<p>Cricket Australia (CA) is all set to discuss the fate of ICC T20 World Cup with the International Cricket Council on Friday (May 8) with dark clouds hovering over the future of the showpiece event due to extended travel restrictions in Australia. The CA will conduct a teleconference meeting with the apex cricket board to discuss the prospect of hosting the tournament, as per a report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CA has been pretty optimistic about hosting the marquee event in October-November. However, there have been calls from the cricketing fraternity that the event, without fans, will lose the element of being the biggest cricket tournament of the year. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vizag-gas-leak-from-virat-kohli-to-yuvraj-singh-sports-fraternity-extend-condolences-to-families-affected-297176" hreflang="en">Vizag gas leak: From Virat Kohli to Yuvraj Singh, sports fraternity extend condolences to families affected</a></strong></p>

<p>"CA remains optimistic the 2020-21 men's and women's home summer - scheduled to begin with the men's T20 World Cup in October and November - will proceed, whether in empty stadia if social distancing restrictions remain in place or as relevant crowd guidelines allow," a release from the board in April said.</p>

<p>Cricket Australia is likely to buy more time from ICC in Friday‘s meeting and a definite conclusion surrounding the T20 World Cup is expected from the teleconference. Australia is scheduled to host the T20 World Cup from October 18 to November 15 with the next edition scheduled to be played in India in the year 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-get-depressed-when-pakistans-wasim-akram-reacts-to-aamir-sohails-allegations-297155" hreflang="en">'I get depressed when...' - Pakistan's Wasim Akram reacts to Aamir Sohail's allegations</a></strong></p>

<p>The Australian board is also optimistic of hosting India in the scheduled four-match Test series later in the year 2020 with a possibility of extending the series into a five-match rubber.&nbsp;</p>


Cricket Australia (CA) is all set to discuss the fate of ICC T20 World Cup with the International Cricket Council on Friday (May 8) with dark clouds hovering over the future of the showpiece event due to extended travel restrictions in Australia.

Cricket Australia (CA) is all set to discuss the fate of ICC T20 World Cup with the International Cricket Council on Friday (May 8) with dark clouds hovering over the future of the showpiece event due to extended travel restrictions in Australia. The CA will conduct a teleconference meeting with the apex cricket board to discuss the prospect of hosting the tournament, as per a report. The CA has been pretty optimistic about hosting the marquee event in October-November. However, there have been calls from the cricketing fraternity that the event, without fans, will lose the element of being the biggest cricket tournament of the year. ALSO READ: Vizag gas leak: From Virat Kohli to Yuvraj Singh, sports fraternity extend condolences to families affected "CA remains optimistic the 2020-21 men's and women's home summer - scheduled to begin with the men's T20 World Cup in October and November - will proceed, whether in empty stadia if social distancing restrictions remain in place or as relevant crowd guidelines allow," a release from the board in April said. Cricket Australia is likely to buy more time from ICC in Friday‘s meeting and a definite conclusion surrounding the T20 World Cup is expected from the teleconference. Australia is scheduled to host the T20 World Cup from October 18 to November 15 with the next edition scheduled to be played in India in the year 2021. ALSO READ: 'I get depressed when...' - Pakistan's Wasim Akram reacts to Aamir Sohail's allegations The Australian board is also optimistic of hosting India in the scheduled four-match Test series later in the year 2020 with a possibility of extending the series into a five-match rubber.

Cricket Australia, ICC set to discuss fate of T20 World Cup: Report

<p>Cricket Australia (CA) is looking at all possible option in a bid to make sure India’s tour to Australia, scheduled to be played from November 2020 to January 2021, goes ahead as planned. CA chief executive Kevin Roberts has predicted losses to the tune of “hundreds of millions of dollars” if Virat Kohli-led Team India can’t tour Down Under.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Roberts further said an additional Test in the already scheduled four-match Test series, is an option with the entire rubber being played in one city at a stadium without any spectators. He further said that revenue from an ICC event is “very important” for all other counterparts around the cricket world and hence they will do “everything possible to stage and host the &nbsp;T20 World Cup”.</p>

<p>“We might not generate financial returns from that event that are as significant as the international cricket season (in Australia),” Roberts told reporters in a teleconference on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-situation-is-very-bad-tricky-shoaib-akhtar-predicts-no-cricket-for-next-one-year-293771" hreflang="en">'The situation is very bad, tricky': Shoaib Akhtar predicts no cricket for next one year</a></strong></p>

<p>“But what we do know is that the bigger returns from the broadcast rights around the event that are generated by the ICC are very important to all of our counterparts around the cricket world.</p>

<p>“So it’s incumbent on us to do everything possible to stage and host the T20 World Cup.”</p>

<p>CA has already stood down the majority of its staff and warned players of pay cuts after suffering $20 million hit due to COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umar-akmal-summoned-as-disciplinary-panel-sets-hearing-for-april-27-293597" hreflang="en">Umar Akmal summoned as disciplinary panel sets hearing for April 27</a></strong></p>

<p>“If you contemplate the prospect of the international season, in particular, being affected, we have an issue of hundreds of millions of dollars on our hands,” Roberts said.</p>

<p>“So it’s very important that ... we do everything possible to stage the season.”</p>

<p>&nbsp;“Whether or not there’s people at the venue or not ... we will explore all viable options,” Roberts said.</p>

<p>“Fortunately we have a little bit of time to work through the different scenarios with the India series. But we’re not ruling out any possibility for that at this point in time.”</p>

<p>Roberts further defended CA’s stance on standing down the majority of its staff on around 20 per cent of their usual pay for the rest of the financial year. Interestingly, CA had signed a broadcast deal worth $1.2 billion in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“On one level, cricket is fortunate in terms of the time of year when the coronavirus situation hit,” Roberts said while adding, “on another level, cricket is unfortunate in that it has hit us at the lowest point of our four-year cash cycle.”</p>

<p>“We were completely on track with our plan for the year until coronavirus hit,” Roberts said.</p>

<p>“The unfortunate reality of that is we’re estimating that we have taken a $20m impact thus far.</p>

<p>“And we have to anticipate, given the unknown and fast-moving nature of this situation, that there will be more risks than that $20m.”</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Cricket Australia (CA) is looking at all possible option in a bid to make sure India’s tour to Australia, scheduled to be played from November 2020 to January 2021, goes ahead as planned.

Cricket Australia (CA) is looking at all possible option in a bid to make sure India’s tour to Australia, scheduled to be played from November 2020 to January 2021, goes ahead as planned. CA chief executive Kevin Roberts has predicted losses to the tune of “hundreds of millions of dollars” if Virat Kohli-led Team India can’t tour Down Under. Roberts further said an additional Test in the already scheduled four-match Test series, is an option with the entire rubber being played in one city at a stadium without any spectators. He further said that revenue from an ICC event is “very important” for all other counterparts around the cricket world and hence they will do “everything possible to stage and host the T20 World Cup”. “We might not generate financial returns from that event that are as significant as the international cricket season (in Australia),” Roberts told reporters in a teleconference on Tuesday. ALSO READ: 'The situation is very bad, tricky': Shoaib Akhtar predicts no cricket for next one year “But what we do know is that the bigger returns from the broadcast rights around the event that are generated by the ICC are very important to all of our counterparts around the cricket world. “So it’s incumbent on us to do everything possible to stage and host the T20 World Cup.” CA has already stood down the majority of its staff and warned players of pay cuts after suffering $20 million hit due to COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Umar Akmal summoned as disciplinary panel sets hearing for April 27 “If you contemplate the prospect of the international season, in particular, being affected, we have an issue of hundreds of millions of dollars on our hands,” Roberts said. “So it’s very important that ... we do everything possible to stage the season.” “Whether or not there’s people at the venue or not ... we will explore all viable options,” Roberts said. “Fortunately we have a little bit of time to work through the different scenarios with the India series. But we’re not ruling out any possibility for that at this point in time.” Roberts further defended CA’s stance on standing down the majority of its staff on around 20 per cent of their usual pay for the rest of the financial year. Interestingly, CA had signed a broadcast deal worth $1.2 billion in 2018. “On one level, cricket is fortunate in terms of the time of year when the coronavirus situation hit,” Roberts said while adding, “on another level, cricket is unfortunate in that it has hit us at the lowest point of our four-year cash cycle.” “We were completely on track with our plan for the year until coronavirus hit,” Roberts said. “The unfortunate reality of that is we’re estimating that we have taken a $20m impact thus far. “And we have to anticipate, given the unknown and fast-moving nature of this situation, that there will be more risks than that $20m.”

Cricket Australia fears losing 'hundreds of millions' if India's tour Down Under gets affected by COVID-19

<p>Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is a "bit" surprised that Cricket Australia is struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic but said players will work together with the governing body to overcome the crisis.</p>

<p>With the coronavirus outbreak halting all cricketing action, Cricket Australia (CA) has laid off 80 per cent of its staff for the rest of the financial year which ends on June 30. Reports suggest that CA will run out of cash by August.</p>

<p>"I was a bit surprised there but there has to be some impact, no doubt," Hazlewood was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'.</p>

<p>Hazlewood said the financial crisis will hit cricketers too and they are ready for a reduced salary.</p>

<p>"We are no different from any other sport. It just depends how long it hangs around as to how much it is going to affect us, I guess. If it leads into next summer, it will be quite serious," Hazlewood said.</p>

<p>"We're obviously partners in the game and we've always said that. We have ridden the highs and now its probably time to ride the lows, a little bit."</p>

<p>CA and Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) had an ugly pay dispute in 2017 but Hazlewood said relations have improved since and hoped this crisis will be handled better this time.</p>

<p>"I think the relationship is a lot better now, between the ACA and CA. It's developed a long way in the last 18 months to two years, probably," he said.</p>

<p>"... So that will go a long way towards having this episode (handled) a lot better than last time. It's all positive from our end and I think, from both ends.</p>

<p>"Hopefully it's a lot better communication this time and I think you will see that in the coming weeks and the coming months. As long as they show a lot of transparency on all the numbers, all the players will be pretty happy with that."</p>

<p>According to the MOU signed in 2017, CA has to provide ACA with revenue estimates and a national contract list for the upcoming summer by April 30 and Hazlewood expects the deadline to be met so that players can be better prepared for the financial fallout.</p>

<p>"April 30 is what the players want and it's in the MOU but I guess these are strange times. Anything can happen," Hazlewood said.</p>

<p>"The ideal (situation) is that they're put out before April 30 and obviously then we will know, financially, what we can get ready for and how much of a percentage is lost and how much of our contracts are affected.</p>

<p>"The sooner we know that, the more we can plan for the next 12 months."</p>

<p>The global health crisis, which has killed more than 1.6 lakh worldwide, has put this year's T20 World Cup and India's tour of Australia under threat.</p>


Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is a "bit" surprised that Cricket Australia is struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic but said players will work together with the governing body to overcome the crisis.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is a "bit" surprised that Cricket Australia is struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic but said players will work together with the governing body to overcome the crisis. With the coronavirus outbreak halting all cricketing action, Cricket Australia (CA) has laid off 80 per cent of its staff for the rest of the financial year which ends on June 30. Reports suggest that CA will run out of cash by August. "I was a bit surprised there but there has to be some impact, no doubt," Hazlewood was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'. Hazlewood said the financial crisis will hit cricketers too and they are ready for a reduced salary. "We are no different from any other sport. It just depends how long it hangs around as to how much it is going to affect us, I guess. If it leads into next summer, it will be quite serious," Hazlewood said. "We're obviously partners in the game and we've always said that. We have ridden the highs and now its probably time to ride the lows, a little bit." CA and Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) had an ugly pay dispute in 2017 but Hazlewood said relations have improved since and hoped this crisis will be handled better this time. "I think the relationship is a lot better now, between the ACA and CA. It's developed a long way in the last 18 months to two years, probably," he said. "... So that will go a long way towards having this episode (handled) a lot better than last time. It's all positive from our end and I think, from both ends. "Hopefully it's a lot better communication this time and I think you will see that in the coming weeks and the coming months. As long as they show a lot of transparency on all the numbers, all the players will be pretty happy with that." According to the MOU signed in 2017, CA has to provide ACA with revenue estimates and a national contract list for the upcoming summer by April 30 and Hazlewood expects the deadline to be met so that players can be better prepared for the financial fallout. "April 30 is what the players want and it's in the MOU but I guess these are strange times. Anything can happen," Hazlewood said. "The ideal (situation) is that they're put out before April 30 and obviously then we will know, financially, what we can get ready for and how much of a percentage is lost and how much of our contracts are affected. "The sooner we know that, the more we can plan for the next 12 months." The global health crisis, which has killed more than 1.6 lakh worldwide, has put this year's T20 World Cup and India's tour of Australia under threat.

Bit surprised by CA's financial health but we will work together overcome crisis: Hazlewood

<p>Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday announced that it will be standing down most of their staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian cricket board released a statement where the apex body of the country said that they will be standing down all but a skeleton staff as part of their financial plans during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has left the sporting calendar shattered with absolutely no live-action. Sportspersons have been restricted to train indoors with uncertainty over the resumption of sports. While Cricket Australia said that they are planning for a return to training or live-action, no one is certain when it will be possible, at this stage. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, staffs were already on a reduced pay but now they all will be without any job from April 27 until the remainder of the financial year. The Australian board further mentioned that they are actively seeking advice from medical experts and government agencies for the resumption of play.&nbsp;The Australian financial year starts from July 1 and ends on June 30.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-star-karl-anthony-towns-mother-dies-of-covid-19-292842" hreflang="en">NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns' mother dies of Covid-19</a></strong></p>

<p>“The impacts on the sports industry of the coronavirus pandemic are bigger than any one sport. Cricket Australia - like all sporting bodies - is planning for a return to training/play although no one is certain when this will be possible at this stage, any many scenarios are being considered,” the Cricket Australia statement read.</p>

<p>“We are conscious of the impact this will have on Australian Cricket and are working hard to manage that proactively.</p>

<p>“We have made the decision during this period of isolation, where activity has naturally been reduced, to stand down our people on reduced pay (with the exception of a skeleton staff) effective 27 April for the remainder of the financial year,” the statement added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/use-charter-flights-and-bring-players-early-brad-hogg-reckons-icc-t20-world-cup-shouldnt-be-cancelled-292629" hreflang="en">'Use charter flights and bring players early' - Brad Hogg reckons ICC T20 World Cup shouldn't be cancelled</a></strong></p>

<p>“We will continue to seek advice from medical experts and relevant government agencies to ensure the health and safety of our people, volunteers and communities, and to return to business as soon as possible,” it concluded.</p>

<p>With Australia going under a complete lockdown for six months, there is major uncertainty on whether the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November takes place as planned. The speculations are rife that the showpiece event could be postponed and the decision by Cricket Australia to stand down most of their staff adds nothing but fuel to the fire.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday announced that it will be standing down most of their staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian cricket board released a statement where the apex body of the country said that they will be standing down all but a skeleton staff as part of their financial plans during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday announced that it will be standing down most of their staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian cricket board released a statement where the apex body of the country said that they will be standing down all but a skeleton staff as part of their financial plans during the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has left the sporting calendar shattered with absolutely no live-action. Sportspersons have been restricted to train indoors with uncertainty over the resumption of sports. While Cricket Australia said that they are planning for a return to training or live-action, no one is certain when it will be possible, at this stage. Notably, staffs were already on a reduced pay but now they all will be without any job from April 27 until the remainder of the financial year. The Australian board further mentioned that they are actively seeking advice from medical experts and government agencies for the resumption of play. The Australian financial year starts from July 1 and ends on June 30. ALSO READ: NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns' mother dies of Covid-19 “The impacts on the sports industry of the coronavirus pandemic are bigger than any one sport. Cricket Australia - like all sporting bodies - is planning for a return to training/play although no one is certain when this will be possible at this stage, any many scenarios are being considered,” the Cricket Australia statement read. “We are conscious of the impact this will have on Australian Cricket and are working hard to manage that proactively. “We have made the decision during this period of isolation, where activity has naturally been reduced, to stand down our people on reduced pay (with the exception of a skeleton staff) effective 27 April for the remainder of the financial year,” the statement added. ALSO READ: 'Use charter flights and bring players early' - Brad Hogg reckons ICC T20 World Cup shouldn't be cancelled “We will continue to seek advice from medical experts and relevant government agencies to ensure the health and safety of our people, volunteers and communities, and to return to business as soon as possible,” it concluded. With Australia going under a complete lockdown for six months, there is major uncertainty on whether the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November takes place as planned. The speculations are rife that the showpiece event could be postponed and the decision by Cricket Australia to stand down most of their staff adds nothing but fuel to the fire.

Cricket Australia to stand down all but skeleton staff, from April 27 until end of the financial year amid COVID-19 pandemic

<p>New Zealand abandoned their one-day&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;tour of Australia on Saturday after Wellington tightened border restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus.</p>

<p>The Blacks Caps lost the opening game of the three-match series by 71 runs and were due to play the second in Sydney on Sunday.</p>

<p>But they will fly home immediately after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced everyone entering the country from midnight Sunday would have to self-isolate for 14 days.</p>

<p>"In response to the New Zealand government's latest travel restrictions,&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Australia has been advised the New Zealand team will be returning home immediately,"&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Australia said.</p>

<p>The two remaining matches, along with three upcoming Twenty20 clashes between the two countries in New Zealand, were postponed.</p>

<p>"Cricket&nbsp;Australia and New Zealand&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;will work together to identify a future opportunity to play both series," it added.</p>

<p>Ardern said the self-quarantine order would be reviewed after 16 days.</p>

<p>New Zealand so far only has six confirmed cases of the virus and has recorded no fatalities.</p>

<p>The series in Australia was already being played without fans to curb the spread of coronavirus, which has forced a swathe of sporting events behind closed doors.</p>

<p>After the opening match on Friday, New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was tested for the virus and placed in isolation after complaining of a sore throat.</p>

<p>The scare followed Australian paceman Kane Richardson being isolated and tested for COVID-19 after suffering a sore throat on Thursday. He missed the opening ODI, but was cleared of the virus late Friday.</p>


New Zealand abandoned their one-day cricket tour of Australia on Saturday after Wellington tightened border restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus. The Blacks Caps lost the opening game of the three-match series by 71 runs and were due to play the second in Sydney on Sunday.

New Zealand abandoned their one-day cricket tour of Australia on Saturday after Wellington tightened border restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus. The Blacks Caps lost the opening game of the three-match series by 71 runs and were due to play the second in Sydney on Sunday. But they will fly home immediately after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced everyone entering the country from midnight Sunday would have to self-isolate for 14 days. "In response to the New Zealand government's latest travel restrictions, Cricket Australia has been advised the New Zealand team will be returning home immediately," Cricket Australia said. The two remaining matches, along with three upcoming Twenty20 clashes between the two countries in New Zealand, were postponed. "Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket will work together to identify a future opportunity to play both series," it added. Ardern said the self-quarantine order would be reviewed after 16 days. New Zealand so far only has six confirmed cases of the virus and has recorded no fatalities. The series in Australia was already being played without fans to curb the spread of coronavirus, which has forced a swathe of sporting events behind closed doors. After the opening match on Friday, New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was tested for the virus and placed in isolation after complaining of a sore throat. The scare followed Australian paceman Kane Richardson being isolated and tested for COVID-19 after suffering a sore throat on Thursday. He missed the opening ODI, but was cleared of the virus late Friday.

New Zealand abandon Australia cricket tour after new travel measures

<p>Cricket Australia is looking forward to holding the ICC men's T20 World Cup as per the schedule despite coronavirus fears. Although they have admitted that the situation is still fluid.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-focus-is-on-ab-de-villiers-breaks-his-silence-on-south-africa-comeback-287230" hreflang="en">'My focus is on...' - AB de Villiers breaks his silence on South Africa comeback</a></p>

<p>The world cup is set to begin on October later this year, the tournament will be played across seven venues in Australia. Team Australia will play the tournament despite their rest of the season got cancelled due to the global pandemic. India and Afghanistan are due to visit Australia for the Test series which is yet to be called off.</p>

<p>Cricket Australia chairman Kevin Roberts was hopeful that things will get back to normal in few weeks, he said: "We're really hoping that all forms of sport can be played again in a few weeks' or a few months' time."</p>

<p>"None of us are experts in this situation obviously, so our hope is that we're back in very much normal circumstances come October and November when the men's T20 World Cup is to be played.</p>

<p>"And at this stage we're planning on November 15, to have a full house at the MCG (for the final) to inspire the world through men's cricket as the women's cricketers did here just last week," he added.</p>

<p>Australia has more than 500 cases of coronavirus and there is an acceleration in the infection. Six deaths were reported in the country due to the novel virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year, Australia's women's team lifted their fifth T20 world cup after an emphatic victory over the 'Women in Blue'.</p>


Cricket Australia is looking forward to holding the ICC men's T20 World Cup as per the schedule despite coronavirus fears. Although they have admitted that the situation is still fluid.

Cricket Australia is looking forward to holding the ICC men's T20 World Cup as per the schedule despite coronavirus fears. Although they have admitted that the situation is still fluid. Also read: 'My focus is on...' - AB de Villiers breaks his silence on South Africa comeback The world cup is set to begin on October later this year, the tournament will be played across seven venues in Australia. Team Australia will play the tournament despite their rest of the season got cancelled due to the global pandemic. India and Afghanistan are due to visit Australia for the Test series which is yet to be called off. Cricket Australia chairman Kevin Roberts was hopeful that things will get back to normal in few weeks, he said: "We're really hoping that all forms of sport can be played again in a few weeks' or a few months' time." "None of us are experts in this situation obviously, so our hope is that we're back in very much normal circumstances come October and November when the men's T20 World Cup is to be played. "And at this stage we're planning on November 15, to have a full house at the MCG (for the final) to inspire the world through men's cricket as the women's cricketers did here just last week," he added. Australia has more than 500 cases of coronavirus and there is an acceleration in the infection. Six deaths were reported in the country due to the novel virus. Earlier this year, Australia's women's team lifted their fifth T20 world cup after an emphatic victory over the 'Women in Blue'.

Cricket Australia looking forward to hold this year's ICC T20 World Cup as per schedule

<p>After losing the toss in Wankhede, India came down to bat. Amidst speculations, India chose to go out with all three openers (Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Shikhar Dhawan). Rohit Sharma was back in the team after being rested for series against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-1st-odi-virat-kohli-looks-forward-to-equal-sachin-tendulkar-and-go-past-ricky-ponting-274161">India vs Australia, 1st ODI: Virat Kohli looks forward to equal Tendulkar's record and go past Ricky Ponting</a></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma failed to show his magic with the bat against the Aussies.&nbsp;He got out early after he fell for Starc's trick-ball and ended up giving David Warner an easy catch.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-1st-odi-in-form-indian-team-to-take-on-confident-aussies-274112">India vs Australia, 1st ODI: In-form Indian team to take on confident Aussies</a></p>

<p>Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul continued their fine form and had 121 runs partnership. This partnership has been the backbone of the scoreline.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Innings Break!<br />
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After being put to bat first, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> are all out for 255 in 49.1 overs.<br />
<br />
Will it be enough on this Wankhede wicket? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wg9SZfDaXN">pic.twitter.com/Wg9SZfDaXN</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1217051555871903745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rahul missed his chance to make half-century by a whisker after he was caught out by Smith, he scored 47 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhawan got out after scoring 74 runs, he was caught out by Ashton Agar.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He was watchful at the start but has now opened up. Take a look at <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SDhawan25</a>'s twin fours as he takes on Pat Cummins.<br />
<br />
Full video here - <a href="https://t.co/pFmxrvi54O">https://t.co/pFmxrvi54O</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/eD2rfOtyyt">pic.twitter.com/eD2rfOtyyt</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1217017579123830784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>People hoped Virat Kohli to make his record-breaking century, but he fell victim to Adam Zampa after he got out after being caught by the spinner for just 16 runs. Virat now has just two innings to break the records in this series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shreyas Iyer just scored 4 runs and was caught behind by Alex Carey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After losing 4 wickets in just 6 overs and the score of 164/5, Indian innings hit a massive speed-breaker. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja tried stabilizing the innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their 49 runs partnership was the last stabilizing element for the Indian innings. Ravindra Jadeja got out for 25 and Rishab Pant got out 28 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kuldeep Yadav and Shami's scores gave India a final push and helped India pose 255.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ALL OUT! The Indian innings comes to a close with the score at 255 off 49.1 overs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> scorecard: <a href="https://t.co/QmzEB7zaP7">https://t.co/QmzEB7zaP7</a> <a href="https://t.co/G0Qq1650oL">pic.twitter.com/G0Qq1650oL</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1217050032827858944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Australian Bowlers did a wonderful job by restricting India to a modest total. Each bowler had a wicket to his name.</p>

<p>Mitchell Starc impressed with the ball, he took 3 wickets. Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Shardul Thakur fell victim to him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pat Cummins and Kane Richardson scalped two wickets each. Adam&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zampa and Ashton Agar took one wicket apiece.</p>

<p>Australia is yet to bat, Indian bowlers have to perform well to defend the average total.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


After losing the toss in Wankhede, India came down to bat. Amidst speculations, India chose to go out with all three openers (Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Shikhar Dhawan).

After losing the toss in Wankhede, India came down to bat. Amidst speculations, India chose to go out with all three openers (Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Shikhar Dhawan). Rohit Sharma was back in the team after being rested for series against Sri Lanka. Also read: India vs Australia, 1st ODI: Virat Kohli looks forward to equal Tendulkar's record and go past Ricky Ponting Rohit Sharma failed to show his magic with the bat against the Aussies. He got out early after he fell for Starc's trick-ball and ended up giving David Warner an easy catch. Also read: India vs Australia, 1st ODI: In-form Indian team to take on confident Aussies Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul continued their fine form and had 121 runs partnership. This partnership has been the backbone of the scoreline. Innings Break! After being put to bat first, #TeamIndia are all out for 255 in 49.1 overs. Will it be enough on this Wankhede wicket? #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/Wg9SZfDaXN — BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2020 × Rahul missed his chance to make half-century by a whisker after he was caught out by Smith, he scored 47 runs. Dhawan got out after scoring 74 runs, he was caught out by Ashton Agar. He was watchful at the start but has now opened up. Take a look at @SDhawan25's twin fours as he takes on Pat Cummins. Full video here - https://t.co/pFmxrvi54O #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/eD2rfOtyyt — BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2020 × People hoped Virat Kohli to make his record-breaking century, but he fell victim to Adam Zampa after he got out after being caught by the spinner for just 16 runs. Virat now has just two innings to break the records in this series. Shreyas Iyer just scored 4 runs and was caught behind by Alex Carey. After losing 4 wickets in just 6 overs and the score of 164/5, Indian innings hit a massive speed-breaker. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja tried stabilizing the innings. Their 49 runs partnership was the last stabilizing element for the Indian innings. Ravindra Jadeja got out for 25 and Rishab Pant got out 28 runs. Kuldeep Yadav and Shami's scores gave India a final push and helped India pose 255. ALL OUT! The Indian innings comes to a close with the score at 255 off 49.1 overs. #INDvAUS scorecard: https://t.co/QmzEB7zaP7 pic.twitter.com/G0Qq1650oL — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 14, 2020 × Australian Bowlers did a wonderful job by restricting India to a modest total. Each bowler had a wicket to his name. Mitchell Starc impressed with the ball, he took 3 wickets. Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Shardul Thakur fell victim to him. Pat Cummins and Kane Richardson scalped two wickets each. Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar took one wicket apiece. Australia is yet to bat, Indian bowlers have to perform well to defend the average total.

India vs Australia, 1st ODI: Starc knocks out Team India; Kohli misses chance to break record

<p>Adelaide Strikers defeated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../big-bash-league-maxwells-mammoth-knock- helps-melbourne-star-cruise-over-renegades-273427">Melbourne Renegades</a> by 63 runs in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) here on Sunday.</p>

<p>Chasing a target of 173 runs, Melbourne Renegades had a very poor start as opener Marcus Harris was bowled off Travis Head's fifth delivery of the first over.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-bash-league-mitchs-blitz-help-perth-scorchers-beat-brisbane-heat-by-34-runs-273687">Big Bash League: Mitchell Marsh's 93 off 41 help Perth Scorchers beat Brisbane Heat</a></p>

<p>The next batsman Sam Harper too failed to leave a mark as he was bowled by Peter Siddle in the next over. Opener Shaun Marsh was then joined by Beau Webster on the field.</p>

<p>Both played a fast-paced innings and helped their struggling side. Head broke their 50-run partnership as he bowled Marsh (21). Mohammad Nabi and Tom Cooper scored six and one run respectively before getting out which put Melbourne Renegade under immense pressure.</p>

<p>The fall of wicket did not stop as Webster, who missed his half-century by one run, was given LBW off Rashid Khan's delivery.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Renegades nightmare campaign continues.<br />
<br />
But how about the return of Travis Head for the <a href="https://twitter.com/StrikersBBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StrikersBBL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBL09?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBL09</a> <a href="https://t.co/7WNSsY1mPo">pic.twitter.com/7WNSsY1mPo</a></p>
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBL/status/1216263287983132672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Samit Patel and Daniel Christian were the next batsmen but both of them were removed by Peter Siddle in the 17th over. In the next over, Wildermuth was given LBW and Joe Mennie was run out. Hence, Melbourne Renegades were all out on 110 runs.</p>

<p>After opting to bat first, Adelaide Strikers got off to a flying start as they amassed 36 runs in the first three overs with Phil Salt and Jake Weatherald smashing regular boundaries.</p>

<p>Jack Wildermuth, who bowled the fourth over, handed Melbourne Renegades with their first breakthrough as he got hold of Salt (18). In the next over, Mohammad Nabi sent Weatherald (27) back to the pavilion.</p>

<p>Travis Head and Jonathan Wells then took the field but only managed to form a 24-run partnership before Head (22) was dismissed by Cameron Boyce.</p>

<p>It was Matthew Short and Jonathan Wells' partnership which provided Adelaide Strikers with some momentum. The duo formed an 80-run partnership before Short (41) was run out in the final over of the innings. Wells (58) went on to score a half-century but on the next ball, he was dismissed as well. After the completion of 20 over, Adelaide Strikers managed to put up a total of 173 runs.</p>

<p>Adelaide Strikers will now take on Brisbane Heat on January 14.</p>


Adelaide Strikers defeated Melbourne Renegades by 63 runs in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) here on Sunday. Chasing a target of 173 runs, Melbourne Renegades had a very poor start as opener Marcus Harris was bowled off Travis Head's fifth delivery of the first over.

Adelaide Strikers defeated Melbourne Renegades by 63 runs in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) here on Sunday. Chasing a target of 173 runs, Melbourne Renegades had a very poor start as opener Marcus Harris was bowled off Travis Head's fifth delivery of the first over. Also read: Big Bash League: Mitchell Marsh's 93 off 41 help Perth Scorchers beat Brisbane Heat The next batsman Sam Harper too failed to leave a mark as he was bowled by Peter Siddle in the next over. Opener Shaun Marsh was then joined by Beau Webster on the field. Both played a fast-paced innings and helped their struggling side. Head broke their 50-run partnership as he bowled Marsh (21). Mohammad Nabi and Tom Cooper scored six and one run respectively before getting out which put Melbourne Renegade under immense pressure. The fall of wicket did not stop as Webster, who missed his half-century by one run, was given LBW off Rashid Khan's delivery. The Renegades nightmare campaign continues. But how about the return of Travis Head for the @StrikersBBL #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/7WNSsY1mPo — KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 12, 2020 × Samit Patel and Daniel Christian were the next batsmen but both of them were removed by Peter Siddle in the 17th over. In the next over, Wildermuth was given LBW and Joe Mennie was run out. Hence, Melbourne Renegades were all out on 110 runs. After opting to bat first, Adelaide Strikers got off to a flying start as they amassed 36 runs in the first three overs with Phil Salt and Jake Weatherald smashing regular boundaries. Jack Wildermuth, who bowled the fourth over, handed Melbourne Renegades with their first breakthrough as he got hold of Salt (18). In the next over, Mohammad Nabi sent Weatherald (27) back to the pavilion. Travis Head and Jonathan Wells then took the field but only managed to form a 24-run partnership before Head (22) was dismissed by Cameron Boyce. It was Matthew Short and Jonathan Wells' partnership which provided Adelaide Strikers with some momentum. The duo formed an 80-run partnership before Short (41) was run out in the final over of the innings. Wells (58) went on to score a half-century but on the next ball, he was dismissed as well. After the completion of 20 over, Adelaide Strikers managed to put up a total of 173 runs. Adelaide Strikers will now take on Brisbane Heat on January 14.

Big Bash League:Adelaide Strikers beat Melbourne Renegades by 63 runs

<p>Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was Sunday slapped with a hefty fine after directing a homophobic slur at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-thrash-pakistan-to-win-series-2-0-260863">Kane Richardson</a> during a domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League game.</p>

<p>The Melbourne Stars player apologised after being found guilty of breaching Cricket Australia's code of conduct and penalised Aus$7,500 (US$5,200).</p>

<p>"I got caught in the moment and took it too far," Stoinis said of the incident during the clash with cross-town rivals Melbourne Renegades on Saturday.</p>

<p>"I realised immediately I was in the wrong and I apologise to Kane and to the umpires.</p>

<p>"I did the wrong thing and accept responsibility for my actions. The standards are there for a reason and I accept the penalty."</p>

<p>The incident comes six weeks after fast bowler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-nz-nathan-lyon-takes-five-as-australia-dominate-in-sydney-272264">James Pattinson</a>, currently playing for Australia in the third Test against New Zealand in Sydney, was banned for player abuse, also reportedly a homophobic slur.</p>

<p>His penalty, a one-match suspension which ruled him out of the first Test against Pakistan, was harsher as it was his third code of conduct breach in the past 18 months.</p>

<p>"The behaviour in this matter falls short of the standards we expect and we have acted accordingly," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/james-pattinson-banned-for-first-test-against-pakistan-for-personal-abuse-262662">Sean&nbsp;Carroll</a>, Cricket Australia's&nbsp;head of integrity and security said of the Stoinis fine.</p>

<p>He only referred to the matter as "personal abuse of a player", although the Cricket Australia website characterised it as a homophobic slur.</p>

<p>"There is no place for it in the game," added Carroll.</p>


Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was Sunday slapped with a hefty fine after directing a homophobic slur at Kane Richardson during a domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League game.

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was Sunday slapped with a hefty fine after directing a homophobic slur at Kane Richardson during a domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League game. The Melbourne Stars player apologised after being found guilty of breaching Cricket Australia's code of conduct and penalised Aus$7,500 (US$5,200). "I got caught in the moment and took it too far," Stoinis said of the incident during the clash with cross-town rivals Melbourne Renegades on Saturday. "I realised immediately I was in the wrong and I apologise to Kane and to the umpires. "I did the wrong thing and accept responsibility for my actions. The standards are there for a reason and I accept the penalty." The incident comes six weeks after fast bowler James Pattinson, currently playing for Australia in the third Test against New Zealand in Sydney, was banned for player abuse, also reportedly a homophobic slur. His penalty, a one-match suspension which ruled him out of the first Test against Pakistan, was harsher as it was his third code of conduct breach in the past 18 months. "The behaviour in this matter falls short of the standards we expect and we have acted accordingly," Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia's head of integrity and security said of the Stoinis fine. He only referred to the matter as "personal abuse of a player", although the Cricket Australia website characterised it as a homophobic slur. "There is no place for it in the game," added Carroll.

Marcus Stoinis penalised for passing homophobic slur at Kane Richardson during Big Bash League

<p>&nbsp;Australia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../cricket-khawaja-harris-dumped-from-australia- test-squad-261975">Tim Paine</a> has said the upcoming test series against Pakistan and New Zealand may be the last time he captains the side at home as he enters the twilight of his career.</p>

<p>Paine, who turns 35 next month, was named captain after former skipper Steve Smith was handed a one-year ban in March 2018 for ball-tampering and the wicketkeeper became the first Australian captain after Steve Waugh to retain the Ashes.</p>

<p>Smith's explosive return to the test side, where he scored 774 runs in the Ashes, triggered calls to restore him as captain and Paine said talk about who eventually takes over was bound to happen, especially considering his age.</p>

<p>"It might be (my last summer), I'm not too sure," Paine told reporters. "But... I'm enjoying doing it. I feel good physically (and) mentally. So while that continues, I'm scoring enough runs and keeping well enough then I'd like to continue.</p>

<p>"I know when you get to my age that can change really quickly. I'm really looking forward to this summer, beyond that I haven't looked too far. I know what I want to do and what I want to achieve.</p>

<p>"I think when you're the Australian captain and the Australian keeper, they're two of the most critiqued roles in Australian sport and at the moment I have to hold them both. I know I'm going to be in the crosshairs for people all the time."</p>

<p>Paine said Australia's top priority now was to return to the top of the test rankings and win the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-vs-bangladesh-1st-test-india-beat- bangladesh-by-innings-and-130-runs-262574"> World Test Championship</a> (WTC). Australia are ranked fifth in the world and trail leaders India by 244 points in the WTC standings.</p>

<p>"Our goal is to get back to that number one ranking and we want to win that Test Championship," he added. "To do that we're going to have to be good enough to win in India and we're going to have to be good enough to beat everyone, everywhere.</p>

<p>"It's the only way we're going to get to where we want to get to. It's an exciting period and I'm looking forward to being part of the start of that and there is no endpoint at the moment."</p>

<p>Australia play Pakistan in the first of two tests that begins on Thursday in Brisbane.</p>


Australia's Tim Paine has said the upcoming test series against Pakistan and New Zealand may be the last time he captains the side at home as he enters the twilight of his career.

Australia's Tim Paine has said the upcoming test series against Pakistan and New Zealand may be the last time he captains the side at home as he enters the twilight of his career. Paine, who turns 35 next month, was named captain after former skipper Steve Smith was handed a one-year ban in March 2018 for ball-tampering and the wicketkeeper became the first Australian captain after Steve Waugh to retain the Ashes. Smith's explosive return to the test side, where he scored 774 runs in the Ashes, triggered calls to restore him as captain and Paine said talk about who eventually takes over was bound to happen, especially considering his age. "It might be (my last summer), I'm not too sure," Paine told reporters. "But... I'm enjoying doing it. I feel good physically (and) mentally. So while that continues, I'm scoring enough runs and keeping well enough then I'd like to continue. "I know when you get to my age that can change really quickly. I'm really looking forward to this summer, beyond that I haven't looked too far. I know what I want to do and what I want to achieve. "I think when you're the Australian captain and the Australian keeper, they're two of the most critiqued roles in Australian sport and at the moment I have to hold them both. I know I'm going to be in the crosshairs for people all the time." Paine said Australia's top priority now was to return to the top of the test rankings and win the World Test Championship (WTC). Australia are ranked fifth in the world and trail leaders India by 244 points in the WTC standings. "Our goal is to get back to that number one ranking and we want to win that Test Championship," he added. "To do that we're going to have to be good enough to win in India and we're going to have to be good enough to beat everyone, everywhere. "It's the only way we're going to get to where we want to get to. It's an exciting period and I'm looking forward to being part of the start of that and there is no endpoint at the moment." Australia play Pakistan in the first of two tests that begins on Thursday in Brisbane.

Tim Paine's home summer maybe his last

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../james-pattinson-banned-for-first-test-against- pakistan-for-personal-abuse-262662">Cricket Australia</a> (CA) on Monday handed a one-year ban to Hobart Hurricanes player Emily Smith for breaching their<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../do-we-work-in-this-or-i-wait-till-the-ipl-bookie- deepak-aggarwal-asked-shakib-al-hasan-258806"> Anti-Corruption Code</a>.</p>

<p>Smith will be ineligible to participate in any form of cricket for a period of one year, with nine months being fully suspended. This effectively means that Smith is ineligible for a period of three months.</p>

<p>She had posted her team's line-up to her Instagram account approximately an hour before the official scheduled release on November 2. However, CA's Anti-Corruption Code prohibits a player to disclose any inside information.</p>

<p>Smith has also been ruled out from the remaining Women Big Bash League. Cricket Australia's Head of Integrity and Security, Sean Carroll, said that there is no excuse for breaches regardless of the reasons for information being disclosed.</p>

<p>"Whilst Cricket Australia acknowledges that at the time of posting the team line-up there was no intent to breach the Anti-Corruption Code, CA's rigorous anti-corruption player education program means that players are well aware of their obligations under the Anti-Corruption Code and there is no excuse for breaches regardless of the reasons for information being disclosed," Carroll said in a statement.</p>

<p>"Since the commencement of the WBBL, Cricket Australia has had in place a robust anti-corruption program," Carroll continued. "We have been working with Emily throughout the process and Emily now understands the mistake she made. Unfortunately, in this instance Emily's actions breached the Anti-Corruption Code. We hope this serves as reminder to all that the Anti-Corruption Code is critical to protecting the integrity of the game," Carroll added.</p>


Cricket Australia (CA) on Monday handed a one-year ban to Hobart Hurricanes player Emily Smith for breaching their Anti-Corruption Code. Smith will be ineligible to participate in any form of cricket for a period of one year, with nine months being fully suspended.

Cricket Australia (CA) on Monday handed a one-year ban to Hobart Hurricanes player Emily Smith for breaching their Anti-Corruption Code. Smith will be ineligible to participate in any form of cricket for a period of one year, with nine months being fully suspended. This effectively means that Smith is ineligible for a period of three months. She had posted her team's line-up to her Instagram account approximately an hour before the official scheduled release on November 2. However, CA's Anti-Corruption Code prohibits a player to disclose any inside information. Smith has also been ruled out from the remaining Women Big Bash League. Cricket Australia's Head of Integrity and Security, Sean Carroll, said that there is no excuse for breaches regardless of the reasons for information being disclosed. "Whilst Cricket Australia acknowledges that at the time of posting the team line-up there was no intent to breach the Anti-Corruption Code, CA's rigorous anti-corruption player education program means that players are well aware of their obligations under the Anti-Corruption Code and there is no excuse for breaches regardless of the reasons for information being disclosed," Carroll said in a statement. "Since the commencement of the WBBL, Cricket Australia has had in place a robust anti-corruption program," Carroll continued. "We have been working with Emily throughout the process and Emily now understands the mistake she made. Unfortunately, in this instance Emily's actions breached the Anti-Corruption Code. We hope this serves as reminder to all that the Anti-Corruption Code is critical to protecting the integrity of the game," Carroll added.

Cricket Australia bans Hobart Hurricanes player Emily Smith for a year for breaching their Anti-Corruption Code.

<p>Mental wellbeing as much as physical health is emerging as a key challenge for modern-day cricketers -- with relentless schedules, intense public scrutiny and the fear of failure weighing heavily.</p>

<p>The issue has been thrust into the spotlight in Australia, where three top players recently stepped aside for mental health reasons, with administrators scrambling to get on top of the problem.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/maxwells-confession-remarkable-sets-right-example-virat-kohli-261831">Glenn Maxwell</a>, one of the world's best short-format players, set the tone late last month by taking time away after "experiencing some difficulties with regards to his mental health".</p>

<p>Will Pucovski -- who had already taken two breaks to deal with similar issues -- and Nic Maddinson followed suit, just a week ahead of the first Test of the Australian summer against Pakistan.</p>

<p>The specifics of their cases are not known publicly, but Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia's head of national teams, said there were a number of factors he had noted, generally, since beginning his job this year.</p>

<p>"One of the early observations I've had in the role is the intense scrutiny and the relentless schedule that exists around cricket," he told SEN sports radio.</p>

<p>"From that perspective, there is an absolute need for us to invest time, energy, resources into understanding the challenges that exist for players and staff around mental health in that context, and making sure we do everything we can."</p>

<p>Test fast bowler Mitchell Starc attributed part of the blame on the modern players' gruelling schedule, with some top stars away from home for months at a time, putting strains on families and taxing friendships.</p>

<p>"You have your pressures around cricket, the schedules are pretty ridiculous these days," said Starc, who is promoting the "Movember" initiative, where moustaches are grown during November to highlight issues affecting men like mental health.</p>

<p>"The positive thing is that guys are feeling perhaps more comfortable, if you like, to be open and honest with how they're feeling," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the past guys might have just kicked on and tried to get through things and it could have built up to something worse."</p>

<p>Robert Craddock, a respected cricket writer for News Corp. newspapers, noted that the sport was also very mentally challenging.</p>

<p>"Cricket may not be a physical contact sport but its mental challenges, with so much waiting time, are much tougher than they look," he wrote in a column Friday. "Most batsmen fail most of the time so the mental demands can be taxing."</p>

<p>It is not just an Australian issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ex-England captain Marcus Trescothick quit a tour of India in 2006 and England opener Jonathan Trott left the 2013 Ashes series in Australia after one Test, with both later revealing they had struggled with stress and anxiety.</p>

<p>Superstar India skipper Virat Kohli said this week that he too had suffered and applauded someone of Maxwell's stature going public.</p>

<p>"It has set the right example for cricketers around the world that if you're not in the best frame of mind you try, and try and try, but as human beings you reach a tipping point at some stage or the other," he said ahead of India's first Test against Bangladesh in Indore.</p>

<p>"And you need time away from the game. Not to say you give up, but just to gain more clarity."</p>

<p>Kohli said he went through a difficult period during India's 2014 tour of England when runs dried up and he could not find anyone to confide in.</p>

<p>"I didn't know what to do, what to say to anyone, and how to speak and how to communicate," he said.</p>

<p>The problem for authorities is knowing what measures to introduce to best help players with their mental wellbeing.</p>

<p>Alex Kountouris, Cricket Australia's sports science and sports medicine manager, said the organisation was working hard to understand the causes better.</p>

<p>"There is much society still needs to learn in relation to mental health, but we know enough to say with great certainty that silence is not the answer," he said.</p>

<p>"Cricket Australia has committed to being open about the challenges faced in managing mental health. We are putting player wellbeing first and supporting them unconditionally."</p>


Mental wellbeing as much as physical health is emerging as a key challenge for modern-day cricketers -- with relentless schedules, intense public scrutiny and the fear of failure weighing heavily.

Mental wellbeing as much as physical health is emerging as a key challenge for modern-day cricketers -- with relentless schedules, intense public scrutiny and the fear of failure weighing heavily. The issue has been thrust into the spotlight in Australia, where three top players recently stepped aside for mental health reasons, with administrators scrambling to get on top of the problem. Glenn Maxwell, one of the world's best short-format players, set the tone late last month by taking time away after "experiencing some difficulties with regards to his mental health". Will Pucovski -- who had already taken two breaks to deal with similar issues -- and Nic Maddinson followed suit, just a week ahead of the first Test of the Australian summer against Pakistan. The specifics of their cases are not known publicly, but Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia's head of national teams, said there were a number of factors he had noted, generally, since beginning his job this year. "One of the early observations I've had in the role is the intense scrutiny and the relentless schedule that exists around cricket," he told SEN sports radio. "From that perspective, there is an absolute need for us to invest time, energy, resources into understanding the challenges that exist for players and staff around mental health in that context, and making sure we do everything we can." Test fast bowler Mitchell Starc attributed part of the blame on the modern players' gruelling schedule, with some top stars away from home for months at a time, putting strains on families and taxing friendships. "You have your pressures around cricket, the schedules are pretty ridiculous these days," said Starc, who is promoting the "Movember" initiative, where moustaches are grown during November to highlight issues affecting men like mental health. "The positive thing is that guys are feeling perhaps more comfortable, if you like, to be open and honest with how they're feeling," he added. "In the past guys might have just kicked on and tried to get through things and it could have built up to something worse." Robert Craddock, a respected cricket writer for News Corp. newspapers, noted that the sport was also very mentally challenging. "Cricket may not be a physical contact sport but its mental challenges, with so much waiting time, are much tougher than they look," he wrote in a column Friday. "Most batsmen fail most of the time so the mental demands can be taxing." It is not just an Australian issue. Ex-England captain Marcus Trescothick quit a tour of India in 2006 and England opener Jonathan Trott left the 2013 Ashes series in Australia after one Test, with both later revealing they had struggled with stress and anxiety. Superstar India skipper Virat Kohli said this week that he too had suffered and applauded someone of Maxwell's stature going public. "It has set the right example for cricketers around the world that if you're not in the best frame of mind you try, and try and try, but as human beings you reach a tipping point at some stage or the other," he said ahead of India's first Test against Bangladesh in Indore. "And you need time away from the game. Not to say you give up, but just to gain more clarity." Kohli said he went through a difficult period during India's 2014 tour of England when runs dried up and he could not find anyone to confide in. "I didn't know what to do, what to say to anyone, and how to speak and how to communicate," he said. The problem for authorities is knowing what measures to introduce to best help players with their mental wellbeing. Alex Kountouris, Cricket Australia's sports science and sports medicine manager, said the organisation was working hard to understand the causes better. "There is much society still needs to learn in relation to mental health, but we know enough to say with great certainty that silence is not the answer," he said. "Cricket Australia has committed to being open about the challenges faced in managing mental health. We are putting player wellbeing first and supporting them unconditionally."

Cricketers' mental health thrown into the spotlight

<p>Australia opener Cameron Bancroft is to return to Durham for the 2020 season after impressing during his first spell with the English county side.</p>

<p>The wicketkeeper-batsman, who played in the first two Ashes Tests in August, captained the county in both the County Championship and the One-Day Cup before being called up by Australia.</p>

<p>Durham's director of cricket Marcus North said: "We are delighted to welcome Cameron back to Emirates Riverside for our 2020 season.</p>

<p>"He has had a huge impact on the field with his leadership and undoubted quality through his performances.</p>

<p>"Cameron has also had an impact off the field as an ambassador for the club with a number of community projects."</p>

<p>Durham recruited Bancroft, 26, after he had served a nine-month ban imposed for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa that rocked Australian cricket in 2018.</p>

<p>He scored 726 runs at an average of more than 45 in the County Championship and added 377 more at 94.25 in the one-day competition.</p>

<p>He will be available for the full 2020 campaign in all three formats of the game.</p>


Australia opener Cameron Bancroft is to return to Durham for the 2020 season after impressing during his first spell with the English county side. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who played in the first two Ashes Tests in August, captained the county in both the County Championship and the One-Day Cup before being called up by Australia.

Australia opener Cameron Bancroft is to return to Durham for the 2020 season after impressing during his first spell with the English county side. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who played in the first two Ashes Tests in August, captained the county in both the County Championship and the One-Day Cup before being called up by Australia. Durham's director of cricket Marcus North said: "We are delighted to welcome Cameron back to Emirates Riverside for our 2020 season. "He has had a huge impact on the field with his leadership and undoubted quality through his performances. "Cameron has also had an impact off the field as an ambassador for the club with a number of community projects." Durham recruited Bancroft, 26, after he had served a nine-month ban imposed for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa that rocked Australian cricket in 2018. He scored 726 runs at an average of more than 45 in the County Championship and added 377 more at 94.25 in the one-day competition. He will be available for the full 2020 campaign in all three formats of the game.

Australia's Cameron Bancroft to return to Durham for 2020 season

<p>Australian cricket board confirmed that team's star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-australias-steve-smith-out-of-second-test-with-concussion-243852">batsman Steve Smith</a> has been ruled out of the third Test of the five-match Ashes series, which is scheduled to start from Thursday at&nbsp;Headingley.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-steve-smith-retires-hurt-after-being-hit-by-jofra-archer-bouncer-243695">suffered a concussion</a> when he was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer on Saturday in the first innings of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-cricket-union-condemns-boos-after-steve-smith-felled-by-jofra-archer-243836">second Test at Lord's</a>.</p>

<p>Having failed to recover in time from&nbsp;the concussion he sustained, Smith will not take part in the&nbsp;Headingley Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith requires the approval of the team's&nbsp;doctor Richard Saw&nbsp;before he can resume playing.</p>

<p>Manus Labuschagne, who subbed Smith during the Lord's Test, is likely to take Smith's place in the XI for the clash in Leeds.</p>

<p>The 30-year-old&nbsp;has scored two centuries and 92 in his three innings in the first two Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test at Headingley, with coach Justin Langer confirming the news after the batsman sat out Australia's training session on Tuesday," Cricket Australia announced on their website.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Justin Langer confirms Steve Smith will miss the third <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> Test: <a href="https://t.co/lTsuSOPA2T">https://t.co/lTsuSOPA2T</a> <a href="https://t.co/t3r9VUSepT">pic.twitter.com/t3r9VUSepT</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1163748259246067713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>To recover from the injury,&nbsp;Smith now has two weeks to be ready for the fourth Test in Manchester, which starts on September 4.&nbsp;</p>


Australian cricket board confirmed that team's star batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Test of the five-match Ashes series, which is scheduled to start from Thursday at Headingley.

Australian cricket board confirmed that team's star batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Test of the five-match Ashes series, which is scheduled to start from Thursday at Headingley. Smith suffered a concussion when he was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer on Saturday in the first innings of the second Test at Lord's. Having failed to recover in time from the concussion he sustained, Smith will not take part in the Headingley Test. Smith requires the approval of the team's doctor Richard Saw before he can resume playing. Manus Labuschagne, who subbed Smith during the Lord's Test, is likely to take Smith's place in the XI for the clash in Leeds. The 30-year-old has scored two centuries and 92 in his three innings in the first two Tests. "Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test at Headingley, with coach Justin Langer confirming the news after the batsman sat out Australia's training session on Tuesday," Cricket Australia announced on their website. BREAKING: Justin Langer confirms Steve Smith will miss the third #Ashes Test: https://t.co/lTsuSOPA2T pic.twitter.com/t3r9VUSepT — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 20, 2019 × To recover from the injury, Smith now has two weeks to be ready for the fourth Test in Manchester, which starts on September 4.

Steve Smith ruled out of third Ashes Test: Cricket Australia

<p>Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater was kicked off a plane after a heated argument with two friends, delaying the flight for 30 minutes, a report said Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macquarie Sports Radio, citing eyewitnesses, said the row erupted between Slater and two women as they boarded a flight from Sydney to his hometown Wagga Wagga on Sunday.</p>

<p>It escalated with yelling and swearing as they took their seats, the broadcaster reported, claiming Slater locked himself in a toilet and refused to come out, with security called to remove him.</p>

<p>Slater, now a well-known television pundit who is due to commentate at the upcoming World Cup in England, confirmed the incident in a statement, according to Macquarie.</p>

<p>"I did have an argument with two friends whilst boarding a flight to Wagga and I apologise for the inconvenience this caused other passengers on the flight," he said.</p>

<p>Australian airline Qantas also confirmed an incident, without naming Slater.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Prior to departure on a Sydney to Wagga Wagga flight on Sunday, a male passenger was asked to leave the aircraft for being disruptive," it said in a statement to AFP.</p>

<p>"He complied with the crew's request."</p>

<p>Slater occupied a position at the top of the Australian Test batting order for close to a decade, hitting 5,312 runs before his 2004 retirement.</p>


Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater was kicked off a plane after a heated argument with two friends, delaying the flight for 30 minutes, a report said Tuesday.

Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater was kicked off a plane after a heated argument with two friends, delaying the flight for 30 minutes, a report said Tuesday. Macquarie Sports Radio, citing eyewitnesses, said the row erupted between Slater and two women as they boarded a flight from Sydney to his hometown Wagga Wagga on Sunday. It escalated with yelling and swearing as they took their seats, the broadcaster reported, claiming Slater locked himself in a toilet and refused to come out, with security called to remove him. Slater, now a well-known television pundit who is due to commentate at the upcoming World Cup in England, confirmed the incident in a statement, according to Macquarie. "I did have an argument with two friends whilst boarding a flight to Wagga and I apologise for the inconvenience this caused other passengers on the flight," he said. Australian airline Qantas also confirmed an incident, without naming Slater. "Prior to departure on a Sydney to Wagga Wagga flight on Sunday, a male passenger was asked to leave the aircraft for being disruptive," it said in a statement to AFP. "He complied with the crew's request." Slater occupied a position at the top of the Australian Test batting order for close to a decade, hitting 5,312 runs before his 2004 retirement.

Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater kicked off plane

'Team boosted' as David Warner and Steve Smith join Australia's World Cup training camp

<p>Australian cricketer James Faulkner Tuesday cleared the air after being misunderstood as gay when he shared a picture with his "best mate" on the occasion of his 29th birthday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, the Australian cricketer shared a photo posing with his mother and friend Rob Jubb. The caption read, "Birthday dinner with the boyfriend (best mate!!!)" and added #togetherfor5years with his post. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The caption led many to think that Faulkner has revealed his sexual orientation and was widely interpreted as a landmark coming-out statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The post prompted hundreds of positive messages, including from fellow Australian cricketers Glenn Maxwell, Brett Lee and Shaun Tait.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw1epixh7hN/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Birthday dinner with the boyfriend (best mate!!!) @robjubbsta and my mother @roslyn_carol_faulkner ❤️❤️❤️ #togetherfor5years</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jfaulkner44/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> James Faulkner</a> (@jfaulkner44) on <time datetime="2019-04-29T10:10:44+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 29, 2019 at 3:10am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Maxwell said, "Happy Birthday mate! Great courage."</p>

<p>"Great courage mate, bet u feel better," Tait wrote.</p>

<p>But as reaction to Faulkner's post gained momentum, he took to social media again saying "there seems to be a misunderstanding".</p>

<p>"I am not gay... (Jubb) is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates!" he wrote.</p>

<p>He also praised the response to the coming-out that never was.</p>

<p>"It has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LBGT community. Let's never forget love is love," he wrote.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw2-aefB63J/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">There seems to be a misunderstanding about my post from last night, I am not gay, however it has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LBGT community. Let’s never forget love is love, however @robjubbsta is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates! Good on everyone for being so supportive.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jfaulkner44/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> James Faulkner</a> (@jfaulkner44) on <time datetime="2019-04-30T00:07:32+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 29, 2019 at 5:07pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Cricket Australia denied Faulkner's post was a misguided attempt at humour, saying both the player and the organisation recognised coming out could be "an incredibly emotional time".</p>

<p>"The post was not in any way meant to make light of this and, though the support from the community was overwhelming and positive, Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence," it said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cricket Australia statement regarding James Faulkner Instagram post: <a href="https://t.co/9d7jBTYx58">https://t.co/9d7jBTYx58</a></p>
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1123036541465419776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Faulkner has played one Test, 69 one-dayers and 24 Twenty20 matches for Australia, last representing his country in late 2017.</p>

<p>He was man-of-the-match when Australia won the Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand in 2015, taking three crucial wickets.</p>

<p>Faulkner still plays T20 for the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia and Lancashire in England.</p>

<p>The incident comes as Australian rugby moves to sack Wallabies star Israel Folau over a social media post saying "hell awaits" gays, with the matter set to go before a code of conduct hearing this weekend.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from AFP)</em></p>


Australian cricketer James Faulkner Tuesday cleared the air after being misunderstood as gay when he shared a picture with his "best mate" on the occasion of his 29th birthday.

Australian cricketer James Faulkner Tuesday cleared the air after being misunderstood as gay when he shared a picture with his "best mate" on the occasion of his 29th birthday. On Monday, the Australian cricketer shared a photo posing with his mother and friend Rob Jubb. The caption read, "Birthday dinner with the boyfriend (best mate!!!)" and added #togetherfor5years with his post. The caption led many to think that Faulkner has revealed his sexual orientation and was widely interpreted as a landmark coming-out statement. The post prompted hundreds of positive messages, including from fellow Australian cricketers Glenn Maxwell, Brett Lee and Shaun Tait. View this post on Instagram Birthday dinner with the boyfriend (best mate!!!) @robjubbsta and my mother @roslyn_carol_faulkner ❤️❤️❤️ #togetherfor5years A post shared by James Faulkner (@jfaulkner44) on Apr 29, 2019 at 3:10am PDT × Maxwell said, "Happy Birthday mate! Great courage." "Great courage mate, bet u feel better," Tait wrote. But as reaction to Faulkner's post gained momentum, he took to social media again saying "there seems to be a misunderstanding". "I am not gay... (Jubb) is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates!" he wrote. He also praised the response to the coming-out that never was. "It has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LBGT community. Let's never forget love is love," he wrote. View this post on Instagram There seems to be a misunderstanding about my post from last night, I am not gay, however it has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LBGT community. Let’s never forget love is love, however @robjubbsta is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates! Good on everyone for being so supportive. A post shared by James Faulkner (@jfaulkner44) on Apr 29, 2019 at 5:07pm PDT × Cricket Australia denied Faulkner's post was a misguided attempt at humour, saying both the player and the organisation recognised coming out could be "an incredibly emotional time". "The post was not in any way meant to make light of this and, though the support from the community was overwhelming and positive, Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence," it said. Cricket Australia statement regarding James Faulkner Instagram post: https://t.co/9d7jBTYx58 — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) April 30, 2019 × Faulkner has played one Test, 69 one-dayers and 24 Twenty20 matches for Australia, last representing his country in late 2017. He was man-of-the-match when Australia won the Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand in 2015, taking three crucial wickets. Faulkner still plays T20 for the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia and Lancashire in England. The incident comes as Australian rugby moves to sack Wallabies star Israel Folau over a social media post saying "hell awaits" gays, with the matter set to go before a code of conduct hearing this weekend. (with inputs from AFP)

Australian cricketer James Faulkner clarifies after being misunderstood as gay

<p>Steve&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;has returned to the nets after elbow surgery, with Australia coach Justin Langer expecting the banned former captain and his deputy David Warner to be fit for the Indian Premier League.</p>

<p>Smith&nbsp;went under the knife in January after being forced to drop out of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament with a ligament problem.</p>

<p>He has been in a brace since, but picked up a bat again and had a session at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.</p>

<p>"Great to have my first hit back. The elbow is feeling good,"&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;posted to his 1.4 million Instagram followers with a short video early Friday.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BubKVz4hB2H/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Great to have my first hit back today. The elbow is feeling good! 😀</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/steve_smith49/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Steve Smith</a> (@steve_smith49) on <time datetime="2019-02-28T11:53:47+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 28, 2019 at 3:53am PST</time></p>
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<p>Smith&nbsp;and Warner become eligible for international selection again on March 29 after serving year-long bans for their part in attempting to alter the ball during a Test against South Africa.</p>

<p>Warner also returned home from Bangladesh with an injured elbow, though less serious than&nbsp;Smith. He too had surgery and was also at the SCG on Thursday.</p>

<p>He crossed paths there with former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, who has settled in Sydney with his wife.</p>

<p>Morkel was training at the ground ahead of a stint with English county side Surrey, and told the Cricket Australia website that having&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;and Warner back would be good for the game.</p>

<p>"It's the first time I've seen Davey since South Africa," Morkel said, referring to the Cape Town Test where the tampering scandal unfolded and Warner and&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;were sent home in disgrace.</p>

<p>"Obviously as a cricket supporter I'm rapt for him to get back on the field. It will be great to see him and&nbsp;Steve&nbsp;(Smith) play and it will be great for Australia as well."</p>

<p>Langer told Australian media in India, where the team is playing a Twenty20 and one-day series, that he expected both players to be fit for the IPL, which starts late this month.</p>

<p>"From all accounts they should both be ready for the IPL, which is really positive," he said.</p>

<p>"Dave's probably a little more advanced but my understanding is they'll be ready to go in the not-too-distant future."</p>

<p>Langer added that "I speak to them all the time".</p>

<p>Once their bans expire, both players will be eligible for the final two games of Australia's five-match ODI series against Pakistan in the UAE next month.</p>

<p>The squad for that series has yet to be announced, although the general consensus in Australia is that they will instead play the IPL to prepare themselves for the World Cup in England.</p>


Steve Smith has returned to the nets after elbow surgery, with Australia coach Justin Langer expecting the banned former captain and his deputy David Warner to be fit for the Indian Premier League.

Steve Smith has returned to the nets after elbow surgery, with Australia coach Justin Langer expecting the banned former captain and his deputy David Warner to be fit for the Indian Premier League. Smith went under the knife in January after being forced to drop out of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament with a ligament problem. He has been in a brace since, but picked up a bat again and had a session at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday. "Great to have my first hit back. The elbow is feeling good," Smith posted to his 1.4 million Instagram followers with a short video early Friday. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram Great to have my first hit back today. The elbow is feeling good! 😀 A post shared by Steve Smith (@steve_smith49) on Feb 28, 2019 at 3:53am PST × Smith and Warner become eligible for international selection again on March 29 after serving year-long bans for their part in attempting to alter the ball during a Test against South Africa. Warner also returned home from Bangladesh with an injured elbow, though less serious than Smith. He too had surgery and was also at the SCG on Thursday. He crossed paths there with former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, who has settled in Sydney with his wife. Morkel was training at the ground ahead of a stint with English county side Surrey, and told the Cricket Australia website that having Smith and Warner back would be good for the game. "It's the first time I've seen Davey since South Africa," Morkel said, referring to the Cape Town Test where the tampering scandal unfolded and Warner and Smith were sent home in disgrace. "Obviously as a cricket supporter I'm rapt for him to get back on the field. It will be great to see him and Steve (Smith) play and it will be great for Australia as well." Langer told Australian media in India, where the team is playing a Twenty20 and one-day series, that he expected both players to be fit for the IPL, which starts late this month. "From all accounts they should both be ready for the IPL, which is really positive," he said. "Dave's probably a little more advanced but my understanding is they'll be ready to go in the not-too-distant future." Langer added that "I speak to them all the time". Once their bans expire, both players will be eligible for the final two games of Australia's five-match ODI series against Pakistan in the UAE next month. The squad for that series has yet to be announced, although the general consensus in Australia is that they will instead play the IPL to prepare themselves for the World Cup in England.

Watch: Steve Smith 'feeling good' as he is back in nets after elbow surgery

<p>Australia's popular 'shooting stars' jersey is all set to make its reappearance as Cricket Australia has recalled the iconic kit for the upcoming season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wearing the same kit, Steve Waugh-led team Australia lifted World Cup trophy in the year 1999 after defeating Pakistan in the finals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The five stars of the Southern Cross graced the front of the jersey. It was evocative and proved lucky as Australia won the title that year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision to bring back the nostalgic kit was made by voting and the with its distinctive pattern of green 'shooting stars' on yellow, was the popular choice.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It all comes down to this... The final! Which retro kit do you want to see the Aussie Men wearing in the ODIs next summer?<br />
<br />
Make sure you cast your vote! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PickTheKit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PickTheKit</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1099540214312165378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The final tussle was between the 'lightning bolts' from 1992-94 and 'shooting stars' from World Cup 1999.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The kit is all set to make a reappearance during the next One-Day International series against New Zealand next season.&nbsp;</p>


Australia's popular 'shooting stars' jersey is all set to make its reappearance as Cricket Australia has recalled the iconic kit for the upcoming season. Wearing the same kit, Steve Waugh-led team Australia lifted World Cup trophy in the year 1999 after defeating Pakistan in the finals.

Australia's popular 'shooting stars' jersey is all set to make its reappearance as Cricket Australia has recalled the iconic kit for the upcoming season. Wearing the same kit, Steve Waugh-led team Australia lifted World Cup trophy in the year 1999 after defeating Pakistan in the finals. The five stars of the Southern Cross graced the front of the jersey. It was evocative and proved lucky as Australia won the title that year. The decision to bring back the nostalgic kit was made by voting and the with its distinctive pattern of green 'shooting stars' on yellow, was the popular choice. It all comes down to this... The final! Which retro kit do you want to see the Aussie Men wearing in the ODIs next summer? Make sure you cast your vote! #PickTheKit — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 24, 2019 × The final tussle was between the 'lightning bolts' from 1992-94 and 'shooting stars' from World Cup 1999. The kit is all set to make a reappearance during the next One-Day International series against New Zealand next season.

'Shooting stars': Australia to put on iconic World Cup 1999 kit for 2019-20 summer

Richardson's 4-wicket haul to Dhoni's comeback: Major takeaways from 1st India vs Australia ODI

<p>Former Australia captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Steve+Smith">Steve Smith</a> will serve out the remainder of his 12-month ban from international and state cricket recuperating from surgery on his injured elbow, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Saturday.</p>

<p>The 29-year-old, banned with his vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft for his part in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, returned from the Bangladesh Premier League on Saturday for scans on the injured joint.</p>

<p>A CA spokesman said Smith would require an operation on Tuesday to repair a ligament in his right elbow and would be in a brace for six weeks after that with a period of rehabilitation to follow.</p>

<p>That will take him up to the end of his ban on March 28 after which Australia were hoping to bring him back into the one-day international and test teams ahead of the limited overs World Cup and Ashes series.</p>

<p>Bancroft's nine-month ban expired at the end of December while Smith and Warner, who was also suspended for a year, have kept active by playing club cricket in Sydney and Twenty20 tournaments around the world.</p>

<p>Australia have struggled without their two best batsmen, losing a test series to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and another to India around the turn of the year -- a first home reverse against an Asian side.</p>

<p>The reigning champions will announce their squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England in Wales towards the end of April. The Ashes series follows in August and September.</p>


Former Australia captain Steve Smith will serve out the remainder of his 12-month ban from international and state cricket recuperating from surgery on his injured elbow, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Saturday.

Former Australia captain Steve Smith will serve out the remainder of his 12-month ban from international and state cricket recuperating from surgery on his injured elbow, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Saturday. The 29-year-old, banned with his vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft for his part in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, returned from the Bangladesh Premier League on Saturday for scans on the injured joint. A CA spokesman said Smith would require an operation on Tuesday to repair a ligament in his right elbow and would be in a brace for six weeks after that with a period of rehabilitation to follow. That will take him up to the end of his ban on March 28 after which Australia were hoping to bring him back into the one-day international and test teams ahead of the limited overs World Cup and Ashes series. Bancroft's nine-month ban expired at the end of December while Smith and Warner, who was also suspended for a year, have kept active by playing club cricket in Sydney and Twenty20 tournaments around the world. Australia have struggled without their two best batsmen, losing a test series to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and another to India around the turn of the year -- a first home reverse against an Asian side. The reigning champions will announce their squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England in Wales towards the end of April. The Ashes series follows in August and September.

Australia's Steve Smith to have surgery on elbow injury

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Cameron+Bancroft">Cameron Bancroft</a>'s ban for ball-tampering expired Saturday and he was immediately rushed into the Perth Scorchers squad for their Big Bash League clash with the Hobart Hurricanes.</p>

<p>The 26-year-old opener was suspended from international and state cricket for nine months after attempting to alter the ball in a Test against South Africa in March.</p>

<p>Then-Australian captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner were exiled for a year with their suspensions due to run out in late March.</p>

<p>"What a journey this has been over the last nine months," Bancroft wrote on Instagram.</p>

<p>"Grateful of where I am and the person I continue to grow to be. Thank you to every person, group, team and community I have come across over the last nine months. You know who you are."</p>

<p>Bancroft re-emerged into public life with an explosive television interview on Wednesday in which he confirmed Warner asked him to use sandpaper to rough up the ball.</p>

<p>He claimed he went along with it "to fit in" and because he "didn't know any better".</p>

<p>Smith also gave a recent interview, admitting he failed as a captain by turning a blind eye to what went on.</p>

<p>A number of high-profile former players have blasted them for dragging the issue back into the spotlight and detracting from the ongoing third Test against India in Melbourne.</p>

<p>Bancroft could make his comeback in Australia's Twenty20 domestic league on Sunday against the Hurricanes in Launceston after being included in the Scorchers' 13-man squad.</p>

<p>"It's great to have Cam back in the squad again. It's been a long year for him and now he can move forward and get back to playing cricket at a high level," said Perth coach Adam Voges.</p>

<p>"He's been pretty excited to be back so he'll bring energy and experience into our batting line up."</p>


Cameron Bancroft's ban for ball-tampering expired Saturday and he was immediately rushed into the Perth Scorchers squad for their Big Bash League clash with the Hobart Hurricanes.

Cameron Bancroft's ban for ball-tampering expired Saturday and he was immediately rushed into the Perth Scorchers squad for their Big Bash League clash with the Hobart Hurricanes. The 26-year-old opener was suspended from international and state cricket for nine months after attempting to alter the ball in a Test against South Africa in March. Then-Australian captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner were exiled for a year with their suspensions due to run out in late March. "What a journey this has been over the last nine months," Bancroft wrote on Instagram. "Grateful of where I am and the person I continue to grow to be. Thank you to every person, group, team and community I have come across over the last nine months. You know who you are." Bancroft re-emerged into public life with an explosive television interview on Wednesday in which he confirmed Warner asked him to use sandpaper to rough up the ball. He claimed he went along with it "to fit in" and because he "didn't know any better". Smith also gave a recent interview, admitting he failed as a captain by turning a blind eye to what went on. A number of high-profile former players have blasted them for dragging the issue back into the spotlight and detracting from the ongoing third Test against India in Melbourne. Bancroft could make his comeback in Australia's Twenty20 domestic league on Sunday against the Hurricanes in Launceston after being included in the Scorchers' 13-man squad. "It's great to have Cam back in the squad again. It's been a long year for him and now he can move forward and get back to playing cricket at a high level," said Perth coach Adam Voges. "He's been pretty excited to be back so he'll bring energy and experience into our batting line up."

Cameron Bancroft ban expires and back in Perth Scorchers squad

<p>Cricket Australia Friday warned a section of the MCG crowd after it emerged that Indian cricketers were subjected to racist chants in the ongoing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=india+vs+australia%2C+3rd+test">third Test</a> here, a media report has claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to media reports, CA received several complaints of racial taunts directed towards Indian players and fans during the first two days of the third Test. The four-Test series tied 1-1 right now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The website claimed that it had footage of the specific instances and it passed that on to CA. The CA forwarded it to Victoria Police and the stadium management and it is alleged that spectators can be seen shouting "show us your visa" in the bottom tier of the MCG's Great Southern Stand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It reportedly prompted CA to tell fans to behave themselves or risk eviction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Victoria Police and stadium security are monitoring the behaviour of the crowd in that section of the stadium and have had several discussions with those fans in that bay to remind them about appropriate crowd behaviour, as per venue entry terms and conditions," a CA spokesperson was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who scored 82 in the first innings, was also subjected to booing and abusive chants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has replaced Peter Handscomb in the third Test, was also booed by the spectators on the opening day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is not the first time the MCG crowd has been warned against racial behaviour. A similar incident was reported during the Boxing Day Test in 2005 with South African fast bowler Andre Nel at the receiving end.&nbsp;</p>


Cricket Australia Friday warned a section of the MCG crowd after it emerged that Indian cricketers were subjected to racist chants in the ongoing third Test here, a media report has claimed.

Cricket Australia Friday warned a section of the MCG crowd after it emerged that Indian cricketers were subjected to racist chants in the ongoing third Test here, a media report has claimed. According to media reports, CA received several complaints of racial taunts directed towards Indian players and fans during the first two days of the third Test. The four-Test series tied 1-1 right now. The website claimed that it had footage of the specific instances and it passed that on to CA. The CA forwarded it to Victoria Police and the stadium management and it is alleged that spectators can be seen shouting "show us your visa" in the bottom tier of the MCG's Great Southern Stand. It reportedly prompted CA to tell fans to behave themselves or risk eviction. "Victoria Police and stadium security are monitoring the behaviour of the crowd in that section of the stadium and have had several discussions with those fans in that bay to remind them about appropriate crowd behaviour, as per venue entry terms and conditions," a CA spokesperson was quoted as saying. Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who scored 82 in the first innings, was also subjected to booing and abusive chants. Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has replaced Peter Handscomb in the third Test, was also booed by the spectators on the opening day. This is not the first time the MCG crowd has been warned against racial behaviour. A similar incident was reported during the Boxing Day Test in 2005 with South African fast bowler Andre Nel at the receiving end.

Cricket Australia warns MCG fans against racist chants: Report

<p>The brother of Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja has been charged with trying to influence a witness over a case where he allegedly framed a love rival with a fake terror plot, police said Friday.</p>

<p>Arsalan Khawaja was released on bail&nbsp;in early December after appearing in a Sydney court on charges of forgery and attempting to pervert justice.</p>

<p>He was re-arrested on Thursday "after allegedly attempting to influence a witness" in the counter-terror investigation, a New South Wales state police spokeswoman told AFP.</p>

<p>The 39-year-old was charged with breaching his bail conditions and influencing a witness in judicial procedures.</p>

<p>His bail was formally revoked by a Sydney magistrate Friday and he is expected to remain in custody until the next court hearing in February.</p>

<p>Sri Lankan Mohamed Nizamdeen was arrested in August over a "hit list" written in a notebook, which outlined plans to kill then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.</p>

<p>But police released Nizamdeen in September and later dropped the charges after investigators could not link the handwriting in the notebook to him.</p>

<p>Investigators have said they believe Arsalan Khawaja set up his university colleague Nizamdeen in relation to a dispute over a woman.</p>

<p>Pakistan-born batsman Usman Khawaja, 32, is playing in the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.</p>


The brother of Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja has been charged with trying to influence a witness over a case where he allegedly framed a love rival with a fake terror plot, police said Friday.

The brother of Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja has been charged with trying to influence a witness over a case where he allegedly framed a love rival with a fake terror plot, police said Friday. Arsalan Khawaja was released on bail in early December after appearing in a Sydney court on charges of forgery and attempting to pervert justice. He was re-arrested on Thursday "after allegedly attempting to influence a witness" in the counter-terror investigation, a New South Wales state police spokeswoman told AFP. The 39-year-old was charged with breaching his bail conditions and influencing a witness in judicial procedures. His bail was formally revoked by a Sydney magistrate Friday and he is expected to remain in custody until the next court hearing in February. Sri Lankan Mohamed Nizamdeen was arrested in August over a "hit list" written in a notebook, which outlined plans to kill then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. But police released Nizamdeen in September and later dropped the charges after investigators could not link the handwriting in the notebook to him. Investigators have said they believe Arsalan Khawaja set up his university colleague Nizamdeen in relation to a dispute over a woman. Pakistan-born batsman Usman Khawaja, 32, is playing in the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia Test cricketer Usman Khawaja's brother re-arrested

<p>Disgraced Australian player <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Cameron+Bancroft">Cameron Bancroft</a> Saturday said he was a vastly different person to the one caught ball-tampering and revealed he considered walking away from cricket to become a yoga teacher.</p>

<p>The opener received a nine-month ban from the international and domestic game for his part in the scandal in South Africa that rocked the sport, in which he used sandpaper to try to alter the ball.</p>

<p>Then-captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner were suspended for a year.</p>

<p>A day after Smith re-emerged into public life with a press conference in Sydney, Bancroft has also broken his silence a week ahead of his ban running out.</p>

<p>He did so in the form of a long letter addressed to his former self, published in the West Australian newspaper, describing his emotional journey since.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/it-was-my-leadership-failure-says-steve-smith-denying-involvement-in-ball-tampering-scandal-185619">It was my 'leadership failure', says Steve Smith denying involvement in </a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/it-was-my-leadership-failure-says-steve-smith-denying-involvement-in-ball-tampering-scandal-185619">ball-tampering</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/it-was-my-leadership-failure-says-steve-smith-denying-involvement-in-ball-tampering-scandal-185619"> scandal</a></strong></p>

<p>In it, Bancroft describes the major influence Australian coach Justin Langer has had on him, along with West Australian mentor Adam Voges.</p>

<p>He said a crucial moment was Voges asking him to justify why he should be on a pre-season trip to Brisbane by the Western Warriors Sheffield Shield team.</p>

<p>"On your way to present your case to your coach you realise this is the moment when you begin to become OK with the thought of never having cricket as part of your life again," he wrote in the self-addressed letter.</p>

<p>"Until you are able to acknowledge that you are Cameron Bancroft, the person who plays cricket as a profession, and not Cameron Bancroft the cricketer, you will not be able to move forward.</p>

<p>"This will become a defining moment for you."</p>

<p>Yoga became an important part of his life in exile while dealing with an absence of cricket, to the extent that he considered quitting the game to become of a teacher of the discipline.</p>

<p>"Maybe cricket isn't for you, you'll ask yourself ... will you return? Yoga will be such a fulfilling experience," he wrote.</p>

<p>Bancroft ultimately decided to pursue his cricket career and is due to make his comeback in the Big Bash Twenty20 League for the Perth Scorchers on December 30.</p>

<p>"While you do not look that different, on the inside you are a vastly different man to the bloke who made that mistake in South Africa," he added in the letter.</p>

<p>"You know you cannot say sorry enough, but actually it is time you allow your cricket to be about what you have learnt and use this opportunity to make a great impact."</p>


Disgraced Australian player Cameron Bancroft Saturday said he was a vastly different person to the one caught ball-tampering and revealed he considered walking away from cricket to become a yoga teacher.

Disgraced Australian player Cameron Bancroft Saturday said he was a vastly different person to the one caught ball-tampering and revealed he considered walking away from cricket to become a yoga teacher. The opener received a nine-month ban from the international and domestic game for his part in the scandal in South Africa that rocked the sport, in which he used sandpaper to try to alter the ball. Then-captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner were suspended for a year. A day after Smith re-emerged into public life with a press conference in Sydney, Bancroft has also broken his silence a week ahead of his ban running out. He did so in the form of a long letter addressed to his former self, published in the West Australian newspaper, describing his emotional journey since. Also Read: It was my 'leadership failure', says Steve Smith denying involvement in ball-tampering scandal In it, Bancroft describes the major influence Australian coach Justin Langer has had on him, along with West Australian mentor Adam Voges. He said a crucial moment was Voges asking him to justify why he should be on a pre-season trip to Brisbane by the Western Warriors Sheffield Shield team. "On your way to present your case to your coach you realise this is the moment when you begin to become OK with the thought of never having cricket as part of your life again," he wrote in the self-addressed letter. "Until you are able to acknowledge that you are Cameron Bancroft, the person who plays cricket as a profession, and not Cameron Bancroft the cricketer, you will not be able to move forward. "This will become a defining moment for you." Yoga became an important part of his life in exile while dealing with an absence of cricket, to the extent that he considered quitting the game to become of a teacher of the discipline. "Maybe cricket isn't for you, you'll ask yourself ... will you return? Yoga will be such a fulfilling experience," he wrote. Bancroft ultimately decided to pursue his cricket career and is due to make his comeback in the Big Bash Twenty20 League for the Perth Scorchers on December 30. "While you do not look that different, on the inside you are a vastly different man to the bloke who made that mistake in South Africa," he added in the letter. "You know you cannot say sorry enough, but actually it is time you allow your cricket to be about what you have learnt and use this opportunity to make a great impact."

Cameron Bancroft reveals he almost gave up cricket for yoga

Steve Smith has eye on World Cup and Ashes, expects English backlash

<p>November 27 will always be remembered as the black day in the history of international cricket. On this day, Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes lost his life in a freak accident while playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground.</p>

<p>On his fourth death anniversary, wishes poured in from cricketers and fans from all across. Former Australian captain Steve Smith and Michael Clarke shared emotional posts remembering Phil.</p>

<p>Phillip Joel Hughes was an Australian Test and One Day International (ODI) cricketer who played domestic for South Australia and Worcestershire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On this day in 2014, he was struck by a bouncer bowled by Sean Abbott during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.</p>

<p>The bouncer struck on Hughes' neck caused a vertebral artery dissection that led to a subarachnoid haemorrhage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Peter Brukner, the Australian team doctor said that only 100 such cases had ever been reported, with "only one case reported as a result of a cricket ball".</p>

<p>Immediately after the accident, Hughes was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, where he underwent surgery, was placed into an induced coma and was in intensive care in a critical condition.</p>

<p>Eventually, he died on November 27, having never regained consciousness, three days before his 26th birthday. Many tributes were paid to Hughes within and outside the world of cricket.</p>

<p>In his short career span, Hughes played 26 Tests and 25 one-day matches scoring 1535 and 826 runs respectively.</p>


November 27 will always be remembered as the black day in the history of international cricket. On this day, Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes lost his life in a freak accident while playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

November 27 will always be remembered as the black day in the history of international cricket. On this day, Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes lost his life in a freak accident while playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground. On his fourth death anniversary, wishes poured in from cricketers and fans from all across. Former Australian captain Steve Smith and Michael Clarke shared emotional posts remembering Phil. Phillip Joel Hughes was an Australian Test and One Day International (ODI) cricketer who played domestic for South Australia and Worcestershire. On this day in 2014, he was struck by a bouncer bowled by Sean Abbott during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The bouncer struck on Hughes' neck caused a vertebral artery dissection that led to a subarachnoid haemorrhage. Peter Brukner, the Australian team doctor said that only 100 such cases had ever been reported, with "only one case reported as a result of a cricket ball". Immediately after the accident, Hughes was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, where he underwent surgery, was placed into an induced coma and was in intensive care in a critical condition. Eventually, he died on November 27, having never regained consciousness, three days before his 26th birthday. Many tributes were paid to Hughes within and outside the world of cricket. In his short career span, Hughes played 26 Tests and 25 one-day matches scoring 1535 and 826 runs respectively.

63 forever not out: Remembering Phillip Hughes on his 4th death anniversary

<p>Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc may be called up for his first Twenty20 international in two years against India on Sunday after replacing the injured Billy Stanlake in Aaron Finch's squad.</p>

<p>Stanlake was ruled out of the series decider in Sydney after sustaining an ankle injury in the warm-up before the washed-out second T20I in Melbourne on Friday.</p>

<p>Left-arm&nbsp;pacer Starc played his last T20I against Sri Lanka away in September 2016.</p>

<p>Australia, who lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the opener in Brisbane, already have Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis as pace options but captain Finch said Starc would be considered.</p>

<p>"(Starc has) got so much experience in the limited-overs games as well and we’ve seen how dominant he can be when he gets it right with the ball," Finch told reporters in Sydney on Saturday.</p>

<p>"We’ll have a look at the wicket this afternoon and discuss the side but coming straight off a Shield game with an eye on the first test, his preparations will be really good."</p>

<p>Australia face India in a four-match test series starting in Adelaide on December 6.</p>


Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc may be called up for his first Twenty20 international in two years against India on Sunday after replacing the injured Billy Stanlake in Aaron Finch's squad.

Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc may be called up for his first Twenty20 international in two years against India on Sunday after replacing the injured Billy Stanlake in Aaron Finch's squad. Stanlake was ruled out of the series decider in Sydney after sustaining an ankle injury in the warm-up before the washed-out second T20I in Melbourne on Friday. Left-arm pacer Starc played his last T20I against Sri Lanka away in September 2016. Australia, who lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the opener in Brisbane, already have Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis as pace options but captain Finch said Starc would be considered. "(Starc has) got so much experience in the limited-overs games as well and we’ve seen how dominant he can be when he gets it right with the ball," Finch told reporters in Sydney on Saturday. "We’ll have a look at the wicket this afternoon and discuss the side but coming straight off a Shield game with an eye on the first test, his preparations will be really good." Australia face India in a four-match test series starting in Adelaide on December 6.

Australia star pacer Mitchell Starc summoned for India T20

<p>In response to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/smith-warner-bans-to-be-reviewed-this-week-reports-178166">Australian Cricketers' Association's plea</a> to bring <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=steve+smith">Steve Smith</a>, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=david+warner">David Warner</a> and Cameron Bancroft back before their original bans would end, Cricket Australia has released an official statement on Tuesday to deny it.</p>

<p>The trio was banned from state and international cricket for 12 months over the incident in South Africa in March, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months and after CA's ruling, they will have to serve their full bans.</p>

<p>CA interim chairman Earl Eddings said the board had "determined that it is not appropriate to make any changes to the sanctions handed down to the three players".</p>

<p>There has been pressure on the governing body to reinstate the players amid a recent poor run of results.</p>

<p>Eddings reinforced the unanimous decision of the Board stating: "Despite the absence of any recommendation regarding the sanctions in the recently released Ethics Centre Review, the Board has deliberated on the ACA's submission at length. We have reconsidered the sanctions as they apply to each of Steve, David and Cameron in light of the ACA's submission and the Ethics Centre Review and Recommendations." &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Cricket Australia Board has released a statement in response to the Australian Cricketers' Association submission. <a href="https://t.co/9RyxC9V1fW">https://t.co/9RyxC9V1fW</a> <a href="https://t.co/H50HMmSSBE">pic.twitter.com/H50HMmSSBE</a></p>
— Cricket Australia (@CAComms) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAComms/status/1064702991230365696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The original decision of the Board to sanction the players was determined after rigorous discussion and consideration. CA maintains that both the length and nature of the sanctions remain an appropriate response in light of the considerable impact on the reputation of Australian cricket, here and abroad." &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Steve, David and Cameron are working hard to demonstrate their commitment to cricket and have our continued support to ensure their pathway to return is as smooth as possible." &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We believe the ongoing conversation about reducing the sanctions puts undue pressure on the three players – all of whom accepted the sanctions earlier this year - and the Australian men's cricket team. As such, the Cricket Australia Board doesn’t intend to consider further calls for amendments to the sanctions."</p>

<p>"Though we recognise that this decision will be disappointing for the ACA, we thank them for their submission. &nbsp;Our commitment to continue building a strong relationship between CA and the ACA in the interests of cricket in Australia remains and we look forward to meeting with them shortly to that end," concluded Eddings.</p>

<p><strong><em>Steve Smith, David Warner </em></strong><strong><em>and</em></strong><strong><em> Cameron Bancroft were found in breach of Article 2.3.5 of the CA Code of Conduct, namely that their conduct:&nbsp;<br />
(a) was contrary to the spirit of the game;&nbsp;<br />
(b) was unbecoming of a representative or official;&nbsp;<br />
(c) is or could be harmful to the interests of cricket; and/or&nbsp;<br />
(d) did bring the game of cricket into disrepute.</em></strong></p>


In response to the Australian Cricketers' Association's plea to bring Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft back before their original bans would end, Cricket Australia has released an official statement on Tuesday to deny it.

In response to the Australian Cricketers' Association's plea to bring Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft back before their original bans would end, Cricket Australia has released an official statement on Tuesday to deny it. The trio was banned from state and international cricket for 12 months over the incident in South Africa in March, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months and after CA's ruling, they will have to serve their full bans. CA interim chairman Earl Eddings said the board had "determined that it is not appropriate to make any changes to the sanctions handed down to the three players". There has been pressure on the governing body to reinstate the players amid a recent poor run of results. Eddings reinforced the unanimous decision of the Board stating: "Despite the absence of any recommendation regarding the sanctions in the recently released Ethics Centre Review, the Board has deliberated on the ACA's submission at length. We have reconsidered the sanctions as they apply to each of Steve, David and Cameron in light of the ACA's submission and the Ethics Centre Review and Recommendations." The Cricket Australia Board has released a statement in response to the Australian Cricketers' Association submission. https://t.co/9RyxC9V1fW pic.twitter.com/H50HMmSSBE — Cricket Australia (@CAComms) November 20, 2018 × "The original decision of the Board to sanction the players was determined after rigorous discussion and consideration. CA maintains that both the length and nature of the sanctions remain an appropriate response in light of the considerable impact on the reputation of Australian cricket, here and abroad." "Steve, David and Cameron are working hard to demonstrate their commitment to cricket and have our continued support to ensure their pathway to return is as smooth as possible." "We believe the ongoing conversation about reducing the sanctions puts undue pressure on the three players – all of whom accepted the sanctions earlier this year - and the Australian men's cricket team. As such, the Cricket Australia Board doesn’t intend to consider further calls for amendments to the sanctions." "Though we recognise that this decision will be disappointing for the ACA, we thank them for their submission. Our commitment to continue building a strong relationship between CA and the ACA in the interests of cricket in Australia remains and we look forward to meeting with them shortly to that end," concluded Eddings. Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were found in breach of Article 2.3.5 of the CA Code of Conduct, namely that their conduct: (a) was contrary to the spirit of the game; (b) was unbecoming of a representative or official; (c) is or could be harmful to the interests of cricket; and/or (d) did bring the game of cricket into disrepute.

No changes to Smith, Warner, Bancroft ball-tampering bans: Cricket Australia

<p>Steve Smith and David Warner could have their one-year bans from international and state cricket reduced or adjusted after a review by the board of Cricket Australia (CA) this week, local media reports said on Monday.</p>

<p>Former test captain Smith and vice-captain Warner were handed the bans by CA after the ball-tampering scandal earlier this year and are not scheduled to resume playing at the top level until the end of March 2019.</p>

<p>Batsman Cameron Bancroft was handed a nine-month ban for his part in the affair and is scheduled to return to action at the end of December.</p>

<p>The Australian Cricketers' Association have always contested the bans were overly-harsh and have continued to push for all three to be able to return to representative cricket immediately.</p>

<p>Those calls intensified after a cultural review into Cricket Australia last month that suggested that the culture fostered in the game by the governing body had contributed to the incident in a test against South Africa.</p>

<p>That review led to the resignation of chairman David Peever, who had forcefully maintained that the players should see out the full terms of their suspensions.</p>

<p>Sydney's Daily Telegraph on Monday reported that "serious discussions" had taken place among senior officials over allowing the players to return to state cricket, adding that the board would consider lifting the suspensions this week.</p>

<p>Smith and Warner are two of the best batsmen in world cricket and the debate over their bans is being played out against the backdrop of Australia's continued struggles in all formats of the men's game.</p>

<p>With Australia's defence of the 50-overs World Cup starting in England at the end of May and the defence of the Ashes following in August and September, there is clearly a desire among some Down Under to get the duo back as soon as possible.</p>

<p>Both have been keeping their hand in by playing Sydney club cricket and have received praise in local media for the way they have conducted themselves.</p>

<p>Smith and Warner have both been retained by their franchises in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) for the next version of the competition, which starts on March 29.</p>

<p>Australia take on India in the first of three Twenty20 internationals in Brisbane on Wednesday looking to snap a run of four consecutive defeats in the format.</p>

<p>They then face the tourists, who are top of the world rankings, in four tests over December and January looking to avoid what would be a first ever home series loss to India.</p>


Steve Smith and David Warner could have their one-year bans from international and state cricket reduced or adjusted after a review by the board of Cricket Australia (CA) this week, local media reports said on Monday.

Steve Smith and David Warner could have their one-year bans from international and state cricket reduced or adjusted after a review by the board of Cricket Australia (CA) this week, local media reports said on Monday. Former test captain Smith and vice-captain Warner were handed the bans by CA after the ball-tampering scandal earlier this year and are not scheduled to resume playing at the top level until the end of March 2019. Batsman Cameron Bancroft was handed a nine-month ban for his part in the affair and is scheduled to return to action at the end of December. The Australian Cricketers' Association have always contested the bans were overly-harsh and have continued to push for all three to be able to return to representative cricket immediately. Those calls intensified after a cultural review into Cricket Australia last month that suggested that the culture fostered in the game by the governing body had contributed to the incident in a test against South Africa. That review led to the resignation of chairman David Peever, who had forcefully maintained that the players should see out the full terms of their suspensions. Sydney's Daily Telegraph on Monday reported that "serious discussions" had taken place among senior officials over allowing the players to return to state cricket, adding that the board would consider lifting the suspensions this week. Smith and Warner are two of the best batsmen in world cricket and the debate over their bans is being played out against the backdrop of Australia's continued struggles in all formats of the men's game. With Australia's defence of the 50-overs World Cup starting in England at the end of May and the defence of the Ashes following in August and September, there is clearly a desire among some Down Under to get the duo back as soon as possible. Both have been keeping their hand in by playing Sydney club cricket and have received praise in local media for the way they have conducted themselves. Smith and Warner have both been retained by their franchises in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) for the next version of the competition, which starts on March 29. Australia take on India in the first of three Twenty20 internationals in Brisbane on Wednesday looking to snap a run of four consecutive defeats in the format. They then face the tourists, who are top of the world rankings, in four tests over December and January looking to avoid what would be a first ever home series loss to India.

Smith, Warner bans to be reviewed this week: Reports

<p>Cricket Australia has informed players they will have to miss part of next year's Indian Premier League (IPL) if they are selected in the squad for the World Cup.</p>

<p>The 12th edition of the lucrative Twenty20 league will be played between March 29 and May 19, having been brought forward because of the 50-overs World Cup which begins in England on May 30.</p>

<p>Australian cricketers, who can earn more than $1 million for a stint in the league, must receive the permission of CA and the board on Thursday announced a series of conditions.</p>

<p>All players granted permission to play would have to be available to play at the World Cup and on the Ashes tour of England that follows in August and September, the governing body said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Players involved in the Sheffield Shield final will only be released once that is concluded on April 1, while the 15 players selected to defend the World Cup will have to attend a mandatory training camp in early May and play warm-up matches.</p>

<p>"It is a difficult period with the IPL being brought forward to accommodate the Cricket World Cup, and overlapping our domestic season," CA's Belinda Clark said.</p>

<p>"We are committed to respecting the position of the Sheffield Shield, while ensuring Australia's World Cup squad is well prepared for this critical world event, while also ensuring those that are fit to play have opportunity to participate in the IPL.</p>

<p>"While this is no easy feat, I think we have managed a reasonable balance that will enable the players to consider their options and choose what is right for them and their respective teams."</p>

<p>Australia are also scheduled to play a one-day series against Pakistan that could overlap with the start of the IPL and CA said players would not be released until its conclusion.</p>

<p>"It is imperative that we ensure Australia is in the best possible position as we head into the Cricket World Cup and the 2019 Ashes series," Clark added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This means prioritising our focus on match readiness and the health of our players."</p>

<p>Steve Smith and David Warner both secured $1.7 million paydays in last year's IPL auction but were dropped after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa that resulted in their one-year bans from international and state cricket.</p>


Cricket Australia has informed players they will have to miss part of next year's Indian Premier League (IPL) if they are selected in the squad for the World Cup.

Cricket Australia has informed players they will have to miss part of next year's Indian Premier League (IPL) if they are selected in the squad for the World Cup. The 12th edition of the lucrative Twenty20 league will be played between March 29 and May 19, having been brought forward because of the 50-overs World Cup which begins in England on May 30. Australian cricketers, who can earn more than $1 million for a stint in the league, must receive the permission of CA and the board on Thursday announced a series of conditions. All players granted permission to play would have to be available to play at the World Cup and on the Ashes tour of England that follows in August and September, the governing body said in a statement. Players involved in the Sheffield Shield final will only be released once that is concluded on April 1, while the 15 players selected to defend the World Cup will have to attend a mandatory training camp in early May and play warm-up matches. "It is a difficult period with the IPL being brought forward to accommodate the Cricket World Cup, and overlapping our domestic season," CA's Belinda Clark said. "We are committed to respecting the position of the Sheffield Shield, while ensuring Australia's World Cup squad is well prepared for this critical world event, while also ensuring those that are fit to play have opportunity to participate in the IPL. "While this is no easy feat, I think we have managed a reasonable balance that will enable the players to consider their options and choose what is right for them and their respective teams." Australia are also scheduled to play a one-day series against Pakistan that could overlap with the start of the IPL and CA said players would not be released until its conclusion. "It is imperative that we ensure Australia is in the best possible position as we head into the Cricket World Cup and the 2019 Ashes series," Clark added. "This means prioritising our focus on match readiness and the health of our players." Steve Smith and David Warner both secured $1.7 million paydays in last year's IPL auction but were dropped after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa that resulted in their one-year bans from international and state cricket.

Players picked for World Cup cannot play final weeks of IPL: Cricket Australia

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