A total number of eight members, out of 53, of Pakistan’s cricket squad, have tested positive for COVID-19 thus far in their tour of New Zealand as the visiting contingent undergoes strict quarantine in Christchurch, New Zealand health authorities said on Wednesday.

The health department said there was one new confirmed case among the squad and a further two members are being investigated. It is the latest edition to the seven who had earlier tested positive over the last week.

The Pakistan squad isn’t allowed to train together until doctors are confident it would not lead to more COVID-19 cases.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-move-to-the-top-of-the-icc-mens-cricket-world-cup-super-league-table-346965" hreflang="en">Australia move to the top of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League table</a>

Earlier last week, director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield has issued the Pakistan squad a “final warning” for breaching social distancing protocols at their hotel. However, no more breaches have been reported since. But the rising coronavirus cases within the camp raises a concern.

Two of the original six cases last week were ultimately found to be historical – not infectious – while the other four were active. A seventh member of the Pakistan squad tested positive on Saturday.

The Babar Azam-led 53-member Pakistan squad arrive in Christchurch on November 24 and were undergoing two weeks of quarantine which is mandatory for all arrivals in New Zealand.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-virat-kohli-and-co-win-3rd-odi-by-13-runs-but-lose-series-2-1-346942" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli and Co. win 3rd ODI by 13 runs but lose series 2-1</a>

The entire Pakistan contingent tested negative before their departure from Lahore for the five-match tour, scheduled to commence with a T20I in Auckland on December 18.

Notably, New Zealand has recorded just 1,704 cases and 25 deaths in a population of five million.

The PCB has been maintaining close contact with the Pakistan team management in New Zealand and has kept them updated on the return to the training process.&nbsp;

A total number of eight members, out of 53, of Pakistan’s cricket squad, have tested positive for COVID-19 thus far in their tour of New Zealand as the visiting contingent undergoes strict quarantine in Christchurch, New Zealand health authorities said on Wednesday.

A total number of eight members, out of 53, of Pakistan’s cricket squad, have tested positive for COVID-19 thus far in their tour of New Zealand as the visiting contingent undergoes strict quarantine in Christchurch, New Zealand health authorities said on Wednesday. The health department said there was one new confirmed case among the squad and a further two members are being investigated. It is the latest edition to the seven who had earlier tested positive over the last week. The Pakistan squad isn’t allowed to train together until doctors are confident it would not lead to more COVID-19 cases. ALSO READ: Australia move to the top of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League table Earlier last week, director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield has issued the Pakistan squad a “final warning” for breaching social distancing protocols at their hotel. However, no more breaches have been reported since. But the rising coronavirus cases within the camp raises a concern. Two of the original six cases last week were ultimately found to be historical – not infectious – while the other four were active. A seventh member of the Pakistan squad tested positive on Saturday. The Babar Azam-led 53-member Pakistan squad arrive in Christchurch on November 24 and were undergoing two weeks of quarantine which is mandatory for all arrivals in New Zealand. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli and Co. win 3rd ODI by 13 runs but lose series 2-1 The entire Pakistan contingent tested negative before their departure from Lahore for the five-match tour, scheduled to commence with a T20I in Auckland on December 18. Notably, New Zealand has recorded just 1,704 cases and 25 deaths in a population of five million. The PCB has been maintaining close contact with the Pakistan team management in New Zealand and has kept them updated on the return to the training process.

Eighth COVID-19 case hits Pakistan cricket team; squad not allowed to train

The Aaron Finch-led Australia side has moved to the top of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League points table following their 2-1 victory over India.

Hosts Australia beat India for a 2-1 series win and have jumped to No.1 in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League with 40 points. India won the last game of the series and are placed at the No.6 position with 9 points.&nbsp;

Aaron Finch-led Australia were clinical in their approach with stellar performances in all departments, defeating Virat Kohli-led India in the first two games of the series. In the third ODI at Canberra today, debutant T Natarajan from India dismissed Marnus Labuschagne to pick up his maiden international wicket after half-centuries from Virat Kohli, all-rounder Hardik Pandya (92*) and Ravindra Jadeja (66*). The performances helped India to a 13-run win.&nbsp;

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Australia had defeated England 2-1 in their previous series of the 13-team championship, which was introduced this year to bring context to ODI cricket and also to decide the seven direct qualifiers for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. India, though assured of a berth as hosts, were to use the opportunity for long-term preparation.&nbsp;

Reigning World Cup winners England are second in the points table with 30 points. They defeated Ireland 2-1 in the opening series of the championship before losing by the same margin to five-time world champions Australia.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/playing-for-australia-is-more-important-than-playing-in-ipl-shane-warne-after-pat-cummins-rested-for-third-odi-346928" hreflang="en">'Playing for Australia is more important than playing in IPL': Shane Warne after Pat Cummins rested for third ODI</a>

Pakistan are also on 20 points after a 2-1 series win over Zimbabwe, who secured 10 points for their Super Over win in the final ODI played in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;

The Aaron Finch-led Australia side has moved to the top of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League points table following their 2-1 victory over India. Hosts Australia beat India for a 2-1 series win and have jumped to No.

The Aaron Finch-led Australia side has moved to the top of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League points table following their 2-1 victory over India. Hosts Australia beat India for a 2-1 series win and have jumped to No.1 in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League with 40 points. India won the last game of the series and are placed at the No.6 position with 9 points. Aaron Finch-led Australia were clinical in their approach with stellar performances in all departments, defeating Virat Kohli-led India in the first two games of the series. In the third ODI at Canberra today, debutant T Natarajan from India dismissed Marnus Labuschagne to pick up his maiden international wicket after half-centuries from Virat Kohli, all-rounder Hardik Pandya (92*) and Ravindra Jadeja (66*). The performances helped India to a 13-run win. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli and Co. win 3rd ODI by 13 runs but lose series 2-1 Australia had defeated England 2-1 in their previous series of the 13-team championship, which was introduced this year to bring context to ODI cricket and also to decide the seven direct qualifiers for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. India, though assured of a berth as hosts, were to use the opportunity for long-term preparation. Reigning World Cup winners England are second in the points table with 30 points. They defeated Ireland 2-1 in the opening series of the championship before losing by the same margin to five-time world champions Australia. ALSO READ: 'Playing for Australia is more important than playing in IPL': Shane Warne after Pat Cummins rested for third ODI Pakistan are also on 20 points after a 2-1 series win over Zimbabwe, who secured 10 points for their Super Over win in the final ODI played in Rawalpindi.

Australia move to the top of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League table

The Indian cricket team on Wednesday defeated Australia by 13 runs in the third and final ODI of the series in Canberra as the Men in Blue finally tasted success on Australian soil in the 2020-21 tour. After losing the first two ODIs, India fought back hard to get a solitary in the ODI series and will head into the three-match T20I series with a win.&nbsp;

Batting first, India posted 302/5 runs on board in 50 overs with Hardik Pandya smashing an unbeaten 92 laced by seven boundaries and one six. Indian skipper Virat Kohli started the rout with the willow as he laid the platform with a well-made 63 off 78 after losing Shikhar Dhawan (16) and Shubman Gill (33) earlier in the innings.&nbsp;

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Shreyas Iyer continued his hot-cold patch with the bat as he was dismissed by Adam Zampa on 19 before Ashton Agar sent KL Rahul packing for 5. With India struggling at 152/5 at one point, Hardik and Ravindra Jadeja stitched one of the finest partnerships of recent time and took India to a 300+ total.

While Hardik scored 92 not-out, Jadeja remained unbeaten at 66 off 50 deliveries as he hammered five boundaries and three sixes.

Chasing 303, Australia started confidently but lost new opener Marnus Labuschagne to debutant T Natarajan for 7. Steve Smith, who came into the match on the back of consecutive centuries, was dismissed for seven by Shardul Thakur. The Indian pacer further dismissed Moises Henriques (22) before Kuldeep Yadav sent debutant Cameron Green packing for 21.&nbsp;

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Alex Carey (38) and Glenn Maxwell (59) showed some determination to take the chase close but fell short against a potent Indian bowling attack. Ashton Agar, too, crumbled under pressure as Indian won the third ODI by 13 runs. Australia end the series with a 2-1 win.

The three-match T20I series between India and Australia is set to start from December 4 (Friday). 
&nbsp;

The Indian cricket team on Wednesday defeated Australia by 13 runs in the third and final ODI of the series in Canberra as the Men in Blue finally tasted success on Australian soil in the 2020-21 tour.

The Indian cricket team on Wednesday defeated Australia by 13 runs in the third and final ODI of the series in Canberra as the Men in Blue finally tasted success on Australian soil in the 2020-21 tour. After losing the first two ODIs, India fought back hard to get a solitary in the ODI series and will head into the three-match T20I series with a win. Batting first, India posted 302/5 runs on board in 50 overs with Hardik Pandya smashing an unbeaten 92 laced by seven boundaries and one six. Indian skipper Virat Kohli started the rout with the willow as he laid the platform with a well-made 63 off 78 after losing Shikhar Dhawan (16) and Shubman Gill (33) earlier in the innings. ALSO READ: 'Playing for Australia is more important than playing in IPL': Shane Warne after Pat Cummins rested for third ODI Shreyas Iyer continued his hot-cold patch with the bat as he was dismissed by Adam Zampa on 19 before Ashton Agar sent KL Rahul packing for 5. With India struggling at 152/5 at one point, Hardik and Ravindra Jadeja stitched one of the finest partnerships of recent time and took India to a 300+ total. While Hardik scored 92 not-out, Jadeja remained unbeaten at 66 off 50 deliveries as he hammered five boundaries and three sixes. Chasing 303, Australia started confidently but lost new opener Marnus Labuschagne to debutant T Natarajan for 7. Steve Smith, who came into the match on the back of consecutive centuries, was dismissed for seven by Shardul Thakur. The Indian pacer further dismissed Moises Henriques (22) before Kuldeep Yadav sent debutant Cameron Green packing for 21. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli fastest to 12000 runs in ODI cricket, surpasses Sachin Tendulkar Alex Carey (38) and Glenn Maxwell (59) showed some determination to take the chase close but fell short against a potent Indian bowling attack. Ashton Agar, too, crumbled under pressure as Indian won the third ODI by 13 runs. Australia end the series with a 2-1 win. The three-match T20I series between India and Australia is set to start from December 4 (Friday).

IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli and Co. win 3rd ODI by 13 runs but lose series 2-1

Dawid Malan has attained the highest-ever rating points for batsmen in the&nbsp;ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings&nbsp;after a terrific run saw him top the series aggregate with 173 runs and help England blank South Africa 3-0.

The 33-year-old left-hander has reached 915 points, the first to cross the 900-point mark after Australian Aaron Finch’s 900-point achievement in July 2018. Malan now enjoys a 44-point lead over Pakistan’s Babar Azam, whom he overtook to become number one in September this year.

Malan’s player of the series performance included a match-winning 99 not out in the final match and helped England leapfrog Australia to take top position in the&nbsp;ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings.

England, who had started the series at 271 points, are now level with Australia at 275 points but ahead on decimal points. South Africa and New Zealand retain their fifth and sixth positions while the West Indies have slipped behind Afghanistan to 10th place after losing 2-0 to New Zealand in another series, performances of which are also included in Wednesday’s rankings update.

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England’s Jos Buttler has gained seven spots to reach 21st position while South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen’s continued good form, which saw him score 136 runs in the series, has lifted him 17 places to a career-best fifth position. Faf du Plessis’s return to form, with an aggregate of 121 runs, has pushed him into the top 20.

Among the bowlers, England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid is back to the 700-point mark, gaining three places to reach number 4. He is just one spot below his career-best third position achieved in November 2018. The top seven bowlers are all spinners, with Tabraiz Shamsi, South Africa’s top ranked bowler in 5th place.

Chris Jordan, who became England’s leading T20I wicket-taker in the third match against South Africa with his 66th wicket, has gained one place to reach 12th rank.

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi makes an entry into the top 50 bowlers for the first time after taking four wickets in the series. His previous best was 67th in September this year.

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The series in New Zealand saw the home side’s Lockie Ferguson leap 45 slots to 32nd position after finishing as the most successful bowler in the series with seven wickets, which included a player of the match effort of five for 21 in the first match.

Glenn Phillips celebrated his recall to the New Zealand T20I side for the first time in two years by smashing a century in the second match and climbing into the top 100 batsmen for the first time – ending the series in 86th place.&nbsp;

Kieron Pollard was the West Indian star of the series, scoring 103 runs at a strike rate of 198. That was good enough to take him up 18 places to the 57th rank with the bat and up to seventh place in the all-rounders’ table.

<h2>MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings (as of 2 December 2020)</h2>

Batting: ICC Top 10

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Rank</td>
			<td>(+/-)</td>
			<td>Player</td>
			<td>Team</td>
			<td>Pts</td>
			<td>Avge</td>
			<td>S/R</td>
			<td>Highest Rating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Dawid Malan</td>
			<td>England</td>
			<td>915</td>
			<td>53.43</td>
			<td>149</td>
			<td>915 v SA at Cape Town 2020</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Babar Azam</td>
			<td>Pakistan</td>
			<td>871</td>
			<td>50.93</td>
			<td>130</td>
			<td>896 v ENG at Cardiff 2019</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Aaron Finch</td>
			<td>Australia</td>
			<td>835</td>
			<td>38.43</td>
			<td>155</td>
			<td>901 v Zim at Harare 2018</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>KL Rahul</td>
			<td>India</td>
			<td>824</td>
			<td>45.65</td>
			<td>146</td>
			<td>854 v Eng at Old Trafford 2018</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>(+)</td>
			<td>Rassie van der Dussen</td>
			<td>South Africa</td>
			<td>744*!</td>
			<td>38.71</td>
			<td>137</td>
			<td>744 v Eng at Cape Town 2020</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Colin Munro</td>
			<td>New Zealand</td>
			<td>739</td>
			<td>31.34</td>
			<td>156</td>
			<td>830 v Pak at Dubai 2018</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Glenn Maxwell</td>
			<td>Australia</td>
			<td>696</td>
			<td>33.52</td>
			<td>158</td>
			<td>838 v SL at Adelaide 2019</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Hazratullah Zazai</td>
			<td>Afghanistan</td>
			<td>676*</td>
			<td>40.71</td>
			<td>155</td>
			<td>736 v WI at Lucknow 2019</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Virat Kohli</td>
			<td>India</td>
			<td>673</td>
			<td>50.80</td>
			<td>138</td>
			<td>897 v Eng at Edgbaston 2014</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Eoin Morgan</td>
			<td>England</td>
			<td>662</td>
			<td>30.37</td>
			<td>139</td>
			<td>872 v India at Old Trafford 2011</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>(+)</td>
			<td>Rohit Sharma</td>
			<td>India</td>
			<td>662</td>
			<td>32.62</td>
			<td>139</td>
			<td>719 v WI at Lucknow 208</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Bowling: ICC Top 10</h2>

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Rank</td>
			<td>(+/-)</td>
			<td>Player</td>
			<td>Team</td>
			<td>Pts</td>
			<td>Avge</td>
			<td>Econ</td>
			<td>Highest Rating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Rashid Khan</td>
			<td>Afghanistan</td>
			<td>736</td>
			<td>12.62</td>
			<td>6.14</td>
			<td>816 v Ban at Dehradun 2018</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Mujeeb Ur Rahman</td>
			<td>Afghanistan</td>
			<td>730</td>
			<td>17.72</td>
			<td>6.15</td>
			<td>745 v Ire at Greater Noida 2020</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Ashton Agar</td>
			<td>Australia</td>
			<td>706</td>
			<td>20.86</td>
			<td>6.87</td>
			<td>717 v Eng at Southampton 2020</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>(+)</td>
			<td>Adil Rashid</td>
			<td>England</td>
			<td>700</td>
			<td>25.80</td>
			<td>7.52</td>
			<td>716 v WI at St Kitts 2019</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Tabraiz Shamsi</td>
			<td>South Africa</td>
			<td>680</td>
			<td>33.28</td>
			<td>7.68</td>
			<td>699 v Eng at Paarl 2020</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Adam Zampa</td>
			<td>Australia</td>
			<td>679</td>
			<td>20.86</td>
			<td>6.56</td>
			<td>720 v SL at Brisbane 2019</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Mitchell Santner</td>
			<td>New Zealand</td>
			<td>643</td>
			<td>21.70</td>
			<td>7.56</td>
			<td>724 v Pak at Wellington 2018</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Kane Richardson</td>
			<td>Australia</td>
			<td>641</td>
			<td>25.81</td>
			<td>7.69</td>
			<td>664 v Eng at Southampton 2020</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9</td>
			<td>(+)</td>
			<td>Imad Wasim</td>
			<td>Pakistan</td>
			<td>637</td>
			<td>21.93</td>
			<td>6.13</td>
			<td>780 v WI at Trinidad 2017</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Sheldon Cottrell</td>
			<td>West Indies</td>
			<td>634</td>
			<td>21.81</td>
			<td>7.89</td>
			<td>648 v NZ at Auckland 2020</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2>All-rounders: ICC Top 5</h2>

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Rank</td>
			<td>(+/-)</td>
			<td>Player</td>
			<td>Team</td>
			<td>Pts</td>
			<td>Highest Rating</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Mohammad Nabi</td>
			<td>Afghanistan</td>
			<td>294</td>
			<td>355 v Ban at Mirpur 2019</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Shakib Al Hasan</td>
			<td>Bangladesh</td>
			<td>268</td>
			<td>409 v Pak at Mirpur 2015</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>(-)</td>
			<td>Glenn Maxwell</td>
			<td>Australia</td>
			<td>220</td>
			<td>368 v SL at Colombo (RPS) 2016</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>(+1)</td>
			<td>Richie Berrington</td>
			<td>Scotland</td>
			<td>194</td>
			<td>204 v Ire at Malahide 2019</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>(-1)</td>
			<td>Sean Williams</td>
			<td>Zimbabwe</td>
			<td>190</td>
			<td>225 v Nepal at Singapore 2019</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

Dawid Malan has attained the highest-ever rating points for batsmen in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings after a terrific run saw him top the series aggregate with 173 runs and help England blank South Africa 3-0.

Dawid Malan has attained the highest-ever rating points for batsmen in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings after a terrific run saw him top the series aggregate with 173 runs and help England blank South Africa 3-0. The 33-year-old left-hander has reached 915 points, the first to cross the 900-point mark after Australian Aaron Finch’s 900-point achievement in July 2018. Malan now enjoys a 44-point lead over Pakistan’s Babar Azam, whom he overtook to become number one in September this year. Malan’s player of the series performance included a match-winning 99 not out in the final match and helped England leapfrog Australia to take top position in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings. England, who had started the series at 271 points, are now level with Australia at 275 points but ahead on decimal points. South Africa and New Zealand retain their fifth and sixth positions while the West Indies have slipped behind Afghanistan to 10th place after losing 2-0 to New Zealand in another series, performances of which are also included in Wednesday’s rankings update. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli fastest to 12000 runs in ODI cricket, surpasses Sachin Tendulkar England’s Jos Buttler has gained seven spots to reach 21st position while South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen’s continued good form, which saw him score 136 runs in the series, has lifted him 17 places to a career-best fifth position. Faf du Plessis’s return to form, with an aggregate of 121 runs, has pushed him into the top 20. Among the bowlers, England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid is back to the 700-point mark, gaining three places to reach number 4. He is just one spot below his career-best third position achieved in November 2018. The top seven bowlers are all spinners, with Tabraiz Shamsi, South Africa’s top ranked bowler in 5th place. Chris Jordan, who became England’s leading T20I wicket-taker in the third match against South Africa with his 66th wicket, has gained one place to reach 12th rank. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi makes an entry into the top 50 bowlers for the first time after taking four wickets in the series. His previous best was 67th in September this year. IN PICS: IND vs AUS: Fans return to stadium for first time in eight months The series in New Zealand saw the home side’s Lockie Ferguson leap 45 slots to 32nd position after finishing as the most successful bowler in the series with seven wickets, which included a player of the match effort of five for 21 in the first match. Glenn Phillips celebrated his recall to the New Zealand T20I side for the first time in two years by smashing a century in the second match and climbing into the top 100 batsmen for the first time – ending the series in 86th place. Kieron Pollard was the West Indian star of the series, scoring 103 runs at a strike rate of 198. That was good enough to take him up 18 places to the 57th rank with the bat and up to seventh place in the all-rounders’ table. MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings (as of 2 December 2020) Batting: ICC Top 10 Rank (+/-) Player Team Pts Avge S/R Highest Rating 1 (-) Dawid Malan England 915 53.43 149 915 v SA at Cape Town 2020 2 (-) Babar Azam Pakistan 871 50.93 130 896 v ENG at Cardiff 2019 3 (-) Aaron Finch Australia 835 38.43 155 901 v Zim at Harare 2018 4 (-) KL Rahul India 824 45.65 146 854 v Eng at Old Trafford 2018 5 (+) Rassie van der Dussen South Africa 744*! 38.71 137 744 v Eng at Cape Town 2020 6 (-) Colin Munro New Zealand 739 31.34 156 830 v Pak at Dubai 2018 7 (-) Glenn Maxwell Australia 696 33.52 158 838 v SL at Adelaide 2019 8 (-) Hazratullah Zazai Afghanistan 676* 40.71 155 736 v WI at Lucknow 2019 9 (-) Virat Kohli India 673 50.80 138 897 v Eng at Edgbaston 2014 10 (-) Eoin Morgan England 662 30.37 139 872 v India at Old Trafford 2011 10 (+) Rohit Sharma India 662 32.62 139 719 v WI at Lucknow 208 Bowling: ICC Top 10 Rank (+/-) Player Team Pts Avge Econ Highest Rating 1 (-) Rashid Khan Afghanistan 736 12.62 6.14 816 v Ban at Dehradun 2018 2 (-) Mujeeb Ur Rahman Afghanistan 730 17.72 6.15 745 v Ire at Greater Noida 2020 3 (-) Ashton Agar Australia 706 20.86 6.87 717 v Eng at Southampton 2020 4 (+) Adil Rashid England 700 25.80 7.52 716 v WI at St Kitts 2019 5 (-) Tabraiz Shamsi South Africa 680 33.28 7.68 699 v Eng at Paarl 2020 6 (-) Adam Zampa Australia 679 20.86 6.56 720 v SL at Brisbane 2019 7 (-) Mitchell Santner New Zealand 643 21.70 7.56 724 v Pak at Wellington 2018 8 (-) Kane Richardson Australia 641 25.81 7.69 664 v Eng at Southampton 2020 9 (+) Imad Wasim Pakistan 637 21.93 6.13 780 v WI at Trinidad 2017 10 (-) Sheldon Cottrell West Indies 634 21.81 7.89 648 v NZ at Auckland 2020 All-rounders: ICC Top 5 Rank (+/-) Player Team Pts Highest Rating 1 (-) Mohammad Nabi Afghanistan 294 355 v Ban at Mirpur 2019 2 (-) Shakib Al Hasan Bangladesh 268 409 v Pak at Mirpur 2015 3 (-) Glenn Maxwell Australia 220 368 v SL at Colombo (RPS) 2016 4 (+1) Richie Berrington Scotland 194 204 v Ire at Malahide 2019 5 (-1) Sean Williams Zimbabwe 190 225 v Nepal at Singapore 2019

England's Dawid Malan attains highest-ever rating points in T20I history

Virat Kohli on Wednesday added yet another milestone to his illustrious career as he became the faster played in the history of ODI cricket to score 12,000 runs while surpassing Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar during the third ODI against Australia in Canberra on Wednesday. Kohli needed just 23 runs to touch the landmark and ended up with 63 runs in the final knock of the ODI series.&nbsp;

Kohli ended up with two half-centuries in the three-match ODI series and also became the fastest to score 12,000 runs in ODI cricket. The record was held by Tendulkar who achieved the record in 309 matches and Kohli surpassed the Master Blaster in just 251 matches and broke a record which Tendulkar held for 17 years after achieving the feat against Pakistan at Centurion in 2003.

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Apart from Kohli and Tendulkar, the likes of Ricky Ponting, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara are other batters to have accumulated 12,000 or more runs in ODI cricket.&nbsp;

<h2>Players to complete 12,000 ODI runs:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Virat Kohli - 251 matches, 242 innings</li>
	<li>Sachin Tendukar - 309 matches, 300 innings</li>
	<li>Ricky Ponting - 323 matches, 314 innings</li>
	<li>Kumar Sangakkara - 359 matches, 336 innings&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Sanath Jayasuriya - 390 matches, 379 innings</li>
</ul>

However, Kohli missed on a feat after failing to convert his 63 runs into a hundred as he stands shy of Tendulkar’s record of most centuries (9) against Australia.

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Meanwhile, India posted a total of 303 for Australia after a late flourish by Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Virat Kohli had played a superb knock but failure from other batsmen didn’t allow the Indian batting line-up to go all-out against a new-looked Australian bowling attack.

Australia have already won the ODI series 2-0.

Virat Kohli on Wednesday added yet another milestone to his illustrious career as he became the faster played in the history of ODI cricket to score 12,000 runs while surpassing Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar during the third ODI against Australia in Canberra on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli on Wednesday added yet another milestone to his illustrious career as he became the faster played in the history of ODI cricket to score 12,000 runs while surpassing Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar during the third ODI against Australia in Canberra on Wednesday. Kohli needed just 23 runs to touch the landmark and ended up with 63 runs in the final knock of the ODI series. Kohli ended up with two half-centuries in the three-match ODI series and also became the fastest to score 12,000 runs in ODI cricket. The record was held by Tendulkar who achieved the record in 309 matches and Kohli surpassed the Master Blaster in just 251 matches and broke a record which Tendulkar held for 17 years after achieving the feat against Pakistan at Centurion in 2003. ALSO READ: Malan smacks unbeaten 99 as England romp to series sweep Apart from Kohli and Tendulkar, the likes of Ricky Ponting, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara are other batters to have accumulated 12,000 or more runs in ODI cricket. Players to complete 12,000 ODI runs: Virat Kohli - 251 matches, 242 innings Sachin Tendukar - 309 matches, 300 innings Ricky Ponting - 323 matches, 314 innings Kumar Sangakkara - 359 matches, 336 innings Sanath Jayasuriya - 390 matches, 379 innings However, Kohli missed on a feat after failing to convert his 63 runs into a hundred as he stands shy of Tendulkar’s record of most centuries (9) against Australia. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Fans return to stadium for first time in eight months Meanwhile, India posted a total of 303 for Australia after a late flourish by Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Virat Kohli had played a superb knock but failure from other batsmen didn’t allow the Indian batting line-up to go all-out against a new-looked Australian bowling attack. Australia have already won the ODI series 2-0.

Virat Kohli fastest to 12000 runs in ODI cricket, surpasses Sachin Tendulkar

Australia will be without David Warner for the rest of the limited-overs series against India after the Aussie opener suffered a groin strain during the second ODI in Sydney. However, Australia are no short of options when it comes to replacing Warner in the white-ball series as captain Aaron Finch named a few players who can fill the shoes of Warner in the third and last ODI of the series in Canberra on Wednesday.

Finch named the likes of Alex Carey, Matthew Wade and Marnus Labuschagne as the options for the opening slot when Australia take on India in the final ODI with a view to clean-sweep the series.&nbsp;

"We have not picked a team yet, but we have got a few options. Whether we go Wadey in the side or Marnus comes up and opens the batting, Alex Carey has done a lot of it in the past," Cricket.com.au quoted Finch as saying.

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"But the middle-order has been functioning really well over the last little while. That is the beauty of being two-nil up in the series, you can look to experiment if you want to do that or you can look to play the safe option," he added.

But Finch conceded that Australia will be a lot weaker without Warner in the playing XI while terming him one of the better players in gentlemen’s game.&nbsp;

"He is an all-time great in one-day and T20 cricket, I do not think there are many better players to have played the game," said Finch.

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"So any team he is not a part of is going to be slightly weaker but we have got guys that can step and really contribute heavily in that role," he added.

Australia crushed India by 51 runs in the second ODI to seal the series and will look to wipe the series in Canberra. Meanwhile, D’Arcy Short, the leading run-scorer in BBL 2017-18 and 2018-19, has been named as Warner’s replacement for the rest of the limited-overs series against India. Pacer and vice-captain Pat Cummins has also been rested for the limited-overs series against India ahead of the Test series.

Australia will be without David Warner for the rest of the limited-overs series against India after the Aussie opener suffered a groin strain during the second ODI in Sydney.

Australia will be without David Warner for the rest of the limited-overs series against India after the Aussie opener suffered a groin strain during the second ODI in Sydney. However, Australia are no short of options when it comes to replacing Warner in the white-ball series as captain Aaron Finch named a few players who can fill the shoes of Warner in the third and last ODI of the series in Canberra on Wednesday. Finch named the likes of Alex Carey, Matthew Wade and Marnus Labuschagne as the options for the opening slot when Australia take on India in the final ODI with a view to clean-sweep the series. "We have not picked a team yet, but we have got a few options. Whether we go Wadey in the side or Marnus comes up and opens the batting, Alex Carey has done a lot of it in the past," Cricket.com.au quoted Finch as saying. ALSO READ: Australia's Smith hits the heights after being laid low by vertigo "But the middle-order has been functioning really well over the last little while. That is the beauty of being two-nil up in the series, you can look to experiment if you want to do that or you can look to play the safe option," he added. But Finch conceded that Australia will be a lot weaker without Warner in the playing XI while terming him one of the better players in gentlemen’s game. "He is an all-time great in one-day and T20 cricket, I do not think there are many better players to have played the game," said Finch. ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah's struggles highlight India's bowling woes "So any team he is not a part of is going to be slightly weaker but we have got guys that can step and really contribute heavily in that role," he added. Australia crushed India by 51 runs in the second ODI to seal the series and will look to wipe the series in Canberra. Meanwhile, D’Arcy Short, the leading run-scorer in BBL 2017-18 and 2018-19, has been named as Warner’s replacement for the rest of the limited-overs series against India. Pacer and vice-captain Pat Cummins has also been rested for the limited-overs series against India ahead of the Test series.

Aaron Finch names 3 players who can replace David Warner in 3rd ODI vs India

South Africa are set to face England in the third and final T20I of the series at the Newlands, Cape Town on Tuesday. England have already won the series by clinching wins in the first two T20Is and will look to white-wash the series when they take the field on Tuesday.&nbsp;

England won the first match by five wickets while winning the second T20I by four wickets in what have been dominating display of cricket by the visitors.&nbsp;

South Africa would want to salvage some pride and end the T20I series with a win and enter the upcoming three-match ODI series with confidence. After the end of T20I series on Tuesday, England and South Africa will lock horns in the ODI series commencing from December 4.&nbsp;

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The first match will be played in Cape Town before the action shifts to Paarl. Newlands, Cape Town will host the tour showdown on December 9.

England will look to rest some players and give fringe options game-time before heading into the ODI series.

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<h2>When will South Africa vs England 3rd T20I begin?</h2>

The South Africa vs England 3rd T20I will begin at 9:30 PM IST on December 1.&nbsp;

<h2>Where will South Africa vs England 3rd T20I be played?</h2>

The South Africa vs England 3rd T20I match will be held at the Newlands in Cape Town.

<h2>Which channel will telecast South Africa vs England 3rd T20I?</h2>

The South Africa vs England 3rd T20I will have a live telecast on Star Sports in India

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of South Africa vs England 3rd T20I?</h2>

The live streaming of South Africa vs England 3rd T20I will be available on Disney + Hotstar streaming platform.

South Africa are set to face England in the third and final T20I of the series at the Newlands, Cape Town on Tuesday. England have already won the series by clinching wins in the first two T20Is and will look to white-wash the series when they take the field on Tuesday.

South Africa are set to face England in the third and final T20I of the series at the Newlands, Cape Town on Tuesday. England have already won the series by clinching wins in the first two T20Is and will look to white-wash the series when they take the field on Tuesday. England won the first match by five wickets while winning the second T20I by four wickets in what have been dominating display of cricket by the visitors. South Africa would want to salvage some pride and end the T20I series with a win and enter the upcoming three-match ODI series with confidence. After the end of T20I series on Tuesday, England and South Africa will lock horns in the ODI series commencing from December 4. ALSO READ: Three more members of Pakistan team test positive for COVID-19 as NZ tour hangs in balance The first match will be played in Cape Town before the action shifts to Paarl. Newlands, Cape Town will host the tour showdown on December 9. England will look to rest some players and give fringe options game-time before heading into the ODI series. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Australia looking a cut above Indian team: John Buchanan When will South Africa vs England 3rd T20I begin? The South Africa vs England 3rd T20I will begin at 9:30 PM IST on December 1. Where will South Africa vs England 3rd T20I be played? The South Africa vs England 3rd T20I match will be held at the Newlands in Cape Town. Which channel will telecast South Africa vs England 3rd T20I? The South Africa vs England 3rd T20I will have a live telecast on Star Sports in India How to watch the live streaming of South Africa vs England 3rd T20I? The live streaming of South Africa vs England 3rd T20I will be available on Disney + Hotstar streaming platform.

SA vs ENG 3rd T20I Live Streaming: Where and how to watch South Africa vs England online?

In what comes as worrying news for Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, three more members of the Pakistan cricket team have tested positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand, taking the total number of cases to 10. As many as 46 members of Pakistan’s visiting contingent were tested for COVID-19.

Pakistan are already on a final warning after breaching the strict quarantine restrictions with their training and preparations have also been affected with cases increasing. The Pakistan cricket team is in New Zealand for three T20Is and two Tests starting December 18.

The Pakistan team is not allowed to train until the Canterbury DHB medical officer of health determines they are satisfied that any training activities are unlikely to transmit COVID-19.

The 24-member Pakistan squad was affected early with the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman before the departure due to persistent fever. The players arrived in New Zealand on November 24 and were accompanied by 20 officials. They stayed put in a mandatory 14-day quarantine period at the Hilton Hotel.

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Earlier, New Zealand’s director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield had lashed out at Pakistan for not respecting the protocols by the authorities.&nbsp;

"The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning. It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return, teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep COVID-19 out of our communities and keep our staff safe," said top health official Ashley Bloomfield.

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"Not being able to train is not a punishment, that was a requirement anyway for the first three days. Looking at Day 3 test results and CCTV footage, we will have to make a judgment on if or when they may be allowed to be exempt from the arrangement everyone else has to undertake, so they're allowed to break off in bubbles and train. I take a dim view of what we've seen already and we'll take it really seriously."&nbsp;

The names of the members of the Pakistan squad, who tested positive for COVID-19, were not revealed.

In what comes as worrying news for Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, three more members of the Pakistan cricket team have tested positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand, taking the total number of cases to 10.

In what comes as worrying news for Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, three more members of the Pakistan cricket team have tested positive for COVID-19 in New Zealand, taking the total number of cases to 10. As many as 46 members of Pakistan’s visiting contingent were tested for COVID-19. Pakistan are already on a final warning after breaching the strict quarantine restrictions with their training and preparations have also been affected with cases increasing. The Pakistan cricket team is in New Zealand for three T20Is and two Tests starting December 18. The Pakistan team is not allowed to train until the Canterbury DHB medical officer of health determines they are satisfied that any training activities are unlikely to transmit COVID-19. The 24-member Pakistan squad was affected early with the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman before the departure due to persistent fever. The players arrived in New Zealand on November 24 and were accompanied by 20 officials. They stayed put in a mandatory 14-day quarantine period at the Hilton Hotel. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Australia looking a cut above Indian team: John Buchanan Earlier, New Zealand’s director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield had lashed out at Pakistan for not respecting the protocols by the authorities. "The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning. It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return, teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep COVID-19 out of our communities and keep our staff safe," said top health official Ashley Bloomfield. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli on verge of breaking major record held by Sachin Tendulkar "Not being able to train is not a punishment, that was a requirement anyway for the first three days. Looking at Day 3 test results and CCTV footage, we will have to make a judgment on if or when they may be allowed to be exempt from the arrangement everyone else has to undertake, so they're allowed to break off in bubbles and train. I take a dim view of what we've seen already and we'll take it really seriously." The names of the members of the Pakistan squad, who tested positive for COVID-19, were not revealed.

Three more members of Pakistan team test positive for COVID-19 as NZ tour hangs in balance

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan continues to grow the Knight Riders brand globally as the owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders gas expanded the franchise family by acquiring Los Angeles team for the forthcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States of America.

Reportedly, Knight Riders have now entered the United States of America market by buying the MLC franchise and will represent Knight Riders franchise. Major League Cricket has taken cue from the successful Major League Soccer (MLS) and is set to follow similar footstep by introducing USA’s first professional cricket T20 league.

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SRK’s latest team in MLC is set to be called LA Knight Riders.

“For several years now, we have been expanding the Knight Riders brand globally, and closely watching the potential for T20 cricket in the USA. We are convinced that Major League Cricket has all the pieces in place to execute on its plans and we look forward to making our partnership an enormous success in the coming years,” Shah Rukh Khan was quoted as saying in a statement as per Mumbai Mirror.&nbsp;

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The Major League Cricket will be a six-team tournament in the US where Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago and Dallas will participate in the inaugural edition of the tournament.&nbsp;

Venky Mysore, who is the Kolkata Knight Riders and Red Chillies Entertainment CEO asserted that the franchise owners are gearing up for the fresh&nbsp;

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan continues to grow the Knight Riders brand globally as the owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders gas expanded the franchise family by acquiring Los Angeles team for the forthcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States of America.

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan continues to grow the Knight Riders brand globally as the owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders gas expanded the franchise family by acquiring Los Angeles team for the forthcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States of America. Reportedly, Knight Riders have now entered the United States of America market by buying the MLC franchise and will represent Knight Riders franchise. Major League Cricket has taken cue from the successful Major League Soccer (MLS) and is set to follow similar footstep by introducing USA’s first professional cricket T20 league. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Australia looking a cut above Indian team: John Buchanan SRK’s latest team in MLC is set to be called LA Knight Riders. “For several years now, we have been expanding the Knight Riders brand globally, and closely watching the potential for T20 cricket in the USA. We are convinced that Major League Cricket has all the pieces in place to execute on its plans and we look forward to making our partnership an enormous success in the coming years,” Shah Rukh Khan was quoted as saying in a statement as per Mumbai Mirror. ALSO READ: Aaron Finch names 3 players who can replace David Warner in 3rd ODI vs India The Major League Cricket will be a six-team tournament in the US where Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago and Dallas will participate in the inaugural edition of the tournament. Venky Mysore, who is the Kolkata Knight Riders and Red Chillies Entertainment CEO asserted that the franchise owners are gearing up for the fresh

Cricket in Hollywood: Shah Rukh Khan-owned Knight Riders buy Los Angeles franchise for MLC

The Australian cricket team left no stone unturned to dominate the ODI series against India to kick-start the two-month-long and gruelling tour with a stamp of authority. In 2018-19 ODI series, India came out victorious 2-1 by winning the last two matches but Australia, this time, has come out all out blazing from the word go.&nbsp;

India and Australia will next lock horns in a three-match T20I series and four-match Test series, in which Indian skipper Virat Kohli will not be available after the first Test, and Rohit Sharma’s availability and status are still up in the thin air. While Australia look&nbsp;a well-polished and confident side, India have clearly lacked the usual aggression, which made them one of the most consistent sides.&nbsp;

<img alt="India-Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61e470db-3763-4185-92ea-2e24e61b52a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8W4848.jpg" />

Former head coach of Australia John Buchanan, in an exclusive interaction with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, looked at the bold start made by the Aaron Finch-led Australian team while also talking about the upcoming Test series and whether the Indian cricket team can defy the odds in what is regarded as one of the most high-profile Test battles in the cricketing world.&nbsp;

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Australia blew away India with thumping 66 and 51-run wins in the first two ODI of the series. Right from the word ‘play’, the hosts looked ready for the battle – exactly opposite to how the touring party looked. The Aussie batsmen hammered the Indian bowlers all over the park whereas the troika of Hazlewood-Cummins-Starc along with Adam Zampa made life hard for the Indian batsmen, who is both the first two ODIs failed to match the form and collectiveness of their opposition.&nbsp;

“It is a great start by the Australian team. The batsmen knew their plans and executed them well without overthinking. Some of the shots the Australian batsmen have played show how clear they are about their plans and to this against a good Indian bowling attack is a great achievement. On the other hand, the Indian bowling attack is suddenly looking weak. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are great bowlers but they haven’t fired well together. Same with the spinners,” Buchanan told WION.

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<img alt="India-Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b967588c-04e5-436f-9fb8-836cbda9661a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8W46Y7.jpg" />

With the limited-overs series working as a curtain-raiser for the much-awaited Test series, the Indian team would look to gain their confidence back. Question marks have been raised on the Indian bowling attack, which was hailed the last time India visited Australia in 2018-19.

And without Ishant Sharma and his experience, it could be too much to do for Bumrah and Shami unless the visitors find another hero. Plenty of eyes will be on the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav if he gets a chance but Buchanan is not too confident about this Indian bowling attack doing too well in the Border-Gavaskar series.

“The Indian bowling attack is looking a bit rusty. It could be the IPL effect but in a major series like this, you have to be at your prime mentally and physically. But sometimes we are hard on these players. The bio-secure bubbles, so many restrictions due to coronavirus; these things take a toll on you slowly. We don’t see it from our television sets but it gradually affects the performance of players. Having said that, the Indian attack is looking a bit jaded,” Buchanan, who coached Australia from 1999 to 2007 opined.

<img alt="John Buchanan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09c7f41a-e571-4d81-b426-d4bf27d63598" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Del70160.jpg" />&nbsp;

There are some reports saying Rohit Sharma is likely to be available for the last two Tests against Australia as he has recovered from his hamstring injury and is ready to take the load of Test cricket.

However, India will be without Virat Kohli, after the Adelaide Test, as the visitors will go into the remaining three Tests without their talismanic captain and arguably the greatest batsman of this era.&nbsp;

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“Virat Kohli’s absence is a great deal and I think it can be the difference in the Test series. Not only his absence on the field but off it as well. He is the one who passes on the confidence and pump. For Rohit Sharma, if he is there then it will be a big boost for India. Since the last few years, Kohli and Rohit have determined how India play on the field and if they both are absent then it is a major headache for India,” the Queensland Sport Hall of Famer said.

After the ODI series, India will commence their three-match T20I series from Friday (December 4) before taking on Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from December 17.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Australian cricket team left no stone unturned to dominate the ODI series against India to kick-start the two-month-long and gruelling tour with a stamp of authority.

The Australian cricket team left no stone unturned to dominate the ODI series against India to kick-start the two-month-long and gruelling tour with a stamp of authority. In 2018-19 ODI series, India came out victorious 2-1 by winning the last two matches but Australia, this time, has come out all out blazing from the word go. India and Australia will next lock horns in a three-match T20I series and four-match Test series, in which Indian skipper Virat Kohli will not be available after the first Test, and Rohit Sharma’s availability and status are still up in the thin air. While Australia look a well-polished and confident side, India have clearly lacked the usual aggression, which made them one of the most consistent sides. Former head coach of Australia John Buchanan, in an exclusive interaction with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, looked at the bold start made by the Aaron Finch-led Australian team while also talking about the upcoming Test series and whether the Indian cricket team can defy the odds in what is regarded as one of the most high-profile Test battles in the cricketing world. IN PICS | IND vs AUS: Fans return to stadium for first time in eight months Australia blew away India with thumping 66 and 51-run wins in the first two ODI of the series. Right from the word ‘play’, the hosts looked ready for the battle – exactly opposite to how the touring party looked. The Aussie batsmen hammered the Indian bowlers all over the park whereas the troika of Hazlewood-Cummins-Starc along with Adam Zampa made life hard for the Indian batsmen, who is both the first two ODIs failed to match the form and collectiveness of their opposition. “It is a great start by the Australian team. The batsmen knew their plans and executed them well without overthinking. Some of the shots the Australian batsmen have played show how clear they are about their plans and to this against a good Indian bowling attack is a great achievement. On the other hand, the Indian bowling attack is suddenly looking weak. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are great bowlers but they haven’t fired well together. Same with the spinners,” Buchanan told WION. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best With the limited-overs series working as a curtain-raiser for the much-awaited Test series, the Indian team would look to gain their confidence back. Question marks have been raised on the Indian bowling attack, which was hailed the last time India visited Australia in 2018-19. And without Ishant Sharma and his experience, it could be too much to do for Bumrah and Shami unless the visitors find another hero. Plenty of eyes will be on the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav if he gets a chance but Buchanan is not too confident about this Indian bowling attack doing too well in the Border-Gavaskar series. “The Indian bowling attack is looking a bit rusty. It could be the IPL effect but in a major series like this, you have to be at your prime mentally and physically. But sometimes we are hard on these players. The bio-secure bubbles, so many restrictions due to coronavirus; these things take a toll on you slowly. We don’t see it from our television sets but it gradually affects the performance of players. Having said that, the Indian attack is looking a bit jaded,” Buchanan, who coached Australia from 1999 to 2007 opined. There are some reports saying Rohit Sharma is likely to be available for the last two Tests against Australia as he has recovered from his hamstring injury and is ready to take the load of Test cricket. However, India will be without Virat Kohli, after the Adelaide Test, as the visitors will go into the remaining three Tests without their talismanic captain and arguably the greatest batsman of this era. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Australia vs India series close to Ashes: Josh Hazlewood “Virat Kohli’s absence is a great deal and I think it can be the difference in the Test series. Not only his absence on the field but off it as well. He is the one who passes on the confidence and pump. For Rohit Sharma, if he is there then it will be a big boost for India. Since the last few years, Kohli and Rohit have determined how India play on the field and if they both are absent then it is a major headache for India,” the Queensland Sport Hall of Famer said. After the ODI series, India will commence their three-match T20I series from Friday (December 4) before taking on Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from December 17.

Exclusive | Australia looking a cut above Indian team: John Buchanan

The Indian cricket team would look to avoid a white-wash in the ODI series when they take the field for the third and final ODI against Australia at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday. While the Men in ‘retro’ Blue will look to end the 50-over affair on a high, Indian skipper Virat Kohli would be looking to register yet another record. <o:p></o:p>

Kohli, regarded as one of the greatest, is just 23 runs away from breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record of being the fastest to 12,000 ODI runs in ODI cricket.

Kohli has been on a record-breaking spree from past few years now with consistency which could only be admired. Such is his calibre that India were hopeful of getting close to the mammoth 390-run target set by Australia till the time Kohli was in the crease. The Indian skipper perished after a fighting 89-run knock in the second ODI, which Australia won by 51 runs.<o:p></o:p>

Tendulkar holds the record for being the fastest to 12,000 ODI runs in 300 innings. Whereas Kohli has 11,977 runs in 250 ODIs and is just 23 runs away from beating yet another record held by Tendulkar.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aaron-finch-names-3-players-who-can-replace-david-warner-in-3rd-odi-vs-india-346640" hreflang="en">Aaron Finch names 3 players who can replace David Warner in 3rd ODI vs India</a>

<o:p><img alt="Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="37b79a81-6514-4268-adfb-b9e839821f93" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8W486H.jpg" /></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Fastest cricketer to score 12,000 runs in ODIs:<o:p></o:p></h2>

<ul>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Sachin Tendukar - 309 matches, 300 innings<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Ricky Ponting - 323 matches, 314 innings<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Kumar Sangakkara - 359 matches, 336 innings <o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Sanath Jayasuriya - 390 matches, 379 innings<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Mahela Jayawardene - 426 matches, 399 innings</li>
</ul>

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ind-vs-aus-fans-return-to-stadium-for-first-time-in-eight-months-345944" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS: Fans return to stadium for first time in eight months</a>

Kohli will look to end the ODI series on a high, by guiding India to a confidence-boosting win at the Manuka Oval on Wednesday. The three-match T20I series is set to commence from December 4 (Friday).<o:p></o:p>

The Indian cricket team would look to avoid a white-wash in the ODI series when they take the field for the third and final ODI against Australia at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday.

The Indian cricket team would look to avoid a white-wash in the ODI series when they take the field for the third and final ODI against Australia at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday. While the Men in ‘retro’ Blue will look to end the 50-over affair on a high, Indian skipper Virat Kohli would be looking to register yet another record. Kohli, regarded as one of the greatest, is just 23 runs away from breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record of being the fastest to 12,000 ODI runs in ODI cricket. Kohli has been on a record-breaking spree from past few years now with consistency which could only be admired. Such is his calibre that India were hopeful of getting close to the mammoth 390-run target set by Australia till the time Kohli was in the crease. The Indian skipper perished after a fighting 89-run knock in the second ODI, which Australia won by 51 runs. Tendulkar holds the record for being the fastest to 12,000 ODI runs in 300 innings. Whereas Kohli has 11,977 runs in 250 ODIs and is just 23 runs away from beating yet another record held by Tendulkar. ALSO READ: Aaron Finch names 3 players who can replace David Warner in 3rd ODI vs India Fastest cricketer to score 12,000 runs in ODIs: Sachin Tendukar - 309 matches, 300 innings Ricky Ponting - 323 matches, 314 innings Kumar Sangakkara - 359 matches, 336 innings Sanath Jayasuriya - 390 matches, 379 innings Mahela Jayawardene - 426 matches, 399 innings IN PICS | IND vs AUS: Fans return to stadium for first time in eight months Kohli will look to end the ODI series on a high, by guiding India to a confidence-boosting win at the Manuka Oval on Wednesday. The three-match T20I series is set to commence from December 4 (Friday).

Virat Kohli on verge of breaking major record held by Sachin Tendulkar

Australia run-machine Steve Smith scored his second successive century against India to give the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series but the top order batsman said he almost missed Sunday’s match due to a bout of vertigo.

Smith said a team doctor put him through his paces to see if he was fit to take the field in Sydney.

“I didn’t know I was playing...” Smith told a Cricket Australia website after collecting his second man-of-the-match award.

“I had a really bad dose of vertigo this morning and I was struggling until ... I came down early to have a hit and a bit of a run around.”

“The doctor, I think he performed six Epley manoeuvres on me ... and got the crystals out of my ears and I was struggling for a bit.”

There was no sign Smith was in any discomfort when he got to the crease with the 31-year-old reaching his 100 with 62 balls for the second straight match, the third fastest by an Australian behind Glenn Maxwell (51) and James Faulkner (57).

“Just pleased to be able to get out here and play another good innings and help the team,” Smith said.

Team mate Marnus Labuschagne, Smith’s collaborator in their 136-run partnership, called it one of the best one-day knocks he had ever seen.

“The way he batted yesterday was superb. It almost felt like he didn’t really give an opportunity, didn’t really take a risk,” Labuschagne said in a video call on Monday.

Smith could have reached the 100-mark taking one ball fewer but Labuschagne slipped at the striker’s end and they decided against a second run.

“The boys were asking me was I batting in my runners out there?” said Labuschagne, who scored 70. “That was a bit disappointing from my end.

“I’ll have to get rid of those shoes and get a brand new set ... for next game.”

Australia run-machine Steve Smith scored his second successive century against India to give the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series but the top order batsman said he almost missed Sunday’s match due to a bout of vertigo.

Australia run-machine Steve Smith scored his second successive century against India to give the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series but the top order batsman said he almost missed Sunday’s match due to a bout of vertigo. Smith said a team doctor put him through his paces to see if he was fit to take the field in Sydney. “I didn’t know I was playing...” Smith told a Cricket Australia website after collecting his second man-of-the-match award. “I had a really bad dose of vertigo this morning and I was struggling until ... I came down early to have a hit and a bit of a run around.” “The doctor, I think he performed six Epley manoeuvres on me ... and got the crystals out of my ears and I was struggling for a bit.” There was no sign Smith was in any discomfort when he got to the crease with the 31-year-old reaching his 100 with 62 balls for the second straight match, the third fastest by an Australian behind Glenn Maxwell (51) and James Faulkner (57). “Just pleased to be able to get out here and play another good innings and help the team,” Smith said. Team mate Marnus Labuschagne, Smith’s collaborator in their 136-run partnership, called it one of the best one-day knocks he had ever seen. “The way he batted yesterday was superb. It almost felt like he didn’t really give an opportunity, didn’t really take a risk,” Labuschagne said in a video call on Monday. Smith could have reached the 100-mark taking one ball fewer but Labuschagne slipped at the striker’s end and they decided against a second run. “The boys were asking me was I batting in my runners out there?” said Labuschagne, who scored 70. “That was a bit disappointing from my end. “I’ll have to get rid of those shoes and get a brand new set ... for next game.”

Australia's Smith hits the heights after being laid low by vertigo

India’s bowling shortcomings have been laid bare in the first two one-day internationals against Australia and unless pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah finds his rhythm quickly the tourists will have their backs to the wall in next month’s test series.

Australia took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series with a 51-run victory in Sydney on Sunday.

And the hosts could deal a psychological blow for the four-match test series, which starts in Adelaide on Dec. 17, by securing a sweep in the third match on Wednesday.

Bumrah, the world’s second ranked ODI bowler, has endured a torrid time, bleeding 73-1 in the first match and 79-1 in the second.

“He means a lot to this team and we know the value of Jasprit,” vice-captain KL Rahul said after Sunday’s loss.

“It’s about time a champion player like him will come back, deliver and get wickets for us.”

Bumrah and Mohammed Shami’s failure to strike early has allowed Australia to get off to flying starts, which Steve Smith and his middle order colleagues have capitalised on.

Rahul was not surprised by the bowlers’ struggles on pitches where India also surpassed the 300-mark in both matches.

“You have to understand that in New Zealand and Australia, the wickets are so good to bat on. You will see top bowlers not getting wickets (occasionally). That’s quite acceptable,” he added.

With all-rounder Hardik Pandya yet to fully recover from a back injury, India played him as specialist batsman in the first ODI, even though it upset team balance.

Pandya bowled just four overs on Sunday but still picked up the wicket of Smith, who had smashed his second successive century of the series.

“If he (Pandya) starts bowling, then it is a load off the skipper and the team,” Rahul said.

“We need all-rounders for the team balance. He quite enjoyed it himself. He loves to get into contests and he is itching to go.”

India’s bowling shortcomings have been laid bare in the first two one-day internationals against Australia and unless pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah finds his rhythm quickly the tourists will have their backs to the wall in next month’s test series.

India’s bowling shortcomings have been laid bare in the first two one-day internationals against Australia and unless pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah finds his rhythm quickly the tourists will have their backs to the wall in next month’s test series. Australia took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series with a 51-run victory in Sydney on Sunday. And the hosts could deal a psychological blow for the four-match test series, which starts in Adelaide on Dec. 17, by securing a sweep in the third match on Wednesday. Bumrah, the world’s second ranked ODI bowler, has endured a torrid time, bleeding 73-1 in the first match and 79-1 in the second. “He means a lot to this team and we know the value of Jasprit,” vice-captain KL Rahul said after Sunday’s loss. “It’s about time a champion player like him will come back, deliver and get wickets for us.” Bumrah and Mohammed Shami’s failure to strike early has allowed Australia to get off to flying starts, which Steve Smith and his middle order colleagues have capitalised on. Rahul was not surprised by the bowlers’ struggles on pitches where India also surpassed the 300-mark in both matches. “You have to understand that in New Zealand and Australia, the wickets are so good to bat on. You will see top bowlers not getting wickets (occasionally). That’s quite acceptable,” he added. With all-rounder Hardik Pandya yet to fully recover from a back injury, India played him as specialist batsman in the first ODI, even though it upset team balance. Pandya bowled just four overs on Sunday but still picked up the wicket of Smith, who had smashed his second successive century of the series. “If he (Pandya) starts bowling, then it is a load off the skipper and the team,” Rahul said. “We need all-rounders for the team balance. He quite enjoyed it himself. He loves to get into contests and he is itching to go.”

Jasprit Bumrah's struggles highlight India's bowling woes

After the resounding success of the Emirates D10 Tournament, Emirates Cricket, in partnership with ITW Consulting, has announced their inaugural Emirates Domestic ‘D20’ tournament on Monday. Dream 11 will be the tournament’s ‘Title Sponsor’.

The D20 tournament will be played at the Dubai International Stadium starting December 6th, where 6 teams will compete through 33 games - to and including the final on December 24th (2020).

Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman Emirates Cricket Board, said: “Following on from our successful hosting of the Emirates D10 tournament during July and August of this year, it is my pleasure to announce that the Emirates Cricket Board has finalised a domestic D20 (20-over) tournament. This initiative is an integral step in promoting and developing the sport in the UAE.

TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-romain-grosjean-survives-horrific-f1-crash-after-car-engulfs-in-flames-at-bahrain-gp-346391" hreflang="en">WATCH: Romain Grosjean survives horrific F1 crash after car engulfs in flames at Bahrain GP</a>

“Matches will be witnessed by UAE Cricket’s Director of Cricket, Robin Singh as well as by members of our National Selection Committee with a view of consideration for future selection (to represent the UAE). Our thanks go to ITW Consulting, as partners of both our D10 and now our D20 tournament, their continued commitment to promoting and highlighting our domestic talent is exceptionally encouraging and we are excited to, through them, take our talents to the cricket-loving world through various streaming services,” added Al Zarooni.

As with the well-received Emirates D10 tournament, the teams will comprise of a mix of the Emirates most talented senior and up-and-coming male players. All matches will be broadcast live across various regions utilising varied streaming and social media platforms.

“In any sport, identifying critical talent is extremely important. Catching them young and grooming them deliberately and professionally within a conducive environment goes a long way in building a strong national team,” commented Dr Tayeb Kamali, Selection Committee Chairman, Emirates Cricket.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-situation-could-have-been-dealt-better-by-bcci-gautam-gambhir-vvs-laxman-346516" hreflang="en">Rohit Sharma situation could have been dealt better by BCCI: Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman</a>

“The 20-over format is a well-established and highly popular format of the game that is played around the world at International levels. We are confident that this tournament will help identify promising cricket talent who can then be further trained and integrated into the UAE National Team. We look forward to 12-days of thrilling, competitive cricket.” added Dr Kamali.

Vivek Chandra, Director, ITW Consulting, commented: "UAE Cricket is seeing a positive change and we are committed towards strengthening the Board’s vision of being a Full Member in the coming future. Emirates D10 had great success, and we are sure Dream11 Emirates D20 would also be a stepping stone towards a sustainable domestic structure”.

Mubashshir Usmani, Secretary-General Emirates Cricket said: “Emirates Cricket’s domestic tournament portfolio continues to become a sustainable pathway for the growth and development of our game. Our thanks are extended to our Councils and affiliates for their continued support.” “While we are still facing uncertain times, we will review spectator attendance as we move through the tournament,” added Usmani

After the resounding success of the Emirates D10 Tournament, Emirates Cricket, in partnership with ITW Consulting, has announced their inaugural Emirates Domestic ‘D20’ tournament on Monday.

After the resounding success of the Emirates D10 Tournament, Emirates Cricket, in partnership with ITW Consulting, has announced their inaugural Emirates Domestic ‘D20’ tournament on Monday. Dream 11 will be the tournament’s ‘Title Sponsor’. The D20 tournament will be played at the Dubai International Stadium starting December 6th, where 6 teams will compete through 33 games - to and including the final on December 24th (2020). Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman Emirates Cricket Board, said: “Following on from our successful hosting of the Emirates D10 tournament during July and August of this year, it is my pleasure to announce that the Emirates Cricket Board has finalised a domestic D20 (20-over) tournament. This initiative is an integral step in promoting and developing the sport in the UAE. TRENDING: WATCH: Romain Grosjean survives horrific F1 crash after car engulfs in flames at Bahrain GP “Matches will be witnessed by UAE Cricket’s Director of Cricket, Robin Singh as well as by members of our National Selection Committee with a view of consideration for future selection (to represent the UAE). Our thanks go to ITW Consulting, as partners of both our D10 and now our D20 tournament, their continued commitment to promoting and highlighting our domestic talent is exceptionally encouraging and we are excited to, through them, take our talents to the cricket-loving world through various streaming services,” added Al Zarooni. As with the well-received Emirates D10 tournament, the teams will comprise of a mix of the Emirates most talented senior and up-and-coming male players. All matches will be broadcast live across various regions utilising varied streaming and social media platforms. “In any sport, identifying critical talent is extremely important. Catching them young and grooming them deliberately and professionally within a conducive environment goes a long way in building a strong national team,” commented Dr Tayeb Kamali, Selection Committee Chairman, Emirates Cricket. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma situation could have been dealt better by BCCI: Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman “The 20-over format is a well-established and highly popular format of the game that is played around the world at International levels. We are confident that this tournament will help identify promising cricket talent who can then be further trained and integrated into the UAE National Team. We look forward to 12-days of thrilling, competitive cricket.” added Dr Kamali. Vivek Chandra, Director, ITW Consulting, commented: "UAE Cricket is seeing a positive change and we are committed towards strengthening the Board’s vision of being a Full Member in the coming future. Emirates D10 had great success, and we are sure Dream11 Emirates D20 would also be a stepping stone towards a sustainable domestic structure”. Mubashshir Usmani, Secretary-General Emirates Cricket said: “Emirates Cricket’s domestic tournament portfolio continues to become a sustainable pathway for the growth and development of our game. Our thanks are extended to our Councils and affiliates for their continued support.” “While we are still facing uncertain times, we will review spectator attendance as we move through the tournament,” added Usmani

Emirates Cricket Board launches ‘D20’ 20-over tournament

The entire incident surrounding Rohit Sharma and his fitness could have been handled better and pretty easily, feels former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir. There has been a bit of outrage from fans on social media after the way the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) handled Rohit’s situation during IPL 2020, which might even force him to sit out of the entire Australian tour due to hamstring injury.

While Rohit is nearing his 100 per cent fitness, the strict quarantine rules in Australia could see Rohit unable to make it to the Indian squad in time for the third Test. The next assessment of Rohit’s fitness is set to be done on December 11 in the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, India after which the board will take the call on his status for the last two Test of the series.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the BCCI has requested Cricket Australia to allow Rohit to train during the 14-day quarantine phase. Both the cricket board would require a clearance from the Australian government.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-doesnt-have-authority-to-influence-india-vs-pakistan-bilateral-ties-greg-barclay-346508" hreflang="en">ICC doesn't have authority to influence India vs Pakistan bilateral ties: Greg Barclay</a>

Rohit went on to play the last three matches of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 for Mumbai Indians despite not being at his 100 per cent fitness. However, the BCCI didn’t clear the scene as to why the Indian opener played despite not being fit. Even skipper Virat Kohli had questioned Rohit’s absence by saying they thought he would in flight to Australia.&nbsp;

“The Rohit Sharma situation could’ve been handled pretty easily since there wasn’t any need for too many people to get involved. Only the head physio, head coach and chairman of selectors were to be involved in the injury case. Had there been clear communication with the 3, it would’ve been enough. Of course, Virat Kohli was to get updated at every step through Ravi Shastri,” Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.

Former cricketer VVS Laxman, too, believes that the BCCI could’ve handled the Rohit Sharma travel situation better given the series is being held amid a pandemic and strict quarantine protocols are in place.

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman also joined Gambhir by saying the BCCI could have portrayed the Rohit Sharma’s travel situation better.

TRENDING |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-romain-grosjean-survives-horrific-f1-crash-after-car-engulfs-in-flames-at-bahrain-gp-346391" hreflang="en">WATCH: Romain Grosjean survives horrific F1 crash after car engulfs in flames at Bahrain GP</a>

“Rohit Sharma is a very valuable player in Test matches. So I would’ve kept him in the chain, subject to fitness, would’ve definitely kept him in the picture. Secondly, you could’ve sent him with the team after that, keeping the quarantine rules in mind. Because there is a 14-day quarantine, in the soft quarantine since you have been in the bubble in UAE. Then you move to another bubble [in Australia]. In soft quarantine, you can practice, train with teammates, hit the gym.

But when you’re taking a commercial flight to Australia, you won’t be allowed to go out of your room and mingle and come in contact with people. So, I believe, the BCCI should’ve thought of this in hindsight,” Laxman said on the show.

Meanwhile, Australia bagged the series 2-0 after winning the first two ODIs in Sydney and will look to clean-sweep the series when they take on India at Canberra on Wednesday. 
&nbsp;

The entire incident surrounding Rohit Sharma and his fitness could have been handled better and pretty easily, feels former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir. There has been a bit of outrage from fans on social media after the way the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) handled Rohit’s situation during IPL 2020, which might even force him to sit out of the entire Australian tour due to hamstring injury.

The entire incident surrounding Rohit Sharma and his fitness could have been handled better and pretty easily, feels former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir. There has been a bit of outrage from fans on social media after the way the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) handled Rohit’s situation during IPL 2020, which might even force him to sit out of the entire Australian tour due to hamstring injury. While Rohit is nearing his 100 per cent fitness, the strict quarantine rules in Australia could see Rohit unable to make it to the Indian squad in time for the third Test. The next assessment of Rohit’s fitness is set to be done on December 11 in the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, India after which the board will take the call on his status for the last two Test of the series. Meanwhile, the BCCI has requested Cricket Australia to allow Rohit to train during the 14-day quarantine phase. Both the cricket board would require a clearance from the Australian government. ALSO READ: ICC doesn't have authority to influence India vs Pakistan bilateral ties: Greg Barclay Rohit went on to play the last three matches of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 for Mumbai Indians despite not being at his 100 per cent fitness. However, the BCCI didn’t clear the scene as to why the Indian opener played despite not being fit. Even skipper Virat Kohli had questioned Rohit’s absence by saying they thought he would in flight to Australia. “The Rohit Sharma situation could’ve been handled pretty easily since there wasn’t any need for too many people to get involved. Only the head physio, head coach and chairman of selectors were to be involved in the injury case. Had there been clear communication with the 3, it would’ve been enough. Of course, Virat Kohli was to get updated at every step through Ravi Shastri,” Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports show Cricket Connected. Former cricketer VVS Laxman, too, believes that the BCCI could’ve handled the Rohit Sharma travel situation better given the series is being held amid a pandemic and strict quarantine protocols are in place. Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman also joined Gambhir by saying the BCCI could have portrayed the Rohit Sharma’s travel situation better. TRENDING | WATCH: Romain Grosjean survives horrific F1 crash after car engulfs in flames at Bahrain GP “Rohit Sharma is a very valuable player in Test matches. So I would’ve kept him in the chain, subject to fitness, would’ve definitely kept him in the picture. Secondly, you could’ve sent him with the team after that, keeping the quarantine rules in mind. Because there is a 14-day quarantine, in the soft quarantine since you have been in the bubble in UAE. Then you move to another bubble [in Australia]. In soft quarantine, you can practice, train with teammates, hit the gym. But when you’re taking a commercial flight to Australia, you won’t be allowed to go out of your room and mingle and come in contact with people. So, I believe, the BCCI should’ve thought of this in hindsight,” Laxman said on the show. Meanwhile, Australia bagged the series 2-0 after winning the first two ODIs in Sydney and will look to clean-sweep the series when they take on India at Canberra on Wednesday.

Rohit Sharma situation could have been dealt better by BCCI: Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman

The newly-appointed president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Greg Barclay has promised to do his best to help India and Pakistan get on the same page when it comes to cricketing matters. However, Barclay remained realistic about the India-Pakistan cricket relation as he admitted that there are geopolitical issues at play.

After serving New Zealand Cricket (NZC) as the representative on board of the ICC, Barclay has taken over as chairman of the governing body. After closely witnessing differences between BCCI and PCB, he is willing to help the two boards get back in a healthy relationship in cricket matters.

"I would love nothing more than for India and Pakistan to be able to continue cricketing relations as they were previously. I am also enough of a realist to understand that there are geopolitical issues at play here. I think all we can do at the ICC is to continue to help and support in any way that we can to bring about outcomes that would see India and Pakistan in a position where they can play cricket regularly against each other and in their home territories.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-batting-with-more-finesse-now-and-its-working-says-smith-346279" hreflang="en">Ind vs Aus: Batting with more finesse now and it's working, says Smith</a>

"Beyond that, I do not think I have the mandate or ability to influence the outcomes more than that. That is really being done at a level way beyond where we would be operating," he explained.

"Rest assured that from the cricketing point of view, we would love to get those countries back together again on a regular basis. The ICC will do whatever it can to help facilitate and support an outcome that might see that happen," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-think-hell-be-available-aaron-finch-on-david-warners-injury-346280" hreflang="en">'I don't think he'll be available': Aaron Finch on David Warner's injury</a>

The Indian government has time and time again cleared their stance that action that hurt the interest of the country must stop before from Pakistani side before India resumes bilateral cricket with the neighbouring country. This has resulted in India and Pakistan facing each other in only ICC or ACC events.

(With ANI inputs) 
&nbsp;

The newly-appointed president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Greg Barclay has promised to do his best to help India and Pakistan get on the same page when it comes to cricketing matters.

The newly-appointed president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Greg Barclay has promised to do his best to help India and Pakistan get on the same page when it comes to cricketing matters. However, Barclay remained realistic about the India-Pakistan cricket relation as he admitted that there are geopolitical issues at play. After serving New Zealand Cricket (NZC) as the representative on board of the ICC, Barclay has taken over as chairman of the governing body. After closely witnessing differences between BCCI and PCB, he is willing to help the two boards get back in a healthy relationship in cricket matters. "I would love nothing more than for India and Pakistan to be able to continue cricketing relations as they were previously. I am also enough of a realist to understand that there are geopolitical issues at play here. I think all we can do at the ICC is to continue to help and support in any way that we can to bring about outcomes that would see India and Pakistan in a position where they can play cricket regularly against each other and in their home territories. ALSO READ: Ind vs Aus: Batting with more finesse now and it's working, says Smith "Beyond that, I do not think I have the mandate or ability to influence the outcomes more than that. That is really being done at a level way beyond where we would be operating," he explained. "Rest assured that from the cricketing point of view, we would love to get those countries back together again on a regular basis. The ICC will do whatever it can to help facilitate and support an outcome that might see that happen," he said. ALSO READ: 'I don't think he'll be available': Aaron Finch on David Warner's injury The Indian government has time and time again cleared their stance that action that hurt the interest of the country must stop before from Pakistani side before India resumes bilateral cricket with the neighbouring country. This has resulted in India and Pakistan facing each other in only ICC or ACC events. (With ANI inputs)

ICC doesn't have authority to influence India vs Pakistan bilateral ties: Greg Barclay

India suffered a blow Friday with fast bowler Ishant Sharma ruled out of their Test series against Australia, as skipper Virat Kohli blasted a lack of clarity over the fate of star opener Rohit Sharma.

Ishant has been struggling with a side strain picked up during the Indian Premier League, and while he has recovered officials said he was not match fit.

"While he's building up his workload in order to achieve Test match fitness, Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy," the Indian cricket board said in a statement.

Senior batsman Rohit hurt his hamstring last month and will have another assessment on December 11, six days before the opening day-night Test in Adelaide.

Complicating matters was his father falling ill in Mumbai, which delayed Rohit's arrival at India's National Cricket Academy to begin his rehab.

Kohli said the way the matter had been handled was "very confusing" and that both players should be in Australia to complete their recoveries.

"It definitely would have increased the chances of both of them playing Test matches," he said in video comments from his hotel room in Sydney ahead of the opening one-dayer against Australia on Friday.

Kohli, who has been undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine along with the rest of the India squad, said he was expecting Rohit to be on the plane to Australia with everyone else.

"We had no information whatsoever on the reason why he's not travelling with us," said the skipper, who will return home after the opening Test for the birth of his first child.

"And after that, the only other information officially we've received by mail is that he's in the NCA and he's been assessed and he'll be further assessed on December 11.

"So from the time that the selection meeting happened to the IPL finishing and now when this email came about his assessment in the NCA, there's been no information.

"There's been a lack of clarity and we've been playing the waiting game on this issue for a while now which is not ideal at all. So it's been very confusing and there's been a lot of uncertainty and a lack of clarity around the situation."

India play four Tests against Australia in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane following their six-match limited overs series.

India suffered a blow Friday with fast bowler Ishant Sharma ruled out of their Test series against Australia, as skipper Virat Kohli blasted a lack of clarity over the fate of star opener Rohit Sharma.

India suffered a blow Friday with fast bowler Ishant Sharma ruled out of their Test series against Australia, as skipper Virat Kohli blasted a lack of clarity over the fate of star opener Rohit Sharma. Ishant has been struggling with a side strain picked up during the Indian Premier League, and while he has recovered officials said he was not match fit. "While he's building up his workload in order to achieve Test match fitness, Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy," the Indian cricket board said in a statement. Senior batsman Rohit hurt his hamstring last month and will have another assessment on December 11, six days before the opening day-night Test in Adelaide. Complicating matters was his father falling ill in Mumbai, which delayed Rohit's arrival at India's National Cricket Academy to begin his rehab. Kohli said the way the matter had been handled was "very confusing" and that both players should be in Australia to complete their recoveries. "It definitely would have increased the chances of both of them playing Test matches," he said in video comments from his hotel room in Sydney ahead of the opening one-dayer against Australia on Friday. Kohli, who has been undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine along with the rest of the India squad, said he was expecting Rohit to be on the plane to Australia with everyone else. "We had no information whatsoever on the reason why he's not travelling with us," said the skipper, who will return home after the opening Test for the birth of his first child. "And after that, the only other information officially we've received by mail is that he's in the NCA and he's been assessed and he'll be further assessed on December 11. "So from the time that the selection meeting happened to the IPL finishing and now when this email came about his assessment in the NCA, there's been no information. "There's been a lack of clarity and we've been playing the waiting game on this issue for a while now which is not ideal at all. So it's been very confusing and there's been a lot of uncertainty and a lack of clarity around the situation." India play four Tests against Australia in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane following their six-match limited overs series.

Ishant Sharma out of Australia series as Kohli blasts 'confusing' messages

South Africa are set to host England in the three-match T20I series with the series opener to be played in Cape Town on Friday. Both South Africa and England have some of the biggest T20 players in the world and a fiery contest is expected when they lock horns at the Newlands.

This will be South Africa’s first international assignment since the COVID-19 pandemic began and players, who haven’t participated in the T20 leagues, could be a bit rusty. Whereas England have enjoyed good English summer of cricket and majority of them have been actively playing cricket since the sport began&nbsp;post the lockdown.

England head into the match as favourites but South Africa are well capable of pulling off an upset if they find complacency in the English camp.

<h2>When will South Africa vs England 1st T20I begin?</h2>

The South Africa vs England 1st T20I will begin at 9:30 PM IST on November 27.&nbsp;

<h2>Where will South Africa vs England 1st T20I be played?</h2>

The South Africa vs England1st T20I match will be held at the Newlands in Cape Town.

<h2>Which channel will telecast South Africa vs England 1st T20I?</h2>

The South Africa vs England 1st T20I will have a live telecast on Star Sports in India

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of South Africa vs England 1st T20I?</h2>

The live streaming of South Africa vs England 1st T20I will be available on Disney + Hotstar streaming platform. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

South Africa are set to host England in the three-match T20I series with the series opener to be played in Cape Town on Friday. Both South Africa and England have some of the biggest T20 players in the world and a fiery contest is expected when they lock horns at the Newlands.

South Africa are set to host England in the three-match T20I series with the series opener to be played in Cape Town on Friday. Both South Africa and England have some of the biggest T20 players in the world and a fiery contest is expected when they lock horns at the Newlands. This will be South Africa’s first international assignment since the COVID-19 pandemic began and players, who haven’t participated in the T20 leagues, could be a bit rusty. Whereas England have enjoyed good English summer of cricket and majority of them have been actively playing cricket since the sport began post the lockdown. England head into the match as favourites but South Africa are well capable of pulling off an upset if they find complacency in the English camp. When will South Africa vs England 1st T20I begin? The South Africa vs England 1st T20I will begin at 9:30 PM IST on November 27. Where will South Africa vs England 1st T20I be played? The South Africa vs England1st T20I match will be held at the Newlands in Cape Town. Which channel will telecast South Africa vs England 1st T20I? The South Africa vs England 1st T20I will have a live telecast on Star Sports in India How to watch the live streaming of South Africa vs England 1st T20I? The live streaming of South Africa vs England 1st T20I will be available on Disney + Hotstar streaming platform.

South Africa vs England, 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch SA vs ENG online?

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. Australian skipper Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood were the pick of the players for the hosts with the former two scoring thunderous centuries.&nbsp;

Australia, batting first, piled on a mammoth score of 374/6 in 50 overs as Finch and Steve smoked centuries while David Warner (69) and Glenn Maxwell (45) contributed with crucial runs. The Indian bowlers looked rusty and sloppy with Mohammed Shami standing out with figures 3-59 in 10 overs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-1st-odi-adam-gilchrist-apologizes-after-a-goof-up-during-commentating-345842" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Adam Gilchrist apologizes after a goof up during commentating</a>

Chasing a mighty 375, India started off well with Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan stitching a 53-run stand. However, Australian bowlers stood tall as Hazlewood sent Agarwal packing for 22. Skipper Virat Kohli started off well but was caught for pace by Hazlewood. Shreyas Iyer endured the same fate.&nbsp;

Adam Zampa continued his terrific run with the ball in ODI cricket as he picked up four wickets while sending the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-1st-odi-no-1bn-adani-loan-protesters-enter-ground-holding-banner-against-adani-group-345782" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS 1st ODI: ‘No $1BN Adani Loan’ - Protesters enter ground holding banner against Adani Group</a>

Hardik and Dhawan hung around for a bit and played some great strokes to take the game a bit deeper. While Dhawan was finally sent packing for 74, Hardik followed suit after a cracking 90 off 76 deliveries. Mohammed Shami and Navdeep Saini stuck a six each in the end as India finished at 308-8 in 50 overs.&nbsp;

Australia, with the win, take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series with the next match scheduled to be played on Sunday at SCG.

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday.

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. Australian skipper Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood were the pick of the players for the hosts with the former two scoring thunderous centuries. Australia, batting first, piled on a mammoth score of 374/6 in 50 overs as Finch and Steve smoked centuries while David Warner (69) and Glenn Maxwell (45) contributed with crucial runs. The Indian bowlers looked rusty and sloppy with Mohammed Shami standing out with figures 3-59 in 10 overs. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Adam Gilchrist apologizes after a goof up during commentating Chasing a mighty 375, India started off well with Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan stitching a 53-run stand. However, Australian bowlers stood tall as Hazlewood sent Agarwal packing for 22. Skipper Virat Kohli started off well but was caught for pace by Hazlewood. Shreyas Iyer endured the same fate. Adam Zampa continued his terrific run with the ball in ODI cricket as he picked up four wickets while sending the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS 1st ODI: ‘No $1BN Adani Loan’ - Protesters enter ground holding banner against Adani Group Hardik and Dhawan hung around for a bit and played some great strokes to take the game a bit deeper. While Dhawan was finally sent packing for 74, Hardik followed suit after a cracking 90 off 76 deliveries. Mohammed Shami and Navdeep Saini stuck a six each in the end as India finished at 308-8 in 50 overs. Australia, with the win, take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series with the next match scheduled to be played on Sunday at SCG.

India vs Australia: Virat Kohli & Co. start the tour with 66-run defeat

New Zealand on Friday defeated the West Indies by five wickets in a rain-affected first T20I at the Auckland’s Eden Park to kickstart the three-match T20I series with a thumping win.

Batting first, the West Indies posted a competitive total of 180/7 in 16 overs following an onslaught by Kieron Pollard, who went on to score an unbeaten 75 off just 37 balls.&nbsp;

Opener Andre Fletcher and Brandon King gave away an electric start to the Men in Maroon after which they hit a roadblock where the likes of Shimron Hetmyer (0), Nicholas Pooran (1) and Rovman Powell (0) were sent back to the hut in a flash. Courtesy Pollard and blistering knock by Fabian Allen, West Indies went on to post 180/7 in 16 overs in what was a rain-hit match in Auckland.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-1st-odi-adam-gilchrist-apologizes-after-a-goof-up-during-commentating-345842" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Adam Gilchrist apologizes after a goof up during commentating</a>

Chasing the highly-competitive score, New Zealand lost openers Martin Guptill and Tim Seifert for cheap before Devon Conway made a mark straightaway with a 29-ball 41. Glenn Phillips smashed a 7-ball 22. But it was Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner that New Zealand crossed the winning line.&nbsp;

Neesham hammered an unbeaten 24-ball 48 while Santner scored 31 off 18.&nbsp;

New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson was named the Man of the Match for his career-best haul of 5-21.&nbsp;

Tim Southee | New Zealand captain: It was a very strange game but nice to come out on the winning side. Kieron batted exceptionally well. The fight that Lockie showed was brilliant and we needed something special like that to stop the West Indies after the start they got. We were a little bit off the ball but it's nice to be on the winning side. Devon played exceptionally well and kick-started the innings. There's plenty of good stuff to come from him (Kyle Jameison). It's been a long time coming and good to be back playing in front of the home crowd.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/diego-maradona-why-the-man-god-was-revered-loved-followed-and-hated-345823" hreflang="en">Diego Maradona: Why the man-God was revered, loved, followed - and hated</a>

The next fixture in the three-match series is in Mount Maunganui on Sunday. 
&nbsp;

New Zealand on Friday defeated the West Indies by five wickets in a rain-affected first T20I at the Auckland’s Eden Park to kickstart the three-match T20I series with a thumping win.

New Zealand on Friday defeated the West Indies by five wickets in a rain-affected first T20I at the Auckland’s Eden Park to kickstart the three-match T20I series with a thumping win. Batting first, the West Indies posted a competitive total of 180/7 in 16 overs following an onslaught by Kieron Pollard, who went on to score an unbeaten 75 off just 37 balls. Opener Andre Fletcher and Brandon King gave away an electric start to the Men in Maroon after which they hit a roadblock where the likes of Shimron Hetmyer (0), Nicholas Pooran (1) and Rovman Powell (0) were sent back to the hut in a flash. Courtesy Pollard and blistering knock by Fabian Allen, West Indies went on to post 180/7 in 16 overs in what was a rain-hit match in Auckland. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Adam Gilchrist apologizes after a goof up during commentating Chasing the highly-competitive score, New Zealand lost openers Martin Guptill and Tim Seifert for cheap before Devon Conway made a mark straightaway with a 29-ball 41. Glenn Phillips smashed a 7-ball 22. But it was Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner that New Zealand crossed the winning line. Neesham hammered an unbeaten 24-ball 48 while Santner scored 31 off 18. New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson was named the Man of the Match for his career-best haul of 5-21. Tim Southee | New Zealand captain: It was a very strange game but nice to come out on the winning side. Kieron batted exceptionally well. The fight that Lockie showed was brilliant and we needed something special like that to stop the West Indies after the start they got. We were a little bit off the ball but it's nice to be on the winning side. Devon played exceptionally well and kick-started the innings. There's plenty of good stuff to come from him (Kyle Jameison). It's been a long time coming and good to be back playing in front of the home crowd. ALSO READ: Diego Maradona: Why the man-God was revered, loved, followed - and hated The next fixture in the three-match series is in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.

Neesham, Ferguson power New Zealand to 5-wicket win vs West Indies in 1st T20I

Two protestors on Friday barged into the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the first ODI between India and Australia is being played. The protestors carried placard against Adani Group which read “NO $1B ADANI LOAN”.&nbsp;

The front of the protestors’ T-shirt displayed “StopAdani” while the back read “Stop Coal”. #StopAdani Take Action.”. The protestors during India vs Australia 1st ODI were denouncing India’s Adani Group’s coal project in Australia.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Stop <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Adani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Adani</a> protest at the cricket - calling on State Bank of India not to fund Adani's Australian coal mine to the tune of $1 billion (following recent media reporting that this deal is currently underway) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/KBORZ7gXKJ">https://t.co/KBORZ7gXKJ</a>
— Sophie McNeill (@Sophiemcneill) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sophiemcneill/status/1332197383275364353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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One of them intruded into the stadium and ran close to the pitch when Indian pacer Navdeep Saini was gearing up for his run-up to the bowl the sixth over of the Australian inning.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishant-sharma-out-of-australia-series-as-kohli-blasts-confusing-messages-345736" hreflang="en">Ishant Sharma out of Australia series as Kohli blasts 'confusing' messages</a>

<h2>WATCH VIDEO:&nbsp;‘No $1BN Adani Loan’ - Protesters enter ground holding banner against Adani Group</h2>

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BREAKING: Brave cricket fans and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopAdani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopAdani</a> supporters have disrupted play at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> Cricket match to draw attention to a potential $1B loan of Indian taxpayers’ money for Adani’s climate wrecking coal mine. Tell <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOfficialSBI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheOfficialSBI</a> to stop the loan to billionaire <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Adani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Adani</a>! <a href="https://t.co/ibf3hpESdY">pic.twitter.com/ibf3hpESdY</a>
— Stop Adani (@stopadani) <a href="https://twitter.com/stopadani/status/1332198282588655621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Video of two <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopAdani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopAdani</a> supporters taking the grounds to protest <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOfficialSBI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheOfficialSBI</a>'s plans to give <a href="https://twitter.com/AdaniOnline?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdaniOnline</a> a $1bn (5000 crore) Indian taxpayer loan for Adani's Carmichael coal project <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/NhY3vPN0HM">pic.twitter.com/NhY3vPN0HM</a>
— Stop Adani (@stopadani) <a href="https://twitter.com/stopadani/status/1332207621252603909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-rate-will-pucovski-highly-but-he-may-need-to-bide-his-time-justin-langer-345343" hreflang="en">Australia rate Will Pucovski highly but he may need to bide his time: Justin Langer</a>

The duo was taken out by the security. Surprisingly, the security looked slow and rusty and took time before intervening – raising question marks over the security arrangements for the high-profile series.

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Stop Adani protesters run onto the field and stop play. 
 
Security took about five minutes to realise they were trespassing and weren’t players. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/wLBgdeLlqu">pic.twitter.com/wLBgdeLlqu</a>
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) <a href="https://twitter.com/LMcKirdy7/status/1332176048989949952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“We’ve got a couple of pitch invaders protesting about something,” Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Sports. “We’ll wait for security to come and get them and remove them. We don’t see any urgency from security at the moment.” 
Some protestors, going by the name Stop Adani, were spotted outside the Sydney Cricket Ground before the match started.&nbsp;

“Millions of Indian taxpayers who are watching the first game of the Indian cricket tour have a right to know that the State Bank of India is considering handing their taxes to a billionaire’s climate-wrecking coal mine,” a statement from Stop Adani read.

Cricket Australia has allowed entry of supporters in half-capacity for the ODI series with SCG operating at 50 per cent. 
&nbsp;

Two protestors on Friday barged into the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the first ODI between India and Australia is being played. The protestors carried placard against Adani Group which read “NO $1B ADANI LOAN”.

Two protestors on Friday barged into the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the first ODI between India and Australia is being played. The protestors carried placard against Adani Group which read “NO $1B ADANI LOAN”. The front of the protestors’ T-shirt displayed “StopAdani” while the back read “Stop Coal”. #StopAdani Take Action.”. The protestors during India vs Australia 1st ODI were denouncing India’s Adani Group’s coal project in Australia. Stop #Adani protest at the cricket - calling on State Bank of India not to fund Adani's Australian coal mine to the tune of $1 billion (following recent media reporting that this deal is currently underway) #AUSvIND https://t.co/KBORZ7gXKJ — Sophie McNeill (@Sophiemcneill) November 27, 2020 × One of them intruded into the stadium and ran close to the pitch when Indian pacer Navdeep Saini was gearing up for his run-up to the bowl the sixth over of the Australian inning. ALSO READ: Ishant Sharma out of Australia series as Kohli blasts 'confusing' messages WATCH VIDEO: ‘No $1BN Adani Loan’ - Protesters enter ground holding banner against Adani Group BREAKING: Brave cricket fans and #StopAdani supporters have disrupted play at the #AUSvIND Cricket match to draw attention to a potential $1B loan of Indian taxpayers’ money for Adani’s climate wrecking coal mine. Tell @TheOfficialSBI to stop the loan to billionaire #Adani! pic.twitter.com/ibf3hpESdY — Stop Adani (@stopadani) November 27, 2020 × WATCH: Video of two #StopAdani supporters taking the grounds to protest @TheOfficialSBI's plans to give @AdaniOnline a $1bn (5000 crore) Indian taxpayer loan for Adani's Carmichael coal project #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/NhY3vPN0HM — Stop Adani (@stopadani) November 27, 2020 × ALSO READ: Australia rate Will Pucovski highly but he may need to bide his time: Justin Langer The duo was taken out by the security. Surprisingly, the security looked slow and rusty and took time before intervening – raising question marks over the security arrangements for the high-profile series. Stop Adani protesters run onto the field and stop play. Security took about five minutes to realise they were trespassing and weren’t players. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/wLBgdeLlqu — Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) November 27, 2020 × “We’ve got a couple of pitch invaders protesting about something,” Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Sports. “We’ll wait for security to come and get them and remove them. We don’t see any urgency from security at the moment.” Some protestors, going by the name Stop Adani, were spotted outside the Sydney Cricket Ground before the match started. “Millions of Indian taxpayers who are watching the first game of the Indian cricket tour have a right to know that the State Bank of India is considering handing their taxes to a billionaire’s climate-wrecking coal mine,” a statement from Stop Adani read. Cricket Australia has allowed entry of supporters in half-capacity for the ODI series with SCG operating at 50 per cent.

IND vs AUS 1st ODI: ‘No $1BN Adani Loan’ - Protesters enter ground holding banner against Adani Group

Ahead of the first ODI against Australia in Sydney, Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday said that there has been confusion and lack of clarity on the status of Rohit Sharma’s hamstring injury while adding he has no idea why Rohit didn’t travel with the squad to Australia.

Answering a virtual press conference ahead of the ODI series versus Australia, Kohli said Rohit was said to be unavailable before the selection committee met earlier in November.

"Before the selection meeting, we got a mail that he is unavailable, that he has picked up an injury during the IPL. It said that the pros and cons of the injury were explained to him and he understood and he was unavailable," Kohli said.&nbsp;

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Rohit was nursing a hamstring injury and is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.

Reportedly, Rohit is still three weeks away from full match fitness but a 14-day hard quarantine – without training – would rule him out of the four-match Test series, starting December 17 in Adelaide.

Kohli said that he thought Rohit be on the flight to Australia after he played the last three matches of Indian Premier League 2020 but added that the Indian team had no information on why he wasn’t travelling with the Indian contingent.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/on-rohit-and-ishant-sharma-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-to-negotiate-quarantine-rules-with-ca-345518" hreflang="en">On Rohit and Ishant Sharma, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly to negotiate quarantine rules with CA</a>

He admitted that there has been a lack of clarity when it comes to the ongoing Rohit Sharma-injury saga.

"After that, he played in the IPL and we all thought he would be on that flight to Australia and we had no information on why he is not travelling with us. There has been no information, there has been lack of clarity," Kohli said. "We have been playing the waiting game," he added. 
&nbsp;

Ahead of the first ODI against Australia in Sydney, Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday said that there has been confusion and lack of clarity on the status of Rohit Sharma’s hamstring injury while adding he has no idea why Rohit didn’t travel with the squad to Australia.

Ahead of the first ODI against Australia in Sydney, Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday said that there has been confusion and lack of clarity on the status of Rohit Sharma’s hamstring injury while adding he has no idea why Rohit didn’t travel with the squad to Australia. Answering a virtual press conference ahead of the ODI series versus Australia, Kohli said Rohit was said to be unavailable before the selection committee met earlier in November. "Before the selection meeting, we got a mail that he is unavailable, that he has picked up an injury during the IPL. It said that the pros and cons of the injury were explained to him and he understood and he was unavailable," Kohli said. ALSO READ: Australia vs India, ODI series: Preview, schedule, head-to-head stats and more Rohit was nursing a hamstring injury and is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for rehabilitation. Reportedly, Rohit is still three weeks away from full match fitness but a 14-day hard quarantine – without training – would rule him out of the four-match Test series, starting December 17 in Adelaide. Kohli said that he thought Rohit be on the flight to Australia after he played the last three matches of Indian Premier League 2020 but added that the Indian team had no information on why he wasn’t travelling with the Indian contingent. ALSO READ: On Rohit and Ishant Sharma, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly to negotiate quarantine rules with CA He admitted that there has been a lack of clarity when it comes to the ongoing Rohit Sharma-injury saga. "After that, he played in the IPL and we all thought he would be on that flight to Australia and we had no information on why he is not travelling with us. There has been no information, there has been lack of clarity," Kohli said. "We have been playing the waiting game," he added.

Lack of clarity on Rohit Sharma's injury status, says Virat Kohli ahead of Australia series

India is set to kickstart their Australian tour with the three-match ODI series commencing on Friday in Sydney. While India are on their first assignment since the COVID-19 lockdown and restart, Australia have faced England in an ODI series just before the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

The Indian squad has been in isolation, which ends on Thursday, since their arrival a fortnight ago but was allowed to train within a bio-secure bubble. Whereas the likes of Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins also underwent the mandatory 14-day quarantine after playing in IPL 2020.

Australia defeated England in the white-ball series in September but it would be interesting to see how the Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue approach the series. India haven’t played a series since New Zealand tour in February, where they were whitewashed in the ODIs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/on-rohit-and-ishant-sharma-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-to-negotiate-quarantine-rules-with-ca-345518" hreflang="en">On Rohit and Ishant Sharma, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly to negotiate quarantine rules with CA</a>

"I think it's important to start well in the white-ball series," said KL Rahul, who has been elevated to vice-captain.

"We are playing for the country after a while and we are all excited to play some hard cricket, some aggressive cricket." 
While a well-fought series is expected, Australian coach Justin Langer said it will be played in the right spirit.&nbsp;

"There's plenty of room for banter, having fun and having that competitive instinct but there's no room for abuse," he insisted.

While Australia have a single limited-overs squad, India have sent separate squads for ODIs and T20Is with star opener Rohit Sharma missing from the limited-overs series. There are question marks on whether Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah will play all the six matches of the ODIs and T20Is.&nbsp;

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Notably, grounds will operate at 50 per cent capacity due to coronavirus restrictions as cricket opens it arms to welcome fans back in the stands again. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

<h2>India vs Australia: ODI head-to-head stats</h2>

Matches: 140 
Australia wins: 78 
India wins: 52 
No result: 10

<h2>India vs Australia: Last three ODI series</h2>

2019-20 India beat Australia 2-1 
2018-19 Australia beat India 3-2 
2018-19 India beat Australia 2-1

India Squad: Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Agarwal, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur

Australia Squad: Aaron Finch, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Daniel Sams, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

<h2>India vs Australia, Schedule: One-day international series:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>November 27 – 1st ODI (Sydney, day-night)</li>
	<li>November 29 – 2nd ODI (Sydney, day-night)&nbsp;</li>
	<li>December 2 – 3rd ODI (Canberra, day-night)&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

India is set to kickstart their Australian tour with the three-match ODI series commencing on Friday in Sydney. While India are on their first assignment since the COVID-19 lockdown and restart, Australia have faced England in an ODI series just before the Indian Premier League.

India is set to kickstart their Australian tour with the three-match ODI series commencing on Friday in Sydney. While India are on their first assignment since the COVID-19 lockdown and restart, Australia have faced England in an ODI series just before the Indian Premier League. The Indian squad has been in isolation, which ends on Thursday, since their arrival a fortnight ago but was allowed to train within a bio-secure bubble. Whereas the likes of Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins also underwent the mandatory 14-day quarantine after playing in IPL 2020. Australia defeated England in the white-ball series in September but it would be interesting to see how the Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue approach the series. India haven’t played a series since New Zealand tour in February, where they were whitewashed in the ODIs. ALSO READ: On Rohit and Ishant Sharma, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly to negotiate quarantine rules with CA "I think it's important to start well in the white-ball series," said KL Rahul, who has been elevated to vice-captain. "We are playing for the country after a while and we are all excited to play some hard cricket, some aggressive cricket." While a well-fought series is expected, Australian coach Justin Langer said it will be played in the right spirit. "There's plenty of room for banter, having fun and having that competitive instinct but there's no room for abuse," he insisted. While Australia have a single limited-overs squad, India have sent separate squads for ODIs and T20Is with star opener Rohit Sharma missing from the limited-overs series. There are question marks on whether Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah will play all the six matches of the ODIs and T20Is. ALSO READ: Australia vs India: Full schedule, dates, venues and all you need to know Notably, grounds will operate at 50 per cent capacity due to coronavirus restrictions as cricket opens it arms to welcome fans back in the stands again. India vs Australia: ODI head-to-head stats Matches: 140 Australia wins: 78 India wins: 52 No result: 10 India vs Australia: Last three ODI series 2019-20 India beat Australia 2-1 2018-19 Australia beat India 3-2 2018-19 India beat Australia 2-1 India Squad: Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Agarwal, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur Australia Squad: Aaron Finch, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Daniel Sams, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa India vs Australia, Schedule: One-day international series: November 27 – 1st ODI (Sydney, day-night) November 29 – 2nd ODI (Sydney, day-night) December 2 – 3rd ODI (Canberra, day-night)

Australia vs India, ODI series: Preview, schedule, head-to-head stats and more

The fate of Indian opener Rohit Sharma and pacer Ishant Sharma lies on the hand of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly as he is set to negotiate quarantine terms in Cricket Australia. The Indian duo of Rohit and Ishant need quarantine relaxation if they are to be part of the four-match Test series against Australia, starting December 17.

Speaking to ANI, sources said that Ganguly will try and find a solution to the issue related to Rohit and Ishant after discussion with Cricket Australia. Both Rohit and Ishant are undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru with an eye on the four-match Test series.

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"The BCCI president will be speaking to his counterpart at Cricket Australia and a decision will be reached after their meeting. The current quarantine guidelines might make it impossible for the two to reach Australia and be a part of the Test series as, under existing rules, they will need to completely isolate themselves and cannot train in the quarantine period. "&nbsp;

The rest of the Indian cricketers were allowed to train during the quarantine period because they moved from one bubble - in Dubai - to the other - in Sydney. So, relaxation will be needed if the two are to be a part of the Test series," the source explained.&nbsp;

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There is a belief that the former Indian captain can find a solution as he has done so many times on the field. While NCA head Rahul Dravid had earlier said that Ishant would be fit in time for Test series, there are question marks whether he would be able last the entire series. Whereas, Rohit reportedly needs a couple of days to be 100 per cent fit.

Notably, the BCCI had added Rohit to the Test squad at the eleventh hour and decided to rest him from the limited-overs series against Australia. "The BCCI Medical Team has been monitoring Rohit Sharma's fitness and has briefed All-India Senior Selection Committee on the same. In consultation with Sharma, it has been decided to rest him for the ODIs and T20Is in Australia to regain full fitness and he has been included in Ind in India's Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy," the BCCI said in a release on November 9.&nbsp;

The Test series is set to commence from December 17 in Adelaide in what will be the day-night Test between India and Australia. 
&nbsp;

The fate of Indian opener Rohit Sharma and pacer Ishant Sharma lies on the hand of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly as he is set to negotiate quarantine terms in Cricket Australia.

The fate of Indian opener Rohit Sharma and pacer Ishant Sharma lies on the hand of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly as he is set to negotiate quarantine terms in Cricket Australia. The Indian duo of Rohit and Ishant need quarantine relaxation if they are to be part of the four-match Test series against Australia, starting December 17. Speaking to ANI, sources said that Ganguly will try and find a solution to the issue related to Rohit and Ishant after discussion with Cricket Australia. Both Rohit and Ishant are undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru with an eye on the four-match Test series. ALSO READ: 'My hero no more': Indian sporting icons pay tribute to Diego Maradona "The BCCI president will be speaking to his counterpart at Cricket Australia and a decision will be reached after their meeting. The current quarantine guidelines might make it impossible for the two to reach Australia and be a part of the Test series as, under existing rules, they will need to completely isolate themselves and cannot train in the quarantine period. " The rest of the Indian cricketers were allowed to train during the quarantine period because they moved from one bubble - in Dubai - to the other - in Sydney. So, relaxation will be needed if the two are to be a part of the Test series," the source explained. ALSO READ: NZ vs PAK: Six Pakistan cricketers test positive for Covid-19 There is a belief that the former Indian captain can find a solution as he has done so many times on the field. While NCA head Rahul Dravid had earlier said that Ishant would be fit in time for Test series, there are question marks whether he would be able last the entire series. Whereas, Rohit reportedly needs a couple of days to be 100 per cent fit. Notably, the BCCI had added Rohit to the Test squad at the eleventh hour and decided to rest him from the limited-overs series against Australia. "The BCCI Medical Team has been monitoring Rohit Sharma's fitness and has briefed All-India Senior Selection Committee on the same. In consultation with Sharma, it has been decided to rest him for the ODIs and T20Is in Australia to regain full fitness and he has been included in Ind in India's Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy," the BCCI said in a release on November 9. The Test series is set to commence from December 17 in Adelaide in what will be the day-night Test between India and Australia.

On Rohit and Ishant Sharma, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly to negotiate quarantine rules with CA

Six players from the Pakistan cricket team tested positive for COVID-19. The positive reports from the Pakistan camp have thrown the preparations for the five-match series into jeopardy while causing scare in a country that has managed to control the coronavirus.

The Pakistan squad’s "exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed", the governing body said, adding that the six positive players would be moved into strict quarantine.&nbsp;

New Zealand’s ministry of health said that 53 team members passed a symptom check before leaving Lahore and were tested in Christchurch upon their arrival on November 24.

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While six players have now come back positive, two of the cases are believed to be "historical".&nbsp;

New Zealand Health said the participating players will now "be tested a minimum of four times while in managed isolation" and the entire squad would be confined to their rooms.&nbsp;

New Zealand Health also revealed that "several team members have been seen on CCTV at the facility breaching managed isolation rules, despite clear, consistent and detailed communication of expected behaviours".&nbsp;

"The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning," it said.&nbsp;

"It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return, teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep Covid-19 out of our communities and keep our staff safe," said top health official Ashley Bloomfield.&nbsp;

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New Zealand has registered just 1,684 cases since the pandemic began.

Even before Pakistan embarked on a journey to Kiwi soil, Pakistan’s tour was hit by ill-health after opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out at the 11th hour with persistent fever.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old left-hander tested negative along with the rest of the squad.&nbsp;

The tour, with three Twenty20 internationals and two Tests, is scheduled to begin on December 18 in Auckland.

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

Six players from the Pakistan cricket team tested positive for COVID-19. The positive reports from the Pakistan camp have thrown the preparations for the five-match series into jeopardy while causing scare in a country that has managed to control the coronavirus.

Six players from the Pakistan cricket team tested positive for COVID-19. The positive reports from the Pakistan camp have thrown the preparations for the five-match series into jeopardy while causing scare in a country that has managed to control the coronavirus. The Pakistan squad’s "exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed", the governing body said, adding that the six positive players would be moved into strict quarantine. New Zealand’s ministry of health said that 53 team members passed a symptom check before leaving Lahore and were tested in Christchurch upon their arrival on November 24. ALSO READ: 'RIP Diego Maradona': Footballing world pays tribute to former Argentine While six players have now come back positive, two of the cases are believed to be "historical". New Zealand Health said the participating players will now "be tested a minimum of four times while in managed isolation" and the entire squad would be confined to their rooms. New Zealand Health also revealed that "several team members have been seen on CCTV at the facility breaching managed isolation rules, despite clear, consistent and detailed communication of expected behaviours". "The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning," it said. "It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return, teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep Covid-19 out of our communities and keep our staff safe," said top health official Ashley Bloomfield. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Both teams to likely to pay tribute to Phil Hughes on his 6th death anniversary New Zealand has registered just 1,684 cases since the pandemic began. Even before Pakistan embarked on a journey to Kiwi soil, Pakistan’s tour was hit by ill-health after opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out at the 11th hour with persistent fever. The 30-year-old left-hander tested negative along with the rest of the squad. The tour, with three Twenty20 internationals and two Tests, is scheduled to begin on December 18 in Auckland. (With AFP inputs)

NZ vs PAK: Six Pakistan cricketers test positive for Covid-19

India will host England for four Tests in early 2021 in what could become the key clashes in deciding who reaches the world Test championship final.

Sourav Ganguly, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, announced the series, planned for February-March, late Tuesday, but warned the coronavirus pandemic could still cause problems.

Australia lead the nine-nation inaugural world Test championship league with India second and England third. The top two will go into the final next year at Lord's.

India host England shortly after their four-Test series in Australia and both showdowns will be key in deciding the final. England had originally been scheduled to play five Tests in India.

England will play four Tests, three one-day internationals and five T20s, Ganguly said, although he said the BCCI would "have to keep assessing the situation" because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"A lot of people are talking about the second Covid wave," he said. "We're already hearing of cases being on the rise again in Mumbai and Delhi, so we have to be careful and make sure everything is in order."

Ganguly revealed that he has undergone 22 Covid-19 Tests in the past four-and-a-half months because of his travel schedule. All had been negative, he said.

The coronavirus has claimed more than 100,000 lives in India, which is the second worst hit nation after the United States.

England's original limited-overs tour to India in September-October and the Twenty20 World Cup in October-November were both casualties of the pandemic.

India will host England for four Tests in early 2021 in what could become the key clashes in deciding who reaches the world Test championship final. Sourav Ganguly, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, announced the series, planned for February-March, late Tuesday, but warned the coronavirus pandemic could still cause problems.

India will host England for four Tests in early 2021 in what could become the key clashes in deciding who reaches the world Test championship final. Sourav Ganguly, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, announced the series, planned for February-March, late Tuesday, but warned the coronavirus pandemic could still cause problems. Australia lead the nine-nation inaugural world Test championship league with India second and England third. The top two will go into the final next year at Lord's. India host England shortly after their four-Test series in Australia and both showdowns will be key in deciding the final. England had originally been scheduled to play five Tests in India. England will play four Tests, three one-day internationals and five T20s, Ganguly said, although he said the BCCI would "have to keep assessing the situation" because of the coronavirus pandemic. "A lot of people are talking about the second Covid wave," he said. "We're already hearing of cases being on the rise again in Mumbai and Delhi, so we have to be careful and make sure everything is in order." Ganguly revealed that he has undergone 22 Covid-19 Tests in the past four-and-a-half months because of his travel schedule. All had been negative, he said. The coronavirus has claimed more than 100,000 lives in India, which is the second worst hit nation after the United States. England's original limited-overs tour to India in September-October and the Twenty20 World Cup in October-November were both casualties of the pandemic.

England to play four Tests in India: Ganguly

The International Cricket Council has started an investigation in an alleged attempt to fix matches of the Lanka&nbsp;Premier League (LPL) 2020, scheduled to start on Thursday.

According to reports, the complaint alleges a former national cricketer of approaching a Lanka&nbsp;Premier League player and is currently being investigated by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).&nbsp;

"The former national player who allegedly made the approach is currently overseas," Lankadeepa newspaper said, adding that he had once been accused, but later cleared, of match-fixing charges by the ICC.

The ICC said it would not discuss any ongoing investigation whereas the Sri Lanka board’s anti-corruption unit also declined to comment.

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The inaugural edition of LPL commences on Thursday, behind closed doors, and is under close scrutiny of the ICC anti-corruption officials, the national board and the sports ministry.&nbsp;

Last week, former Sri Lankan pacer and fast bowling coach Nuwan Zoyza said he would appeal the verdict of ICC-appointed tribunal which found him guilty of three offences relating to match-fixing after a two-year investigation.

In 2018, Sri Lanka introduced a law against corruption in sports after then-sports minister Harin Fernando declared that ICC considers Sri Lanka as the world’s most corrupt cricket nation.

Since then, the Sri Lankan board and ICC have conducted anti-corruption programmes for players and officials while setting up a 24-hour hotline to report any "suspicious or corrupt activity."

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The LPL 2020 will be Sri Lanka’s first cricket tournament since England pulled out of the two-match Test series in March as the COVID-19 pandemic spread.

The start was delayed three times because of coronavirus restrictions imposed by authorities to contain the virus which has claimed 94 lives and infected nearly 21,000 people.

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council has started an investigation in an alleged attempt to fix matches of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2020, scheduled to start on Thursday.

The International Cricket Council has started an investigation in an alleged attempt to fix matches of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2020, scheduled to start on Thursday. According to reports, the complaint alleges a former national cricketer of approaching a Lanka Premier League player and is currently being investigated by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). "The former national player who allegedly made the approach is currently overseas," Lankadeepa newspaper said, adding that he had once been accused, but later cleared, of match-fixing charges by the ICC. The ICC said it would not discuss any ongoing investigation whereas the Sri Lanka board’s anti-corruption unit also declined to comment. ALSO READ: ICC Awards of The Decade announced - Check voting rules, nominations The inaugural edition of LPL commences on Thursday, behind closed doors, and is under close scrutiny of the ICC anti-corruption officials, the national board and the sports ministry. Last week, former Sri Lankan pacer and fast bowling coach Nuwan Zoyza said he would appeal the verdict of ICC-appointed tribunal which found him guilty of three offences relating to match-fixing after a two-year investigation. In 2018, Sri Lanka introduced a law against corruption in sports after then-sports minister Harin Fernando declared that ICC considers Sri Lanka as the world’s most corrupt cricket nation. Since then, the Sri Lankan board and ICC have conducted anti-corruption programmes for players and officials while setting up a 24-hour hotline to report any "suspicious or corrupt activity." ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma returned to India from UAE as father contracted Covid-19: Report The LPL 2020 will be Sri Lanka’s first cricket tournament since England pulled out of the two-match Test series in March as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. The start was delayed three times because of coronavirus restrictions imposed by authorities to contain the virus which has claimed 94 lives and infected nearly 21,000 people. (With AFP inputs)

Lanka Premier League 2020 probed by ICC over alleged match-fixing

Australia head coach Justin Langer on Wednesday hinted that opener Joe Burns is set to continue as David Warner’s partner in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against India despite calls from former Aussie cricketers and pundits for Will Pucovski to replace him.

Pucovski was named in the Test squad after consecutive double centuries in Sheffield Shield to start the season. Whereas Burns, who has re-established himself as Warner’s opening partner, struggled.

Langer while praising Pucovski said that he might need to bide his time during the Australian summer.&nbsp;

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<h2>Will Pucovski ready to play test cricket: Justin Langer</h2>

“We think very, very highly of Will,” Langer told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday.

“When the opportunity comes, he’s ready to play test cricket. The opportunity hopefully will come for him at some point, whether it’s this series or a series to come.”

Langer added that Pucovski could come into the playing XI in the middle order – a similar path taken by former skipper Ricky Ponting.&nbsp;

“For Will, it’s about where the opportunities come,” Langer added. “For the last 30 years it’s been drummed into me if you can bat top three in Shield cricket, you can bat anywhere.

“Someone like Will, who’s opening the batting for Victoria and has batted three, it gives him the flexibility to bat anywhere.”

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Langer further said that Steve Smith will be back in the team for their limited-overs series against India after missing the ODI series in England due to concussion.&nbsp;

Smith’s return is giving headaches to selectors, who are keen to go with a seam-bowling all-rounder even though Mitchell Marsh’s ankle injury has opened up a spot for a batsman.

“In England, we had Mitch Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell able to get us at least 10 overs,” Langer said. 
“So we like that combination, the extra all-rounder.

“Obviously Steve will come straight back in and there are some headaches but they’re good headaches.” 
&nbsp;

Australia head coach Justin Langer on Wednesday hinted that opener Joe Burns is set to continue as David Warner’s partner in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against India despite calls from former Aussie cricketers and pundits for Will Pucovski to replace him.

Australia head coach Justin Langer on Wednesday hinted that opener Joe Burns is set to continue as David Warner’s partner in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against India despite calls from former Aussie cricketers and pundits for Will Pucovski to replace him. Pucovski was named in the Test squad after consecutive double centuries in Sheffield Shield to start the season. Whereas Burns, who has re-established himself as Warner’s opening partner, struggled. Langer while praising Pucovski said that he might need to bide his time during the Australian summer. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: KL Rahul opens up about his batting position, leadership role in Indian team Will Pucovski ready to play test cricket: Justin Langer “We think very, very highly of Will,” Langer told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday. “When the opportunity comes, he’s ready to play test cricket. The opportunity hopefully will come for him at some point, whether it’s this series or a series to come.” Langer added that Pucovski could come into the playing XI in the middle order – a similar path taken by former skipper Ricky Ponting. “For Will, it’s about where the opportunities come,” Langer added. “For the last 30 years it’s been drummed into me if you can bat top three in Shield cricket, you can bat anywhere. “Someone like Will, who’s opening the batting for Victoria and has batted three, it gives him the flexibility to bat anywhere.” ALSO READ: ICC Awards of The Decade announced - Check voting rules, nominations Langer further said that Steve Smith will be back in the team for their limited-overs series against India after missing the ODI series in England due to concussion. Smith’s return is giving headaches to selectors, who are keen to go with a seam-bowling all-rounder even though Mitchell Marsh’s ankle injury has opened up a spot for a batsman. “In England, we had Mitch Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell able to get us at least 10 overs,” Langer said. “So we like that combination, the extra all-rounder. “Obviously Steve will come straight back in and there are some headaches but they’re good headaches.”

Australia rate Will Pucovski highly but he may need to bide his time: Justin Langer

England opener Jason Roy, ahead of the South Africa series, has said that no one is assured of a place in the team given the quality of players in the limited-overs squad while adding there is pressure on everybody to perform.&nbsp;

England is set to take on South Africa in three T20Is and as many ODIs. This will be South Africa’s first international assignment since March.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2021 scheduled to be played in India in October and November, competition for places is fierce in the England squad.

“It’s a beautiful position to be in, to be spoilt for choice,” Roy told reporters on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-kl-rahul-opens-up-about-his-batting-position-leadership-role-in-indian-team-345310" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS: KL Rahul opens up about his batting position, leadership role in Indian team</a>

“I would 100 per cent be lying if you said you were not under pressure for your place.

“The amount of talent that is around us. There is not one person, everyone is getting pushed to their limits. No one can rest on their laurels, it’s one of those amazing squads.

“I have got to get myself physically fit, mentally fit and then I’ve got to score some runs. It’s as simple as that.”

South African-born Roy went through a torrid run of form in English summer, managing just 49 runs in six matches – against Ireland and Australia – after lighting up the 50-over World Cup which England won. He is now set to face two in-form bowlers in Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, that too in their home conditions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-awards-of-the-decade-announced-check-voting-rules-nominations-345292" hreflang="en">ICC Awards of The Decade announced - Check voting rules, nominations</a>

“You just know you need to switch on or you’ll leave with a few broken bones. You’ve got to make sure your training is on point and ready to face a bit of fire,” Roy said.

“It was a tough summer. Injury plus a new environment that is completely alien to me and who I am as a person. Mentally it was very tough.”

England opener Jason Roy, ahead of the South Africa series, has said that no one is assured of a place in the team given the quality of players in the limited-overs squad while adding there is pressure on everybody to perform.

England opener Jason Roy, ahead of the South Africa series, has said that no one is assured of a place in the team given the quality of players in the limited-overs squad while adding there is pressure on everybody to perform. England is set to take on South Africa in three T20Is and as many ODIs. This will be South Africa’s first international assignment since March. Ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2021 scheduled to be played in India in October and November, competition for places is fierce in the England squad. “It’s a beautiful position to be in, to be spoilt for choice,” Roy told reporters on Wednesday. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: KL Rahul opens up about his batting position, leadership role in Indian team “I would 100 per cent be lying if you said you were not under pressure for your place. “The amount of talent that is around us. There is not one person, everyone is getting pushed to their limits. No one can rest on their laurels, it’s one of those amazing squads. “I have got to get myself physically fit, mentally fit and then I’ve got to score some runs. It’s as simple as that.” South African-born Roy went through a torrid run of form in English summer, managing just 49 runs in six matches – against Ireland and Australia – after lighting up the 50-over World Cup which England won. He is now set to face two in-form bowlers in Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, that too in their home conditions. ALSO READ: ICC Awards of The Decade announced - Check voting rules, nominations “You just know you need to switch on or you’ll leave with a few broken bones. You’ve got to make sure your training is on point and ready to face a bit of fire,” Roy said. “It was a tough summer. Injury plus a new environment that is completely alien to me and who I am as a person. Mentally it was very tough.”

SA vs ENG: Jason Roy concedes fierce battle for places in England's limited-overs squad

The ICC Awards of The Decade will recognise the best players across cricket over the past 10 years, and the for the first time the fans’ voice will be heard in selecting the winners across categories including the Sir Garfield Sobers and Rachael Heyhoe Flint Awards, which celebrate the best overall player from the men’s and women’s game over the past decade. The fan vote will make up 10% of the voting, while votes from an expert panel will make up the remaining 90%.

Fans will provide 100% of the vote for the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade, from a list of the past winners since 2011.

The voting opens at 13:00 hours GST on Wednesday 25th November and closes at 22:30 hours GST on Wednesday 16th December. Fans can register on <a data-auth="NotApplicable" data-ogsc="" href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/awards" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">icc-cricket.com/awards</a>&nbsp;and vote for those shortlisted by an Awards Nominations Committee, based on performances during the period 1st January 2011 to 7th October 2020.

The top prize for voters is a once in a lifetime experience at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in India, including flights, accommodation, and pitch-side access to a Super 12s match. Other prizes include 45 pairs of match tickets, 15 Oppo Reno 4pro mobile phones and 50 $50 vouchers redeemable at the official T20 World Cup merchandise shop at the tournament.

The nominees for each of the categories have been determined by the Awards Nominations Committee according to on-field performances and overall achievements for at least five years during the period.

Award winners will be announced next month and will culminate in a special ICC Awards of the Decade digital show, to be broadcast on the ICC digital channels and will take into account the fans’ votes as well as those by a global panel of journalists and broadcasters.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-in-hunt-for-icc-player-of-the-decade-award-check-full-nominations-list-345122" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli in hunt for ICC Player of the Decade Award - Check full nominations list</a>

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🏏 3711 games 
⭐ Countless memories 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCAwards</a> are back, this time with an entire DECADE in focus 🤩 
 
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&nbsp;

The complete list of nominees for the ICC Awards of the Decade are as follows:

Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in men’s international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) during the performance period:

<ul>
	<li>R Ashwin (India)</li>
	<li>Virat Kohli (India)</li>
	<li>Joe Root (England)</li>
	<li>Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>Steve Smith (Australia)</li>
	<li>AB de Villiers (South Africa)</li>
	<li>Kane Williamson (New Zealand)</li>
</ul>

 
Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in women’s international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) during the performance period:

<ul>
	<li>Suzie Bates (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>Meg Lanning (Australia)</li>
	<li>Ellyse Perry (Australia)</li>
	<li>Mithali Raj (India)</li>
	<li>Sarah Taylor (England)</li>
	<li>Stafanie Taylor (West Indies)</li>
</ul>

 
ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in men’s Test cricket during the performance period:

<ul>
	<li>James Anderson (England)</li>
	<li>Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>Virat Kohli (India)</li>
	<li>Joe Root (England)</li>
	<li>Yasir Shah (Pakistan)</li>
	<li>Steve Smith (Australia)</li>
	<li>Kane Williamson (New Zealand)</li>
</ul>

 
ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in men’s ODI cricket during the performance period:

<ul>
	<li>MS Dhoni (India)</li>
	<li>Virat Kohli (India)</li>
	<li>Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>Rohit Sharma (India)</li>
	<li>Mitchell Starc (Australia)</li>
	<li>AB de Villiers (South Africa)</li>
</ul>

 
ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in women’s ODI cricket during the performance period:

<ul>
	<li>Suzie Bates (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>Jhulan Goswami (India)</li>
	<li>Meg Lanning (Australia)</li>
	<li>Ellyse Perry (Australia)</li>
	<li>Mithali Raj (India)</li>
	<li>Stafanie Taylor (West Indies)</li>
</ul>

 
ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in men’s T20I cricket during the performance period:

<ul>
	<li>Aaron Finch (Australia)</li>
	<li>Chris Gayle (West Indies)</li>
	<li>Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)</li>
	<li>Virat Kohli (India)</li>
	<li>Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>Rohit Sharma (India)</li>
	<li>Imran Tahir (South Africa)</li>
</ul>

 
ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in women’s T20I cricket during the performance period:

<ul>
	<li>Sophie Devine (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>Deandra Dottin (West Indies)</li>
	<li>Alyssa Healy (Australia)</li>
	<li>Meg Lanning (Australia)</li>
	<li>Ellyse Perry (Australia)</li>
	<li>Anya Shrubsole (England)</li>
</ul>

 
ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in men’s Associate cricket during the performance period:

<ul>
	<li>Richie Berrington (Scotland)</li>
	<li>Peter Borren (Netherlands)</li>
	<li>Kyle Coetzer (Scotland)</li>
	<li>Paras Khadka (Nepal)</li>
	<li>Calum MacLeod (Scotland)</li>
	<li>Assad Vala (PNG)</li>
</ul>

 
ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade&nbsp;– The best overall performer in women’s Associate cricket during the performance period:

<ul>
	<li>Kathryn Bryce (Scotland)</li>
	<li>Sarah Bryce (Scotland)</li>
	<li>Natthakan Chantham (Thailand)</li>
	<li>Sterre Kalis (Netherlands)</li>
	<li>Chanida Sutthiruang (Thailand)</li>
	<li>Sornnorin Tippoch (Thailand)</li>
</ul>

 
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade&nbsp;– An action, moment, gesture, or decision on the field of play in international cricket during the performance period which best reflects the Spirit of Cricket:

<ul>
	<li>2011 Winner – MS Dhoni (India)</li>
	<li>2012 Winner – Daniel Vettori (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>2013 Winner – Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)</li>
	<li>2014 Winner – Katherine Brunt (England)</li>
	<li>2015 Winner – Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>2016 Winner – Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan)</li>
	<li>2017 Winner – Anya Shrubsole (England)</li>
	<li>2018 Winner – Kane Williamson (New Zealand)</li>
	<li>2019 Winner – Virat Kohli (India)</li>
</ul>

 
To further enhance engagement,&nbsp;Teams of the Decade (TOTD)&nbsp;will be compiled by the Voting Academy of journalists and broadcasters for the following five formats:

<ul>
	<li>ICC Men’s Test TOTD</li>
	<li>ICC Men’s ODI TOTD</li>
	<li>ICC Women’s ODI TOTD</li>
	<li>ICC Men’s T20I TOTD</li>
	<li>ICC Women’s T20I TOTD</li>
</ul>

Members of the Awards Nominations Committee conceded that it was tough shortlisting the candidates for the awards.

Former West Indies player and commentator Ian Bishop: “It is extremely challenging to shortlist any group of excellent players over an extended period. In making these choices we have tried to put context to performances, even as the different formats have evolved in pace and style in a 10-year period.

“Some of your&nbsp;favourite names may have missed out, but not gone without recognition. We hope that this is seen as an opportunity to discuss, celebrate and rejoice in the many great players who have entertained us on the field in the last decade.”

Indian sports journalist Sharda Ugra: “A&nbsp;shortlist of players for an award as monumental as representing ‘a whole decade’ is both a complete delight and an utter nightmare. First, it brings back all the great memories the game gave us in that massive slice of time. That is smiles-on-faces time.

“The job of then pruning this from a vast cast of great characters down to a few names to work with requires much teeth-gritting. Sentimental favourites must be put through the sieve of significance of achievement, performance across ten years, quality of opposition and on we go, slicing and dicing.

“At the end of it, all you can do is be grateful to the game for giving you so much to love.”

The ICC Awards of The Decade will recognise the best players across cricket over the past 10 years, and the for the first time the fans’ voice will be heard in selecting the winners across categories including the Sir Garfield Sobers and Rachael Heyhoe Flint Awards, which celebrate the best overall player from the men’s and women’s game over the past decade.

The ICC Awards of The Decade will recognise the best players across cricket over the past 10 years, and the for the first time the fans’ voice will be heard in selecting the winners across categories including the Sir Garfield Sobers and Rachael Heyhoe Flint Awards, which celebrate the best overall player from the men’s and women’s game over the past decade. The fan vote will make up 10% of the voting, while votes from an expert panel will make up the remaining 90%. Fans will provide 100% of the vote for the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade, from a list of the past winners since 2011. The voting opens at 13:00 hours GST on Wednesday 25th November and closes at 22:30 hours GST on Wednesday 16th December. Fans can register on icc-cricket.com/awards and vote for those shortlisted by an Awards Nominations Committee, based on performances during the period 1st January 2011 to 7th October 2020. The top prize for voters is a once in a lifetime experience at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in India, including flights, accommodation, and pitch-side access to a Super 12s match. Other prizes include 45 pairs of match tickets, 15 Oppo Reno 4pro mobile phones and 50 $50 vouchers redeemable at the official T20 World Cup merchandise shop at the tournament. The nominees for each of the categories have been determined by the Awards Nominations Committee according to on-field performances and overall achievements for at least five years during the period. Award winners will be announced next month and will culminate in a special ICC Awards of the Decade digital show, to be broadcast on the ICC digital channels and will take into account the fans’ votes as well as those by a global panel of journalists and broadcasters. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli in hunt for ICC Player of the Decade Award - Check full nominations list 🚨 The #ICCAwards are back 🚨 And this time, we need YOUR help to decide! Which cricketers have impressed you in the last decade? 🏏 Vote now and you could win! ✈️ Flights 📱 Phones 🎟️ Tickets 🏏 Merchandise Make your vote count ⬇️ — ICC (@ICC) November 25, 2020 × 🔟 years 🏏 3711 games ⭐ Countless memories The #ICCAwards are back, this time with an entire DECADE in focus 🤩 We'll be giving away some incredible fan prizes too, so keep your eyes peeled 👀 pic.twitter.com/7B1UyU6eQa — ICC (@ICC) November 24, 2020 × The complete list of nominees for the ICC Awards of the Decade are as follows: Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in men’s international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) during the performance period: R Ashwin (India) Virat Kohli (India) Joe Root (England) Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) Steve Smith (Australia) AB de Villiers (South Africa) Kane Williamson (New Zealand) Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in women’s international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) during the performance period: Suzie Bates (New Zealand) Meg Lanning (Australia) Ellyse Perry (Australia) Mithali Raj (India) Sarah Taylor (England) Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in men’s Test cricket during the performance period: James Anderson (England) Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka) Virat Kohli (India) Joe Root (England) Yasir Shah (Pakistan) Steve Smith (Australia) Kane Williamson (New Zealand) ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in men’s ODI cricket during the performance period: MS Dhoni (India) Virat Kohli (India) Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) Rohit Sharma (India) Mitchell Starc (Australia) AB de Villiers (South Africa) ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in women’s ODI cricket during the performance period: Suzie Bates (New Zealand) Jhulan Goswami (India) Meg Lanning (Australia) Ellyse Perry (Australia) Mithali Raj (India) Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in men’s T20I cricket during the performance period: Aaron Finch (Australia) Chris Gayle (West Indies) Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) Virat Kohli (India) Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) Rohit Sharma (India) Imran Tahir (South Africa) ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in women’s T20I cricket during the performance period: Sophie Devine (New Zealand) Deandra Dottin (West Indies) Alyssa Healy (Australia) Meg Lanning (Australia) Ellyse Perry (Australia) Anya Shrubsole (England) ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in men’s Associate cricket during the performance period: Richie Berrington (Scotland) Peter Borren (Netherlands) Kyle Coetzer (Scotland) Paras Khadka (Nepal) Calum MacLeod (Scotland) Assad Vala (PNG) ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade – The best overall performer in women’s Associate cricket during the performance period: Kathryn Bryce (Scotland) Sarah Bryce (Scotland) Natthakan Chantham (Thailand) Sterre Kalis (Netherlands) Chanida Sutthiruang (Thailand) Sornnorin Tippoch (Thailand) ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade – An action, moment, gesture, or decision on the field of play in international cricket during the performance period which best reflects the Spirit of Cricket: 2011 Winner – MS Dhoni (India) 2012 Winner – Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) 2013 Winner – Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) 2014 Winner – Katherine Brunt (England) 2015 Winner – Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) 2016 Winner – Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) 2017 Winner – Anya Shrubsole (England) 2018 Winner – Kane Williamson (New Zealand) 2019 Winner – Virat Kohli (India) To further enhance engagement, Teams of the Decade (TOTD) will be compiled by the Voting Academy of journalists and broadcasters for the following five formats: ICC Men’s Test TOTD ICC Men’s ODI TOTD ICC Women’s ODI TOTD ICC Men’s T20I TOTD ICC Women’s T20I TOTD Members of the Awards Nominations Committee conceded that it was tough shortlisting the candidates for the awards. Former West Indies player and commentator Ian Bishop: “It is extremely challenging to shortlist any group of excellent players over an extended period. In making these choices we have tried to put context to performances, even as the different formats have evolved in pace and style in a 10-year period. “Some of your favourite names may have missed out, but not gone without recognition. We hope that this is seen as an opportunity to discuss, celebrate and rejoice in the many great players who have entertained us on the field in the last decade.” Indian sports journalist Sharda Ugra: “A shortlist of players for an award as monumental as representing ‘a whole decade’ is both a complete delight and an utter nightmare. First, it brings back all the great memories the game gave us in that massive slice of time. That is smiles-on-faces time. “The job of then pruning this from a vast cast of great characters down to a few names to work with requires much teeth-gritting. Sentimental favourites must be put through the sieve of significance of achievement, performance across ten years, quality of opposition and on we go, slicing and dicing. “At the end of it, all you can do is be grateful to the game for giving you so much to love.”

ICC Awards of The Decade announced - Check voting rules, nominations

A lot has been debated surrounding the fitness of Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma. The Indian opener suffered a hamstring tear during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but went on to play the last three matches. However, he was not named in India’s squad for the Australia tour before getting recalled for the Test series. Now, there are reports that he is likely to miss the entire Test series, let alone the first two Tests against Australia – arguably the most important and heated Test series in international cricket.&nbsp;

Rohit is yet to fully recover from the hamstring injury, with which he played the last three matches of IPL 2020 to help Mumbai Indians lift a record fifth title. Rohit didn’t travel with the Indian squad to Australia and rather came back to India and is now rehabilitating and training in the UAE. However, as per a report in Sports Today, Rohit returned to India to see his father, who had contracted COVID-19.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-to-play-four-tests-in-india-ganguly-345245" hreflang="en">England to play four Tests in India: Ganguly</a>

“Rohit came to Mumbai with the Mumbai Indians because his father had Covid. That is the reality which is why he had to go back to Bombay. After that, if he did not want to play the red-ball series, there was no reason for him to travel to the NCA and he could have easily stayed back in Bombay with Ritika and family and enjoyed the fruits of success. So there’s absolutely no reason to say that Rohit did not want to play the red-ball series,” renowned sports journalist Boria Majumdar said in a video.

As per a report in PTI, quarantine rules in Australia would make it highly unlikely for Rohit as well as Ishant Sharma to feature in the Test series Down Under.&nbsp;

"Even if they travel now they will have 'hard quarantine' since they will travel by commercial flight. Hard quarantine means not being able to train during the 14 days like the whole team," the source said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-in-hunt-for-icc-player-of-the-decade-award-check-full-nominations-list-345122" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli in hunt for ICC Player of the Decade Award - Check full nominations list</a>

"So, now if only Cricket Australia can convince the government and allow them to train during quarantine," he added.

Rohit was not named in the ODI and T20I series against Australia to recover from the hamstring injury.

But it would be interesting to see whether Cricket Australia (CA) can manage to convince Australian government to relax the quarantine rule for Rohit and Ishan to help them feature in the second half of the four-match Test series. 
&nbsp;

A lot has been debated surrounding the fitness of Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma. The Indian opener suffered a hamstring tear during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but went on to play the last three matches.

A lot has been debated surrounding the fitness of Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma. The Indian opener suffered a hamstring tear during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but went on to play the last three matches. However, he was not named in India’s squad for the Australia tour before getting recalled for the Test series. Now, there are reports that he is likely to miss the entire Test series, let alone the first two Tests against Australia – arguably the most important and heated Test series in international cricket. Rohit is yet to fully recover from the hamstring injury, with which he played the last three matches of IPL 2020 to help Mumbai Indians lift a record fifth title. Rohit didn’t travel with the Indian squad to Australia and rather came back to India and is now rehabilitating and training in the UAE. However, as per a report in Sports Today, Rohit returned to India to see his father, who had contracted COVID-19. ALSO READ: England to play four Tests in India: Ganguly “Rohit came to Mumbai with the Mumbai Indians because his father had Covid. That is the reality which is why he had to go back to Bombay. After that, if he did not want to play the red-ball series, there was no reason for him to travel to the NCA and he could have easily stayed back in Bombay with Ritika and family and enjoyed the fruits of success. So there’s absolutely no reason to say that Rohit did not want to play the red-ball series,” renowned sports journalist Boria Majumdar said in a video. As per a report in PTI, quarantine rules in Australia would make it highly unlikely for Rohit as well as Ishant Sharma to feature in the Test series Down Under. "Even if they travel now they will have 'hard quarantine' since they will travel by commercial flight. Hard quarantine means not being able to train during the 14 days like the whole team," the source said. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli in hunt for ICC Player of the Decade Award - Check full nominations list "So, now if only Cricket Australia can convince the government and allow them to train during quarantine," he added. Rohit was not named in the ODI and T20I series against Australia to recover from the hamstring injury. But it would be interesting to see whether Cricket Australia (CA) can manage to convince Australian government to relax the quarantine rule for Rohit and Ishan to help them feature in the second half of the four-match Test series.

Rohit Sharma returned to India from UAE as father contracted Covid-19: Report

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