In the ongoing match between India and Pakistan in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed was seen yawning behind the stumps and the whole incident has Twitter opinionated.

The incident happened when the match resumed after the rain break.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/milestone-men-rohit-sharma-kl-rahul-ensure-indias-maiden-century-partnership-against-pakistan-in-world-cup-227611">Also Read:&nbsp;Milestone men: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul ensure India's maiden century partnership against Pakistan in World Cup</a>

The match was stopped after 46.4 overs due to rain, and the break lasted for almost half-an-hour.

When the match resumed and players came back on to the field, Sarfaraz was seen yawning.

For live updates <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-22-india-vs-pakistan-227539">tap</a>

Twitter went berserk on Pakistan's skipper gesture and many people took to the social networking site to share their opinion.

"Did someone capture Sarfaraz yawning," one fan tweeted.

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Did someone capture Sarfaraz yawning ? <a href="https://t.co/g0CkLeRDhw">pic.twitter.com/g0CkLeRDhw</a>
— mountainous Pashtun (@Zarghoon_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zarghoon_/status/1140254457890070529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Sarfaraz kept yawning, Virat got 4, #IndiaVsPakistan," another fan tweeted.

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Sarfaraz kept yawning, virat got 4 🤣🤣<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaVsPakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaVsPakistan</a>
— k (@keeats245) <a href="https://twitter.com/keeats245/status/1140253547491016705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"LoL, how many of you saw Sarfaraz yawning! #INDvPAK #CWC19," another Twitter user commented.

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LoL how many of you saw Sarfaraz yawning! 😂😂😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a>
— Ajinkya (@ajinkyab12) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyab12/status/1140252850141855744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"On tv screen: looking Sarfaraz yawning on the ground is so embarrassing!Looks like he already gave up this match! #IndiaVsPakistan #CWC19," one Twitter user tweeted.

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On tv screen : looking sarfaraz yawning on ground is so embarrasing ! 
Looks like he already gave up this match ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaVsPakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaVsPakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a>
— Awais Bashir (@kohatian4622) <a href="https://twitter.com/kohatian4622/status/1140253558354448384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Sarfaraz yawning in field reminds me of how I yawn in my office after lunchtime #IndiaVsPakistan," another cricketing fan tweeted.

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sarfaraz yawning in field reminds me of how i yawn in my office after lunch time <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaVsPakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaVsPakistan</a>
— sumit (@Silence_killler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Silence_killler/status/1140253779926777857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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#Yawning is contagious. #Sarfaraz was yawning and #Virat declared himself out as he was feeling .#INDvPAK," another fan tweeted.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yawning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yawning</a> is contagious. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sarfaraz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sarfaraz</a> was yawning and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Virat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Virat</a> declared himself out as he was feeling 😴.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a>
— Arvind Sahukar (@_SahukarArvind) <a href="https://twitter.com/_SahukarArvind/status/1140256253890875397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In the match between India and Pakistan, the latter won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Indian openers gave the team a good start as KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma stitched a partnership of 136 runs.

Rohit went on to score his 24th ODI ton and Virat achieved 11,000 run-mark, becoming the fastest batsmen to reach the milestone.

India scored 336 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted fifty overs.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

In the ongoing match between India and Pakistan in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed was seen yawning behind the stumps and the whole incident has Twitter opinionated.

In the ongoing match between India and Pakistan in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed was seen yawning behind the stumps and the whole incident has Twitter opinionated. The incident happened when the match resumed after the rain break. Also Read: Milestone men: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul ensure India's maiden century partnership against Pakistan in World Cup The match was stopped after 46.4 overs due to rain, and the break lasted for almost half-an-hour. When the match resumed and players came back on to the field, Sarfaraz was seen yawning. For live updates tap Twitter went berserk on Pakistan's skipper gesture and many people took to the social networking site to share their opinion. "Did someone capture Sarfaraz yawning," one fan tweeted. Did someone capture Sarfaraz yawning ? pic.twitter.com/g0CkLeRDhw — mountainous Pashtun (@Zarghoon_) June 16, 2019 × "Sarfaraz kept yawning, Virat got 4, #IndiaVsPakistan," another fan tweeted. Sarfaraz kept yawning, virat got 4 🤣🤣#IndiaVsPakistan — k (@keeats245) June 16, 2019 × "LoL, how many of you saw Sarfaraz yawning! #INDvPAK #CWC19," another Twitter user commented. LoL how many of you saw Sarfaraz yawning! 😂😂😂#INDvPAK #CWC19 — Ajinkya (@ajinkyab12) June 16, 2019 × "On tv screen: looking Sarfaraz yawning on the ground is so embarrassing!Looks like he already gave up this match! #IndiaVsPakistan #CWC19," one Twitter user tweeted. On tv screen : looking sarfaraz yawning on ground is so embarrasing ! Looks like he already gave up this match ! #IndiaVsPakistan #CWC19 — Awais Bashir (@kohatian4622) June 16, 2019 × "Sarfaraz yawning in field reminds me of how I yawn in my office after lunchtime #IndiaVsPakistan," another cricketing fan tweeted. sarfaraz yawning in field reminds me of how i yawn in my office after lunch time #IndiaVsPakistan — sumit (@Silence_killler) June 16, 2019 × #Yawning is contagious. #Sarfaraz was yawning and #Virat declared himself out as he was feeling .#INDvPAK," another fan tweeted. #Yawning is contagious. #Sarfaraz was yawning and #Virat declared himself out as he was feeling 😴.#INDvPAK — Arvind Sahukar (@_SahukarArvind) June 16, 2019 × In the match between India and Pakistan, the latter won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Indian openers gave the team a good start as KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma stitched a partnership of 136 runs. Rohit went on to score his 24th ODI ton and Virat achieved 11,000 run-mark, becoming the fastest batsmen to reach the milestone. India scored 336 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted fifty overs.

World Cup: Tweeple react as Sarfaraz Ahmed spotted yawning during India vs Pakistan match

Virat Kohli walked after Mohammad Amir appealed for caught behind but television cameras later showed that the Indian captain wasn't out as the ball which went over his helmet had missed the willow by a distance.

As Virat himself saw the footage being played on the big screen at Manchester, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-22-india-vs-pakistan-227539">the Indian captain looked bemused</a> but a&nbsp;few minutes later was seen losing his temper in the players dressing room. Virat who is not known as a "walker" perhaps missed a trick in the heat of the moment just after he came out to bat after the rain interruption.

The Indian captain had scored 77 runs in just 65 balls studded with seven boundaries but looked good for more when Amir bounced him to claim his wicket as Pakistan skipper Safaraz Ahmed took the "catch".

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BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> finally encounters someone who can get him out - himself. <a href="https://t.co/TXFFE3sVJC">pic.twitter.com/TXFFE3sVJC</a>
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1140257524031135744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Indian opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-six-symbol-rohit-sharma-hits-most-sixes-beats-dhonis-record-227634">Rohit Sharma hit a superlative century</a>(140) studded with 14 boundaries and three sixes in 113 balls as Indian batsmen rattled the Pakistani pace attack.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/milestone-men-rohit-sharma-kl-rahul-ensure-indias-maiden-century-partnership-against-pakistan-in-world-cup-227611">Rohit and KL Rahul, who hit 57 in 78 balls </a>with three boundaries and two sixes, brought up a century stand to peg back Pakistan who won the toss and put India into bat.

Rahul finally fell with India on 136 but Rohit and Virat came together to keep the momentum as the two stitched a 98-run partnership. Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya played a cameo(26) in 19 balls with two boundaries and a six as the Indian batsmen made merry at Manchester.

India finally finished their innings at 336/7 in 50 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Virat Kohli walked after Mohammad Amir appealed for caught behind but television cameras later showed that the Indian captain wasn't out as the ball which went over his helmet had missed the willow by a distance.

Virat Kohli walked after Mohammad Amir appealed for caught behind but television cameras later showed that the Indian captain wasn't out as the ball which went over his helmet had missed the willow by a distance. As Virat himself saw the footage being played on the big screen at Manchester, the Indian captain looked bemused but a few minutes later was seen losing his temper in the players dressing room. Virat who is not known as a "walker" perhaps missed a trick in the heat of the moment just after he came out to bat after the rain interruption. The Indian captain had scored 77 runs in just 65 balls studded with seven boundaries but looked good for more when Amir bounced him to claim his wicket as Pakistan skipper Safaraz Ahmed took the "catch". BREAKING: @imVkohli finally encounters someone who can get him out - himself. pic.twitter.com/TXFFE3sVJC — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 16, 2019 × Earlier, Indian opener Rohit Sharma hit a superlative century(140) studded with 14 boundaries and three sixes in 113 balls as Indian batsmen rattled the Pakistani pace attack. Rohit and KL Rahul, who hit 57 in 78 balls with three boundaries and two sixes, brought up a century stand to peg back Pakistan who won the toss and put India into bat. Rahul finally fell with India on 136 but Rohit and Virat came together to keep the momentum as the two stitched a 98-run partnership. Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya played a cameo(26) in 19 balls with two boundaries and a six as the Indian batsmen made merry at Manchester. India finally finished their innings at 336/7 in 50 overs.

World Cup: Virat Kohli out? TV cameras show Indian captain 'walked' as Pak captain Sarfaraz claimed 'catch'

The cricket craze in India is since pre-independence era but Pakistan emerged as a cricket playing nation after the nation was created post-Indo-Pak division in 1947.&nbsp;

However, very few know that there are three players who have played for both India and Pakistan.

Amir Elahi 
Elahi was a leg break bowler who represented both India and Pakistan. Elahi played one Test for India and after Pakistan acquired Test match status in 1952, he went on to play Test matches for Pakistan.&nbsp;

He played for India in one test match against Australia at Sydney in 1947 and five test matches for Pakistan from 1952 till 1953.

Gul Mohammad&nbsp; 
Mohammad played eight matches for India and made a single appearance for Pakistan.&nbsp;He was a left-handed batsman and used to bowl medium pace.

He was also a brilliant fielder.

He represented India from 1946 to 1955 and Pakistan in one test against Australia at Karachi in 1956.

Mohammad played for India against Pakistan in Pakistan's first tour of India in 1951–52.

Abdul Hafeez Kardar&nbsp; 
Kardar, who started playing cricket in India later went on to become the first captain of the Pakistan cricket team in 1948.

Kardar is widely regarded as a father figure of Pakistan cricket.

He played for India from 1946 till 1948 and then for Pakistan from 1948 till 1958.

The cricket craze in India is since pre-independence era but Pakistan emerged as a cricket playing nation after the nation was created post-Indo-Pak division in 1947.

The cricket craze in India is since pre-independence era but Pakistan emerged as a cricket playing nation after the nation was created post-Indo-Pak division in 1947. However, very few know that there are three players who have played for both India and Pakistan. Amir Elahi Elahi was a leg break bowler who represented both India and Pakistan. Elahi played one Test for India and after Pakistan acquired Test match status in 1952, he went on to play Test matches for Pakistan. He played for India in one test match against Australia at Sydney in 1947 and five test matches for Pakistan from 1952 till 1953. Gul Mohammad Mohammad played eight matches for India and made a single appearance for Pakistan. He was a left-handed batsman and used to bowl medium pace. He was also a brilliant fielder. He represented India from 1946 to 1955 and Pakistan in one test against Australia at Karachi in 1956. Mohammad played for India against Pakistan in Pakistan's first tour of India in 1951–52. Abdul Hafeez Kardar Kardar, who started playing cricket in India later went on to become the first captain of the Pakistan cricket team in 1948. Kardar is widely regarded as a father figure of Pakistan cricket. He played for India from 1946 till 1948 and then for Pakistan from 1948 till 1958.

These three cricketers had played for both India and Pakistan

England captain Eoin Morgan heaped praise on batsman Joe Root whose polished century led the team to an emphatic eight-wicket Cricket World Cup victory over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trevor-bayliss-will-have-to-live-with-the-sheldon-salute-says-jason-holder-226942">West Indies</a> on Friday.

Root was pushed up the order to open after Jason Roy sustained a hamstring injury, and he responded with his second century of the tournament as the hosts secured their third win in four matches.

"Exceptionally pleased, I think he is now the highest run scorer in the tournament," Morgan told a news conference.

"He's scored two hundreds. He's such an important player for us. He is the glue that holds everything together," Morgan added.

Root struck 11 fours and faced only 94 balls in his 100 not out as England strolled to a target of 213 with nearly 17 overs to spare, fuelling their hopes of winning the World Cup for the first time.

"It's probably a side of his batting that has got better over the last two or three years that people haven't seen a lot of, his expansive game," Morgan said.

"He never seems to go at less than a run a ball. You look up, he is going at more than a run a ball and it is exceptionally good to watch. To see him come out and be in this form and continue it is brilliant," Morgan said.

Morgan was forced to leave the field after suffering a back spasm and could be a doubt for England's next game, against Afghanistan on Tuesday.

"It's sore," Morgan said. "I've had back spasms before. We think it is another back spasm. It normally takes a few days to settle down."

Roy also limped off, giving England another headache.

"He had a tight hamstring so he will go for a scan tomorrow and probably it will take 48 hours before we have the results," Morgan said.

England fast bowlers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eoin-morgan-knows-what-jofra-archers-feeling-ahead-of-clash-against-native-country-west-indies-227033">Jofra Archer</a> and Mark Wood took three wickets each as West Indies were dismissed for 212, and Morgan was delighted to have genuine quicks at his disposal.

"I think it's been one of the trends of the tournament," he said.

"A lot of the teams have bowlers who can bowl quite quickly. We are very fortunate we have three guys that can touch 90mph. It's something that we are going to use. It will be a strength of ours," Morgan said.

West Indies captain Jason Holder was left to rue another inconsistent performance from his team, who are sixth in the standings following their second loss and in danger of missing out on the semi-finals.

"We were showing glimpses of what we can produce here in this tournament so far and also in the recent past and in the past generally," Holder said.

"It is just a matter of bringing it together for long periods, stringing together a complete game and being consistent," Holder added.

England captain Eoin Morgan heaped praise on batsman Joe Root whose polished century led the team to an emphatic eight-wicket Cricket World Cup victory over West Indies on Friday.

England captain Eoin Morgan heaped praise on batsman Joe Root whose polished century led the team to an emphatic eight-wicket Cricket World Cup victory over West Indies on Friday. Root was pushed up the order to open after Jason Roy sustained a hamstring injury, and he responded with his second century of the tournament as the hosts secured their third win in four matches. "Exceptionally pleased, I think he is now the highest run scorer in the tournament," Morgan told a news conference. "He's scored two hundreds. He's such an important player for us. He is the glue that holds everything together," Morgan added. Root struck 11 fours and faced only 94 balls in his 100 not out as England strolled to a target of 213 with nearly 17 overs to spare, fuelling their hopes of winning the World Cup for the first time. "It's probably a side of his batting that has got better over the last two or three years that people haven't seen a lot of, his expansive game," Morgan said. "He never seems to go at less than a run a ball. You look up, he is going at more than a run a ball and it is exceptionally good to watch. To see him come out and be in this form and continue it is brilliant," Morgan said. Morgan was forced to leave the field after suffering a back spasm and could be a doubt for England's next game, against Afghanistan on Tuesday. "It's sore," Morgan said. "I've had back spasms before. We think it is another back spasm. It normally takes a few days to settle down." Roy also limped off, giving England another headache. "He had a tight hamstring so he will go for a scan tomorrow and probably it will take 48 hours before we have the results," Morgan said. England fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood took three wickets each as West Indies were dismissed for 212, and Morgan was delighted to have genuine quicks at his disposal. "I think it's been one of the trends of the tournament," he said. "A lot of the teams have bowlers who can bowl quite quickly. We are very fortunate we have three guys that can touch 90mph. It's something that we are going to use. It will be a strength of ours," Morgan said. West Indies captain Jason Holder was left to rue another inconsistent performance from his team, who are sixth in the standings following their second loss and in danger of missing out on the semi-finals. "We were showing glimpses of what we can produce here in this tournament so far and also in the recent past and in the past generally," Holder said. "It is just a matter of bringing it together for long periods, stringing together a complete game and being consistent," Holder added.

World Cup: Joe Root is England's glue, says captain Eoin Morgan

When Jofra Archer returned for his second spell and took two wickets in two balls to leave West Indies reeling on Friday, the collective sighs of regret from Caribbean fans inside Southampton's Rose Bowl were almost audible.

West Indies dangerman Nicholas Pooran was doing his best to see his side to a defendable total and had reached 63 when paceman Archer got a lifting 90mph delivery to brush the glove before being caught by Jos Buttler.

Next ball and Archer had Sheldon Cottrell plumb lbw for a duck and suddenly the Barbados-born 24-year-old was on a World Cup hat-trick, not even the most inventive scriptwriter would have dared to pen a few months back.

It did not happen as Oshane Thomas survived the last ball of the over but minutes later Archer removed Carlos Brathwaite to become the first English bowler to take three three-wicket hauls in World Cup history.

He had gone wicket-less in his opening five overs when West Indies opener Chris Gayle dished out some punishment to the young upstart with a flurry of boundaries.

But he ended with figures of three for 30 as West Indies were all out for 212, offering further proof if it were needed, that West Indies have allowed a genuine game-changer to slip through their grasp.

"He is a pleasure to captain. He loves the challenge and to overcome it," England captain Eoin Morgan said of Archer after his three-wicket burst on Friday.

In a parallel universe, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eoin-morgan-knows-what-jofra-archers-feeling-ahead-of-clash-against-native-country-west-indies-227033">Archer would have walked out of the West Indies</a> dressing room on Friday wearing burgundy not light blue and would have had Morgan in his sights.

That he did not can be traced back to the day he was left out of the West Indies squad for 2014 Under 19 World Cup despite having already shone for the age-group side.

"At the beginning, he really, really wanted to play for the West Indies. After being disappointed, his heart's desire changed and it became just a matter of playing international cricket," former teammate Zachary McCaskie told The Times.

Impetuous perhaps, but Archer was a man in a hurry and he recognised that a move to England could help him to earn more money and provide the platform for his talents to shine.

After impressing with county side Sussex as a quick bowler and aggressive batsman, he was signed in 2018 by Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Rajasthan Royals for 800,000 pounds ($1.01 million).

There he was teammates with England all-rounder Ben Stokes and Buttler, although at the time his hopes of realising his ambition of playing for England seemed a long way off under the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) eligibility rules.

The door was still open to play for West Indies but for Archer, there was no going back and when, last November, the ECB reduced the residency rule from seven years to three, Archer suddenly came into contention for the World Cup.

Despite his inexperience at the international level, the clamour to include Archer in the squad grew louder day by day.

Once in, he has not disappointed which is probably no surprise at all to those who used to watch a teenaged Archer skittle opposition with his effortless pace and whack sixes into the cemetery bordering Bridgetown's Wildey Cricket Club.

It certainly has not surprised former coaches Corey Yearwood who recalls a "bony" 16-year-old Archer roughing up West Indies test player Shane Shillingford in a net session.

"Shane said to me afterwards,&nbsp;'It is unbelievable that his small frame could bowl that pace. This guy is going to play for the West Indies'," Yearwood told The Times.

Sadly for West Indies, whose World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after Friday's thumping eight-wicket defeat, that never materialised. Instead, Archer has already taken nine wickets in the tournament for England -- one less than tournament leader Mohammad Amir of Pakistan.

Worryingly for England's future opponents, Archer appears to just be warming up.

When Jofra Archer returned for his second spell and took two wickets in two balls to leave West Indies reeling on Friday, the collective sighs of regret from Caribbean fans inside Southampton's Rose Bowl were almost audible.

When Jofra Archer returned for his second spell and took two wickets in two balls to leave West Indies reeling on Friday, the collective sighs of regret from Caribbean fans inside Southampton's Rose Bowl were almost audible. West Indies dangerman Nicholas Pooran was doing his best to see his side to a defendable total and had reached 63 when paceman Archer got a lifting 90mph delivery to brush the glove before being caught by Jos Buttler. Next ball and Archer had Sheldon Cottrell plumb lbw for a duck and suddenly the Barbados-born 24-year-old was on a World Cup hat-trick, not even the most inventive scriptwriter would have dared to pen a few months back. It did not happen as Oshane Thomas survived the last ball of the over but minutes later Archer removed Carlos Brathwaite to become the first English bowler to take three three-wicket hauls in World Cup history. He had gone wicket-less in his opening five overs when West Indies opener Chris Gayle dished out some punishment to the young upstart with a flurry of boundaries. But he ended with figures of three for 30 as West Indies were all out for 212, offering further proof if it were needed, that West Indies have allowed a genuine game-changer to slip through their grasp. "He is a pleasure to captain. He loves the challenge and to overcome it," England captain Eoin Morgan said of Archer after his three-wicket burst on Friday. In a parallel universe, Archer would have walked out of the West Indies dressing room on Friday wearing burgundy not light blue and would have had Morgan in his sights. That he did not can be traced back to the day he was left out of the West Indies squad for 2014 Under 19 World Cup despite having already shone for the age-group side. "At the beginning, he really, really wanted to play for the West Indies. After being disappointed, his heart's desire changed and it became just a matter of playing international cricket," former teammate Zachary McCaskie told The Times. Impetuous perhaps, but Archer was a man in a hurry and he recognised that a move to England could help him to earn more money and provide the platform for his talents to shine. After impressing with county side Sussex as a quick bowler and aggressive batsman, he was signed in 2018 by Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Rajasthan Royals for 800,000 pounds ($1.01 million). There he was teammates with England all-rounder Ben Stokes and Buttler, although at the time his hopes of realising his ambition of playing for England seemed a long way off under the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) eligibility rules. The door was still open to play for West Indies but for Archer, there was no going back and when, last November, the ECB reduced the residency rule from seven years to three, Archer suddenly came into contention for the World Cup. Despite his inexperience at the international level, the clamour to include Archer in the squad grew louder day by day. Once in, he has not disappointed which is probably no surprise at all to those who used to watch a teenaged Archer skittle opposition with his effortless pace and whack sixes into the cemetery bordering Bridgetown's Wildey Cricket Club. It certainly has not surprised former coaches Corey Yearwood who recalls a "bony" 16-year-old Archer roughing up West Indies test player Shane Shillingford in a net session. "Shane said to me afterwards, 'It is unbelievable that his small frame could bowl that pace. This guy is going to play for the West Indies'," Yearwood told The Times. Sadly for West Indies, whose World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after Friday's thumping eight-wicket defeat, that never materialised. Instead, Archer has already taken nine wickets in the tournament for England -- one less than tournament leader Mohammad Amir of Pakistan. Worryingly for England's future opponents, Archer appears to just be warming up.

World Cup: England's Jofra Archer reminds West Indies of what they let slip away

The "far better" Indian team has a much higher probability of winning against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-not-beg-india-to-play-cricket-with-us-says-pakistan-cricket-board-chief-227066">Pakistan</a> in their forthcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-expects-india-pakistan-game-to-go-through-despite-tensions-198455">Cricket World Cup clash</a>, said former India captain Kapil Dev on Friday.

"The Indian team is definitely far better. I am not saying because I am Indian. But I feel when I was playing the Pakistan team was much better than us. Today I can say that if they play 10 matches, India will win seven. What will happen that day God knows. I hope the players play to the best of their potential," Dev told reporters.

Dev praised current India skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cricket-world-cup-2019-records-show-virat-rohit-root-will-dominate-175407#virat-kohli-175396">Virat Kohli.</a>"I do not think so that I can compare myself with him, he is really good, he is the number one player in the world and we are proud of our captain," he said.

Eulogising pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is in impeccable form, Dev said he hopes that the 25-year-old remains fit for another five years.

"When I saw him (Bumrah) for the first time, I did not expect him to have such an ability. I changed my word and I say, God, he is really fantastic. From such a short run-up he can produce, with an awkward action, such pace. It is not easy. I just want him to be fit for the next five years," Dev said.

The 1983 World Cup-winning captain also expressed his views on the recent incident relating to MS Dhoni' s gloves and said that Dhoni just showed his passion and love for his country.

"It is not a controversy, he showed a feeling within him, he put a logo there and we have to go with the system. I don' t think he realised that it is going to be such a big thing. You have to go through the system or the law, whatever law ICC had made. Next day he said 'if you do not like, I will remove it'. I respect Dhoni and he showed passion and love for his country and Army people and that is nothing wrong," he said.

India will face Pakistan in the much-awaited World Cup clash on June 16.&nbsp;

The "far better" Indian team has a much higher probability of winning against Pakistan in their forthcoming Cricket World Cup clash, said former India captain Kapil Dev on Friday.

The "far better" Indian team has a much higher probability of winning against Pakistan in their forthcoming Cricket World Cup clash, said former India captain Kapil Dev on Friday. "The Indian team is definitely far better. I am not saying because I am Indian. But I feel when I was playing the Pakistan team was much better than us. Today I can say that if they play 10 matches, India will win seven. What will happen that day God knows. I hope the players play to the best of their potential," Dev told reporters. Dev praised current India skipper Virat Kohli."I do not think so that I can compare myself with him, he is really good, he is the number one player in the world and we are proud of our captain," he said. Eulogising pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is in impeccable form, Dev said he hopes that the 25-year-old remains fit for another five years. "When I saw him (Bumrah) for the first time, I did not expect him to have such an ability. I changed my word and I say, God, he is really fantastic. From such a short run-up he can produce, with an awkward action, such pace. It is not easy. I just want him to be fit for the next five years," Dev said. The 1983 World Cup-winning captain also expressed his views on the recent incident relating to MS Dhoni' s gloves and said that Dhoni just showed his passion and love for his country. "It is not a controversy, he showed a feeling within him, he put a logo there and we have to go with the system. I don' t think he realised that it is going to be such a big thing. You have to go through the system or the law, whatever law ICC had made. Next day he said 'if you do not like, I will remove it'. I respect Dhoni and he showed passion and love for his country and Army people and that is nothing wrong," he said. India will face Pakistan in the much-awaited World Cup clash on June 16.

India far better than Pakistan, will beat them 7 out of 10 times: Kapil Dev

Key battles in India vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup clash

West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has received an official reprimand and one demerit point for showing dissent to an umpire's decision during the World Cup match against England, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Saturday.

Brathwaite showed his displeasure after he was adjudged caught behind off <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-englands-jofra-archer-reminds-west-indies-of-what-they-let-slip-away-227252">England fast bowler Jofra Archer</a> during the 44th over of the West Indies innings on Friday.

"Brathwaite admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Boon of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing," the ICC said in a statement.

Four demerit points within a two-year period incurs a ban from one test or two one-dayers or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player.

West Indies were bowled out for 212 before<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-joe-root-is-englands-glue-says-captain-eoin-morgan-227247"> Joe Root's unbeaten century</a> ensured a comfortable eight-wicket victory for England in Southampton.

West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has received an official reprimand and one demerit point for showing dissent to an umpire's decision during the World Cup match against England, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Saturday.

West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has received an official reprimand and one demerit point for showing dissent to an umpire's decision during the World Cup match against England, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Saturday. Brathwaite showed his displeasure after he was adjudged caught behind off England fast bowler Jofra Archer during the 44th over of the West Indies innings on Friday. "Brathwaite admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Boon of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing," the ICC said in a statement. Four demerit points within a two-year period incurs a ban from one test or two one-dayers or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player. West Indies were bowled out for 212 before Joe Root's unbeaten century ensured a comfortable eight-wicket victory for England in Southampton.

World Cup: West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite reprimanded for showing dissent

From Miandad's on-field antics to Tendulkar's brilliance, throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history

Virat Kohli-led&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-singh-warns-india-stars-to-expect-sleepless-night-as-pakistan-loom-227275">India will take on Pakistan</a>&nbsp;in one of the most anticipated clashes in the Cricket World Cup 2019 tomorrow at Manchester cricket ground.&nbsp;

The ongoing edition of the World Cup&nbsp;has had the poorest weather. It&nbsp;has already created a record of becoming the most rain-affected World Cup with four matches, so far,&nbsp;being washed out.&nbsp; 
 
India's previous match against New Zealand&nbsp;was the most recent match to be called off due to rain at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The match was abandoned without a single ball being bowled.&nbsp;

Now, all eyes will be on India's next clash which is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-far-better-than-pakistan-will-beat-them-7-out-of-10-times-kapil-dev-227228">against arch-rivals Pakistan</a>&nbsp;and it is expected that it will&nbsp;also be affected by rain, as light showers are predicted in Manchester.&nbsp; 
 
The conditions are expected to be overcast through the day, with rain to disturb play at least a couple of times.

Showers are predicted at around 10:00 am GMT and between 3:00 to 5:00 pm GMT. 
 
A full 50-over a side game is unlikely but it's a sigh of relief for the fans as there will at least be a match played. 
 
The sun is expected to come out briefly, but the cloud cover will be seen throughout the day. 
 
Players, coaches and fans have slammed the ICC over no reserve days kept for the league stage matches but the ICC has responded saying it would have not been possible logistically.

Virat Kohli-led India will take on Pakistan in one of the most anticipated clashes in the Cricket World Cup 2019 tomorrow at Manchester cricket ground. The ongoing edition of the World Cup has had the poorest weather.

Virat Kohli-led India will take on Pakistan in one of the most anticipated clashes in the Cricket World Cup 2019 tomorrow at Manchester cricket ground. The ongoing edition of the World Cup has had the poorest weather. It has already created a record of becoming the most rain-affected World Cup with four matches, so far, being washed out. India's previous match against New Zealand was the most recent match to be called off due to rain at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The match was abandoned without a single ball being bowled. Now, all eyes will be on India's next clash which is against arch-rivals Pakistan and it is expected that it will also be affected by rain, as light showers are predicted in Manchester. The conditions are expected to be overcast through the day, with rain to disturb play at least a couple of times. Showers are predicted at around 10:00 am GMT and between 3:00 to 5:00 pm GMT. A full 50-over a side game is unlikely but it's a sigh of relief for the fans as there will at least be a match played. The sun is expected to come out briefly, but the cloud cover will be seen throughout the day. Players, coaches and fans have slammed the ICC over no reserve days kept for the league stage matches but the ICC has responded saying it would have not been possible logistically.

World Cup: Manchester weather forecast for India vs Pakistan clash

Australia will take a final call on injured all-rounder Marcus Stoinis' fate in the World Cup ahead of their next week's match against Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Stoinis, who has suffered a side strain that is preventing him from bowling, will be travelling with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-beware-of-david-warner-as-he-is-nearing-his-best-says-ricky-ponting-227160">Australian </a>squad to Nottingham -&nbsp;the venue for their next match -&nbsp;and the final decision on whether he would remain in the World Cup would be taken there.&nbsp;

Skipper Aaron Finch said Mitchell Marsh, who is on standby and has started training, would be ready if he is included into the official squad.

"Yeah, that's why he's here ... But as a bit of a precaution more than anything, if <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-marcus-stoinis-ruled-out-of-australias-clash-against-sri-lanka-226259&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjl_O_miOviAhWGN48KHYswCdkQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1J0JJ-qhiGM7CN5EgRkOnW">Stoinis </a>doesn't recover well enough over the next couple of days," Finch was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.&nbsp;

"There is confidence that Mitch will come in and do well if selected if Stoinis doesn't recover properly," he added.

Finch admitted that injury to an all-rounder upsets the balance of a side.&nbsp;

"Yeah, it's tough when guys, especially all-rounders who balance out your side really well and give you that extra fast-bowling option, as well as a top-six batter, (are out). So it's a little bit difficult trying to decide whether you go the extra batter or the extra bowler, depending on conditions," Finch said.

"So I think it does make it a little bit tougher, a bit more of a challenge, no doubt. But we also did plan for that, if it did happen throughout the tournament. So it wasn't a total surprise. Obviously, it's not ideal, but it's not a surprise to us because we had already thought about things like that. But just game to game, it totally changes depending on the conditions," he added.

Australia will take a final call on injured all-rounder Marcus Stoinis' fate in the World Cup ahead of their next week's match against Bangladesh. Stoinis, who has suffered a side strain that is preventing him from bowling, will be travelling with the Australian squad to Nottingham - the venue for their next match - and the final decision on whether he would remain in the World Cup would be taken there.

Australia will take a final call on injured all-rounder Marcus Stoinis' fate in the World Cup ahead of their next week's match against Bangladesh. Stoinis, who has suffered a side strain that is preventing him from bowling, will be travelling with the Australian squad to Nottingham - the venue for their next match - and the final decision on whether he would remain in the World Cup would be taken there. Skipper Aaron Finch said Mitchell Marsh, who is on standby and has started training, would be ready if he is included into the official squad. "Yeah, that's why he's here ... But as a bit of a precaution more than anything, if Stoinis doesn't recover well enough over the next couple of days," Finch was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald. "There is confidence that Mitch will come in and do well if selected if Stoinis doesn't recover properly," he added. Finch admitted that injury to an all-rounder upsets the balance of a side. "Yeah, it's tough when guys, especially all-rounders who balance out your side really well and give you that extra fast-bowling option, as well as a top-six batter, (are out). So it's a little bit difficult trying to decide whether you go the extra batter or the extra bowler, depending on conditions," Finch said. "So I think it does make it a little bit tougher, a bit more of a challenge, no doubt. But we also did plan for that, if it did happen throughout the tournament. So it wasn't a total surprise. Obviously, it's not ideal, but it's not a surprise to us because we had already thought about things like that. But just game to game, it totally changes depending on the conditions," he added.

World Cup: Australia's final call on injured Marcus Stoinis next week, says Aaron Finch

He is a proven match-winner with the ball but it is Jasprit Bumrah's tremendous work ethic that has made him one of the most improved Indian fielders over the last three years, said fielding coach R Sridhar.

Bumrah's unusually slinging action has caused sleepless nights to many batsmen across teams but he wasn't exactly the swiftest of movers across the turf when it came to fielding.

"Bumrah is probably one of the hardest workers as far as fielding goes. From when he joined the team in 2016 to what he is now, he's a massive improvement, although still a work in progress, a massive improvement," Sridhar told media persons during an interaction after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shikhar-will-be-in-a-plaster-hopefully-will-play-in-semi-finals-virat-kohli-227026">India's </a>match against New Zealand was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-india-and-new-zealand-split-points-after-trent-bridge-washout-226923">called off.</a>

Increased awareness and determination to raise his game has changed things for the Gujarat pacer, feels Sridhar.

"The mindset of the players combined with the increased levels of fitness, and then we can chip in with the technical aspect of fielding and the awareness and anticipation part. So combining all this definitely helps them improve their fielding skills," the former Hyderabad left-arm spinner said.

Sridhar said some of the guys who aren't naturally athletic like Bumrah, Kedar Jadhav and Yuzvendra Chahal, were keen to work hard on their fitness and attain a level which is at par with international standards.

"One area is we try to educate them with awareness with respect to fielding, and we try to work on fitness. Obviously, (Shankar) Basu (strength and conditioning coach), works a lot on their fitness as well. We've got a lead-up to this tournament to work with Chahal, Bumrah, Kedar, guys like this, who are willing to work really hard and to work on their skills. So that really helped," Sridhar said.

Sridhar said that at a personal level, he is very happy with the overall fielding standard of the Indian team.

"I think I'm -&nbsp;personally, I'm very happy with the kind of resources I have. We have a terrific slip catcher and a safe catcher in Rohit, and we have two guys, Virat (Kohli) and Jadeja, who are very intimidating to the position. They can intimidate any batsman, and they are prowling in the 30-yard range,'' Sridhar added.

"To complement that, we have a player in Hardik Pandya, who can really help when needed. We are safe catchers," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-shastri-sanjay-bangar-among-other-support-staff-granted-45-day-contract-extension-226789">coach </a>assessed.

The right attitude is always a key in a sporting arena and Sridhar said that's something that this current lot have in abundance.

"The biggest thing that came out to me was the attitude of the fielders, where they put the team ahead of themselves, but these are the qualities which you need when you want to go out and win championships," he said.

"This really came out in the last game (vs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-pat-cummins-silent-workhorse-in-australias-squad-while-others-hog-limelight-226914">Australia</a>), and that was good to see. So I think the biggest challenge is to stay consistent. To me, that is the biggest challenge, to reduce the time between the good days and bad days. That is integral,'' Sridhar said.

He is a proven match-winner with the ball but it is Jasprit Bumrah's tremendous work ethic that has made him one of the most improved Indian fielders over the last three years, said fielding coach R Sridhar.

He is a proven match-winner with the ball but it is Jasprit Bumrah's tremendous work ethic that has made him one of the most improved Indian fielders over the last three years, said fielding coach R Sridhar. Bumrah's unusually slinging action has caused sleepless nights to many batsmen across teams but he wasn't exactly the swiftest of movers across the turf when it came to fielding. "Bumrah is probably one of the hardest workers as far as fielding goes. From when he joined the team in 2016 to what he is now, he's a massive improvement, although still a work in progress, a massive improvement," Sridhar told media persons during an interaction after India's match against New Zealand was called off. Increased awareness and determination to raise his game has changed things for the Gujarat pacer, feels Sridhar. "The mindset of the players combined with the increased levels of fitness, and then we can chip in with the technical aspect of fielding and the awareness and anticipation part. So combining all this definitely helps them improve their fielding skills," the former Hyderabad left-arm spinner said. Sridhar said some of the guys who aren't naturally athletic like Bumrah, Kedar Jadhav and Yuzvendra Chahal, were keen to work hard on their fitness and attain a level which is at par with international standards. "One area is we try to educate them with awareness with respect to fielding, and we try to work on fitness. Obviously, (Shankar) Basu (strength and conditioning coach), works a lot on their fitness as well. We've got a lead-up to this tournament to work with Chahal, Bumrah, Kedar, guys like this, who are willing to work really hard and to work on their skills. So that really helped," Sridhar said. Sridhar said that at a personal level, he is very happy with the overall fielding standard of the Indian team. "I think I'm - personally, I'm very happy with the kind of resources I have. We have a terrific slip catcher and a safe catcher in Rohit, and we have two guys, Virat (Kohli) and Jadeja, who are very intimidating to the position. They can intimidate any batsman, and they are prowling in the 30-yard range,'' Sridhar added. "To complement that, we have a player in Hardik Pandya, who can really help when needed. We are safe catchers," the coach assessed. The right attitude is always a key in a sporting arena and Sridhar said that's something that this current lot have in abundance. "The biggest thing that came out to me was the attitude of the fielders, where they put the team ahead of themselves, but these are the qualities which you need when you want to go out and win championships," he said. "This really came out in the last game (vs Australia), and that was good to see. So I think the biggest challenge is to stay consistent. To me, that is the biggest challenge, to reduce the time between the good days and bad days. That is integral,'' Sridhar said.

Bumrah's determination has made him a match winner for India, says fielding coach R Sridhar

Former Indian cricket team captain and first Indian captain to lift an ICC Cricket World Cup for the country – Kapil Dev - unveiled the largest cricket bat (made using willow in accordance with the ICC standards) on Friday.&nbsp;

The bat measured over 51 feet and weighed 6.6 tons. Dev presided over the event where a Guinness World Record was created at the Phoenix Marketcity and Palladium in Chennai.

Speaking at the event, Dev said, "I want this bat to remain in the city, let all cricketers who played for India come and sign the bat. The bat must remain in Chennai city as an expression of the people’s love".

Rahul Soni, whose team was responsible for crafting the massive bat, said, “while creating this bat we kept in mind the authenticity and ICC guidelines were followed. It is an extrapolated version of the very same bat that is in use. The look and feel is like that of an exact replica and structural stability is such that it can withstand the harsh outdoor environment".&nbsp;

Responding to WION on how cricket and World Cup has evolved since his heydays Kapil Dev said, “the Game is changing, although the sixes and fours remain the same, players now have become more professional. During our days we were even happy to have a single meal but today there are special diets, food guides and players decide what to eat. Sport in India is becoming professional, parents say if you're not good in studies then become a sportsman whereas 45 years back it was never this way. Hats off to the media for giving mileage to sports people.”

Commenting on the occasion Ms Pooja Patti, Center Director, Phoenix Market City and Palladium said, “The idea is to give a lifetime experience for our patrons and ardent cricket fans across the city. This is our way to cheer on, show support and boost the morale of Team India as they participate in the ICC World Cup”. Besides setting up AR and VR booths at the mall to give cricket enthusiasts a surreal experience, live screenings of all the matches are being organized, she added.&nbsp;

Kapil Dev also shared his take on contemporary events and players from the world of cricket. Speaking on Indian skipper Virat Kohli, he said, “He's too good - Kohli, I don't think I can compare. We are proud of the entire team. But we shouldn't depend too much on one player, the entire team must be a part of the win and players must step up when the need arises. All the good luck to the team, hope there are no more injuries and we will win the cup”.

Responding to questions on India’s most awaited clash with Pakistan he said, "the Indian team is far better today but when I was playing Pakistan was much better. If we play against Pakistan we could win 7 out of 10 matches".

Speaking on the upcoming film on the 1983 World Cup win, the veteran cricketer said, the movie will be good, "everyone had given their side of the story and it is not my biopic, it is a film on the winning team. These days actors, directors and film guys are so good. 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' was the most beautiful movie I've ever seen".

“I think Dhoni wearing the glove with the 'Balidaan' symbol of the Special Forces is not a controversy, I think he expressed a feeling from within and the media made it a controversy. However, we should go with the system, Dhoni himself must have not realized that it would become such a big thing. Going by the ICC system and the law he offered to not wear it. I respect Dhoni, he showed passion and love for India and our Army” said Kapil Dev.

Former Indian cricket team captain and first Indian captain to lift an ICC Cricket World Cup for the country – Kapil Dev - unveiled the largest cricket bat (made using willow in accordance with the ICC standards) on Friday.

Former Indian cricket team captain and first Indian captain to lift an ICC Cricket World Cup for the country – Kapil Dev - unveiled the largest cricket bat (made using willow in accordance with the ICC standards) on Friday. The bat measured over 51 feet and weighed 6.6 tons. Dev presided over the event where a Guinness World Record was created at the Phoenix Marketcity and Palladium in Chennai. Speaking at the event, Dev said, "I want this bat to remain in the city, let all cricketers who played for India come and sign the bat. The bat must remain in Chennai city as an expression of the people’s love". Rahul Soni, whose team was responsible for crafting the massive bat, said, “while creating this bat we kept in mind the authenticity and ICC guidelines were followed. It is an extrapolated version of the very same bat that is in use. The look and feel is like that of an exact replica and structural stability is such that it can withstand the harsh outdoor environment". Responding to WION on how cricket and World Cup has evolved since his heydays Kapil Dev said, “the Game is changing, although the sixes and fours remain the same, players now have become more professional. During our days we were even happy to have a single meal but today there are special diets, food guides and players decide what to eat. Sport in India is becoming professional, parents say if you're not good in studies then become a sportsman whereas 45 years back it was never this way. Hats off to the media for giving mileage to sports people.” Commenting on the occasion Ms Pooja Patti, Center Director, Phoenix Market City and Palladium said, “The idea is to give a lifetime experience for our patrons and ardent cricket fans across the city. This is our way to cheer on, show support and boost the morale of Team India as they participate in the ICC World Cup”. Besides setting up AR and VR booths at the mall to give cricket enthusiasts a surreal experience, live screenings of all the matches are being organized, she added. Kapil Dev also shared his take on contemporary events and players from the world of cricket. Speaking on Indian skipper Virat Kohli, he said, “He's too good - Kohli, I don't think I can compare. We are proud of the entire team. But we shouldn't depend too much on one player, the entire team must be a part of the win and players must step up when the need arises. All the good luck to the team, hope there are no more injuries and we will win the cup”. Responding to questions on India’s most awaited clash with Pakistan he said, "the Indian team is far better today but when I was playing Pakistan was much better. If we play against Pakistan we could win 7 out of 10 matches". Speaking on the upcoming film on the 1983 World Cup win, the veteran cricketer said, the movie will be good, "everyone had given their side of the story and it is not my biopic, it is a film on the winning team. These days actors, directors and film guys are so good. 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' was the most beautiful movie I've ever seen". “I think Dhoni wearing the glove with the 'Balidaan' symbol of the Special Forces is not a controversy, I think he expressed a feeling from within and the media made it a controversy. However, we should go with the system, Dhoni himself must have not realized that it would become such a big thing. Going by the ICC system and the law he offered to not wear it. I respect Dhoni, he showed passion and love for India and our Army” said Kapil Dev.

Amid World Cup craze, Kapil Dev unveils largest cricket bat in attempt for Guinness World Record

After the match between India and New Zealand got <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-india-and-new-zealand-split-points-after-trent-bridge-washout-226923">abandoned</a> due to rain on Thursday, India&nbsp;skipper Virat Kohli provided an injury update about opener Shikhar Dhawan.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/final-call-on-precious-shikhar-dhawan-only-after-10-12-days-sanjay-bangar-226591">Shikhar </a>will be in a plaster for a couple of weeks, we'll assess and see. Hopefully, he'll be available for the latter half and the semi-finals. He's motivated, we wanted to keep him back," Kohli said at the post-match ceremony.

Dhawan got hit between the index finger and thumb during India's match World Cup match against Australia on June 9.

The opener went on to play a match-winning knock of 117 runs.

After the match, the player went to Leeds for scans and soon after BCCI released an update saying, "Team India opening batsman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-injured-shikhar-dhawan-at-practice-session-ahead-of-new-zealand-contest-226574">Shikhar Dhawan</a> is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored."

As standby for the injured Dhawan, wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant was flown to England.

India is currently positioned at the third place in the standings of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and the team next takes on arch-rivals Pakistan.

Kohli said playing against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-pakistan-must-bring-their-a-game-against-india-says-waqar-younis-226912">Pakistan </a>is a marquee event and the game brings out the best in everyone.

"As soon as you enter the field, it's calm and relaxed. The atmosphere from the outside, for the first time, it's a bit intimidating, but we'll look to execute well. It's been competitive for years, it's a marquee event all over the world, honour to be a part of the big game. Brings out the best in all of us," Kohli said.

India takes on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-need-to-overcome-mistakes-to-beat-india-says-sarfaraz-after-australia-defeat-226683">Pakistan </a>in Manchester on June 16.

After the match between India and New Zealand got abandoned due to rain on Thursday, India skipper Virat Kohli provided an injury update about opener Shikhar Dhawan.

After the match between India and New Zealand got abandoned due to rain on Thursday, India skipper Virat Kohli provided an injury update about opener Shikhar Dhawan. "Shikhar will be in a plaster for a couple of weeks, we'll assess and see. Hopefully, he'll be available for the latter half and the semi-finals. He's motivated, we wanted to keep him back," Kohli said at the post-match ceremony. Dhawan got hit between the index finger and thumb during India's match World Cup match against Australia on June 9. The opener went on to play a match-winning knock of 117 runs. After the match, the player went to Leeds for scans and soon after BCCI released an update saying, "Team India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored." As standby for the injured Dhawan, wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant was flown to England. India is currently positioned at the third place in the standings of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and the team next takes on arch-rivals Pakistan. Kohli said playing against Pakistan is a marquee event and the game brings out the best in everyone. "As soon as you enter the field, it's calm and relaxed. The atmosphere from the outside, for the first time, it's a bit intimidating, but we'll look to execute well. It's been competitive for years, it's a marquee event all over the world, honour to be a part of the big game. Brings out the best in all of us," Kohli said. India takes on Pakistan in Manchester on June 16.

Shikhar will be in a plaster, hopefully will play in semi-finals: Virat Kohli

David Warner has overcome the challenges of reintegrating himself into the Australian team and with the explosive opener nearing his best, he could well end up as top scorer in this World Cup, feels assistant coach Ricky Ponting.

After struggling for rhythm in early matches, Warner came close to his damaging best in a match-winning knock of 107 off 111 balls against Pakistan on Wednesday in his fourth game back in Australian colours.

The 32-year-old right-handed batsman sat out for one year, serving a ban imposed by the ICC on ball tampering charges in South Africa last year.

He came out of that ban on March 29, along with his former captain Steve Smith.

Asked if other sides will now be more fearful of Warner, including Sri Lankans whom <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-pat-cummins-silent-workhorse-in-australias-squad-while-others-hog-limelight-226914">Australia </a>face on Friday, Ponting said,&nbsp;"I think they should. You know with David Warner at his best, if you miss your line and length then he's going to make you pay.''

"Every game is a different set of challenges for every player. Davey capitalised on Pakistan not executing as well as they could have. We know against Sri Lanka, they'll be well-planned. But <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/this-century-means-a-lot-as-a-batsman-david-warner-226679">Warner </a>at his best is difficult to bowl to and I think he was back to somewhere near his best," Ponting was quoted as saying by 'cricket.Com.Au'

Ponting said the handbrake is off for a rejuvenated Warner and if "he keeps playing like that (against Pakistan) for the rest of the tournament, he's probably going to be the leading run scorer" in this World Cup.

The assistant coach, however, conceded that the challenges of reintegrating himself back into a team after being out of it for over a year weighed on Warner.

"We'd all seen that he (Warner) probably had not been batting as fluently as we're used to seeing. It was more of a mental thing than anything, he was just holding back a little bit and not playing with the freedom we're used to seeing him play with," Ponting said.

"It was just about being a bit freer in everything he did. I think he was just trying a bit too hard, making a statement coming back in a World Cup. Wanting to do everything right and impress everybody rather than just going out and hitting the ball and scoring runs like we've seen him do for 10 years," he said.&nbsp;

Ponting said Warner in earlier matches (before the match against Pakistan) seemed a little bit more worried about getting out than scoring runs but he was told by the <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-allan-border-backs-defending-champs-australia-to-keep-building-momentum-226766">Australian </a>support staff to just go out, see the ball and hit the ball.

"We said to him after the last game, 'mate, just go out and see the ball, hit the ball.' He got off to a good start (against Pakistan) and continued on for 30 or 40 overs," Ponting, who spoke to Warner after Australia's 36-run defeat to India on June 9, said.&nbsp;

"You could see by the way he moved into his shots and picking up the length early, he hit a lot of pull shots early in his innings, which is always a good sign for him. He'd taken the handbrake off which has allowed himself to play with a bit more freedom," the former captain said of Warner's innings against Pakistan.

David Warner has overcome the challenges of reintegrating himself into the Australian team and with the explosive opener nearing his best, he could well end up as top scorer in this World Cup, feels assistant coach Ricky Ponting.

David Warner has overcome the challenges of reintegrating himself into the Australian team and with the explosive opener nearing his best, he could well end up as top scorer in this World Cup, feels assistant coach Ricky Ponting. After struggling for rhythm in early matches, Warner came close to his damaging best in a match-winning knock of 107 off 111 balls against Pakistan on Wednesday in his fourth game back in Australian colours. The 32-year-old right-handed batsman sat out for one year, serving a ban imposed by the ICC on ball tampering charges in South Africa last year. He came out of that ban on March 29, along with his former captain Steve Smith. Asked if other sides will now be more fearful of Warner, including Sri Lankans whom Australia face on Friday, Ponting said, "I think they should. You know with David Warner at his best, if you miss your line and length then he's going to make you pay.'' "Every game is a different set of challenges for every player. Davey capitalised on Pakistan not executing as well as they could have. We know against Sri Lanka, they'll be well-planned. But Warner at his best is difficult to bowl to and I think he was back to somewhere near his best," Ponting was quoted as saying by 'cricket.Com.Au' Ponting said the handbrake is off for a rejuvenated Warner and if "he keeps playing like that (against Pakistan) for the rest of the tournament, he's probably going to be the leading run scorer" in this World Cup. The assistant coach, however, conceded that the challenges of reintegrating himself back into a team after being out of it for over a year weighed on Warner. "We'd all seen that he (Warner) probably had not been batting as fluently as we're used to seeing. It was more of a mental thing than anything, he was just holding back a little bit and not playing with the freedom we're used to seeing him play with," Ponting said. "It was just about being a bit freer in everything he did. I think he was just trying a bit too hard, making a statement coming back in a World Cup. Wanting to do everything right and impress everybody rather than just going out and hitting the ball and scoring runs like we've seen him do for 10 years," he said. Ponting said Warner in earlier matches (before the match against Pakistan) seemed a little bit more worried about getting out than scoring runs but he was told by the Australian support staff to just go out, see the ball and hit the ball. "We said to him after the last game, 'mate, just go out and see the ball, hit the ball.' He got off to a good start (against Pakistan) and continued on for 30 or 40 overs," Ponting, who spoke to Warner after Australia's 36-run defeat to India on June 9, said. "You could see by the way he moved into his shots and picking up the length early, he hit a lot of pull shots early in his innings, which is always a good sign for him. He'd taken the handbrake off which has allowed himself to play with a bit more freedom," the former captain said of Warner's innings against Pakistan.

World Cup: Beware of David Warner as he is nearing his best, says Ricky Ponting

Former captain Mohammad Yousuf is furious with the <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/will-not-beg-india-to-play-cricket-with-us-says-pakistan-cricket-board-chief-227066">Pakistan Cricket Board </a>for allowing families of the players to stay with them ahead of the much-awaited match against <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/shikhar-will-be-in-a-plaster-hopefully-will-play-in-semi-finals-virat-kohli-227026">India </a>in the World Cup.

Wives and children of the <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-pakistan-must-bring-their-a-game-against-india-says-waqar-younis-226912">Pakistani </a>players have joined them in Manchester ahead of the clash against India on Sunday.

"I was part of the 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups but the board never allowed players to have their families with them during the tournament," Yousuf said.

"In 1999 we had such a big team with so many big names that if we had pressurized the board to give permission to have our wives and children stay with us in team hotel they would have done so.&nbsp;

"But we didn't because the World Cup is high-pressure event and players need to just be focussed on cricket and reaching the final. That is what happened in 99' in England," Yousuf said.

Yousuf, who played 90 Tests and 288 one-day internationals, recalled that the board didn't even give permission to players in one-day series or tournaments to have their families stay with them in those days.

"I remember we were allowed to have our wives and children with us only during Test matches as it made sense as we stayed in one city for at least a week," Yousuf said.

The former Pakistan batsman said he couldn't understand the logic behind PCB's decision to allow the wives and children to join players before the all-important <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-high-pressure-india-game-a-must-win-for-pakistan-says-imam-ul-haq-226750">match against India.</a>

"If it was necessary to appease the players they could have been allowed to have their wives and children at the start of the tournament, not at the business end of the World Cup," Yousuf said.

Yousuf said with their families around it was a big distraction for the players and with important matches coming up he was worried about the results.

The PCB initially had refused to give permission to the players to have their families with them in the World Cup but it later changed its mind and said families could stay in the team hotel after the match against Australia which <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/we-need-to-overcome-mistakes-to-beat-india-says-sarfaraz-after-australia-defeat-226683">Pakistan </a>lost.

Former captain Mohammad Yousuf is furious with the Pakistan Cricket Board for allowing families of the players to stay with them ahead of the much-awaited match against India in the World Cup.

Former captain Mohammad Yousuf is furious with the Pakistan Cricket Board for allowing families of the players to stay with them ahead of the much-awaited match against India in the World Cup. Wives and children of the Pakistani players have joined them in Manchester ahead of the clash against India on Sunday. "I was part of the 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups but the board never allowed players to have their families with them during the tournament," Yousuf said. "In 1999 we had such a big team with so many big names that if we had pressurized the board to give permission to have our wives and children stay with us in team hotel they would have done so. "But we didn't because the World Cup is high-pressure event and players need to just be focussed on cricket and reaching the final. That is what happened in 99' in England," Yousuf said. Yousuf, who played 90 Tests and 288 one-day internationals, recalled that the board didn't even give permission to players in one-day series or tournaments to have their families stay with them in those days. "I remember we were allowed to have our wives and children with us only during Test matches as it made sense as we stayed in one city for at least a week," Yousuf said. The former Pakistan batsman said he couldn't understand the logic behind PCB's decision to allow the wives and children to join players before the all-important match against India. "If it was necessary to appease the players they could have been allowed to have their wives and children at the start of the tournament, not at the business end of the World Cup," Yousuf said. Yousuf said with their families around it was a big distraction for the players and with important matches coming up he was worried about the results. The PCB initially had refused to give permission to the players to have their families with them in the World Cup but it later changed its mind and said families could stay in the team hotel after the match against Australia which Pakistan lost.

World Cup: Mohammad Yousuf slams PCB ahead of Pakistan's clash against India

Former captain Sourav Ganguly has described John Wright as his favourite coach who was more of a friend to him during the New Zealander's stint with the Indian team.

"My first overseas coach and my favourite coach so far," said Ganguly while talking about Wright, under whom India had reached the finals of the 2003 World Cup.

"I met him first time in Kent when Rahul (Dravid) came in and said he's our coach. I said, 'I'd love to work with him'. We have a great relationship, actually, we're genuine friends,'' <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-picks-his-favourites-for-semi-finals-in-icc-world-cup-2019-213479&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjKx_Gq4-jiAhUKrI8KHb9zDdEQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2v_pNFrkAHZ9yOvSLXQWoF">Ganguly </a>said.

"We had a great world cup and he was responsible because there were some strong headed players in that side. As we grew together, we got better friends and he was more of a friend than a coach, he understood me and I understood him," said Ganguly.

In a video posted on the official Twitter handle of the Cricket World Cup, Ganguly and Wright -&nbsp;part of the commentary team - went down memory lane ahead of washout game between India and New Zealand at Trent Bridge Friday.

Wright, who was India's first foreign coach for five years from 2000 to 2005, said, "I always thought it was the greatest privilege to have the opportunity to work in India.

"I never expected it. It was a hard start, for both of us. You were a new captain and I was the foreign coach. You remember the good times but it was also tough times," he added.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-backs-shikhar-dhawan-to-shine-at-world-cup-210042&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjKx_Gq4-jiAhUKrI8KHb9zDdEQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PugEqXK2gGl2FCR6Nf9JP">Ganguly </a>and Wright had guided India to some memorable performances in international cricket, including the unforgettable 2002 NatWest series final against England at Lord's, a home test series win against Australia, drawing a test series against Australia in Australia, winning a series against arch-rivals, Pakistan

Former captain Sourav Ganguly has described John Wright as his favourite coach who was more of a friend to him during the New Zealander's stint with the Indian team.

Former captain Sourav Ganguly has described John Wright as his favourite coach who was more of a friend to him during the New Zealander's stint with the Indian team. "My first overseas coach and my favourite coach so far," said Ganguly while talking about Wright, under whom India had reached the finals of the 2003 World Cup. "I met him first time in Kent when Rahul (Dravid) came in and said he's our coach. I said, 'I'd love to work with him'. We have a great relationship, actually, we're genuine friends,'' Ganguly said. "We had a great world cup and he was responsible because there were some strong headed players in that side. As we grew together, we got better friends and he was more of a friend than a coach, he understood me and I understood him," said Ganguly. In a video posted on the official Twitter handle of the Cricket World Cup, Ganguly and Wright - part of the commentary team - went down memory lane ahead of washout game between India and New Zealand at Trent Bridge Friday. Wright, who was India's first foreign coach for five years from 2000 to 2005, said, "I always thought it was the greatest privilege to have the opportunity to work in India. "I never expected it. It was a hard start, for both of us. You were a new captain and I was the foreign coach. You remember the good times but it was also tough times," he added. Ganguly and Wright had guided India to some memorable performances in international cricket, including the unforgettable 2002 NatWest series final against England at Lord's, a home test series win against Australia, drawing a test series against Australia in Australia, winning a series against arch-rivals, Pakistan

John Wright is my favourite coach and a genuine friend: Sourav Ganguly

The bond between MS Dhoni and Karachi-born Mohammad Bashir aka 'Chacha Chicago' blossomed during the 2011 World Cup semifinal between India and<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/will-not-beg-india-to-play-cricket-with-us-says-pakistan-cricket-board-chief-227066"> Pakistan </a>and it has only grown stronger since then.

Such is the bond that Bashir has flown in to Manchester from Chicago (approximately 6000 km) for Sunday's high-octane Indo-Pak contest without a match ticket.

He knows that Dhoni will ensure that he is it at the Old Trafford when the first ball is bowled.

"I arrived here yesterday and saw that people are ready to pay as much as 800-900 pounds for a ticket. A return ticket from Chicago costs the same. Thanks to Dhoni, I don't have to struggle for a match ticket," the 63-year-old, who owns a restaurant in Chicago and is an American passport holder, told PTI.

The connection goes back to 2011.

Bashir was bowled over by Dhoni's benevolence when India's World Cup-winning captain went out of his way to arrange a ticket for him for the marquee clash in Mohali, a showdown for which most fans would pay an arm and a leg to watch in person.

Eight years later, the heartwarming story of Bashir and Dhoni continues.

It is not a surprise anymore that Bashir supports Dhoni's team over the country of his birth whenever the two sides clash.&nbsp;

Dhoni might not be easily accessible for even his teammates at times but has never disappointed Bashir.&nbsp;

"I don't call him as he is so busy. I keep in touch only through text messages. Long before I came here, Dhoni assured me of the ticket. He is a great human being. I can't think of anyone else doing what he has done for me since that 2011 game in Mohali,'' Bashir said.

"Imagine I get the ticket for free when most would pay a fortune for it. I have got a surprise gift for him this time and I hope to give it to him later today," said Bashir.

After arriving in Manchester, he checked into <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-high-pressure-india-game-a-must-win-for-pakistan-says-imam-ul-haq-226750">Pakistan's </a>team hotel where he met most of the squad members including captain <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/we-need-to-overcome-mistakes-to-beat-india-says-sarfaraz-after-australia-defeat-226683">Sarfaraz Ahmed</a>, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Amir and Hassan Ali.

One of his selfies was with Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star wife Sania Mirza, an Indo-Pak union just like him and his wife.

He checks into the Indian team hotel later on Friday.&nbsp;

His love for his homeland is understandable but the reason for his affinity towards India is his Hyderbadi wife, besides Dhoni of course.

His match-day uniform has both India and <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-pakistan-must-bring-their-a-game-against-india-says-waqar-younis-226912">Pakistan </a>colours and Bashir calls himself an ambassador of peace.

While watching Indo-Pak games all-around the World, Bashir has made lifelong Indian friends and one them is the well-known superfan Sudhir, who mainly relies on funding from cricketers to support the team from stands. In fact, both are staying together in Manchester.

"Sudhir abhi apni body pe tri-colour paint karwane gaya hain (Sudhir has gone outside to get the Indian tri-colour painted on his body),'' Bashir said.

"I book the room and we stay together. Thanks to Allah, I am doing okay (financially) and that is the least I can do for a friend. I just gifted Sudhir a phone and it made him really happy. These are the little things in life that give you happiness," he added.

Bashir, who has overcome three heart attacks, carries as many 12 medicines when he is travelling. Before coming to the UK, he was in Saudi Arabia with his grandson during the holy month of Ramadan.

"It is not easy with my medical condition. Ab toh aisa lagta hain jab tak cricket chal rahi tab tak saasen chal rahi hain (May be I am alive only for cricket)," Bashir added.&nbsp;

No prizes for guessing that he is backing <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/shikhar-will-be-in-a-plaster-hopefully-will-play-in-semi-finals-virat-kohli-227026">India </a>to maintain their unbeaten run over Pakistan on Sunday.

The bond between MS Dhoni and Karachi-born Mohammad Bashir aka 'Chacha Chicago' blossomed during the 2011 World Cup semifinal between India and Pakistan and it has only grown stronger since then.

The bond between MS Dhoni and Karachi-born Mohammad Bashir aka 'Chacha Chicago' blossomed during the 2011 World Cup semifinal between India and Pakistan and it has only grown stronger since then. Such is the bond that Bashir has flown in to Manchester from Chicago (approximately 6000 km) for Sunday's high-octane Indo-Pak contest without a match ticket. He knows that Dhoni will ensure that he is it at the Old Trafford when the first ball is bowled. "I arrived here yesterday and saw that people are ready to pay as much as 800-900 pounds for a ticket. A return ticket from Chicago costs the same. Thanks to Dhoni, I don't have to struggle for a match ticket," the 63-year-old, who owns a restaurant in Chicago and is an American passport holder, told PTI. The connection goes back to 2011. Bashir was bowled over by Dhoni's benevolence when India's World Cup-winning captain went out of his way to arrange a ticket for him for the marquee clash in Mohali, a showdown for which most fans would pay an arm and a leg to watch in person. Eight years later, the heartwarming story of Bashir and Dhoni continues. It is not a surprise anymore that Bashir supports Dhoni's team over the country of his birth whenever the two sides clash. Dhoni might not be easily accessible for even his teammates at times but has never disappointed Bashir. "I don't call him as he is so busy. I keep in touch only through text messages. Long before I came here, Dhoni assured me of the ticket. He is a great human being. I can't think of anyone else doing what he has done for me since that 2011 game in Mohali,'' Bashir said. "Imagine I get the ticket for free when most would pay a fortune for it. I have got a surprise gift for him this time and I hope to give it to him later today," said Bashir. After arriving in Manchester, he checked into Pakistan's team hotel where he met most of the squad members including captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Amir and Hassan Ali. One of his selfies was with Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star wife Sania Mirza, an Indo-Pak union just like him and his wife. He checks into the Indian team hotel later on Friday. His love for his homeland is understandable but the reason for his affinity towards India is his Hyderbadi wife, besides Dhoni of course. His match-day uniform has both India and Pakistan colours and Bashir calls himself an ambassador of peace. While watching Indo-Pak games all-around the World, Bashir has made lifelong Indian friends and one them is the well-known superfan Sudhir, who mainly relies on funding from cricketers to support the team from stands. In fact, both are staying together in Manchester. "Sudhir abhi apni body pe tri-colour paint karwane gaya hain (Sudhir has gone outside to get the Indian tri-colour painted on his body),'' Bashir said. "I book the room and we stay together. Thanks to Allah, I am doing okay (financially) and that is the least I can do for a friend. I just gifted Sudhir a phone and it made him really happy. These are the little things in life that give you happiness," he added. Bashir, who has overcome three heart attacks, carries as many 12 medicines when he is travelling. Before coming to the UK, he was in Saudi Arabia with his grandson during the holy month of Ramadan. "It is not easy with my medical condition. Ab toh aisa lagta hain jab tak cricket chal rahi tab tak saasen chal rahi hain (May be I am alive only for cricket)," Bashir added. No prizes for guessing that he is backing India to maintain their unbeaten run over Pakistan on Sunday.

Pakistan-born India fan who receives match tickets from MS Dhoni arrives in Manchester

The ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup has been bogged down by poor English weather and former English batsman Kevin Pietersen on Friday posted a <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-new-zealand-washout-frustrated-fans-come-up-with-funny-memes-226940">hilarious picture</a> on Instagram taking a jibe at the tournament.

So far, four matches have been <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-india-and-new-zealand-split-points-after-trent-bridge-washout-226923">abandoned due to rain</a> in the ongoing Cricket World Cup.

This is the most number of matches that have been called off due to rain in a single edition.

The matches between Sri Lanka-Pakistan, Sri Lanka-Bangladesh, South Africa-West Indies and India-New Zealand have gotten abandoned due to rain in the ongoing World Cup.

Three matches were washed out without a single ball bowled and in the South Africa-West Indies match, only 7.2 overs were bowled.

The scheduling of the Cricket World Cup has come under scrutiny as the matches keep on getting abandoned and the teams are being awarded one point each.

No reserve days have been put in place for the round-robin stage.

The reserve days are just in place for the semi-finals and finals.

In the picture that Pietersen posted, people can be seen playing cricket underwater and the image caption reads as 'Cricket World Cup final 2019'.

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When asked about reserve days, <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-icc-defends-no-reserve-day-decision-blames-unseasonable-weather-226400">ICC CEO David Richardson</a> had said,&nbsp;"factoring in a reserve day for every match at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver."

"Up to 1,200 people are on site to deliver a match and everything associated with it including getting it broadcast and a proportion of them are moving around the country so reserve days in the group stage would require a significant uplift in the number of staff," Richardson further stated.

The upcoming week in the Cricket World Cup 2019 also does not order well for the organisers as weather predictions for the ensuing week also indicate rain.

The ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup has been bogged down by poor English weather and former English batsman Kevin Pietersen on Friday posted a hilarious picture on Instagram taking a jibe at the tournament.

The ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup has been bogged down by poor English weather and former English batsman Kevin Pietersen on Friday posted a hilarious picture on Instagram taking a jibe at the tournament. So far, four matches have been abandoned due to rain in the ongoing Cricket World Cup. This is the most number of matches that have been called off due to rain in a single edition. The matches between Sri Lanka-Pakistan, Sri Lanka-Bangladesh, South Africa-West Indies and India-New Zealand have gotten abandoned due to rain in the ongoing World Cup. Three matches were washed out without a single ball bowled and in the South Africa-West Indies match, only 7.2 overs were bowled. The scheduling of the Cricket World Cup has come under scrutiny as the matches keep on getting abandoned and the teams are being awarded one point each. No reserve days have been put in place for the round-robin stage. The reserve days are just in place for the semi-finals and finals. In the picture that Pietersen posted, people can be seen playing cricket underwater and the image caption reads as 'Cricket World Cup final 2019'. View this post on Instagram 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 A post shared by Kevin Pietersen (@kp24) on Jun 13, 2019 at 10:57pm PDT × When asked about reserve days, ICC CEO David Richardson had said, "factoring in a reserve day for every match at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver." "Up to 1,200 people are on site to deliver a match and everything associated with it including getting it broadcast and a proportion of them are moving around the country so reserve days in the group stage would require a significant uplift in the number of staff," Richardson further stated. The upcoming week in the Cricket World Cup 2019 also does not order well for the organisers as weather predictions for the ensuing week also indicate rain.

Kevin Pietersen posts hilarious picture on washed out World Cup matches

England captain Eoin Morgan knows better than most the emotions Jofra Archer will experience when the fast bowler plays against his native West Indies for the first time.

Dublin-born batsman Morgan, who switched allegiance from Ireland to England a decade ago, is set to lead the tournament hosts against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-not-only-ms-dhonis-icc-rejected-chris-gayles-request-also-225711">Caribbean</a> side in a World Cup group match in Southampton on Friday.

Barring a late injury, Morgan's team will include Barbados-born quick Archer, who only qualified for England earlier this year but whose ability to bowl at speeds of up to 95 mph now makes him a central figure as they chase a first 50-over World Cup title.

Archer, whose father is English, could have been playing for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trevor-bayliss-will-have-to-live-with-the-sheldon-salute-says-jason-holder-226942">West Indies</a> had he not been overlooked for the Under-19 World Cup four years ago.

That fateful decision was to spark a chain of events that saw Archer joining Sussex and then begin the process of qualifying to play international cricket for England.

Now he will be up against plenty of familiar faces in fellow Bajans such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-15-south-africa-vs-west-indies-225918">West Indies</a> captain Jason Holder and Shai Hope, as well as former youth team-mates Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer.

Morgan, recalling his own first experience of playing against Ireland for England, said Thursday&nbsp;"I think it is a moment where you reaffirm your decision. The difference is the feel.''

"When you play against guys that you've played with at age-group level, it feels like a club game against your mates you've known for a long time, compared to playing against strangers. That's a different feel. Being in that position myself it does feel different. He won't know how it feels until he plays the game. If I feel the need (to speak to him) I will, but I haven't yet," Morgan said.

'Handle it'

Meanwhile, Morgan backed the 24-year-old Archer, who has taken nine wickets in six one-day internationals at a healthy average of 27, to cope with the inevitable scrutiny that will come his way on Friday.

"I'm sure he will handle it like he's handled everything else in the tournament so far," said his skipper.

"Every challenge he has come up against so far he has come out the other side really well. So let's just see how it goes, we are not expecting anything majorly different. Jofra is extremely interesting because everything he has been confronted with, particularly out on the field, he has overcome,'' Morgan said.

"He's still learning, he's a very young, he has a lot of talent, and that is great for us. It's great that he's in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-england-beat-bangladesh-by-106-runs-225564">England </a>shirt now," added Morgan.

England captain Eoin Morgan knows better than most the emotions Jofra Archer will experience when the fast bowler plays against his native West Indies for the first time.

England captain Eoin Morgan knows better than most the emotions Jofra Archer will experience when the fast bowler plays against his native West Indies for the first time. Dublin-born batsman Morgan, who switched allegiance from Ireland to England a decade ago, is set to lead the tournament hosts against the Caribbean side in a World Cup group match in Southampton on Friday. Barring a late injury, Morgan's team will include Barbados-born quick Archer, who only qualified for England earlier this year but whose ability to bowl at speeds of up to 95 mph now makes him a central figure as they chase a first 50-over World Cup title. Archer, whose father is English, could have been playing for the West Indies had he not been overlooked for the Under-19 World Cup four years ago. That fateful decision was to spark a chain of events that saw Archer joining Sussex and then begin the process of qualifying to play international cricket for England. Now he will be up against plenty of familiar faces in fellow Bajans such as West Indies captain Jason Holder and Shai Hope, as well as former youth team-mates Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer. Morgan, recalling his own first experience of playing against Ireland for England, said Thursday "I think it is a moment where you reaffirm your decision. The difference is the feel.'' "When you play against guys that you've played with at age-group level, it feels like a club game against your mates you've known for a long time, compared to playing against strangers. That's a different feel. Being in that position myself it does feel different. He won't know how it feels until he plays the game. If I feel the need (to speak to him) I will, but I haven't yet," Morgan said. 'Handle it' Meanwhile, Morgan backed the 24-year-old Archer, who has taken nine wickets in six one-day internationals at a healthy average of 27, to cope with the inevitable scrutiny that will come his way on Friday. "I'm sure he will handle it like he's handled everything else in the tournament so far," said his skipper. "Every challenge he has come up against so far he has come out the other side really well. So let's just see how it goes, we are not expecting anything majorly different. Jofra is extremely interesting because everything he has been confronted with, particularly out on the field, he has overcome,'' Morgan said. "He's still learning, he's a very young, he has a lot of talent, and that is great for us. It's great that he's in an England shirt now," added Morgan.

Eoin Morgan knows what Jofra Archer's feeling ahead of clash against native country West Indies

Australia's knack for grinding out wins despite not playing at their best is helping them build momentum for a strong tilt at the World Cup title, former skipper Allan Border has said.

Defending champions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-david-warner-stars-in-australias-41-run-win-over-pakistan-226669">Australia beat Pakistan</a> by 41 runs in Taunton on Wednesday to seal their third victory in four games at the tournament, with their only defeat coming against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-shikhar-dhawan-shines-as-india-beat-holders-australia-by-36-runs-225791">India </a>on Sunday.

A struggling middle order and a lack of support for the main pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins have emerged as Australia's main concerns in the early days of the World Cup, but the team are currently second in the overall standings.

"Australia aren't playing at their best but they are winning matches. That's the way I saw the win over Pakistan," Border wrote in a column for the International Cricket Council.

"In the early stages of the World Cup, you want to be right amongst the pacesetters after four rounds and Australia very much are. They are building nicely and all the teams will feel the total package is still in them. They'll talk about being relentless and consistent... and they can create momentum for some of the big teams they still have to play," Border said.

Border added that Australia should consider using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-steve-smiths-reaction-when-virat-kohli-stopped-indian-fans-from-booing-him-225897">Steve Smith</a> to shore up their bowling attack and backed the 30-year-old to use his leg-spin to good effect.

"The fifth, and even the fourth, bowling option is looking like a slight concern for them," Border said. "I think they should look at Steve Smith having a bowl, I really do."

"Leg-spin takes wickets and whether it's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zampa-hand-warmers-row-finch-defends-spinner-over-ball-tampering-allegation-225853">Adam Zampa</a> coming back in or Smith trying a bit of his spin, that should improve the attack dramatically," Border added.

Here's the&nbsp;complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa536962-32f2-4838-8fec-9a38afd969a9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_28.jpg" />

Australia next play Sri Lanka at The Oval in London on Saturday.

Australia's knack for grinding out wins despite not playing at their best is helping them build momentum for a strong tilt at the World Cup title, former skipper Allan Border has said.

Australia's knack for grinding out wins despite not playing at their best is helping them build momentum for a strong tilt at the World Cup title, former skipper Allan Border has said. Defending champions Australia beat Pakistan by 41 runs in Taunton on Wednesday to seal their third victory in four games at the tournament, with their only defeat coming against India on Sunday. A struggling middle order and a lack of support for the main pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins have emerged as Australia's main concerns in the early days of the World Cup, but the team are currently second in the overall standings. "Australia aren't playing at their best but they are winning matches. That's the way I saw the win over Pakistan," Border wrote in a column for the International Cricket Council. "In the early stages of the World Cup, you want to be right amongst the pacesetters after four rounds and Australia very much are. They are building nicely and all the teams will feel the total package is still in them. They'll talk about being relentless and consistent... and they can create momentum for some of the big teams they still have to play," Border said. Border added that Australia should consider using Steve Smith to shore up their bowling attack and backed the 30-year-old to use his leg-spin to good effect. "The fifth, and even the fourth, bowling option is looking like a slight concern for them," Border said. "I think they should look at Steve Smith having a bowl, I really do." "Leg-spin takes wickets and whether it's Adam Zampa coming back in or Smith trying a bit of his spin, that should improve the attack dramatically," Border added. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: Australia next play Sri Lanka at The Oval in London on Saturday.

World Cup: Allan Border backs defending champs Australia to keep building momentum

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq described the World Cup match against India on Sunday as a "huge-pressure game", which has also become a must-win one for his side following the loss to Australia here.

Despite some late defiance from captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and freewheeling number nine Wahab Riaz, Pakistan succumbed to a 41-run loss to Australia on Wednesday and are now in an increasingly precarious position in eighth place in the standings.

Asked if the defeat made the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-need-to-overcome-mistakes-to-beat-india-says-sarfaraz-after-australia-defeat-226683">high-pressure match against India</a> at Old Trafford a must-win affair, Imam admitted,&nbsp;"Yes, we've had one game rained off which was very important for us - every game now is very important for us, so yes you can say that.''

"Obviously, to be part of that kind of game, it's great. It's in Manchester, lots of Pakistani fans there - so I'm really excited about it. It's a huge pressure game, obviously. Pakistan and India, there's a lot of mysteries behind that but we want to just focus on our cricket strengths and how we can get better," Imam said

Imam also felt <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-david-warner-stars-in-australias-41-run-win-over-pakistan-226669">"hugely disappointed"</a> after getting out tamely just when he thought he was in a position to inspire his side to a famous win over defending champions Australia.

Pakistan's opener looked in fine form and had just reached his 50 in a dangerous-looking partnership with veteran Mohammad Hafeez.

At that stage his side was at 136/2, chasing what seemed a reachable target of 308. But he was dismissed for 53 off 75 balls in soft fashion by Pat Cummins.

From a ball which was short down the leg side, and would have been called a wide had he left it alone, Imam tried to pull but could only glove it to the Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey.

It was a dismissal that transformed the match with three more wickets tumbling quickly and it left Imam so crestfallen that he hung his head and could barely drag himself back to the pavilion.

"Obviously, I'm playing well - and this team depends on me and Babar (Azam). When Babar got out (for 30), it was then my responsibility and I was going well but it was not a good ball that got me out, the same as I did against the West Indies.

"I knew I'd spent a hell of a lot of time on a tricky wicket so I knew it wouldn't be easy for any new batsman to come in. So it was a huge disappointment because it's a World Cup stage and if you get set, you really have to make it count if you want to stay in the tournament," he said. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq described the World Cup match against India on Sunday as a "huge-pressure game", which has also become a must-win one for his side following the loss to Australia here.

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq described the World Cup match against India on Sunday as a "huge-pressure game", which has also become a must-win one for his side following the loss to Australia here. Despite some late defiance from captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and freewheeling number nine Wahab Riaz, Pakistan succumbed to a 41-run loss to Australia on Wednesday and are now in an increasingly precarious position in eighth place in the standings. Asked if the defeat made the high-pressure match against India at Old Trafford a must-win affair, Imam admitted, "Yes, we've had one game rained off which was very important for us - every game now is very important for us, so yes you can say that.'' "Obviously, to be part of that kind of game, it's great. It's in Manchester, lots of Pakistani fans there - so I'm really excited about it. It's a huge pressure game, obviously. Pakistan and India, there's a lot of mysteries behind that but we want to just focus on our cricket strengths and how we can get better," Imam said Imam also felt "hugely disappointed" after getting out tamely just when he thought he was in a position to inspire his side to a famous win over defending champions Australia. Pakistan's opener looked in fine form and had just reached his 50 in a dangerous-looking partnership with veteran Mohammad Hafeez. At that stage his side was at 136/2, chasing what seemed a reachable target of 308. But he was dismissed for 53 off 75 balls in soft fashion by Pat Cummins. From a ball which was short down the leg side, and would have been called a wide had he left it alone, Imam tried to pull but could only glove it to the Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey. It was a dismissal that transformed the match with three more wickets tumbling quickly and it left Imam so crestfallen that he hung his head and could barely drag himself back to the pavilion. "Obviously, I'm playing well - and this team depends on me and Babar (Azam). When Babar got out (for 30), it was then my responsibility and I was going well but it was not a good ball that got me out, the same as I did against the West Indies. "I knew I'd spent a hell of a lot of time on a tricky wicket so I knew it wouldn't be easy for any new batsman to come in. So it was a huge disappointment because it's a World Cup stage and if you get set, you really have to make it count if you want to stay in the tournament," he said.

World Cup: High-pressure India game a must-win for Pakistan, says Imam-ul-Haq

Week 2 of World Cup marred by controversies, injuries and washouts

Pakistan must go back to their Champions Trophy triumph for inspiration and then look for early wickets in their World Cup encounter against arch-rivals India, suggests former captain Waqar Younis.

Bitter foes India and Pakistan lock horns in the tournament's one of the most anticipated matches at the Old Trafford on Sunday.

"It's simple - if Pakistan want to stay in the tournament, they have to bring an 'A-plus' performance and win that game," Waqar said in his column for the ICC.

"When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-high-pressure-india-game-a-must-win-for-pakistan-says-imam-ul-haq-226750">Pakistan play India</a> it's always a huge game, but their meeting on Sunday is shaping up to be more crucial than ever," Waqar said.

While he did not read much into India's all-win record against Pakistan in the World Cup, the pace great urged his country to look up to the title triumph in the 2017 Champions Trophy, where they beat India in the final.&nbsp;

"Pakistan have got to take positives out of what they did to India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy a couple of years ago. They must think positively going into this game. I hope they have got their best game in the locker for India, who showed against Australia that they are a very fine side," Waqar, one of the best fast bowlers of his time, said.&nbsp;

According to the former captain and coach, picking up early wickets could be key to Pakistan's chances.

"What I have seen in this World Cup so far is that if you don't pick up early wickets, you're in trouble. The new ball is so crucial and openers are being more careful in the first ten overs this year," said Waqar.

"They're <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-need-to-overcome-mistakes-to-beat-india-says-sarfaraz-after-australia-defeat-226683">not really going full throttle</a>, they are being a bit more watchful. Once you don't lose any wickets early on, it becomes easier because the ball doesn't swing and batting becomes easier," Waqar said.

Waqar believes Pakistan were done in by the new ball, in both batting bowling, against Australia on Wednesday.

"It was with the new ball, in both batting and bowling, that I felt Pakistan missed a trick in their entertaining defeat to Australia at Taunton. Early on, we were not really sharp enough and Sarfaraz Ahmed was not on his toes. Mohammad Amir didn't get any support from the other end,"&nbsp;Waqar said.

Returning his best ODI figures of 5/30, Amir staged a fine comeback to stop Australia's charge at 307.

"No-one really saw the comeback coming and for that, you have to take your hat off to Amir. Full marks to him for the way he bowled. Even with the new ball, I thought he bowled quite nicely. He could have picked up more than five wickets in the end. He was unfortunate with a couple of nicks early on," said Waqar.

"Pakistan pulled it back very nicely. They were sharp after 25 overs and started picking up wickets. They found the right lengths," he said.

His praise for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammad-amir-confessed-to-spot-fixing-after-shahid-afridi-slapped-him-abdul-razzaq-226584">Amir</a>, who was not initially included in Pakistan's World Cup squad, did not end there.

"Amir bowled superbly. He showed us all his cutters, variations and short-pitched deliveries. I think we all know Amir is mentally very, very strong. He showed once again that class is permanent? he is no doubt a match-winner," he added.

Regarding team combination, Waqar felt there could be changes for Sunday's game.

"It may be that Mickey Arthur looks at changing the team for Sunday. I spoke to Mickey in Taunton and he is thinking in terms of horses for courses, and I agree with him to an extent. The pitch there was good for pacers and he rightly went with four of them. The issue was not the nature of the plan, but the execution,"&nbsp;Waqar said.

Waqar was in favour of dropping spin-bowling all-rounder Shoaib Malik.&nbsp;

"Shadab is the key man in this side and I think they will look to bring him back against India. They might go for five bowlers, use four pacers and Shadab and drop someone like Shoaib Malik," he said.

"Going from a defeat to playing the old rivalry against India isn't going to be easy. India probably watched the Australia game very closely and know what needs to be done. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-17-australia-vs-pakistan-226457">Pakistan </a>need to lift themselves up and I hope they bring their best on Sunday," said&nbsp;Waqar.&nbsp;

Pakistan must go back to their Champions Trophy triumph for inspiration and then look for early wickets in their World Cup encounter against arch-rivals India, suggests former captain Waqar Younis.

Pakistan must go back to their Champions Trophy triumph for inspiration and then look for early wickets in their World Cup encounter against arch-rivals India, suggests former captain Waqar Younis. Bitter foes India and Pakistan lock horns in the tournament's one of the most anticipated matches at the Old Trafford on Sunday. "It's simple - if Pakistan want to stay in the tournament, they have to bring an 'A-plus' performance and win that game," Waqar said in his column for the ICC. "When Pakistan play India it's always a huge game, but their meeting on Sunday is shaping up to be more crucial than ever," Waqar said. While he did not read much into India's all-win record against Pakistan in the World Cup, the pace great urged his country to look up to the title triumph in the 2017 Champions Trophy, where they beat India in the final. "Pakistan have got to take positives out of what they did to India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy a couple of years ago. They must think positively going into this game. I hope they have got their best game in the locker for India, who showed against Australia that they are a very fine side," Waqar, one of the best fast bowlers of his time, said. According to the former captain and coach, picking up early wickets could be key to Pakistan's chances. "What I have seen in this World Cup so far is that if you don't pick up early wickets, you're in trouble. The new ball is so crucial and openers are being more careful in the first ten overs this year," said Waqar. "They're not really going full throttle, they are being a bit more watchful. Once you don't lose any wickets early on, it becomes easier because the ball doesn't swing and batting becomes easier," Waqar said. Waqar believes Pakistan were done in by the new ball, in both batting bowling, against Australia on Wednesday. "It was with the new ball, in both batting and bowling, that I felt Pakistan missed a trick in their entertaining defeat to Australia at Taunton. Early on, we were not really sharp enough and Sarfaraz Ahmed was not on his toes. Mohammad Amir didn't get any support from the other end," Waqar said. Returning his best ODI figures of 5/30, Amir staged a fine comeback to stop Australia's charge at 307. "No-one really saw the comeback coming and for that, you have to take your hat off to Amir. Full marks to him for the way he bowled. Even with the new ball, I thought he bowled quite nicely. He could have picked up more than five wickets in the end. He was unfortunate with a couple of nicks early on," said Waqar. "Pakistan pulled it back very nicely. They were sharp after 25 overs and started picking up wickets. They found the right lengths," he said. His praise for Amir, who was not initially included in Pakistan's World Cup squad, did not end there. "Amir bowled superbly. He showed us all his cutters, variations and short-pitched deliveries. I think we all know Amir is mentally very, very strong. He showed once again that class is permanent? he is no doubt a match-winner," he added. Regarding team combination, Waqar felt there could be changes for Sunday's game. "It may be that Mickey Arthur looks at changing the team for Sunday. I spoke to Mickey in Taunton and he is thinking in terms of horses for courses, and I agree with him to an extent. The pitch there was good for pacers and he rightly went with four of them. The issue was not the nature of the plan, but the execution," Waqar said. Waqar was in favour of dropping spin-bowling all-rounder Shoaib Malik. "Shadab is the key man in this side and I think they will look to bring him back against India. They might go for five bowlers, use four pacers and Shadab and drop someone like Shoaib Malik," he said. "Going from a defeat to playing the old rivalry against India isn't going to be easy. India probably watched the Australia game very closely and know what needs to be done. Pakistan need to lift themselves up and I hope they bring their best on Sunday," said Waqar.

World Cup: Pakistan must bring their A game against India, says Waqar Younis

Emphasising on the importance of dot balls in limited overs cricket, Australia pacer Pat Cummins is delighted that the hard work he has put in to become accurate is starting to pay off.

Cummins is increasingly looking like the workhorse of this Australian team, plugging away with the wickets while others hog the headlines.

The 26-year-old looked in great rhythm against Pakistan, taking 3 for 33 to derail their chase.

The right-arm pacer has bowled the most number of dot balls in the ongoing World Cup and the two bowlers that follow him are also from Australia -- Mitchell Starc and Nathan Coulter-Nile.

"That's the big improvement in my game in the last couple of years, the ability to hold a length and make it difficult to get runs," Cummins said after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-17-australia-vs-pakistan-226457">Australia's 41-run win against Pakistan</a> on Wednesday.

"If you give away easy singles then 300 becomes quite an achievable score. Cutting out the singles is huge, it means if you give away a boundary it might not be that big over of ten or 11, it may just be a five or a six," Cummins added.

After they were set 308 for win, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-david-warner-stars-in-australias-41-run-win-over-pakistan-226669">Pakistan </a>scored steadily but Australia held their nerve and took wickets at regular intervals.

An eighth-wicket stand between Sarfaraz and Wahab Riaz, who scored 45 from just 39 balls, made it nervy for the defending champions until the last three wickets fell for just two runs - securing a third victory at the World Cup.

"It goes to show that everyone can bat these days. It was a bit closer than we would have liked, so it was good to get those couple of wickets and finish it off. We gave them a bit too much width and suddenly they were back in the game, it's a good lesson to learn," Cummins said.

Cummins and his strike partner Starc have 18 wickets between them in the tournament while the rest of the team have a combined 12.

Australia set a target of 307 on the back of a 146-run opening partnership between Warner (107) and Finch (82).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-century-means-a-lot-as-a-batsman-david-warner-226679">Warner </a>scored his first-century post his one-year international ban for ball-tampering.

"We were so pumped for him, he was really open and honest after the Oval game. He was playing more timid than normal but we saw his mindset change from the start here,'' he said.

"I think if you look over the transition of his career, he's become more measured in his approach. His energy out in the middle is still an example, the way you see him sprinting hard for singles and bouncing down the wicket. He looks really sharp in this tournament," Cummins said.

Emphasising on the importance of dot balls in limited overs cricket, Australia pacer Pat Cummins is delighted that the hard work he has put in to become accurate is starting to pay off.

Emphasising on the importance of dot balls in limited overs cricket, Australia pacer Pat Cummins is delighted that the hard work he has put in to become accurate is starting to pay off. Cummins is increasingly looking like the workhorse of this Australian team, plugging away with the wickets while others hog the headlines. The 26-year-old looked in great rhythm against Pakistan, taking 3 for 33 to derail their chase. The right-arm pacer has bowled the most number of dot balls in the ongoing World Cup and the two bowlers that follow him are also from Australia -- Mitchell Starc and Nathan Coulter-Nile. "That's the big improvement in my game in the last couple of years, the ability to hold a length and make it difficult to get runs," Cummins said after Australia's 41-run win against Pakistan on Wednesday. "If you give away easy singles then 300 becomes quite an achievable score. Cutting out the singles is huge, it means if you give away a boundary it might not be that big over of ten or 11, it may just be a five or a six," Cummins added. After they were set 308 for win, Pakistan scored steadily but Australia held their nerve and took wickets at regular intervals. An eighth-wicket stand between Sarfaraz and Wahab Riaz, who scored 45 from just 39 balls, made it nervy for the defending champions until the last three wickets fell for just two runs - securing a third victory at the World Cup. "It goes to show that everyone can bat these days. It was a bit closer than we would have liked, so it was good to get those couple of wickets and finish it off. We gave them a bit too much width and suddenly they were back in the game, it's a good lesson to learn," Cummins said. Cummins and his strike partner Starc have 18 wickets between them in the tournament while the rest of the team have a combined 12. Australia set a target of 307 on the back of a 146-run opening partnership between Warner (107) and Finch (82). Warner scored his first-century post his one-year international ban for ball-tampering. "We were so pumped for him, he was really open and honest after the Oval game. He was playing more timid than normal but we saw his mindset change from the start here,'' he said. "I think if you look over the transition of his career, he's become more measured in his approach. His energy out in the middle is still an example, the way you see him sprinting hard for singles and bouncing down the wicket. He looks really sharp in this tournament," Cummins said.

World Cup: Pat Cummins' silent workhorse in Australia's squad, while others hog limelight

India head coach Ravi Shastri and support staff have been given a 45-day contract extension after the ongoing campaign at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

Shastri and the support staff, including assistant coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/final-call-on-precious-shikhar-dhawan-only-after-10-12-days-sanjay-bangar-226591">Sanjay Bangar</a>, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, will continue with their roles till the end of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-to-begin-icc-world-test-championship-against-west-indies-226732">India tour of West Indies</a>.&nbsp;

The series comprising three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests will take place from August 3 to September 3.&nbsp;

"Yes, they have got 45 days extension till the end of the West Indies tour because the process will complete after the World Cup. There is no time in between so it doesn't make sense to do things in a hurry," a BCCI official told ANI.&nbsp;

India have won their first two matches, defeating South Africa by six wickets and Australia by 36 runs, respectively.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rain-set-to-play-spoilsport-at-india-vs-new-zealand-world-cup-clash-226768">Virat Kohli-led team</a> will take on New Zealand at Trent Bridge today.&nbsp;

India head coach Ravi Shastri and support staff have been given a 45-day contract extension after the ongoing campaign at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Shastri and the support staff, including assistant coach Sanjay Bangar, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, will continue with their roles till the end of India tour of West Indies.

India head coach Ravi Shastri and support staff have been given a 45-day contract extension after the ongoing campaign at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Shastri and the support staff, including assistant coach Sanjay Bangar, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, will continue with their roles till the end of India tour of West Indies. The series comprising three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests will take place from August 3 to September 3. "Yes, they have got 45 days extension till the end of the West Indies tour because the process will complete after the World Cup. There is no time in between so it doesn't make sense to do things in a hurry," a BCCI official told ANI. India have won their first two matches, defeating South Africa by six wickets and Australia by 36 runs, respectively. Virat Kohli-led team will take on New Zealand at Trent Bridge today.

Ravi Shastri, Sanjay Bangar among other support staff granted 45-day contract extension

Virat Kohli-led India will take on New Zealand in the 18th match of Cricket World Cup 2019 but the weather forecast at the venue is not looking good as there are slim chances of getting a full a game today in Nottingham.

The match starts at 10:30 GMT and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-heavy-rain-forecast-ahead-of-india-vs-new-zealand-match-226204">light rain is expected to fall </a>from 10:00 am and to an end at about lunchtime, around 1:00 pm.&nbsp;

After about an hour of relief from the rain, it's set to pour down again from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and subside only by 6:00 pm in the evening.

The Met Office in England had issued a 'yellow warning'&nbsp;for heavy rain at Trent Bridge in Nottingham for today and the maximum temperature will be around 13 degrees through the day, making it extremely cold for both the teams on the field.&nbsp;

"The unsettled weather continues this week with further heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to impact some parts of the UK," published The Met Office on their website.&nbsp;

A record three matches have already been either abandoned or called off in the weather-hit tournament and the forecast is for further washouts this week.&nbsp;

The absence of reserve days is being brought up by the players and the coaches, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday defended not scheduling reserve days for group matches at the rain-marred World Cup and blamed the disruptions on "extremely unseasonable weather".

The organisers have been criticised for not allotting reserve days in the group stage and outgoing ICC chief executive David Richardson said it was not a feasible idea.

"Factoring in a reserve day for every match ... would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver," he said in a statement.

If the game is washed-out both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-injured-shikhar-dhawan-at-practice-session-ahead-of-new-zealand-contest-226574">India </a>and New Zealand will get one point each. 
 
New Zealand are at the top of the points table with six points from three games and India have four points from two games with two victories.

(All timings in GMT)

Virat Kohli-led India will take on New Zealand in the 18th match of Cricket World Cup 2019 but the weather forecast at the venue is not looking good as there are slim chances of getting a full a game today in Nottingham.

Virat Kohli-led India will take on New Zealand in the 18th match of Cricket World Cup 2019 but the weather forecast at the venue is not looking good as there are slim chances of getting a full a game today in Nottingham. The match starts at 10:30 GMT and light rain is expected to fall from 10:00 am and to an end at about lunchtime, around 1:00 pm. After about an hour of relief from the rain, it's set to pour down again from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and subside only by 6:00 pm in the evening. The Met Office in England had issued a 'yellow warning' for heavy rain at Trent Bridge in Nottingham for today and the maximum temperature will be around 13 degrees through the day, making it extremely cold for both the teams on the field. "The unsettled weather continues this week with further heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to impact some parts of the UK," published The Met Office on their website. A record three matches have already been either abandoned or called off in the weather-hit tournament and the forecast is for further washouts this week. The absence of reserve days is being brought up by the players and the coaches, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday defended not scheduling reserve days for group matches at the rain-marred World Cup and blamed the disruptions on "extremely unseasonable weather". The organisers have been criticised for not allotting reserve days in the group stage and outgoing ICC chief executive David Richardson said it was not a feasible idea. "Factoring in a reserve day for every match ... would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver," he said in a statement. If the game is washed-out both India and New Zealand will get one point each. New Zealand are at the top of the points table with six points from three games and India have four points from two games with two victories. (All timings in GMT)

World Cup: Weather report of Nottingham for India vs New Zealand match

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday defended not scheduling reserve days for group matches at the rain-marred World Cup and blamed the disruptions on "extremely unseasonable weather".

A record three matches have already been either abandoned or called off in the weather-hit tournament and the forecast is for further washouts this week.

The organisers have been criticised for not allotting reserve days in the group stage and outgoing ICC chief executive David Richardson said it was not a feasible idea.

"Factoring in a reserve day for every match ... would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver," he said in a statement.

The knockout stage of the six-week tournament includes reserve days but it would post a massive logistical challenge at the group phase and inconvenience everyone, Richardson said.

"There is also no guarantee that the reserve day would be free from rain either," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-split-points-for-second-successive-time-after-match-washed-out-226325">Bangladesh </a>coach Steve Rhodes criticised the organisers after his team's match against Sri Lanka was abandoned on Tuesday without a ball bowled in Bristol.

"We put men on the moon, so why can't we have a reserve day, when actually this tournament is a long tournament?" Rhodes quipped.

"I know logistically, it would have been a big headache for the tournament organisers... but we have got quite a lot of time in between games, and if we have got to travel a day later, then so be it,"&nbsp;Rhodes said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-16-bangladesh-vs-sri-lanka-226226">Sri Lanka</a> captain Dimuth Karunaratne acknowledged the logistical challenge but still felt result days suited everyone.

"It's not easy, but if they can put on a reserve day, it would be good for everyone," said Karunaratne, whose team's previous match against Pakistan was also washed out.

Richardson, however, blamed the disruptions on an "extremely unseasonable weather".

"In the last couple of days we have experienced more than twice the average monthly rainfall for June which is usually the third driest month in the UK," he said.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday defended not scheduling reserve days for group matches at the rain-marred World Cup and blamed the disruptions on "extremely unseasonable weather".

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday defended not scheduling reserve days for group matches at the rain-marred World Cup and blamed the disruptions on "extremely unseasonable weather". A record three matches have already been either abandoned or called off in the weather-hit tournament and the forecast is for further washouts this week. The organisers have been criticised for not allotting reserve days in the group stage and outgoing ICC chief executive David Richardson said it was not a feasible idea. "Factoring in a reserve day for every match ... would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver," he said in a statement. The knockout stage of the six-week tournament includes reserve days but it would post a massive logistical challenge at the group phase and inconvenience everyone, Richardson said. "There is also no guarantee that the reserve day would be free from rain either," he said. Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes criticised the organisers after his team's match against Sri Lanka was abandoned on Tuesday without a ball bowled in Bristol. "We put men on the moon, so why can't we have a reserve day, when actually this tournament is a long tournament?" Rhodes quipped. "I know logistically, it would have been a big headache for the tournament organisers... but we have got quite a lot of time in between games, and if we have got to travel a day later, then so be it," Rhodes said. Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne acknowledged the logistical challenge but still felt result days suited everyone. "It's not easy, but if they can put on a reserve day, it would be good for everyone," said Karunaratne, whose team's previous match against Pakistan was also washed out. Richardson, however, blamed the disruptions on an "extremely unseasonable weather". "In the last couple of days we have experienced more than twice the average monthly rainfall for June which is usually the third driest month in the UK," he said.

World Cup: ICC defends no-reserve-day decision, blames 'unseasonable weather'

Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood admits he is barely watching the World Cup as his disappointment at not being selected continues to cause him pain.

The 27-year-old was overlooked after being out of action since January with a back injury, as selectors preferred him to focus on getting ready for the Ashes Test series in England, which begins in August.

Hazlewood is currently in camp at Brisbane with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistani-fans-love-cricket-they-wont-boo-steven-smith-captain-sarfaraz-ahmed-226376">Australia </a>A squads - along with the likes of Peter Handscomb, Travis Head and Marcus Harris -&nbsp;ahead of their departure for England on Friday for a seven-week tour.

Now fully fit, he said he had was trying to avoid the World Cup and direct his energies elsewhere.

"I'm trying to focus on what I'm doing up here," he told cricket.com.au Wednesday.&nbsp;

"I'll sit down at night and watch a couple of overs but I'm trying to steer clear of it a little bit. The more you watch something, the more you probably miss it. So I'm just trying to pretend it's not on, to a degree," Hazlewood said.

Instead, his focus is on the Ashes, and he warned that he would be fresh and raring to go against the English batsmen.

"I know I can do a great job when I'm physically pretty fresh and that's how I'm going to enter this Ashes, so I'm looking forward to it," he said.

Hazlewood is set to make his return in the one-day format for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-marcus-stoinis-ruled-out-of-australias-clash-against-sri-lanka-226259">Australia </a>A from June 20, before three red-ball fixtures starting on July 7.&nbsp;

Those matches culminate in an 'Australia v Australia A' four-day fixture in Hampshire, which will serve as a final selection trial for the Ashes squad.&nbsp;

"I've done as much as I can in the nets. It takes that time out in the middle now to get that extra couple of per cent up to one hundred," Hazlewood&nbsp;said.

Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood admits he is barely watching the World Cup as his disappointment at not being selected continues to cause him pain. The 27-year-old was overlooked after being out of action since January with a back injury, as selectors preferred him to focus on getting ready for the Ashes Test series in England, which begins in August.

Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood admits he is barely watching the World Cup as his disappointment at not being selected continues to cause him pain. The 27-year-old was overlooked after being out of action since January with a back injury, as selectors preferred him to focus on getting ready for the Ashes Test series in England, which begins in August. Hazlewood is currently in camp at Brisbane with the Australia A squads - along with the likes of Peter Handscomb, Travis Head and Marcus Harris - ahead of their departure for England on Friday for a seven-week tour. Now fully fit, he said he had was trying to avoid the World Cup and direct his energies elsewhere. "I'm trying to focus on what I'm doing up here," he told cricket.com.au Wednesday. "I'll sit down at night and watch a couple of overs but I'm trying to steer clear of it a little bit. The more you watch something, the more you probably miss it. So I'm just trying to pretend it's not on, to a degree," Hazlewood said. Instead, his focus is on the Ashes, and he warned that he would be fresh and raring to go against the English batsmen. "I know I can do a great job when I'm physically pretty fresh and that's how I'm going to enter this Ashes, so I'm looking forward to it," he said. Hazlewood is set to make his return in the one-day format for Australia A from June 20, before three red-ball fixtures starting on July 7. Those matches culminate in an 'Australia v Australia A' four-day fixture in Hampshire, which will serve as a final selection trial for the Ashes squad. "I've done as much as I can in the nets. It takes that time out in the middle now to get that extra couple of per cent up to one hundred," Hazlewood said.

ICC Cricket World Cup too painful to watch, says Australia's Josh Hazlewood

Mohammad Amir had confessed to spot-fixing only after then ODI skipper Shahid Afridi slapped the fast bowler while Salman Butt was involved in corruption much before Pakistan's ill-fated tour of England in 2010, claimed former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq.

Spilling the beans on the scandal which tarnished the image of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-17-australia-vs-pakistan-226457">Pakistan </a>cricket, Razzaq narrated the Amir incident while speaking to the GNN news channel.&nbsp;

"He (Afridi) told me to leave the room but after a while, I heard the sound of a slap and then Amir told the whole truth," Razzaq said.

The all-rounder also blamed the then PCB set-up for bringing a bad name to Pakistan cricket.

"I thought instead of going to the ICC to prove its efficiency, the PCB should have instead directly taken the three players to task despite their denials and sent them back home on some pretext. They should have banned them for a year or so. In the end, by not doing this, the PCB spoilt the image of Pakistan cricket worldwide," Razzaq said.

Razzaq, 39, also claimed that Butt was deliberately getting out and playing dot balls much before the scandal broke out in England.

"I shared my concerns with Afridi but he said it is just my waham (misconception) and nothing is wrong. But when I was batting with Salman Butt during a match of the World T20 in West Indies, I was convinced he was letting down the team."

Razzaq recalled he told Butt to take a single and give him the strike but he did not pay heed to his advice.&nbsp;

"I was surprised when he refused this strategy. When I realised what he was up to (something) I told him strictly to give me the strike. Yet every over he deliberately played two or three balls and then gave me strike. I got upset and felt the pressure and got out."

Butt, Amir and Mohammad Asif were the three players eventually banned for a minimum of five years in early 2011 by the ICC's anti-corruption tribunal after they were first suspended in September 2010.

All three have now returned to playing cricket after completing their five-year bans.

But only Amir has been considered and picked for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistani-fans-love-cricket-they-wont-boo-steven-smith-captain-sarfaraz-ahmed-226376">Pakistan </a>national team and is presently competing in the World Cup.

Mohammad Amir had confessed to spot-fixing only after then ODI skipper Shahid Afridi slapped the fast bowler while Salman Butt was involved in corruption much before Pakistan's ill-fated tour of England in 2010, claimed former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq.

Mohammad Amir had confessed to spot-fixing only after then ODI skipper Shahid Afridi slapped the fast bowler while Salman Butt was involved in corruption much before Pakistan's ill-fated tour of England in 2010, claimed former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq. Spilling the beans on the scandal which tarnished the image of Pakistan cricket, Razzaq narrated the Amir incident while speaking to the GNN news channel. "He (Afridi) told me to leave the room but after a while, I heard the sound of a slap and then Amir told the whole truth," Razzaq said. The all-rounder also blamed the then PCB set-up for bringing a bad name to Pakistan cricket. "I thought instead of going to the ICC to prove its efficiency, the PCB should have instead directly taken the three players to task despite their denials and sent them back home on some pretext. They should have banned them for a year or so. In the end, by not doing this, the PCB spoilt the image of Pakistan cricket worldwide," Razzaq said. Razzaq, 39, also claimed that Butt was deliberately getting out and playing dot balls much before the scandal broke out in England. "I shared my concerns with Afridi but he said it is just my waham (misconception) and nothing is wrong. But when I was batting with Salman Butt during a match of the World T20 in West Indies, I was convinced he was letting down the team." Razzaq recalled he told Butt to take a single and give him the strike but he did not pay heed to his advice. "I was surprised when he refused this strategy. When I realised what he was up to (something) I told him strictly to give me the strike. Yet every over he deliberately played two or three balls and then gave me strike. I got upset and felt the pressure and got out." Butt, Amir and Mohammad Asif were the three players eventually banned for a minimum of five years in early 2011 by the ICC's anti-corruption tribunal after they were first suspended in September 2010. All three have now returned to playing cricket after completing their five-year bans. But only Amir has been considered and picked for the Pakistan national team and is presently competing in the World Cup.

Mohammad Amir confessed to spot-fixing after Shahid Afridi slapped him: Abdul Razzaq

A final decision on Shikhar Dhawan's availability at the ongoing World Cup will be taken only after 10 to 12 days as he is too "precious" to be ruled out just yet, India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said Wednesday.

Dhawan will miss three to four games due to the hairline fracture on his left thumb and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-to-be-flown-in-today-as-cover-for-injured-shikhar-dhawan-says-bcci-official-226423">Rishabh Pant</a> will join the team as cover in Manchester ahead of the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday.

"As far as Shikhar is concerned, we are observing him and it will take some time, around 10 or 12 days to figure out where he stands," Bangar said on the eve of the game against New Zealand here.

"We will be in a better position to take a call then because we don't want to rule out a precious player like Shikhar, straight at the time of the injury," he added.

The assistant coach's statement means that Dhawan will be out of the games against New Zealand (Thursday), Pakistan (Manchester, June 16), Afghanistan (June 22, Southampton) and West Indies (June 27, Manchester).

Bangar also informed that Pant is being summoned so that he can train with the team and be match-ready in case <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-shikhar-dhawan-ruled-out-for-three-weeks-due-to-injury-226202">Dhawan </a>is ruled out of the tournament.

"Since Dhawan's assessment will take 10-12 days, till that point of time, we wanted to make sure if and when the replacement is required and I am saying if and when, then it is always good to have a replacement player coming in and practising with the team as a stand-by," Bangar said.

A final decision on Shikhar Dhawan's availability at the ongoing World Cup will be taken only after 10 to 12 days as he is too "precious" to be ruled out just yet, India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said Wednesday.

A final decision on Shikhar Dhawan's availability at the ongoing World Cup will be taken only after 10 to 12 days as he is too "precious" to be ruled out just yet, India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said Wednesday. Dhawan will miss three to four games due to the hairline fracture on his left thumb and Rishabh Pant will join the team as cover in Manchester ahead of the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. "As far as Shikhar is concerned, we are observing him and it will take some time, around 10 or 12 days to figure out where he stands," Bangar said on the eve of the game against New Zealand here. "We will be in a better position to take a call then because we don't want to rule out a precious player like Shikhar, straight at the time of the injury," he added. The assistant coach's statement means that Dhawan will be out of the games against New Zealand (Thursday), Pakistan (Manchester, June 16), Afghanistan (June 22, Southampton) and West Indies (June 27, Manchester). Bangar also informed that Pant is being summoned so that he can train with the team and be match-ready in case Dhawan is ruled out of the tournament. "Since Dhawan's assessment will take 10-12 days, till that point of time, we wanted to make sure if and when the replacement is required and I am saying if and when, then it is always good to have a replacement player coming in and practising with the team as a stand-by," Bangar said.

Final call on 'precious' Shikhar Dhawan only after 10-12 days: Sanjay Bangar

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