New Zealand it was a great opportunity for a young bowler to be around the group. Along with the class of Adam and Ashton we are very fortunate to have four highly capable spinners on this list” - said Trevor Hohns (Australia National Selector) Profoundly appraised batsman Josh Phillipe adds another top-order option with Aaron Finch and David Warner and as an extra reinforcement wicketkeeper/batsman to Alex Carey and Matthew Wade. All-rounders Stoinis, Moises Henriques, and Shaun Marsh are joined by the in-form Maxwell in the squad. Pacemen Kane Richardson, Jhye Richardson, and Andrew Tye join Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Starc as the essential pace strike weapons. They are joined by firearm speedster Riley Meredith and left-armer Jason Behrendorff. “This preliminary list gives selectors a solid base from which to choose a final touring party in the coming weeks while allowing players to prepare” - Trevor Hohns said. ALSO READ: 'Have played extraordinary cricket in recent times', says pace maestro Mohammed Shami “The Australian men’s T20 squad has the ability to match it with any team in the world and the competition for places will be fierce, which is exactly what we are looking for. The West Indies men’s team has won two of the six ICC T20 World Cups played, including the most recent tournament in India and 2016, and this series will provide us with excellent preparation ahead of the 2021 edition in October and November,” he added. Australia's 23 member squad - Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Tanveer Sangh, D’Arcy Short, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Cricket Australia announces 23-man preliminary squad for the tour of West Indies

Marnus Labuschagne missed out on the 23-member squad while Steve Smith, David Warner, and Pat Cummins returned as Cricket Australia named a 23-man primer squad for the impending visit through the West Indies. &nbsp;

National selector Trevor Hohns has revealed insight into Marnus Labuschagne's unexpected exclusion from Australia's white-ball squad. The selector said Labuschagne was 'upset' after not being selected.&nbsp;

Trevor Hohns disclosed the administration's choice to leave out Labuschagne, expressing how "logistic complexities" lead to his exclusion.

"Any individual who realizes Marnus comprehends he would give totally anything to play for Australia and he is profoundly disturbed to pass up a great opportunity because of conditions outside anybody's ability to control. We worked through various alternatives in discussions with Marnus to track down a serviceable arrangement at the end of the day arrived at the resolution it was more functional for him to stay in the UK" - he said.&nbsp;

Labuschagne is presently in England showing up for Glamorgan and the batsman will proceed with his area stretch in the coming months. He will presently keep on playing for the province in the Vitality T20 Blast too, while Australia plays West Indies.&nbsp;

Trevor Hohns believes&nbsp;Marnus Labuschagne would have strolled into the ODI squad had the conditions been normal.&nbsp;

"Had we not been in a worldwide pandemic, Marnus would be on this visit as a grounded part and significant piece of the one-day side. It's a tragic situation of the numerous difficulties the world is confronting at this moment. The way things are, Marnus has the chance to proceed in district cricket and T20 games with Glamorgan as we head into the World Cup and home summer" - he signed off.&nbsp;

Marnus Labuschagne has had a stiff beginning to his county stretch this year, neglecting to go past 12 runs out of four innings this season. The batsman has overseen only 33 runs in five matches at a baffling average of 8.25.&nbsp;

With Marnus Labuschagne set to play county cricket in the coming months, the Australian will hope to get back to frame at the earliest opportunity to help Glamorgan climb the table. They are as of now third in Group three with 69 points from six games. 
&nbsp;

Marnus Labuschagne missed out on the 23-member squad while Steve Smith, David Warner, and Pat Cummins returned as Cricket Australia named a 23-man primer squad for the impending visit through the West Indies.

Marnus Labuschagne missed out on the 23-member squad while Steve Smith, David Warner, and Pat Cummins returned as Cricket Australia named a 23-man primer squad for the impending visit through the West Indies. National selector Trevor Hohns has revealed insight into Marnus Labuschagne's unexpected exclusion from Australia's white-ball squad. The selector said Labuschagne was 'upset' after not being selected. Trevor Hohns disclosed the administration's choice to leave out Labuschagne, expressing how "logistic complexities" lead to his exclusion. "Any individual who realizes Marnus comprehends he would give totally anything to play for Australia and he is profoundly disturbed to pass up a great opportunity because of conditions outside anybody's ability to control. We worked through various alternatives in discussions with Marnus to track down a serviceable arrangement at the end of the day arrived at the resolution it was more functional for him to stay in the UK" - he said. Labuschagne is presently in England showing up for Glamorgan and the batsman will proceed with his area stretch in the coming months. He will presently keep on playing for the province in the Vitality T20 Blast too, while Australia plays West Indies. Trevor Hohns believes Marnus Labuschagne would have strolled into the ODI squad had the conditions been normal. "Had we not been in a worldwide pandemic, Marnus would be on this visit as a grounded part and significant piece of the one-day side. It's a tragic situation of the numerous difficulties the world is confronting at this moment. The way things are, Marnus has the chance to proceed in district cricket and T20 games with Glamorgan as we head into the World Cup and home summer" - he signed off. Marnus Labuschagne has had a stiff beginning to his county stretch this year, neglecting to go past 12 runs out of four innings this season. The batsman has overseen only 33 runs in five matches at a baffling average of 8.25. With Marnus Labuschagne set to play county cricket in the coming months, the Australian will hope to get back to frame at the earliest opportunity to help Glamorgan climb the table. They are as of now third in Group three with 69 points from six games.

Marnus Labuschagne 'deeply upset' over his exclusion from limited-overs squad

Ian Chappell isn't too excited about seeing Steve Smith return as Australia captain. The former cricketer feels getting Steve Smith back would be a step in reverse for the national side.&nbsp;

Tim Paine as of late upheld Steve Smith to get back to the leadership role. The wicket-keeper batsman embraced Steve Smith's captaincy, asserting he will completely uphold the choice if the batsman returns as commander.&nbsp;

Ian Chappell has now shed his assessment on Steve Smith as skipper. In an interview with the Wide World Of Sports, Ian Chappell advised the administration to shun making Smith skipper.

"I think it's time to move on. To me, if you go back to Smith, you're going backward. It's time to look ahead, not in the rear-vision mirror,” Chappell explained. 
Ian Chappell likewise spoke about Cameron Bancroft's new remarks, where he indicated the Australian bowlers knew about the ball-tampering embarrassment in South Africa. Alluding to Bancroft's assertion, Ian Chappell felt it was unavoidable before new subtleties on the Sandpaper-Gate outrage came out.&nbsp;

"It's probably something that's been on Bancroft's chest for a while, and he's tried to get it off his chest as diplomatically as he possibly could. I'm not surprised, because Bancroft's one of only three that got pinged for what happened, and most people would realize that there were more than three people involved,” Chappell said.

Ian Chappell feels Pat Cummins should in any case be the following pick for Australia captain, regardless of whether he knew about the ball-tampering scandal. He feels the weight of obligation eventually tumbles to Steve Smith.&nbsp;

"If people start jumping up and down about Pat Cummins captaining Australia if he knew, well the answer is pretty clear because it falls back on Smith. He's the bloke who should have stopped it. The captain's got the overall say and power to stop it, and he didn't. I don't think it should count against Pat Cummins, even if they decide the bowlers did know. Smith is the bloke who should have made sure the whole thing never started” - he concluded. 
&nbsp;

Ian Chappell isn't too excited about seeing Steve Smith return as Australia captain. The former cricketer feels getting Steve Smith back would be a step in reverse for the national side.

Ian Chappell isn't too excited about seeing Steve Smith return as Australia captain. The former cricketer feels getting Steve Smith back would be a step in reverse for the national side. Tim Paine as of late upheld Steve Smith to get back to the leadership role. The wicket-keeper batsman embraced Steve Smith's captaincy, asserting he will completely uphold the choice if the batsman returns as commander. Ian Chappell has now shed his assessment on Steve Smith as skipper. In an interview with the Wide World Of Sports, Ian Chappell advised the administration to shun making Smith skipper. "I think it's time to move on. To me, if you go back to Smith, you're going backward. It's time to look ahead, not in the rear-vision mirror,” Chappell explained. Ian Chappell likewise spoke about Cameron Bancroft's new remarks, where he indicated the Australian bowlers knew about the ball-tampering embarrassment in South Africa. Alluding to Bancroft's assertion, Ian Chappell felt it was unavoidable before new subtleties on the Sandpaper-Gate outrage came out. "It's probably something that's been on Bancroft's chest for a while, and he's tried to get it off his chest as diplomatically as he possibly could. I'm not surprised, because Bancroft's one of only three that got pinged for what happened, and most people would realize that there were more than three people involved,” Chappell said. Ian Chappell feels Pat Cummins should in any case be the following pick for Australia captain, regardless of whether he knew about the ball-tampering scandal. He feels the weight of obligation eventually tumbles to Steve Smith. "If people start jumping up and down about Pat Cummins captaining Australia if he knew, well the answer is pretty clear because it falls back on Smith. He's the bloke who should have stopped it. The captain's got the overall say and power to stop it, and he didn't. I don't think it should count against Pat Cummins, even if they decide the bowlers did know. Smith is the bloke who should have made sure the whole thing never started” - he concluded.

'It's time to look ahead, not in the rear-vision mirror': Ian Chappell isn't too excited about seeing Steve Smith return as Australia captain

Cricket Australia has reacted to Cameron Bancroft's recent revelations regarding the sandpaper gate that rocked the Australian team in 2018.&nbsp;

The cricketer has proposed that Australian bowlers were likewise aware of the sandpaper plot in the Cape Town Test against South Africa in 2018. An interior investigation at the time by Cricket Australia found that David Warner asked Bancroft to rub sandpaper ready, while captain Steve Smith chose to choose to disregard.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cameron-bancroft-hints-australian-bowlers-were-aware-of-the-sandpaper-plot-385171" hreflang="en">Cameron Bancroft hints Australian bowlers were aware of the sandpaper plot</a>

Cameron Bancroft, David Warner, and Steve Smith were suspended by Cricket Australia for the scandal. However, Bancroft has now hinted that the bowlers present in the match knew about the plan. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Nathan Lyon were part of the infamous Test.&nbsp;

Cricket Australia released a statement after Bancroft's comments.&nbsp;

"CA has maintained all along that if anyone is in possession of new information in regards to the Cape Town Test of 2018 they should come forward and present it," CA said in a statement.

"The investigation conducted at the time was detailed and comprehensive. Since then, no one has presented new information to CA that casts doubt on the investigation’s findings," it added.

"All I wanted to do was to be responsible and accountable for my own actions and part. Obviously what I did benefits bowlers and the awareness around that, probably, is self-explanatory," Bancroft told The Guardian in an interview.

"What had become important to me was being liked, being well valued, feeling really important to my teammates. "Like I was contributing something by using sandpaper on a cricket ball," the Australian batsman added.

Cricket Australia has reacted to Cameron Bancroft's recent revelations regarding the sandpaper gate that rocked the Australian team in 2018. The cricketer has proposed that Australian bowlers were likewise aware of the sandpaper plot in the Cape Town Test against South Africa in 2018.

Cricket Australia has reacted to Cameron Bancroft's recent revelations regarding the sandpaper gate that rocked the Australian team in 2018. The cricketer has proposed that Australian bowlers were likewise aware of the sandpaper plot in the Cape Town Test against South Africa in 2018. An interior investigation at the time by Cricket Australia found that David Warner asked Bancroft to rub sandpaper ready, while captain Steve Smith chose to choose to disregard. ALSO READ: Cameron Bancroft hints Australian bowlers were aware of the sandpaper plot Cameron Bancroft, David Warner, and Steve Smith were suspended by Cricket Australia for the scandal. However, Bancroft has now hinted that the bowlers present in the match knew about the plan. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Nathan Lyon were part of the infamous Test. Cricket Australia released a statement after Bancroft's comments. "CA has maintained all along that if anyone is in possession of new information in regards to the Cape Town Test of 2018 they should come forward and present it," CA said in a statement. "The investigation conducted at the time was detailed and comprehensive. Since then, no one has presented new information to CA that casts doubt on the investigation’s findings," it added. "All I wanted to do was to be responsible and accountable for my own actions and part. Obviously what I did benefits bowlers and the awareness around that, probably, is self-explanatory," Bancroft told The Guardian in an interview. "What had become important to me was being liked, being well valued, feeling really important to my teammates. "Like I was contributing something by using sandpaper on a cricket ball," the Australian batsman added.

Cricket Australia releases statement after Cameron Bancroft's revelations

Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill was kidnapped by an alleged criminal group in an attack on Syndey's north shore and has been held for ransom.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-players-face-travel-obstacles-after-ipl-2021-postponement-382793" hreflang="en">England players face travel obstacles after IPL 2021 postponement</a>

As per a report in the Daily Telegraph, the former cricketing great was abducted at gunpoint from Cremorne. According to police, the 50-year-old cricketer was allegedly confronted by a 46-year-old man at 8 pm on April 14.

MacGill was forced into a vehicle by two other men and then drove to Bringelly, which is situated in Sydney’s southwest. The police later alleged that the cricketer was assaulted and threatened with a firearm before being driven to the Belmore area and released around an hour later.

The kidnapping was reported to the police two days later after which detectives from the NSW Robbery and Serious Cime Squad are investigating in the matter. The police have raided a number of homes in relation to kidnapping.&nbsp;

“Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, with assistance from Raptor Squad and the Public Order and Riot Squad, arrested four men – aged 27, 29, 42 and 46 – from 6am today (Wednesday 5 May 2021),” police said in a statement.

“The men were taken to local police stations where charges are expected to be laid.

“Officers are currently in the process of executing search warrants at homes at Sutherland, Caringbah, Brighton Le-Sands, Banksia and Marrickville.”

However, it is unclear if MacGill was known to the men who kidnapped him.&nbsp;

MacGill featured in 44 Test matches and three ODIs for Australia.&nbsp;

Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill was kidnapped by an alleged criminal group in an attack on Syndey's north shore and has been held for ransom. ALSO READ: England players face travel obstacles after IPL 2021 postponement As per a report in the Daily Telegraph, the former cricketing great was abducted at gunpoint from Cremorne.

Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill was kidnapped by an alleged criminal group in an attack on Syndey's north shore and has been held for ransom. ALSO READ: England players face travel obstacles after IPL 2021 postponement As per a report in the Daily Telegraph, the former cricketing great was abducted at gunpoint from Cremorne. According to police, the 50-year-old cricketer was allegedly confronted by a 46-year-old man at 8 pm on April 14. MacGill was forced into a vehicle by two other men and then drove to Bringelly, which is situated in Sydney’s southwest. The police later alleged that the cricketer was assaulted and threatened with a firearm before being driven to the Belmore area and released around an hour later. The kidnapping was reported to the police two days later after which detectives from the NSW Robbery and Serious Cime Squad are investigating in the matter. The police have raided a number of homes in relation to kidnapping. “Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, with assistance from Raptor Squad and the Public Order and Riot Squad, arrested four men – aged 27, 29, 42 and 46 – from 6am today (Wednesday 5 May 2021),” police said in a statement. “The men were taken to local police stations where charges are expected to be laid. “Officers are currently in the process of executing search warrants at homes at Sutherland, Caringbah, Brighton Le-Sands, Banksia and Marrickville.” However, it is unclear if MacGill was known to the men who kidnapped him. MacGill featured in 44 Test matches and three ODIs for Australia.

Former Aussie cricketer Stuart MacGill kidnapped and held for ransom: Reports

Several Australian players, coaches, and commentators part of the Indian Premier League 2021 will be moving out of India within the next few days after the cash-rich league was indefinitely suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the bubble.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-set-to-incur-losses-of-over-usd-217-million-after-ipl-2021-postponement-382785" hreflang="en">BCCI set to incur losses of over USD 217 million after IPL 2021 postponement</a>

Cricket Australia's interim chief executive Nick Hockley said that BCCI is working on getting a unit of 38 personnel safely out of India to either Maldives or Sri Lanka first before being allowed to head back to their homes.

“What we and the BCCI are working to do is to move the entire cohort out of India, where they will then wait until it’s possible to return to Australia,” Cricket Australia's interim chief executive Nick Hockley said, as quoted by the Guardian.

The Australian government imposed a travel ban on all flights from India until May 15 due to a massive surge in COVID-19 in India.&nbsp;

“The BCCI has been working on a range of options. That’s now narrowed down to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The BCCI are working through the final details of that at the moment and we expect that movement will happen in the next two to three days.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to lose over INR 2000 crore (US$ 217 million) of the broadcast and sponsorship money from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, which was indefinitely postponed on Tuesday owing to a rise in COVID-19 cases across teams.

The BCCI was forced to postpone the IPL 2021 after multiple cases of COVID-19 were reported among players and support staff from Ahmedabad and New Delhi in the last couple of days.

Several Australian players, coaches, and commentators part of the Indian Premier League 2021 will be moving out of India within the next few days after the cash-rich league was indefinitely suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the bubble.

Several Australian players, coaches, and commentators part of the Indian Premier League 2021 will be moving out of India within the next few days after the cash-rich league was indefinitely suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the bubble. ALSO READ: BCCI set to incur losses of over USD 217 million after IPL 2021 postponement Cricket Australia's interim chief executive Nick Hockley said that BCCI is working on getting a unit of 38 personnel safely out of India to either Maldives or Sri Lanka first before being allowed to head back to their homes. “What we and the BCCI are working to do is to move the entire cohort out of India, where they will then wait until it’s possible to return to Australia,” Cricket Australia's interim chief executive Nick Hockley said, as quoted by the Guardian. The Australian government imposed a travel ban on all flights from India until May 15 due to a massive surge in COVID-19 in India. “The BCCI has been working on a range of options. That’s now narrowed down to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The BCCI are working through the final details of that at the moment and we expect that movement will happen in the next two to three days.” The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to lose over INR 2000 crore (US$ 217 million) of the broadcast and sponsorship money from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, which was indefinitely postponed on Tuesday owing to a rise in COVID-19 cases across teams. The BCCI was forced to postpone the IPL 2021 after multiple cases of COVID-19 were reported among players and support staff from Ahmedabad and New Delhi in the last couple of days.

Australian players will go home via Sri Lanka or the Maldives after IPL suspension: Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia (CA) and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) on Tuesday released a statement on the Australian players and support staff at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after the T20 tournament was postponed indefinitely. <o:p></o:p>

The BCCI decided to suspend the IPL 2021 indefinitely owning the COVID-19 cases across teams as India continues to battle the second wave of the dreaded virus.<o:p></o:p>

While the Australian government has banned travelers from India till May 15, the Australian players, coaches and broadcasters will be unable to return home as of now after the CA made it clear that they will not ask for any exemptions from the government.<o:p></o:p>

However, the Australian board thanked the BCCI for its efforts for the safe repatriation of players at the IPL 2021.<o:p></o:p>

The CA and ACA said in a joint statement on Tuesday: “Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association understand the decision of the BCCI to indefinitely postpone the 2021 Indian Premier League for the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-blockbuster-start-to-postponement-complete-timeline-of-covid-19-crisis-in-ipl-2021-382762" hreflang="en">From blockbuster start to postponement - Complete timeline of COVID-19 crisis in IPL 2021</a>

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Cricket Australia and the <a href="https://twitter.com/ACA_Players?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACA_Players</a> understand the decision of the BCCI to indefinitely postpone the 2021 Indian Premier League for the safety and wellbeing of all participants. <a href="https://t.co/M612hrnZFo">pic.twitter.com/M612hrnZFo</a>
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1389529423179747333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“CA is in direct contact with the BCCI as they work through plans to ensure the safe accommodation and repatriation of Australian players, coaches, match officials, and commentators back home to Australia.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

The statement concluded, “CA and the ACA respect the decision of the Australian Government to pause travel from India until at least May 15 and will not seek exemptions. CA and the ACA thank the BCCI for their efforts and cooperation for the safe repatriation of all participants at the IPL.”<o:p></o:p>

Australia’s Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, and Ricky Ponting have been put into isolation with the rest of the Delhi Capitals squad while KKR’s Pat Cummins, Ben Cutting, and assistant coach David Hussey are also in isolation. SRH’s David Warner is also likely to also be forced into isolation after Wriddhiman Saha tested COVID-19 positive.<o:p></o:p>

Cricket Australia (CA) and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) on Tuesday released a statement on the Australian players and support staff at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after the T20 tournament was postponed indefinitely.

Cricket Australia (CA) and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) on Tuesday released a statement on the Australian players and support staff at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after the T20 tournament was postponed indefinitely. The BCCI decided to suspend the IPL 2021 indefinitely owning the COVID-19 cases across teams as India continues to battle the second wave of the dreaded virus. While the Australian government has banned travelers from India till May 15, the Australian players, coaches and broadcasters will be unable to return home as of now after the CA made it clear that they will not ask for any exemptions from the government. However, the Australian board thanked the BCCI for its efforts for the safe repatriation of players at the IPL 2021. The CA and ACA said in a joint statement on Tuesday: “Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association understand the decision of the BCCI to indefinitely postpone the 2021 Indian Premier League for the safety and wellbeing of all participants. ALSO READ: From blockbuster start to postponement - Complete timeline of COVID-19 crisis in IPL 2021 Cricket Australia and the @ACA_Players understand the decision of the BCCI to indefinitely postpone the 2021 Indian Premier League for the safety and wellbeing of all participants. pic.twitter.com/M612hrnZFo — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) May 4, 2021 × “CA is in direct contact with the BCCI as they work through plans to ensure the safe accommodation and repatriation of Australian players, coaches, match officials, and commentators back home to Australia.” The statement concluded, “CA and the ACA respect the decision of the Australian Government to pause travel from India until at least May 15 and will not seek exemptions. CA and the ACA thank the BCCI for their efforts and cooperation for the safe repatriation of all participants at the IPL.” Australia’s Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, and Ricky Ponting have been put into isolation with the rest of the Delhi Capitals squad while KKR’s Pat Cummins, Ben Cutting, and assistant coach David Hussey are also in isolation. SRH’s David Warner is also likely to also be forced into isolation after Wriddhiman Saha tested COVID-19 positive.

Cricket Australia and ACA won't seek exemptions for Australian players' return as IPL 2021 gets postponed

Cricket Australia has no prompt intention&nbsp;to provide a charter flight for the return of players at present occupied with the Indian Premier League and claims it's untimely to hypothesise about bringing home plans with the competition planned to run for a further a month.&nbsp;

As India's COVID-19 case numbers keep on taking off, the Australian Government declared an interruption on all approaching departures from India until May 15 and accordingly cautioned that Australian residents who got back during that period in the wake of being in India could look as long as five years' prison.

While the Australian players staying at the IPL have not shown goals to return before the competition's fulfillment, Brisbane Heat skipper Chris Lynn, a week ago,&nbsp;glided the possibility of CA financing a sanction trip to localise their contracted players when the opposition wraps up.&nbsp;

"I texted back that as Cricket Australia make 10% of every IPL contract was there a chance we could spend that money this year on a charter flight once the tournament is over?" - Chris Lynn.

In any case, Cricket Australia's Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley said today there was presently "no suggestion" of a charter flight.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-blood-on-your-hands-pm-michael-slater-slams-australian-government-for-banning-citizens-returning-from-india-382551" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: 'Blood on your hands PM' - Michael Slater slams Australian government for banning citizens returning from India</a>&nbsp;

Nick Hockley added that while Cricket Australia stayed in ordinary contact with the major parts in India and stayed "very concerned" about their prosperity and safe get back, it was untimely to hypothesize on the coordinations of bringing home.

"There's no suggestion at the moment of any charter flight," Nick Hockley before news emerged of two positive tests in the IPL bubble.

"We're working closely and talking closely with the ACA (Australian Cricketers' Association), with the players, and with the BCCI to make sure everyone's okay and the people have got full information.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-pledges-aud-50000-to-help-india-in-the-battle-against-covid-19-382519" hreflang="en">Cricket Australia pledges AUD 50,000 to help India in the battle against COVID-19</a>

"We've been in touch with the players there and they are generally in good spirits.

He said it was additionally too soon to theorize on the conceivable emergency courses of action should the pause on departures from India reach out past May 15, however noticed that players leaving India for another authority and spending quarantine time there before returning home had been broached.

As has truly been the situation, the IPL is directed during a time of CA-contracted players' yearly leave which implies the cricketers have adequately ventured out to India under their own volition to participate in the two-month competition. 
&nbsp;

Cricket Australia has no prompt intention to provide a charter flight for the return of players at present occupied with the Indian Premier League and claims it's untimely to hypothesise about bringing home plans with the competition planned to run for a further a month.

Cricket Australia has no prompt intention to provide a charter flight for the return of players at present occupied with the Indian Premier League and claims it's untimely to hypothesise about bringing home plans with the competition planned to run for a further a month. As India's COVID-19 case numbers keep on taking off, the Australian Government declared an interruption on all approaching departures from India until May 15 and accordingly cautioned that Australian residents who got back during that period in the wake of being in India could look as long as five years' prison. While the Australian players staying at the IPL have not shown goals to return before the competition's fulfillment, Brisbane Heat skipper Chris Lynn, a week ago, glided the possibility of CA financing a sanction trip to localise their contracted players when the opposition wraps up. "I texted back that as Cricket Australia make 10% of every IPL contract was there a chance we could spend that money this year on a charter flight once the tournament is over?" - Chris Lynn. In any case, Cricket Australia's Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley said today there was presently "no suggestion" of a charter flight. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: 'Blood on your hands PM' - Michael Slater slams Australian government for banning citizens returning from India Nick Hockley added that while Cricket Australia stayed in ordinary contact with the major parts in India and stayed "very concerned" about their prosperity and safe get back, it was untimely to hypothesize on the coordinations of bringing home. "There's no suggestion at the moment of any charter flight," Nick Hockley before news emerged of two positive tests in the IPL bubble. "We're working closely and talking closely with the ACA (Australian Cricketers' Association), with the players, and with the BCCI to make sure everyone's okay and the people have got full information. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia pledges AUD 50,000 to help India in the battle against COVID-19 "We've been in touch with the players there and they are generally in good spirits. He said it was additionally too soon to theorize on the conceivable emergency courses of action should the pause on departures from India reach out past May 15, however noticed that players leaving India for another authority and spending quarantine time there before returning home had been broached. As has truly been the situation, the IPL is directed during a time of CA-contracted players' yearly leave which implies the cricketers have adequately ventured out to India under their own volition to participate in the two-month competition.

IPL 2021: No plans for Cricket Australia charter flight for IPL players: Nick Hockley

Cricket Australia has promised 50,000 Australian dollars to help India in the fight against the second wave of COVID-19. They likewise said that they are hoping to bring more funds to the organization with its players' affiliation and UNICEF.&nbsp;

Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Pat Cummins had donated $50,000 to PM Cares Fund for the acquisition of oxygen supplies for Indian emergency hospitals, but he ended up allocating his donation to UNICEF (Australia's India COVID-19 crisis appeal).

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Terrific work <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CricketAus</a> 
 
FYI I ended up allocating my donation to UNICEF Australia's India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal. 
 
If you're able to, please join many others in supporting this here <a href="https://t.co/SUvGjlGRm8">https://t.co/SUvGjlGRm8</a> <a href="https://t.co/1c0NE9PFdO">https://t.co/1c0NE9PFdO</a>
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) <a href="https://twitter.com/patcummins30/status/1389166223221575687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India has been enrolling disturbing COVID-19 numbers over the previous month. Day by day cases have crossed the four-lakh mark, and the loss of life is presently around 3,000 every day. The nation is likewise fighting an extreme lack of oxygen supplies and other clinical facilities.&nbsp;

In an official statement, Cricket Australia said: “Australian Cricket will throw its support behind India’s COVID-19 Crisis Appeal, with Cricket Australia, the Australian Cricketers; Association, and UNICEF Australia partnering to raise much-needed funds. Australian Cricket has been deeply saddened by the devastation caused by this second coronavirus wave to hit India, a country with which Australians share a strong friendship and connection."&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-after-2-kkr-players-3-members-of-csk-contingent-test-positive-for-covid-19-382523" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: After 2 KKR players, 3 members of CSK contingent test positive for COVID-19</a>

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Australian Cricket will throw its support behind the India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal by partnering with the <a href="https://twitter.com/ACA_Players?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACA_Players</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/unicefaustralia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unicefaustralia</a> to raise much needed funds. 
 
Donate to UNICEF Australia’s India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal: <a href="https://t.co/JWpslbtY2j">https://t.co/JWpslbtY2j</a> <a href="https://t.co/E0CMow6h8z">pic.twitter.com/E0CMow6h8z</a>
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1389001158195249154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Cricket Australia will make an initial donation of AUD 50,000 and encourage Australians everywhere to give generously at this crucial time in India’s COVID-19 response.” – CA added.&nbsp;

The funds raised by CA will be given to UNICEF Australia and will be used for alleviation measures in India.

“UNICEF Australia’s India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal is procuring and installing Oxygen Generation Plants in hospitals to treat seriously ill patients, providing testing equipment in heavily impacted districts, and supporting the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine via the COVAX initiative.” 
&nbsp;

Cricket Australia has promised 50,000 Australian dollars to help India in the fight against the second wave of COVID-19. They likewise said that they are hoping to bring more funds to the organization with its players' affiliation and UNICEF.

Cricket Australia has promised 50,000 Australian dollars to help India in the fight against the second wave of COVID-19. They likewise said that they are hoping to bring more funds to the organization with its players' affiliation and UNICEF. Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Pat Cummins had donated $50,000 to PM Cares Fund for the acquisition of oxygen supplies for Indian emergency hospitals, but he ended up allocating his donation to UNICEF (Australia's India COVID-19 crisis appeal). Terrific work @CricketAus FYI I ended up allocating my donation to UNICEF Australia's India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal. If you're able to, please join many others in supporting this here https://t.co/SUvGjlGRm8 https://t.co/1c0NE9PFdO — Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) May 3, 2021 × India has been enrolling disturbing COVID-19 numbers over the previous month. Day by day cases have crossed the four-lakh mark, and the loss of life is presently around 3,000 every day. The nation is likewise fighting an extreme lack of oxygen supplies and other clinical facilities. In an official statement, Cricket Australia said: “Australian Cricket will throw its support behind India’s COVID-19 Crisis Appeal, with Cricket Australia, the Australian Cricketers; Association, and UNICEF Australia partnering to raise much-needed funds. Australian Cricket has been deeply saddened by the devastation caused by this second coronavirus wave to hit India, a country with which Australians share a strong friendship and connection." ALSO READ: IPL 2021: After 2 KKR players, 3 members of CSK contingent test positive for COVID-19 Australian Cricket will throw its support behind the India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal by partnering with the @ACA_Players and @unicefaustralia to raise much needed funds. Donate to UNICEF Australia’s India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal: https://t.co/JWpslbtY2j pic.twitter.com/E0CMow6h8z — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) May 2, 2021 × “Cricket Australia will make an initial donation of AUD 50,000 and encourage Australians everywhere to give generously at this crucial time in India’s COVID-19 response.” – CA added. The funds raised by CA will be given to UNICEF Australia and will be used for alleviation measures in India. “UNICEF Australia’s India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal is procuring and installing Oxygen Generation Plants in hospitals to treat seriously ill patients, providing testing equipment in heavily impacted districts, and supporting the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine via the COVAX initiative.”

Cricket Australia pledges AUD 50,000 to help India in the battle against COVID-19

After Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s decision to suspend passenger flights from India till May 13, Cricket Australia and Australian Cricketers’ Association went on to release a statement saying that they will monitor the development in India till the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, on May 30. <o:p></o:p>

The statement said that they are in regular touch with everyone involved in the IPL 2021 while thanking the BCCI and IPL for their efforts to keep everyone safe in the tournament’s bio-secure bubble. <o:p></o:p>

"Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association are in regular dialogue with players, coaches, match officials and commentators on the ground in India regarding the current situation and we will assist where possible," said CA in its official statement. <o:p></o:p>

"We will continue to liaise closely with the Australian Government following today's announcement that direct flights from India to Australia will be paused until May 15, and monitor the situation between now and the tournament's scheduled conclusion on May 30," it added. Cricket Australia also thanked the BCCI and IPL organising committee for keeping everyone safe in a bio-secure bubble.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-exits-zampa-richardson-to-fly-back-to-australia-via-doha-380821" hreflang="en">IPL exits: Zampa, Richardson to fly back to Australia via Doha</a>

"We thank the BCCI and IPL for their efforts to keep everyone safe in the tournament's bio-secure bubble. Once again, our thoughts are with the people of India during this challenging time," the statement added.<o:p></o:p>

Australia Prime Minister Morrison on Tuesday said that the Australian cricketers taking part in IPL 2021 will have to arrange flights “under their own resources” if the flights continue to remain suspended beyond May 30. <o:p></o:p>

"They've travelled there privately ... this wasn't part of an Australian tour," the Australian PM told reporters as quoted by 7news.com.au.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-maxwell-to-dhawan-five-players-who-have-rocked-ipl-2021-so-far-379570" hreflang="en">From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far</a>

"They're under their own resources. And they'll be using those resources to, I'm sure, to see them return to Australia in accordance with their own arrangements," he added. <o:p></o:p>

After Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s decision to suspend passenger flights from India till May 13, Cricket Australia and Australian Cricketers’ Association went on to release a statement saying that they will monitor the development in India till the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, on May 30.

After Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s decision to suspend passenger flights from India till May 13, Cricket Australia and Australian Cricketers’ Association went on to release a statement saying that they will monitor the development in India till the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, on May 30. The statement said that they are in regular touch with everyone involved in the IPL 2021 while thanking the BCCI and IPL for their efforts to keep everyone safe in the tournament’s bio-secure bubble. "Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association are in regular dialogue with players, coaches, match officials and commentators on the ground in India regarding the current situation and we will assist where possible," said CA in its official statement. "We will continue to liaise closely with the Australian Government following today's announcement that direct flights from India to Australia will be paused until May 15, and monitor the situation between now and the tournament's scheduled conclusion on May 30," it added. Cricket Australia also thanked the BCCI and IPL organising committee for keeping everyone safe in a bio-secure bubble. ALSO READ: IPL exits: Zampa, Richardson to fly back to Australia via Doha "We thank the BCCI and IPL for their efforts to keep everyone safe in the tournament's bio-secure bubble. Once again, our thoughts are with the people of India during this challenging time," the statement added. Australia Prime Minister Morrison on Tuesday said that the Australian cricketers taking part in IPL 2021 will have to arrange flights “under their own resources” if the flights continue to remain suspended beyond May 30. "They've travelled there privately ... this wasn't part of an Australian tour," the Australian PM told reporters as quoted by 7news.com.au. ALSO READ: From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far "They're under their own resources. And they'll be using those resources to, I'm sure, to see them return to Australia in accordance with their own arrangements," he added.

IPL 2021: Cricket Australia to monitor situation till May 30, thanks BCCI and IPL for keeping everyone safe

Cricket South Africa has lodged an official dispute with the International Cricket Council over Australia’s decision to withdraw from a scheduled tour of South Africa.

CSA interim board chairman Stavros Nicolaou told a press conference on Friday that the board was "extremely disappointed" over what he described as a unilateral decision by Cricket Australia.

Nicolaou said CSA had worked for many months to satisfy Australian concerns over Covid-19 and it came as a shock to receive a letter from the Australians on February 2 citing an "unacceptable risk" because of Covid.&nbsp;

The decision came just 22 days before the tour was due to start.

CSA's complaint to the ICC is understood to seek World Test championship points for the series on the grounds that it cannot be re-scheduled before April 30, the deadline for championship matches, as well as financial compensation.

"We don't know what the prospects of success are because there are provisions in the rules that relate to Covid for postponements to take place," said Nicolaou.&nbsp;

"But that's not the main issue. One needs to assess what these cancellations and postponements mean to the smaller nations or the poorer nations with less resources. I think there is a recalibration that needs to take place in cricket."

Nicolaou said the reasons advanced by Australia were not convincing.&nbsp;

They had claimed that South Africa was experiencing a peak of Covid infections with a more virulent strain of the virus and that there were concerns that Australian players might be stranded in South Africa should there be infections in their camp.

"This really confused us because the day we received the letter South Africa was on a very significant downward trajectory of the pandemic."&nbsp;

He said infections had declined from a peak of 22,000 a day to a current average of between one and two thousand a day.

"We also don't agree that there is a more virulent strain. We know there is a more contagious strain but it is not more virulent."

Nicolaou said CSA had secured assurances from the government that would enable anyone from Australia who contracted the virus to be able to fly home. Arrangements had also been made with private hospitals to accommodate any of the tourists if they should fall ill.

"It is a unilateral decision," said Nicolaou.&nbsp;

"Our preference would be to pick up the phone, set up a call and go through the various details."

<h2>- New board -</h2>

Nicolaou provided an update on the interim board's progress towards setting up a new board, with a majority of independent directors, following the resignation of the previous board last year.

He said a special general meeting would be held next month to approve recommendations for a new structure and he expected that CSA's annual general meeting, which was postponed from last October, would be held between April 10 and 17 to appoint a new board.

Former CSA and ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat, a member of the interim board, said CSA’s "internal challenges" had been damaging to the organisation’s reputation and international standing.

"It is no surprise that we were not able to focus and establish ourselves at the ICC and from my experience that allows an imbalance in the world of cricket."

Lorgat said there had been a resurgence in the dominance of the so-called Big Three of world cricket – India, England and Australia.&nbsp;

"We have seen a lot of fixtures between those countries to the detriment of the others. Cricket South Africa truly needs to get its house in order to play a meaningful role around the table at the ICC."

Cricket South Africa has lodged an official dispute with the International Cricket Council over Australia’s decision to withdraw from a scheduled tour of South Africa.

Cricket South Africa has lodged an official dispute with the International Cricket Council over Australia’s decision to withdraw from a scheduled tour of South Africa. CSA interim board chairman Stavros Nicolaou told a press conference on Friday that the board was "extremely disappointed" over what he described as a unilateral decision by Cricket Australia. Nicolaou said CSA had worked for many months to satisfy Australian concerns over Covid-19 and it came as a shock to receive a letter from the Australians on February 2 citing an "unacceptable risk" because of Covid. The decision came just 22 days before the tour was due to start. CSA's complaint to the ICC is understood to seek World Test championship points for the series on the grounds that it cannot be re-scheduled before April 30, the deadline for championship matches, as well as financial compensation. "We don't know what the prospects of success are because there are provisions in the rules that relate to Covid for postponements to take place," said Nicolaou. "But that's not the main issue. One needs to assess what these cancellations and postponements mean to the smaller nations or the poorer nations with less resources. I think there is a recalibration that needs to take place in cricket." Nicolaou said the reasons advanced by Australia were not convincing. They had claimed that South Africa was experiencing a peak of Covid infections with a more virulent strain of the virus and that there were concerns that Australian players might be stranded in South Africa should there be infections in their camp. "This really confused us because the day we received the letter South Africa was on a very significant downward trajectory of the pandemic." He said infections had declined from a peak of 22,000 a day to a current average of between one and two thousand a day. "We also don't agree that there is a more virulent strain. We know there is a more contagious strain but it is not more virulent." Nicolaou said CSA had secured assurances from the government that would enable anyone from Australia who contracted the virus to be able to fly home. Arrangements had also been made with private hospitals to accommodate any of the tourists if they should fall ill. "It is a unilateral decision," said Nicolaou. "Our preference would be to pick up the phone, set up a call and go through the various details." - New board - Nicolaou provided an update on the interim board's progress towards setting up a new board, with a majority of independent directors, following the resignation of the previous board last year. He said a special general meeting would be held next month to approve recommendations for a new structure and he expected that CSA's annual general meeting, which was postponed from last October, would be held between April 10 and 17 to appoint a new board. Former CSA and ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat, a member of the interim board, said CSA’s "internal challenges" had been damaging to the organisation’s reputation and international standing. "It is no surprise that we were not able to focus and establish ourselves at the ICC and from my experience that allows an imbalance in the world of cricket." Lorgat said there had been a resurgence in the dominance of the so-called Big Three of world cricket – India, England and Australia. "We have seen a lot of fixtures between those countries to the detriment of the others. Cricket South Africa truly needs to get its house in order to play a meaningful role around the table at the ICC."

South Africa complains to ICC over cancelled Australian cricket tour

Cricket South Africa have written to International Cricket Council (ICC) to talk about Australia's decision to with withdraw from a three-test tour of the country next month and the financial consequences for the Proteas.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-india-drop-to-4th-after-chennai-test-heres-updated-standings-362403" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings</a>

Earlier this month, Cricket Australia announced that their tour of South Africa was postponement amid fears of the second wave and new variant of the coronavirus. While Cricket Australia also expressed their disappointment over the postponement of the much-awaited series in the Rainbow nation, Cricket South Africa's statement clearly shows that the latter has been left disappointed.&nbsp;

However, CSA was left disappointed as they had accepted every safety demand of the visitors, and that they were not consulted by the visitors before the unilateral decision was made not to tour.

"There's got to be some understanding of how we manage the impact to less-wealthy nations," Stavros Nicolaou, the chairman of CSA's interim board told ESPNcricinfo.

ALSO&nbsp;READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-first-test-england-go-1-0-up-in-the-series-as-they-beat-india-by-227-runs-362394" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG, First Test: England go 1-0 up in the series as they beat India by 227 runs</a>

"Unilateral decisions of this nature are punitive to less-wealthy cricket-playing nations and there has to be some discussion around redress."

CA chief executive Nick Hickley last week defended the decision to postpone the South Africa trip, saying the "weight of medical advice and our duty of care to players and staff meant we were really left with no alternative".

(Inputs from Reuters)

Cricket South Africa have written to International Cricket Council (ICC) to talk about Australia's decision to with withdraw from a three-test tour of the country next month and the financial consequences for the Proteas.

Cricket South Africa have written to International Cricket Council (ICC) to talk about Australia's decision to with withdraw from a three-test tour of the country next month and the financial consequences for the Proteas. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings Earlier this month, Cricket Australia announced that their tour of South Africa was postponement amid fears of the second wave and new variant of the coronavirus. While Cricket Australia also expressed their disappointment over the postponement of the much-awaited series in the Rainbow nation, Cricket South Africa's statement clearly shows that the latter has been left disappointed. However, CSA was left disappointed as they had accepted every safety demand of the visitors, and that they were not consulted by the visitors before the unilateral decision was made not to tour. "There's got to be some understanding of how we manage the impact to less-wealthy nations," Stavros Nicolaou, the chairman of CSA's interim board told ESPNcricinfo. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, First Test: England go 1-0 up in the series as they beat India by 227 runs "Unilateral decisions of this nature are punitive to less-wealthy cricket-playing nations and there has to be some discussion around redress." CA chief executive Nick Hickley last week defended the decision to postpone the South Africa trip, saying the "weight of medical advice and our duty of care to players and staff meant we were really left with no alternative". (Inputs from Reuters)

Cricket South Africa writes to ICC regarding Cricket Australia's withdrawal

From Smith to Mooney: Cricket Australia announces its player of year awards!

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his concerns over Australia's decision to postpone their tour of South Africa as he called the decision a "huge worry" for cricket.&nbsp;

Cricket Australia on Tuesday called off the tour citing COVID-19 risk for the visitors. Cricket South Africa, in response, posted a strong-worded&nbsp;statement as they called the decision "regrettable".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Questioning the decision of Cricket Australia to postpone the South Africa series, Vaughan asked whether they would have done the same had it been a tour of India. The former England skipper added that the 'Big 3' of India, England and Australia&nbsp;should do everything to help other cricket boards in a bid to overcome the financial loss suffered during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;"The Aussies pulling out of the tour of SA is a huge worry for the game ... Would they have pulled out of a tour to India is the question&nbsp;?? !!&nbsp;It's so important in these times that the big 3 do everything they can to help out those without the financial clout ... #JustSaying," Vaughan tweeted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winning-test-series-in-india-bigger-than-ashes-opines-matt-prior-361030" hreflang="en">Winning Test series in India 'bigger' than Ashes, opines Matt Prior</a>

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The Aussies pulling out of the tour of SA is a huge worry for the game ... Would they have pulled out of a tour to India is the question ?? !! It’s so important in these times that the big 3 do everything they can to help out those without the financial clout ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustSaying?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustSaying</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1356880526037106689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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With the series between Australia and South Africa postponed, the ICC on Tuesday confirmed that New Zealand have now become the first team to qualify for the finals of the&nbsp;ICC&nbsp;World Test Championship (WTC).&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/archer-says-body-management-key-in-busy-england-calender-361017" hreflang="en">Archer says 'body management' key in busy England calender</a>

As things stand, India, Australia and England are the other three teams in contention to make it to the final of World Test Championship, scheduled to be held from June 18-22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Vaughan has expressed his disappointment over Cricket Australia's decision to postpone the tour, similar sentiments were shared by the cricket fans on social media platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his concerns over Australia's decision to postpone their tour of South Africa as he called the decision a "huge worry" for cricket.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed his concerns over Australia's decision to postpone their tour of South Africa as he called the decision a "huge worry" for cricket. Cricket Australia on Tuesday called off the tour citing COVID-19 risk for the visitors. Cricket South Africa, in response, posted a strong-worded statement as they called the decision "regrettable". Questioning the decision of Cricket Australia to postpone the South Africa series, Vaughan asked whether they would have done the same had it been a tour of India. The former England skipper added that the 'Big 3' of India, England and Australia should do everything to help other cricket boards in a bid to overcome the financial loss suffered during the coronavirus pandemic. "The Aussies pulling out of the tour of SA is a huge worry for the game ... Would they have pulled out of a tour to India is the question ?? !! It's so important in these times that the big 3 do everything they can to help out those without the financial clout ... #JustSaying," Vaughan tweeted. ALSO READ: Winning Test series in India 'bigger' than Ashes, opines Matt Prior The Aussies pulling out of the tour of SA is a huge worry for the game ... Would they have pulled out of a tour to India is the question ?? !! It’s so important in these times that the big 3 do everything they can to help out those without the financial clout ... #JustSaying — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 3, 2021 × With the series between Australia and South Africa postponed, the ICC on Tuesday confirmed that New Zealand have now become the first team to qualify for the finals of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). ALSO READ: Archer says 'body management' key in busy England calender As things stand, India, Australia and England are the other three teams in contention to make it to the final of World Test Championship, scheduled to be held from June 18-22. While Vaughan has expressed his disappointment over Cricket Australia's decision to postpone the tour, similar sentiments were shared by the cricket fans on social media platforms.

'Huge worry for the game': Michael Vaughan expresses concerns over SA vs AUS series postponement

Cricket Australia on Wednesday concluded that Indian players were racially&nbsp;abused&nbsp;during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground but cleared six people,&nbsp;who were kicked out of the stadium, of any charges&nbsp;following a probe.&nbsp;

Cricket chiefs and New South Wales police launched a probe after pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;complained about being target of discriminatory chants while they fielded by the boundary ropes on day three of the Sydney Test earlier in January.&nbsp;

On day four, the play was halted for close to 10 minutes when Siraj ran towards the umpires from the fine-leg boundary and pointed into the crowd.&nbsp;Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane was also seen having a word with the on-field umpires.&nbsp;

As many as six men were removed from their allocated seats and taken away by the stewards. However, they have now been cleared of any charges.&nbsp;

"CA confirms that members of the Indian cricket team were subjected to racial abuse," the governing body's integrity chief Sean Carroll said in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-axe-wade-keep-paine-as-captain-for-south-africa-test-tour-359588" hreflang="en">Australia axe Wade, keep Paine as captain for South Africa Test tour</a>

"CA's own investigation into the matter remains open, with CCTV footage, ticketing data and interviews with spectators still being&nbsp;analysed&nbsp;in an attempt to locate those responsible."&nbsp;&nbsp;

But it added: "CA's investigation concluded that the spectators filmed and/or photographed by media in the Brewongle Stand concourse at the conclusion of the 86th over on day four of the Test&nbsp;did not engage in racist&nbsp;behaviour."&nbsp;

Even veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said it was not the first time there&nbsp;had been such issues in Sydney.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's definitely not acceptable in this day and age... we must make sure it doesn't happen again," he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-reacts-to-captaincy-debate-ahead-of-england-series-359483" hreflang="en">Ajinkya Rahane reacts to captaincy debate ahead of England series</a>

Cricket Australia issued&nbsp;a&nbsp;heartfelt apology to India at that time as the cricket body said anyone found guilty would face consequences and referral to the police.&nbsp;

The Australian board has forwarded the findings to the International Cricket Council while the New South&nbsp;Wales Police continues to investigate.&nbsp;

After the conclusion of the tour, pacer Siraj had revealed that on-field umpires gave India the option to walk out of the field but skipper Rahane, standing in for Virat Kohli, stood his ground and said they want to play due&nbsp;to the sheer respect for the game.&nbsp;

India won the four-Test series 2-1 in what was a historic achievement by the visitors.&nbsp;

Cricket Australia on Wednesday concluded that Indian players were racially abused during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground but cleared six people, who were kicked out of the stadium, of any charges following a probe.

Cricket Australia on Wednesday concluded that Indian players were racially abused during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground but cleared six people, who were kicked out of the stadium, of any charges following a probe. Cricket chiefs and New South Wales police launched a probe after pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah complained about being target of discriminatory chants while they fielded by the boundary ropes on day three of the Sydney Test earlier in January. On day four, the play was halted for close to 10 minutes when Siraj ran towards the umpires from the fine-leg boundary and pointed into the crowd. Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane was also seen having a word with the on-field umpires. As many as six men were removed from their allocated seats and taken away by the stewards. However, they have now been cleared of any charges. "CA confirms that members of the Indian cricket team were subjected to racial abuse," the governing body's integrity chief Sean Carroll said in a statement. ALSO READ: Australia axe Wade, keep Paine as captain for South Africa Test tour "CA's own investigation into the matter remains open, with CCTV footage, ticketing data and interviews with spectators still being analysed in an attempt to locate those responsible." But it added: "CA's investigation concluded that the spectators filmed and/or photographed by media in the Brewongle Stand concourse at the conclusion of the 86th over on day four of the Test did not engage in racist behaviour." Even veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said it was not the first time there had been such issues in Sydney. "It's definitely not acceptable in this day and age... we must make sure it doesn't happen again," he said. ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane reacts to captaincy debate ahead of England series Cricket Australia issued a heartfelt apology to India at that time as the cricket body said anyone found guilty would face consequences and referral to the police. The Australian board has forwarded the findings to the International Cricket Council while the New South Wales Police continues to investigate. After the conclusion of the tour, pacer Siraj had revealed that on-field umpires gave India the option to walk out of the field but skipper Rahane, standing in for Virat Kohli, stood his ground and said they want to play due to the sheer respect for the game. India won the four-Test series 2-1 in what was a historic achievement by the visitors.

Cricket Australia confirms Indian players racially abused at the SCG

Team India were&nbsp;allegedly racially attacked in the on-going Pink Test by some sections of the crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Cricket Australia, who earlier apologised for the incident, has now launched an investigation in parallel with NSW Police following a crowd incident at the SCG today.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/very-unfortunate-former-cricketers-fume-after-racial-attacks-on-team-india-at-scg-355763" hreflang="en">'Very unfortunate': Former cricketers fume after racial attacks on Team India at SCG</a>

On Day 4 of the third Test, the play was halted for over 8 minutes as Indian paceman Siraj in to stop play while fielding on the fine leg boundary just before tea. According to the veteran journalist Boria Majumdar, Siraj was called a 'brown dog' by some people present in the crowd.&nbsp;

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Breaking: I am appalled to say Siraj was called a brown dog today in Sydney. This is what was said today morning to go with all the other abuse. Just throwing the spectators out isn’t enough. We need some real action if we have to stop this. Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsTodayofc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SportsTodayofc</a> 5@5 for more.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoriaMajumdar/status/1348195099621036034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Umpires and security guards attended the boundary before six people were removed from their seats by NSW Police.

Cricket Australia was quick to apologise and condemn this act. However, now they released a statement which read: "Cricket Australia has launched an investigation in parallel with NSW police into a crowd incident at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday at the conclusion of 86th over of Australia's second innings."&nbsp;

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We have launched an investigation in parallel with NSW Police following a crowd incident at the SCG today. Full statement 👇 <a href="https://t.co/D7Qu3SenHo">pic.twitter.com/D7Qu3SenHo</a>
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1348180653003599872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to the Australian board, the six people removed by the NSW police were interviewed by the authorities.&nbsp;

They also quoted Sean Carroll, who is Cricket Australia's Head of Integrity and Security. He said: "The abuse of cricketers by crowd members is not acceptable. We thank Indian team for their vigilance in reporting today's incident, which we are now in the process of investigation."

Carroll went on to say that the spirit of the Test match has been "tarnished" over the past two days and apologised to Team India once again. &nbsp;

Team India were allegedly racially attacked in the on-going Pink Test by some sections of the crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Cricket Australia, who earlier apologised for the incident, has now launched an investigation in parallel with NSW Police following a crowd incident at the SCG today.

Team India were allegedly racially attacked in the on-going Pink Test by some sections of the crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Cricket Australia, who earlier apologised for the incident, has now launched an investigation in parallel with NSW Police following a crowd incident at the SCG today. ALSO READ: 'Very unfortunate': Former cricketers fume after racial attacks on Team India at SCG On Day 4 of the third Test, the play was halted for over 8 minutes as Indian paceman Siraj in to stop play while fielding on the fine leg boundary just before tea. According to the veteran journalist Boria Majumdar, Siraj was called a 'brown dog' by some people present in the crowd. Breaking: I am appalled to say Siraj was called a brown dog today in Sydney. This is what was said today morning to go with all the other abuse. Just throwing the spectators out isn’t enough. We need some real action if we have to stop this. Watch @SportsTodayofc 5@5 for more. — Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) January 10, 2021 × Umpires and security guards attended the boundary before six people were removed from their seats by NSW Police. Cricket Australia was quick to apologise and condemn this act. However, now they released a statement which read: "Cricket Australia has launched an investigation in parallel with NSW police into a crowd incident at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday at the conclusion of 86th over of Australia's second innings." We have launched an investigation in parallel with NSW Police following a crowd incident at the SCG today. Full statement 👇 pic.twitter.com/D7Qu3SenHo — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 10, 2021 × According to the Australian board, the six people removed by the NSW police were interviewed by the authorities. They also quoted Sean Carroll, who is Cricket Australia's Head of Integrity and Security. He said: "The abuse of cricketers by crowd members is not acceptable. We thank Indian team for their vigilance in reporting today's incident, which we are now in the process of investigation." Carroll went on to say that the spirit of the Test match has been "tarnished" over the past two days and apologised to Team India once again.

Cricket Australia launch investigation following alleged racial incident at SCG

Cricket Australia on Sunday said that they will stick to the plans for holding the Third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground despite a surge in COVID-19 in the city.&nbsp;

Coronavirus cluster in the city has risen to 68 since its origin on Thursday. Northern Sydney is placed under severe lockdown with restrictions placed on travel to several other states.

The third Test Match is scheduled to be held on January 7. Cricket Australia's interim chief Nick Hockley said they are watching the situation closely, with contingency plans in place.

"We have made no changes to our schedule and our preference remains to play the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground," he said in a statement as speculation mounted that it would be moved.

"CA has prepared for the possibility of Covid-19 hotspots and state border closures over the course of the summer.

"The protocols that we have put in place have been effective in ensuring the safety and success of the men's and women's domestic and international programs to date.

"We will continue to work closely with all relevant parties to make the right decisions in the appropriate timeframes," he added.

However, the problem begins after the Test as getting the players to Brisbane for the final Test after Queensland state announced Sunday it was effectively closing its border to Sydney could be difficult.&nbsp;

Cricket Australia on Sunday said that they will stick to the plans for holding the Third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground despite a surge in COVID-19 in the city.

Cricket Australia on Sunday said that they will stick to the plans for holding the Third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground despite a surge in COVID-19 in the city. Coronavirus cluster in the city has risen to 68 since its origin on Thursday. Northern Sydney is placed under severe lockdown with restrictions placed on travel to several other states. The third Test Match is scheduled to be held on January 7. Cricket Australia's interim chief Nick Hockley said they are watching the situation closely, with contingency plans in place. "We have made no changes to our schedule and our preference remains to play the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground," he said in a statement as speculation mounted that it would be moved. "CA has prepared for the possibility of Covid-19 hotspots and state border closures over the course of the summer. "The protocols that we have put in place have been effective in ensuring the safety and success of the men's and women's domestic and international programs to date. "We will continue to work closely with all relevant parties to make the right decisions in the appropriate timeframes," he added. However, the problem begins after the Test as getting the players to Brisbane for the final Test after Queensland state announced Sunday it was effectively closing its border to Sydney could be difficult.

Cricket Australia goes ahead with plans for Sydney Test match despite COVID-19 surge

Australian team management's decision to rest Pat Cummins has not gone down well with country's veterans. First Shane Warne, now Brett Lee have shown their disappointment after the Aussie paceman was rested after playing just two ODIs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/playing-for-australia-is-more-important-than-playing-in-ipl-shane-warne-after-pat-cummins-rested-for-third-odi-346928" hreflang="en">'Playing for Australia is more important than playing in IPL': Shane Warne after Pat Cummins rested for third ODI</a>

Brett Lee, who often talked about Australia's rest and rotation policy and was a part of it during his playing days, said that Cummins shouldn’t be tired after playing just two games.

“It probably wouldn’t have been his call, he probably would have wanted to play, the players generally want to play,” Lee told Foxsports.com.au. “I would have thought after a couple of games they shouldn’t be tired.

“I always found that for my rhythm personally that the more games I played the better rhythm I had.

“If I had a week’s break, whether it be a break in the tournament or whether I was rested, it’s almost like you’ve got to go back and find that rhythm again.

“There could be a guy who is carrying a hamstring injury or a little niggle, shoulder might be a bit sore, and the best way to get them into their best preparation is to have a few days off. That’s fine but if they’re fully fit they should be playing.”

“The confidence is definitely back and his pace is back and I expect that to continue all summer.”

Cummins did not perform well in the series but picked up three wickets at an average of 39.66 in the first two ODIs. Cummins is likely to return the four-match Test series.&nbsp;

Australian team management's decision to rest Pat Cummins has not gone down well with country's veterans. First Shane Warne, now Brett Lee have shown their disappointment after the Aussie paceman was rested after playing just two ODIs.

Australian team management's decision to rest Pat Cummins has not gone down well with country's veterans. First Shane Warne, now Brett Lee have shown their disappointment after the Aussie paceman was rested after playing just two ODIs. Also read: 'Playing for Australia is more important than playing in IPL': Shane Warne after Pat Cummins rested for third ODI Brett Lee, who often talked about Australia's rest and rotation policy and was a part of it during his playing days, said that Cummins shouldn’t be tired after playing just two games. “It probably wouldn’t have been his call, he probably would have wanted to play, the players generally want to play,” Lee told Foxsports.com.au. “I would have thought after a couple of games they shouldn’t be tired. “I always found that for my rhythm personally that the more games I played the better rhythm I had. “If I had a week’s break, whether it be a break in the tournament or whether I was rested, it’s almost like you’ve got to go back and find that rhythm again. “There could be a guy who is carrying a hamstring injury or a little niggle, shoulder might be a bit sore, and the best way to get them into their best preparation is to have a few days off. That’s fine but if they’re fully fit they should be playing.” “The confidence is definitely back and his pace is back and I expect that to continue all summer.” Cummins did not perform well in the series but picked up three wickets at an average of 39.66 in the first two ODIs. Cummins is likely to return the four-match Test series.

'They shouldn’t be tired': Brett Lee on Pat Cummins being rested after playing two ODIs

Australia's pacer spearhead Pat Cummins was rested for the third and final ODI against India after getting an unassailable 2-0 lead against the visitors. The paceman was a part of IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders so he was given rest before the much-anticipated Test series.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-dawid-malan-attains-highest-ever-rating-points-in-t20i-history-346881" hreflang="en">England's Dawid Malan attains highest-ever rating points in T20I history</a>

However, Shane Warne was not pleased with the decision to rest Cummins. According to Aussie great, IPL is not more important for players than playing for Australia.&nbsp;

"Pat Cummins and the resting, I’m a little bit disappointed," Warne said on Fox Cricket.

"I know it is a big summer that we have and it is pretty jam-packed, but I don’t think Australian players should be resting after two games.

"Why are they resting? Is it because they played IPL? So they are allowed to go and play all these games in the IPL and then they need a rest because they have been playing in IPL.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-fastest-to-12000-runs-in-odi-cricket-surpasses-sachin-tendulkar-346863" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli fastest to 12,000 runs in ODI cricket, surpasses Sachin Tendulkar</a>

"Surely playing for Australia is more important than playing in the IPL. So I would say you should choose. Either miss the IPL or you cannot miss games because you need a break coming off an IPL for an Australian game.

"It is a One Day International for Australia and you need a rest to get through the summer after two games," Warne signed off.

Australia's pacer spearhead Pat Cummins was rested for the third and final ODI against India after getting an unassailable 2-0 lead against the visitors. The paceman was a part of IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders so he was given rest before the much-anticipated Test series.

Australia's pacer spearhead Pat Cummins was rested for the third and final ODI against India after getting an unassailable 2-0 lead against the visitors. The paceman was a part of IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders so he was given rest before the much-anticipated Test series. Also read: England's Dawid Malan attains highest-ever rating points in T20I history However, Shane Warne was not pleased with the decision to rest Cummins. According to Aussie great, IPL is not more important for players than playing for Australia. "Pat Cummins and the resting, I’m a little bit disappointed," Warne said on Fox Cricket. "I know it is a big summer that we have and it is pretty jam-packed, but I don’t think Australian players should be resting after two games. "Why are they resting? Is it because they played IPL? So they are allowed to go and play all these games in the IPL and then they need a rest because they have been playing in IPL. Also read: Virat Kohli fastest to 12,000 runs in ODI cricket, surpasses Sachin Tendulkar "Surely playing for Australia is more important than playing in the IPL. So I would say you should choose. Either miss the IPL or you cannot miss games because you need a break coming off an IPL for an Australian game. "It is a One Day International for Australia and you need a rest to get through the summer after two games," Warne signed off.

'Playing for Australia is more important than playing in IPL': Shane Warne after Pat Cummins rested for third ODI

Australia's 'bio-secure' tour of England is set to begin on September 4, as per reports. This tour will include three T20Is and ODIs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-commit-to-anything-now-how-kapil-devs-advice-made-rahul-dravid-india-a-coach-314300" hreflang="en">'Don’t commit to anything now' - How Kapil Dev's advice made Rahul Dravid India A coach</a>

According to the Daily Telegraph report, the tour will commence with the three-match T20 series. These matches will be held on September 4,6 and 8, followed by ODI series that is set to take place on September 10, 12 and 15. 
&nbsp; 
The Australian team will travel to England in a private jet and matches of the tour are expected to be played in Southampton and Old Trafford in Manchester, as per reports.&nbsp;

Both the venues have hotels attached to the ground to house two sides, match officials and broadcasters.

Manchester and Southampton are the venues of the on-going England-West Indies tour and will be the grounds in the following series against Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Australian cricket board have revealed a 26-man preliminary list of players last week and the selectors will further pick a squad from the list.&nbsp;

Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia’s chief of national teams said: “Obviously the health and safety of players and staff and public health component is critical. The quarantine arrangements aren’t in place, they’re not confirmed.”They obviously exist in terms of general international travel at the moment so that’s something we’re working through but it is a consideration.”&nbsp;

Australia's 'bio-secure' tour of England is set to begin on September 4, as per reports. This tour will include three T20Is and ODIs. Also read: 'Don’t commit to anything now' - How Kapil Dev's advice made Rahul Dravid India A coach According to the Daily Telegraph report, the tour will commence with the three-match T20 series.

Australia's 'bio-secure' tour of England is set to begin on September 4, as per reports. This tour will include three T20Is and ODIs. Also read: 'Don’t commit to anything now' - How Kapil Dev's advice made Rahul Dravid India A coach According to the Daily Telegraph report, the tour will commence with the three-match T20 series. These matches will be held on September 4,6 and 8, followed by ODI series that is set to take place on September 10, 12 and 15. The Australian team will travel to England in a private jet and matches of the tour are expected to be played in Southampton and Old Trafford in Manchester, as per reports. Both the venues have hotels attached to the ground to house two sides, match officials and broadcasters. Manchester and Southampton are the venues of the on-going England-West Indies tour and will be the grounds in the following series against Pakistan. The Australian cricket board have revealed a 26-man preliminary list of players last week and the selectors will further pick a squad from the list. Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia’s chief of national teams said: “Obviously the health and safety of players and staff and public health component is critical. The quarantine arrangements aren’t in place, they’re not confirmed.”They obviously exist in terms of general international travel at the moment so that’s something we’re working through but it is a consideration.”

Australia's tour of England to commence on September 4: Reports

Australia on Thursday announced plans to ditch the English Dukes ball in domestic cricket and revert to using only the traditional Kookaburra for the next Sheffield Shield season.

Cricket Australia introduced the Dukes ball in 2016 and they were used in the second half of each Shield season to try to accustom players to conditions in England, where Australian batsmen had often struggled.

Dukes balls tend to have a more pronounced seam, enabling them swing further and for longer when new than the Australian-made Kookaburras.

Cricket Australia's head of operations Peter Roach said reverting to the Kookaburra was the right move at this time.

"The introduction of the Dukes ball has been a worthwhile exercise, particularly in the lead-up to overseas Ashes series where the Dukes is used so well by our English opponents," he said.

"We have been happy with how the ball has performed when used in Australian conditions over the past four seasons.&nbsp;

"We do, however, feel that reverting to one ball for 2020-21 will provide the consistent examination of our players over a full season that (Cricket Australia) and the states are presently seeking," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While England continue to use Dukes, the Kookaburra is used for Tests in many other parts of the world and widely in limited-overs cricket.

Roach said Cricket Australia could consider reintroducing Dukes balls closer to the next Ashes series in England, which is due to take place in 2023.

Australia on Thursday announced plans to ditch the English Dukes ball in domestic cricket and revert to using only the traditional Kookaburra for the next Sheffield Shield season.

Australia on Thursday announced plans to ditch the English Dukes ball in domestic cricket and revert to using only the traditional Kookaburra for the next Sheffield Shield season. Cricket Australia introduced the Dukes ball in 2016 and they were used in the second half of each Shield season to try to accustom players to conditions in England, where Australian batsmen had often struggled. Dukes balls tend to have a more pronounced seam, enabling them swing further and for longer when new than the Australian-made Kookaburras. Cricket Australia's head of operations Peter Roach said reverting to the Kookaburra was the right move at this time. "The introduction of the Dukes ball has been a worthwhile exercise, particularly in the lead-up to overseas Ashes series where the Dukes is used so well by our English opponents," he said. "We have been happy with how the ball has performed when used in Australian conditions over the past four seasons. "We do, however, feel that reverting to one ball for 2020-21 will provide the consistent examination of our players over a full season that (Cricket Australia) and the states are presently seeking," he added. While England continue to use Dukes, the Kookaburra is used for Tests in many other parts of the world and widely in limited-overs cricket. Roach said Cricket Australia could consider reintroducing Dukes balls closer to the next Ashes series in England, which is due to take place in 2023.

Australia revert to using Kookaburra balls only in domestic cricket

Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings on Tuesday admitted that hosting T20 World Cup later in the year is “unrealistic” amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Australia from October 18 to November 15 with ICC slated to take a call on the showpiece event in July.

However, with international travel restrictions still in place, Eddings conceded that the T20 World Cup is looking increasingly unlikely.&nbsp;

"While it hasn't been formally called off this year, or postponed, trying to get 16 countries into Australia in the current world, where most countries are still going through COVID spiking, I think it's unrealistic, or it's going to be very, very difficult," he told reporters.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/september-ipl-2020-in-sri-lanka-is-viable-option-opines-sunil-gavaskar-306086" hreflang="en">September IPL 2020 in Sri Lanka is viable option, opines Sunil Gavaskar</a>

"The ICC are having meetings as we speak, it's a bit of a movable feast at the moment," he said.

Whereas T20 World Cup chief executive Nick Hockley, who was also appointed as interim CEO of Cricket Australia, said he expects the ICC to take a final call on the tournament next months.&nbsp;

"We've got a fantastic local organising committee who are busy preparing for every eventuality and the decision that will come," Hockley said.

<h2>- 'Positive chats' –</h2>

Australia have allowed crowds up to 10,000 into sports stadiums from next month but strict international border restriction have created an added headache for the organisers. Eddings also said that they have had lots of positive chats with India and the BCCI is very keen about the tour.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-felt-bad-for-the-sport-mohammad-hafeez-questions-team-indias-intent-during-2019-world-cup-match-vs-england-306089" hreflang="en">I felt bad for the sport: Mohammad Hafeez questions Team India's intent during 2019 World Cup match vs England</a>

"We've had a lot of very positive chats with India, they're very keen to tour," he said.

"Now it's a matter of how we get over the hurdles with COVID-19 for them to come into the country."

Postponement of the T20 World Cup could have an effect on the Indian Premier League, opening up a window for the IPL with BCCI desperate to stage the cash-rich tournament.

Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings on Tuesday admitted that hosting T20 World Cup later in the year is “unrealistic” amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Australia from October 18 to November 15 with ICC slated to take a call on the showpiece event in July.

Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings on Tuesday admitted that hosting T20 World Cup later in the year is “unrealistic” amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Australia from October 18 to November 15 with ICC slated to take a call on the showpiece event in July. However, with international travel restrictions still in place, Eddings conceded that the T20 World Cup is looking increasingly unlikely. "While it hasn't been formally called off this year, or postponed, trying to get 16 countries into Australia in the current world, where most countries are still going through COVID spiking, I think it's unrealistic, or it's going to be very, very difficult," he told reporters. ALSO READ: September IPL 2020 in Sri Lanka is viable option, opines Sunil Gavaskar "The ICC are having meetings as we speak, it's a bit of a movable feast at the moment," he said. Whereas T20 World Cup chief executive Nick Hockley, who was also appointed as interim CEO of Cricket Australia, said he expects the ICC to take a final call on the tournament next months. "We've got a fantastic local organising committee who are busy preparing for every eventuality and the decision that will come," Hockley said. - 'Positive chats' – Australia have allowed crowds up to 10,000 into sports stadiums from next month but strict international border restriction have created an added headache for the organisers. Eddings also said that they have had lots of positive chats with India and the BCCI is very keen about the tour. ALSO READ: I felt bad for the sport: Mohammad Hafeez questions Team India's intent during 2019 World Cup match vs England "We've had a lot of very positive chats with India, they're very keen to tour," he said. "Now it's a matter of how we get over the hurdles with COVID-19 for them to come into the country." Postponement of the T20 World Cup could have an effect on the Indian Premier League, opening up a window for the IPL with BCCI desperate to stage the cash-rich tournament.

'I think it is unrealistic' - Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings on T20 World Cup 2020

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts has resigned after months of criticism over his handling of the coronavirus shutdown, having alienated players and state associations over cost-cutting measures.

CA chairman Earl Eddings confirmed on Tuesday that Roberts had been replaced by interim CEO Nick Hockley, the chief executive of the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia, and the board would begin the search for a long-term replacement.

While Eddings cast Roberts’ departure as a mutual decision, he also said CA wanted a “new leadership style” and the permanent successor would need strong communication skills.

“Kevin and I and the board have worked out over the last three-four months that things do need to change,” Eddings told reporters in a video call.

“Kevin tendered his resignation and we agreed. Now we move on.”

Roberts, who succeeded James Sutherland in October 2018 and had 18 months left on his contract, becomes the third CEO of a major Australian sport to depart following National Rugby League boss Todd Greenberg and Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle.

Prior to taking the top job at CA, Roberts played a leading role in the board’s unsuccessful attempt to get players to abandon a long-held revenue-sharing agreement in 2017.

Since then he has often spoke of restoring harmony to player relations but things unravelled after CA’s shock decision to furlough 80% of staff in April, citing the need to “proactively” manage the financial impact of COVID-19.

State associations pushed back against proposals to cut their grants while players rejected forward estimates of revenue which underpins their pay two weeks ago.

With coronavirus infections dwindling in Australia, and India having all but confirmed their tour in the home summer — which stands to be CA’s biggest revenue earner in years — Roberts’ doomsday warnings began to look premature.

However, Eddings said domestic cricket was “not out of the woods” and that hosting the 16-team Twenty20 World Cup in October as scheduled was “unrealistic” due to travel restrictions.

He also confirmed CA would announce redundancies as part of a restructure on Wednesday.

“We will still need to reshape the cost base for Australian cricket to be able to prepare us for the future,” he said.

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts has resigned after months of criticism over his handling of the coronavirus shutdown, having alienated players and state associations over cost-cutting measures.

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts has resigned after months of criticism over his handling of the coronavirus shutdown, having alienated players and state associations over cost-cutting measures. CA chairman Earl Eddings confirmed on Tuesday that Roberts had been replaced by interim CEO Nick Hockley, the chief executive of the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia, and the board would begin the search for a long-term replacement. While Eddings cast Roberts’ departure as a mutual decision, he also said CA wanted a “new leadership style” and the permanent successor would need strong communication skills. “Kevin and I and the board have worked out over the last three-four months that things do need to change,” Eddings told reporters in a video call. “Kevin tendered his resignation and we agreed. Now we move on.” Roberts, who succeeded James Sutherland in October 2018 and had 18 months left on his contract, becomes the third CEO of a major Australian sport to depart following National Rugby League boss Todd Greenberg and Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle. Prior to taking the top job at CA, Roberts played a leading role in the board’s unsuccessful attempt to get players to abandon a long-held revenue-sharing agreement in 2017. Since then he has often spoke of restoring harmony to player relations but things unravelled after CA’s shock decision to furlough 80% of staff in April, citing the need to “proactively” manage the financial impact of COVID-19. State associations pushed back against proposals to cut their grants while players rejected forward estimates of revenue which underpins their pay two weeks ago. With coronavirus infections dwindling in Australia, and India having all but confirmed their tour in the home summer — which stands to be CA’s biggest revenue earner in years — Roberts’ doomsday warnings began to look premature. However, Eddings said domestic cricket was “not out of the woods” and that hosting the 16-team Twenty20 World Cup in October as scheduled was “unrealistic” due to travel restrictions. He also confirmed CA would announce redundancies as part of a restructure on Wednesday. “We will still need to reshape the cost base for Australian cricket to be able to prepare us for the future,” he said.

Cricket Australia chief Roberts resigns amid leadership criticism

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