Australia snapped a seven-game losing streak to beat South Africa by seven runs in the second one-dayer in Adelaide on Friday, keeping the series alive and boosting their battered confidence.

Set 232 to win, the Proteas could only manage 224-9 in their 50 overs, leaving the series tied at 1-1 with the decider in Hobart on Sunday.

The hosts, who were thrashed by six wickets with more than 20 overs to spare in the opening match, dug deep with their bowlers getting them over the line.

Marcus Stoinis was the pick with 3-35 off his 10 overs, including the crucial scalp of David Miller who hit a stubborn 51.

Adelaide has been a happy hunting ground in the past for Australia.

In fact, their last win came at the oval nine months ago against England, before the reigning world champions were knocked for six by the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March.

Their form slump since had been characterised by batting collapses and they again struggled to compile a big total with some tight South African bowling putting them back in the pavilion for 231.

But with Mitchell Starc returning to new-ball duties after a short-lived experiment with Nathan Coulter-Nile in Perth backfired, the attack did its job.

Starc got a reward in his third over, with Adam Zampa getting under a catch in the deep to end Quinton de Kock's night.

Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks were looking dangerous as they pushed the score to 46, but they needlessly attempted a third run from a clip off the pads to midwicket and Markham was run out.

Six balls later and Hendricks was also in the clubhouse, getting an outside edge off Josh Hazlewood to give Australia hope.

And when Heinrich Klassen fell to Stoinis to leave the Proteas on 68-4 the crowd came alive, sensing the miserable run could be over.

Faf du Plessis and Miller set about building a 74-run partnership before Pat Cummins got a breakthrough with the South African skipper dragging the ball onto his stumps on 47.

Miller dug in as partners fell to grind out a gutsy 51 before he was given out lbw on a review decision and the South African tail failed to wag. Australian skipper Aaron Finch stressed beforehand the need to go back to basics and build partnerships, and he and Travis Head tried to set the tone after being sent into bat.

But Head's aggressiveness cost him and he was trapped him lbw for eight. That brought Shaun Marsh to the crease and he quickly got into his groove. He and Finch knocked up a 50 partnership before Marsh, on 22, got a thick edge off Rabada and de Kock took the catch.

Finch built a composed 41 before he was deceived by a Dwaine Pretorius delivery and chopped the ball onto his wicket.

The explosive Chris Lynn was in Twenty20 mode when he smacked 18 off the first four balls of a Rabada over before he pushed his luck too far on the fifth, mistiming a hook and was caught.

With wickets falling, Alex Carey worked hard to make 47 before becoming Rabada's third victim.

Australia snapped a seven-game losing streak to beat South Africa by seven runs in the second one-dayer in Adelaide on Friday, keeping the series alive and boosting their battered confidence.

Australia snapped a seven-game losing streak to beat South Africa by seven runs in the second one-dayer in Adelaide on Friday, keeping the series alive and boosting their battered confidence. Set 232 to win, the Proteas could only manage 224-9 in their 50 overs, leaving the series tied at 1-1 with the decider in Hobart on Sunday. The hosts, who were thrashed by six wickets with more than 20 overs to spare in the opening match, dug deep with their bowlers getting them over the line. Marcus Stoinis was the pick with 3-35 off his 10 overs, including the crucial scalp of David Miller who hit a stubborn 51. Adelaide has been a happy hunting ground in the past for Australia. In fact, their last win came at the oval nine months ago against England, before the reigning world champions were knocked for six by the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March. Their form slump since had been characterised by batting collapses and they again struggled to compile a big total with some tight South African bowling putting them back in the pavilion for 231. But with Mitchell Starc returning to new-ball duties after a short-lived experiment with Nathan Coulter-Nile in Perth backfired, the attack did its job. Starc got a reward in his third over, with Adam Zampa getting under a catch in the deep to end Quinton de Kock's night. Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks were looking dangerous as they pushed the score to 46, but they needlessly attempted a third run from a clip off the pads to midwicket and Markham was run out. Six balls later and Hendricks was also in the clubhouse, getting an outside edge off Josh Hazlewood to give Australia hope. And when Heinrich Klassen fell to Stoinis to leave the Proteas on 68-4 the crowd came alive, sensing the miserable run could be over. Faf du Plessis and Miller set about building a 74-run partnership before Pat Cummins got a breakthrough with the South African skipper dragging the ball onto his stumps on 47. Miller dug in as partners fell to grind out a gutsy 51 before he was given out lbw on a review decision and the South African tail failed to wag. Australian skipper Aaron Finch stressed beforehand the need to go back to basics and build partnerships, and he and Travis Head tried to set the tone after being sent into bat. But Head's aggressiveness cost him and he was trapped him lbw for eight. That brought Shaun Marsh to the crease and he quickly got into his groove. He and Finch knocked up a 50 partnership before Marsh, on 22, got a thick edge off Rabada and de Kock took the catch. Finch built a composed 41 before he was deceived by a Dwaine Pretorius delivery and chopped the ball onto his wicket. The explosive Chris Lynn was in Twenty20 mode when he smacked 18 off the first four balls of a Rabada over before he pushed his luck too far on the fifth, mistiming a hook and was caught. With wickets falling, Alex Carey worked hard to make 47 before becoming Rabada's third victim.

Australia beat South Africa to keep series alive

Australia captain Aaron Finch said relieving pace spearhead Mitchell Starc of new ball duties in the opening one-day international against South Africa was an attempt to snap his team's horror run of losses, albeit one that had backfired.

Eyebrows were raised when Nathan Coulter-Nile opened the bowling with Josh Hazlewood in Sunday's series-opener in Perth, breaking Starc's three-year streak of opening the bowling in internationals.

The ploy was quickly shelved when Coulter-Nile was hammered for 16 runs in his first over, and South Africa's batsmen easily mowed down the hosts' paltry 152 to win by six wickets.

"We'd planned to go in with Coults (Coulter-Nile) and Josh (Hazlewood) with the new ball," Finch said after Australia lost by six wickets.

"It didn't work out for Coults in the first over today, then we went to Starcy pretty quick.

"It's just a tactical thing to be honest. Sixteen out of 18 losses in a row, 17 out of 19 now, we're looking for something to try, to try some new things, something different.

"If you keep doing the same thing over and over it's the definition of insanity, isn't it?"

The bowlers were hardly to blame for Australia's humiliation in their first match of the home summer, having been set a thankless task to defend 152 by the batsmen at the new Perth stadium.

With former captain Steve Smith and vice captain David Warner still serving ball-tampering bans, Australia were given another harsh reminder of their threadbare batting stocks, with their top six combining for 65 runs.

The loss came less than a week after a scathing cultural review into governing body&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Australia which forced chairman David Peever resign amid fierce reaction.

Finch, who replaced Tim Paine as skipper after the wicketkeeper led Australia to a 5-0 whitewash defeat away to England, said confidence was low but said they could turn it around in time for their World Cup defence in England in seven months.

"When guys are not performing as well as they can do, there’s always going to be a bit of doubt," he said.

"But you're only one good shot away from feeling on top of the world again. I think it’s about understanding it’s not all doom and gloom."

The second match of the three-day series is in Adelaide on Friday.

Australia captain Aaron Finch said relieving pace spearhead Mitchell Starc of new ball duties in the opening one-day international against South Africa was an attempt to snap his team's horror run of losses, albeit one that had backfired.

Australia captain Aaron Finch said relieving pace spearhead Mitchell Starc of new ball duties in the opening one-day international against South Africa was an attempt to snap his team's horror run of losses, albeit one that had backfired. Eyebrows were raised when Nathan Coulter-Nile opened the bowling with Josh Hazlewood in Sunday's series-opener in Perth, breaking Starc's three-year streak of opening the bowling in internationals. The ploy was quickly shelved when Coulter-Nile was hammered for 16 runs in his first over, and South Africa's batsmen easily mowed down the hosts' paltry 152 to win by six wickets. "We'd planned to go in with Coults (Coulter-Nile) and Josh (Hazlewood) with the new ball," Finch said after Australia lost by six wickets. "It didn't work out for Coults in the first over today, then we went to Starcy pretty quick. "It's just a tactical thing to be honest. Sixteen out of 18 losses in a row, 17 out of 19 now, we're looking for something to try, to try some new things, something different. "If you keep doing the same thing over and over it's the definition of insanity, isn't it?" The bowlers were hardly to blame for Australia's humiliation in their first match of the home summer, having been set a thankless task to defend 152 by the batsmen at the new Perth stadium. With former captain Steve Smith and vice captain David Warner still serving ball-tampering bans, Australia were given another harsh reminder of their threadbare batting stocks, with their top six combining for 65 runs. The loss came less than a week after a scathing cultural review into governing body Cricket Australia which forced chairman David Peever resign amid fierce reaction. Finch, who replaced Tim Paine as skipper after the wicketkeeper led Australia to a 5-0 whitewash defeat away to England, said confidence was low but said they could turn it around in time for their World Cup defence in England in seven months. "When guys are not performing as well as they can do, there’s always going to be a bit of doubt," he said. "But you're only one good shot away from feeling on top of the world again. I think it’s about understanding it’s not all doom and gloom." The second match of the three-day series is in Adelaide on Friday.

Aaron Finch, says off-field ructions causing 'doubts'

Skipper Aaron Finch admits self-doubt is creeping into Australia's batsmen after another woeful display against South Africa, but he insists "the wheel will turn".

The home side slumped to a crushing six-wicket defeat with more than 20 overs to spare in the opening one-dayer in Perth on Sunday, dispelling any hope a corner might have been turned after a grim eight months since the ball-tampering scandal.

They have now crashed to 17 losses in their last 19 ODIs, including an unparalleled seven defeats in a row, with batting failures a feature for much of the year.

"You'd say that guys are probably at times doubting themselves," Finch said.

On Sunday they were reduced to 8-3 and 66-6 before Nathan Coulter-Nile (34) and Alex Carey (33) steered them to 152 all out, again exposing how much they are missing the banned Steve Smith and David Warner.

"When you're 8-3, you probably have to go and play a different style of one-day cricket than what you map out in your head about how you think the game will unfold.

"When guys are not performing as well as they can do, there's always going to be a bit of doubt." Outside of Carey, no one in the Australian top six scored more than 15, with flawed techniques and poor shot selection at fault on a lively Perth Stadium wicket against a world-class attack led by Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada.

With less than seven months until the start of the World Cup, Finch is adamant Australia's luck will change.

'Wheel will turn. "It will turn," he said.

"The way we are training and preparing, the wheel will turn, and it will happen quickly." And he won an ally in Steyn, who came to their defence.

"I don't think they need to be too embarrassed by it," he said. "The conditions were tough. Throw another 30, 40 runs on there and it becomes quite a tricky chase.

"I think we outbowled them. I don't think they bowled as well as they potentially could have. That was the difference." Despite the return of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins from injury, the Australian attack was lacklustre, in contrast to the fiery Proteas.

Finch bizarrely opted to open the bowling with Coulter-Nile instead of Starc alongside Josh Hazlewood. He was smashed for 16 in his first over before being removed.

He said it was an experiment to try to snap their losing streak.

"It's just a tactical thing to be honest," he said.

"Sixteen out of 18 losses in a row, 17 out of 19 now, we're looking for something to try, to try some new things, something different.

"If you keep doing the same thing over and over it's the definition of insanity, isn't it?" The second of the three-game series is at Adelaide on Friday.&nbsp;

Skipper Aaron Finch admits self-doubt is creeping into Australia's batsmen after another woeful display against South Africa, but he insists "the wheel will turn".

Skipper Aaron Finch admits self-doubt is creeping into Australia's batsmen after another woeful display against South Africa, but he insists "the wheel will turn". The home side slumped to a crushing six-wicket defeat with more than 20 overs to spare in the opening one-dayer in Perth on Sunday, dispelling any hope a corner might have been turned after a grim eight months since the ball-tampering scandal. They have now crashed to 17 losses in their last 19 ODIs, including an unparalleled seven defeats in a row, with batting failures a feature for much of the year. "You'd say that guys are probably at times doubting themselves," Finch said. On Sunday they were reduced to 8-3 and 66-6 before Nathan Coulter-Nile (34) and Alex Carey (33) steered them to 152 all out, again exposing how much they are missing the banned Steve Smith and David Warner. "When you're 8-3, you probably have to go and play a different style of one-day cricket than what you map out in your head about how you think the game will unfold. "When guys are not performing as well as they can do, there's always going to be a bit of doubt." Outside of Carey, no one in the Australian top six scored more than 15, with flawed techniques and poor shot selection at fault on a lively Perth Stadium wicket against a world-class attack led by Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada. With less than seven months until the start of the World Cup, Finch is adamant Australia's luck will change. 'Wheel will turn. "It will turn," he said. "The way we are training and preparing, the wheel will turn, and it will happen quickly." And he won an ally in Steyn, who came to their defence. "I don't think they need to be too embarrassed by it," he said. "The conditions were tough. Throw another 30, 40 runs on there and it becomes quite a tricky chase. "I think we outbowled them. I don't think they bowled as well as they potentially could have. That was the difference." Despite the return of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins from injury, the Australian attack was lacklustre, in contrast to the fiery Proteas. Finch bizarrely opted to open the bowling with Coulter-Nile instead of Starc alongside Josh Hazlewood. He was smashed for 16 in his first over before being removed. He said it was an experiment to try to snap their losing streak. "It's just a tactical thing to be honest," he said. "Sixteen out of 18 losses in a row, 17 out of 19 now, we're looking for something to try, to try some new things, something different. "If you keep doing the same thing over and over it's the definition of insanity, isn't it?" The second of the three-game series is at Adelaide on Friday.

Australia facing 'self-doubt' after latest collapse: Aaron Finch

South Africa hammered a careless Australia by six wickets in the first one-day international in Perth on Sunday, with a Dale Steyn-led pace onslaught exposing their batting frailties.

Set 153 to win, Proteas' openers Quinton de Kock (47) and Reeza Hendricks (44) helped secure victory with 124 balls to spare, leaving Australia with plenty to ponder ahead of the second of the three-game series in Adelaide on Friday.

The hosts came into the clash having lost 16 of their past 18 ODIs and with the reverberations of a ball-tampering scandal this year still hanging over them.

Coach Justin Langer was hoping they could put a smile back on the faces of fans in their first game on home soil since the cheating row boiled over in March.

But without the banned Steve Smith and David Warner, their batsmen were exposed once again in a stadium full of empty seats.

They were bowled out for just 152 in 38.1 overs with Nathan Coulter-Nile (34) and Alex Carey (33) the only ones to offer any resistance. Veteran Steyn took 2-18 off seven overs while Andile Phehlukwayo picked up 3-33 off six overs.

"We didn't play anywhere near our potential," said skipper Aaron Finch.

"We were a bit careless at times in the first innings. We were off the mark slowly.&nbsp;

"If you're defending 152, then nothing can go wrong with the ball. Unfortunately for us, Quinton and Reeza got off to a flier, and there was little we could do from there."

His opposite number Faf Du Plessis praised his team as "exceptional" with the ball and in the field.

"There was some counter-punching at the end, but a good day at the office overall," he said.

"All the bowlers today were great. It's great as a captain to have such X-factor in the bowling attack and they made sure to take advantage of the conditions."

The Proteas won the toss and after opting for a four-pronged pace attack chose to bowl, with Steyn getting two early breakthroughs.

Travis Head got a thick edge to de Kock off the veteran for just one and then D'Arcy Short, in the side for Shaun Marsh who needs minor surgery on an abscess, followed him back to the pavilion for a duck two balls later.

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SOUTH AFRICA LEAD SERIES 1-0 
 
Bowlers lead the charge as visitors register comprehensive six-wicket win over Australia in the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvSA</a> ODI in Perth. 
 
REPORT ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/VPAotXVj67">https://t.co/VPAotXVj67</a> <a href="https://t.co/r2g9R5L2VL">pic.twitter.com/r2g9R5L2VL</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1059031383643836418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Finch, who can be explosive when in full flight, totally misjudged the bounce from a Lungi Ngidi delivery and was out lbw soon after for five.

He mistakenly opted not to review with Australia floundering at 8-3 as replays revealed the ball would have gone over the stumps.

The first four of the innings, from Chris Lynn, didn't come until the 12th over, and he was caught behind for 15 on review not long after.

Carey kept the scoreboard slowly ticking over but he fell attempting to scoop an Imran Tahir ball over the head of de Kock before some late fireworks from Coulter-Nile took them past 150.

Australia were buoyant ahead of the game with injured fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins returning to spearhead the attack alongside Josh Hazlewood.

But they failed to emulate their South African counterparts.

Finch bizarrely opted to open the bowling with Coulter-Nile instead of Starc. He was smashed for 16 in his first over before being removed.

De Kock and Hendricks raced to a 94-run partnership before Coulter-Nile made amends on his return, having de Kock caught at mid-off going for another big hit.

Marcus Stoinis took the wickets of Hendricks, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen before du Plessis and David Miller secured the win.

South Africa hammered a careless Australia by six wickets in the first one-day international in Perth on Sunday, with a Dale Steyn-led pace onslaught exposing their batting frailties.

South Africa hammered a careless Australia by six wickets in the first one-day international in Perth on Sunday, with a Dale Steyn-led pace onslaught exposing their batting frailties. Set 153 to win, Proteas' openers Quinton de Kock (47) and Reeza Hendricks (44) helped secure victory with 124 balls to spare, leaving Australia with plenty to ponder ahead of the second of the three-game series in Adelaide on Friday. The hosts came into the clash having lost 16 of their past 18 ODIs and with the reverberations of a ball-tampering scandal this year still hanging over them. Coach Justin Langer was hoping they could put a smile back on the faces of fans in their first game on home soil since the cheating row boiled over in March. But without the banned Steve Smith and David Warner, their batsmen were exposed once again in a stadium full of empty seats. They were bowled out for just 152 in 38.1 overs with Nathan Coulter-Nile (34) and Alex Carey (33) the only ones to offer any resistance. Veteran Steyn took 2-18 off seven overs while Andile Phehlukwayo picked up 3-33 off six overs. "We didn't play anywhere near our potential," said skipper Aaron Finch. "We were a bit careless at times in the first innings. We were off the mark slowly. "If you're defending 152, then nothing can go wrong with the ball. Unfortunately for us, Quinton and Reeza got off to a flier, and there was little we could do from there." His opposite number Faf Du Plessis praised his team as "exceptional" with the ball and in the field. "There was some counter-punching at the end, but a good day at the office overall," he said. "All the bowlers today were great. It's great as a captain to have such X-factor in the bowling attack and they made sure to take advantage of the conditions." The Proteas won the toss and after opting for a four-pronged pace attack chose to bowl, with Steyn getting two early breakthroughs. Travis Head got a thick edge to de Kock off the veteran for just one and then D'Arcy Short, in the side for Shaun Marsh who needs minor surgery on an abscess, followed him back to the pavilion for a duck two balls later. SOUTH AFRICA LEAD SERIES 1-0 Bowlers lead the charge as visitors register comprehensive six-wicket win over Australia in the first #AUSvSA ODI in Perth. REPORT ⬇️https://t.co/VPAotXVj67 pic.twitter.com/r2g9R5L2VL — ICC (@ICC) November 4, 2018 × Finch, who can be explosive when in full flight, totally misjudged the bounce from a Lungi Ngidi delivery and was out lbw soon after for five. He mistakenly opted not to review with Australia floundering at 8-3 as replays revealed the ball would have gone over the stumps. The first four of the innings, from Chris Lynn, didn't come until the 12th over, and he was caught behind for 15 on review not long after. Carey kept the scoreboard slowly ticking over but he fell attempting to scoop an Imran Tahir ball over the head of de Kock before some late fireworks from Coulter-Nile took them past 150. Australia were buoyant ahead of the game with injured fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins returning to spearhead the attack alongside Josh Hazlewood. But they failed to emulate their South African counterparts. Finch bizarrely opted to open the bowling with Coulter-Nile instead of Starc. He was smashed for 16 in his first over before being removed. De Kock and Hendricks raced to a 94-run partnership before Coulter-Nile made amends on his return, having de Kock caught at mid-off going for another big hit. Marcus Stoinis took the wickets of Hendricks, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen before du Plessis and David Miller secured the win.

South Africa beat Australia by six wickets in 1st ODI

Australia were bowled out for just 152 in 38.1 overs by South Africa in the opening one-day international in Perth on Sunday, with their batsmen collapsing under a pace onslaught.

The hosts came into the game having lost 16 of their past 18 ODIs and with the reverberations of a ball-tampering scandal this year still hanging over them.

Nathan Coulter-Nile (34) and Alex Carey (33) were the only ones to offer any resistance, with Andile Phehlukwayo the pick of the South African bowlers with 3-33 off six overs.

The Proteas opted for a four-pronged pace attack on a fast pitch and after winning the toss and choosing to bowl it quickly paid dividends with Australia soon in trouble.

Travis Head got a thick edge to Quinton de Kock off veteran quick Dale Steyn for just one and then D'Arcy Short, in the side for Shaun Marsh who needs minor surgery on an abscess, followed him back to the pavilion for a duck two balls later.

Again the dangerous Steyn did the damage, with Short driving a swinging ball into the hands of skipper Faf du Plessis who held a flying catch at second slip to leave Australia 4-2.

Captain Aaron Finch, who can be explosive when in full flight, totally misjudged the bounce from a Lungi Ngidi delivery and was out lbw soon after for five.

He mistakenly opted not to review with Australia floundering at 8-3 as replays revealed the ball would have gone over the stumps.

The first four of the innings didn't come until the 12th over when Chris Lynn drove a full-toss to the boundary but he couldn't build on the momentum, caught behind for 15 on review after the umpire initially gave him not out.

Another review saw a fuming Glenn Maxwell gone for 11 with Phehlukwayo just getting his fingers under the ball for a catch at mid-on.

Left-hander Carey, in the side as wicketkeeper after Tim Paine was dropped, kept the scoreboard slowly ticking over but he fell attempting to scoop an Imran Tahir ball over the head of de Kock.

Some late fireworks from Coulter-Nile, including a big six, took Australia past 150.

Australia were bowled out for just 152 in 38.1 overs by South Africa in the opening one-day international in Perth on Sunday, with their batsmen collapsing under a pace onslaught.

Australia were bowled out for just 152 in 38.1 overs by South Africa in the opening one-day international in Perth on Sunday, with their batsmen collapsing under a pace onslaught. The hosts came into the game having lost 16 of their past 18 ODIs and with the reverberations of a ball-tampering scandal this year still hanging over them. Nathan Coulter-Nile (34) and Alex Carey (33) were the only ones to offer any resistance, with Andile Phehlukwayo the pick of the South African bowlers with 3-33 off six overs. The Proteas opted for a four-pronged pace attack on a fast pitch and after winning the toss and choosing to bowl it quickly paid dividends with Australia soon in trouble. Travis Head got a thick edge to Quinton de Kock off veteran quick Dale Steyn for just one and then D'Arcy Short, in the side for Shaun Marsh who needs minor surgery on an abscess, followed him back to the pavilion for a duck two balls later. Again the dangerous Steyn did the damage, with Short driving a swinging ball into the hands of skipper Faf du Plessis who held a flying catch at second slip to leave Australia 4-2. Captain Aaron Finch, who can be explosive when in full flight, totally misjudged the bounce from a Lungi Ngidi delivery and was out lbw soon after for five. He mistakenly opted not to review with Australia floundering at 8-3 as replays revealed the ball would have gone over the stumps. The first four of the innings didn't come until the 12th over when Chris Lynn drove a full-toss to the boundary but he couldn't build on the momentum, caught behind for 15 on review after the umpire initially gave him not out. Another review saw a fuming Glenn Maxwell gone for 11 with Phehlukwayo just getting his fingers under the ball for a catch at mid-on. Left-hander Carey, in the side as wicketkeeper after Tim Paine was dropped, kept the scoreboard slowly ticking over but he fell attempting to scoop an Imran Tahir ball over the head of de Kock. Some late fireworks from Coulter-Nile, including a big six, took Australia past 150.

Australia slump to 152 all out against South Africa

George Bailey single-handedly guided the Prime Minister's XI to a remarkable four-wicket win over South Africa in the tour game in Canberra on Wednesday.

The right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 51 runs that helped the home team reach the target within 37 overs.&nbsp;

However, more than his batting prowess, it was his bizarre batting stance that grabbed the attention and became the talking point on the social media.&nbsp;

Looking at his batting style, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis couldn't stop giggling.&nbsp;

Bailey was batting as if the bowler was bowling from the cover region. Even the commentary box had a laugh over his batting posture.&nbsp;

In a video shared on Twitter, Bailey can be seen batting with almost his entire back towards the young fast bowler Lungi Ngidi's over.

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Faf having a cheeky giggle in the slips at Bailey's extraordinary stance 😂 <a href="https://t.co/q30H7chZeP">pic.twitter.com/q30H7chZeP</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1057534192622411778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The batting stance left the Twitter in splits, with many guessing what's going on.&nbsp;

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Faf having a cheeky giggle in the slips at Bailey's extraordinary stance 😂 <a href="https://t.co/q30H7chZeP">pic.twitter.com/q30H7chZeP</a>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1057534192622411778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Can you please do a comparison of this with Craig McMillan's stance in the 2001 VB series while batting against <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShaneWarne</a> ? 😀
— Ram Mohan (@ramu276) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramu276/status/1057536496347955200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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can't stop laughing😂😂😂😂
— Pradeep Chauhan (@PradeeP_Edia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PradeeP_Edia/status/1057534780739407872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The high-voltage action of the tour starts on November 4, where Australia, led by Aaron Finch, will square off against the Proteas in the first ODI in Perth.&nbsp;

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George Bailey single-handedly guided the Prime Minister's XI to a remarkable four-wicket win over South Africa in the tour game in Canberra on Wednesday. The right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 51 runs that helped the home team reach the target within 37 overs.

George Bailey single-handedly guided the Prime Minister's XI to a remarkable four-wicket win over South Africa in the tour game in Canberra on Wednesday. The right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 51 runs that helped the home team reach the target within 37 overs. However, more than his batting prowess, it was his bizarre batting stance that grabbed the attention and became the talking point on the social media. Looking at his batting style, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis couldn't stop giggling. Bailey was batting as if the bowler was bowling from the cover region. Even the commentary box had a laugh over his batting posture. In a video shared on Twitter, Bailey can be seen batting with almost his entire back towards the young fast bowler Lungi Ngidi's over. Faf having a cheeky giggle in the slips at Bailey's extraordinary stance 😂 pic.twitter.com/q30H7chZeP — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 31, 2018 × The batting stance left the Twitter in splits, with many guessing what's going on. Faf having a cheeky giggle in the slips at Bailey's extraordinary stance 😂 pic.twitter.com/q30H7chZeP — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 31, 2018 × Can you please do a comparison of this with Craig McMillan's stance in the 2001 VB series while batting against @ShaneWarne ? 😀 — Ram Mohan (@ramu276) October 31, 2018 × can't stop laughing😂😂😂😂 — Pradeep Chauhan (@PradeeP_Edia) October 31, 2018 × The high-voltage action of the tour starts on November 4, where Australia, led by Aaron Finch, will square off against the Proteas in the first ODI in Perth.

Watch: George Bailey's unique stance leaves Twitter in splits

South Africa will be without limited-overs stalwarts Hashim Amla and JP Duminy for their white-ball tour of Australia next month but welcome back all-rounder Chris Morris from injury.

Amla and Duminy have been sidelined along with 20-year-old all-rounder Wiaan Mulder as South Africa juggle a number of injury concerns.

Morris had been a regular in the limited-overs side before missing series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in 2018, and is likely to play a key role Down Under.

Also returning to the squad are all-rounders Farhaan Behardien and Dwaine Pretorius, while veteran seamer Dale Steyn has been included after he made a successful return to international action in the recent series against Zimbabwe.

"Chris confirmed his fitness with his excellent form for the Titans in the first two rounds of the 4-Day Domestic Series," Cricket South Africa (CSA) National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi said in a statement on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"He is the leading wicket-taker in this competition to date and also adds value as a batting option in the lower-order.

"With Wiaan Mulder ruled out at the moment through injury we need to look at our resources as far as batting all-rounder options are concerned and Dwaine, in particular, fits into this category.

"We have also lost a lot of experience in our specialist batting order through the injuries to Hashim Amla and JP Duminy, and Farhaan gives us another experienced option in the top order."

South Africa will play three one-day internationals, starting in Perth on Nov. 4, followed by a one-off Twenty20 international on the Gold Coast on Nov. 17.

Squad:&nbsp;

Faf du Plessis (captain), Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Chris Morris, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn.

South Africa will be without limited-overs stalwarts Hashim Amla and JP Duminy for their white-ball tour of Australia next month but welcome back all-rounder Chris Morris from injury.

South Africa will be without limited-overs stalwarts Hashim Amla and JP Duminy for their white-ball tour of Australia next month but welcome back all-rounder Chris Morris from injury. Amla and Duminy have been sidelined along with 20-year-old all-rounder Wiaan Mulder as South Africa juggle a number of injury concerns. Morris had been a regular in the limited-overs side before missing series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in 2018, and is likely to play a key role Down Under. Also returning to the squad are all-rounders Farhaan Behardien and Dwaine Pretorius, while veteran seamer Dale Steyn has been included after he made a successful return to international action in the recent series against Zimbabwe. "Chris confirmed his fitness with his excellent form for the Titans in the first two rounds of the 4-Day Domestic Series," Cricket South Africa (CSA) National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi said in a statement on Wednesday. "He is the leading wicket-taker in this competition to date and also adds value as a batting option in the lower-order. "With Wiaan Mulder ruled out at the moment through injury we need to look at our resources as far as batting all-rounder options are concerned and Dwaine, in particular, fits into this category. "We have also lost a lot of experience in our specialist batting order through the injuries to Hashim Amla and JP Duminy, and Farhaan gives us another experienced option in the top order." South Africa will play three one-day internationals, starting in Perth on Nov. 4, followed by a one-off Twenty20 international on the Gold Coast on Nov. 17. Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Chris Morris, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn.

Morris in, Amla and Duminy out for Proteas trip to Australia

South African batting star AB de Villiers was on Monday named among 12 leading players for South Africa's new Mzansi Super League Twenty20 tournament.

Six South African and six overseas players were named as marquee players at a Cricket South Africa media briefing. Six teams will be competing for their services in a draft in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

England one-day captain Eoin Morgan and fellow England players Jason Roy and Dawid Malan will join West Indians Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo and Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan as the leading overseas players.

Six teams will be competing for their services in a draft which will take place in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

De Villiers, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, heads the list of designated South African players. He will represent the Tshwane Spartans, who will be based at his long-time home ground in Centurion.

National captain Faf du Plessis will play for the Paarl Rocks team in the Cape Winelands, Hashim Amla for Durban Heat, JP Duminy for Cape Town Blitz, Kagiso Rabada for Jozi Stars in Johannesburg and Imran Tahir for the Port-Elizabeth based Nelson Mandela Bay Giants.

The league, named after a colloquial term for South Africa, will run from November 15 to December 16.

Cricket South Africa chief executive Thabang Moroe said there had been a big response from players from around the world who wanted to be included in the league.

"We have received applications from over 200 top international players who expressed interest in playing in this inaugural tournament and will have their names in the hat ahead of the player draft process," said Moroe.

South Africa's first attempt at staging a major Twenty20 tournament collapsed in 2017, leading to the axing of then chief executive Haroon Lorgat and a loss of an estimated $14 million.

It appeared doubtful that the concept would be revived in time for the current season before CSA announced on September 8 that it would go ahead.

South Africa's national broadcaster, SABC, has been granted the rights to televise the tournament.

South African batting star AB de Villiers was on Monday named among 12 leading players for South Africa's new Mzansi Super League Twenty20 tournament. Six South African and six overseas players were named as marquee players at a Cricket South Africa media briefing.

South African batting star AB de Villiers was on Monday named among 12 leading players for South Africa's new Mzansi Super League Twenty20 tournament. Six South African and six overseas players were named as marquee players at a Cricket South Africa media briefing. Six teams will be competing for their services in a draft in Johannesburg on Wednesday. England one-day captain Eoin Morgan and fellow England players Jason Roy and Dawid Malan will join West Indians Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo and Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan as the leading overseas players. Six teams will be competing for their services in a draft which will take place in Johannesburg on Wednesday. De Villiers, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, heads the list of designated South African players. He will represent the Tshwane Spartans, who will be based at his long-time home ground in Centurion. National captain Faf du Plessis will play for the Paarl Rocks team in the Cape Winelands, Hashim Amla for Durban Heat, JP Duminy for Cape Town Blitz, Kagiso Rabada for Jozi Stars in Johannesburg and Imran Tahir for the Port-Elizabeth based Nelson Mandela Bay Giants. The league, named after a colloquial term for South Africa, will run from November 15 to December 16. Cricket South Africa chief executive Thabang Moroe said there had been a big response from players from around the world who wanted to be included in the league. "We have received applications from over 200 top international players who expressed interest in playing in this inaugural tournament and will have their names in the hat ahead of the player draft process," said Moroe. South Africa's first attempt at staging a major Twenty20 tournament collapsed in 2017, leading to the axing of then chief executive Haroon Lorgat and a loss of an estimated $14 million. It appeared doubtful that the concept would be revived in time for the current season before CSA announced on September 8 that it would go ahead. South Africa's national broadcaster, SABC, has been granted the rights to televise the tournament.

De Villiers included in draft for South African T20 league

A row of outrage has been triggered in South Africa after a seven-year-old&nbsp;was allegedly raped by a 20-year-old man in a&nbsp;popular family restroom in Pretoria.

According to media reports, the girl had gone to the restroom when the accused followed her and grabbed her. He then&nbsp;raped her in the men's restroom.

The accused was arrested at the restaurant after her mother alerted customers and the restaurant staff after she heard&nbsp;voice coming from the restroom when she had gone to look for her daughter.

The man&nbsp;reportedly has been charged with rape and possession of drugs.

In a separate case this week, a 17-year-old girl was also raped just after she gave&nbsp;birth to her child. The assailannt reportedly posed as doctor and raped her in the hospital in Eastern Cape province.

A 23-year-old university student committed a suicide in August. After police launched an investgation into the matter, it was reported that she was raped by another student at the university campus.

The recent series of crimes related to sexual violence in South Africa has triggered a massive anger among&nbsp;people.

Woman have pointed out that they no longer feel safe in the country and said that such frequent incidents have made South Africa a "dangerous place to raise female children."

Some women also observed that the justice system in South Africa is too lenient towards inhuman crimes and have asked the governmemt to increase the sentence for rape and other forms of sexual crimes.

According to a report by BBC, South Africa has one of the highest incidents of rape in the world.

The police recorded 40,035 rapes in the 12 months this year till March 31, an average of 110 each day; BBC reported citing a fact-checking Africa organisation.

According to estimates released by the national statistical service of South Africa, 138 out of every 100,00 women in the country were raped in 2017.

The figure is among the highest in the world due to which some have also&nbsp;labelled South Africa the 'rape capital of the world'.

As the anger is mounting in the country, women expressed their outrage on social media.

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South Africa is cancelled, kids can't even go out to eat y'all rape them in restaurant bathrooms now? 😡😡😡
— Ms_Gupta🇿🇦 (@African_Spring) <a href="https://twitter.com/African_Spring/status/1045185821555519489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The justice system is South Africa is too lenient towards inhuman crimes. Rape, Trafficking, child abuse and murders should be taken with greater punishment
— E V E L Y N (@EvelynLobelo) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvelynLobelo/status/1044884178221899776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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South Africa has become a living horror movie. Abuse, rape and murder has become a thing of a trending culture. It is painful, it is horrific and it is a terrible atmosphere for new and forthcoming generations to be born into. SA is a dangerous place to raise a female child in. <a href="https://t.co/dBfPTH6pWn">https://t.co/dBfPTH6pWn</a>
— Tlotlo Boom (@Tlotlo_Boom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tlotlo_Boom/status/1044875022928687104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A reminder that South Africa is the rape capital of the world. 
 
41% of these crimes are committed against children. 
 
People seem to be more outraged when the victims are children. Rape is heinous in all of its forms. No victim is more or less deserving.
— Mima (@RealLifeGold) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealLifeGold/status/1045232610199441408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A row of outrage has been triggered in South Africa after a seven-year-old was allegedly raped by a 20-year-old man in a popular family restroom in Pretoria. According to media reports, the girl had gone to the restroom when the accused followed her and grabbed her.

A row of outrage has been triggered in South Africa after a seven-year-old was allegedly raped by a 20-year-old man in a popular family restroom in Pretoria. According to media reports, the girl had gone to the restroom when the accused followed her and grabbed her. He then raped her in the men's restroom. The accused was arrested at the restaurant after her mother alerted customers and the restaurant staff after she heard voice coming from the restroom when she had gone to look for her daughter. The man reportedly has been charged with rape and possession of drugs. In a separate case this week, a 17-year-old girl was also raped just after she gave birth to her child. The assailannt reportedly posed as doctor and raped her in the hospital in Eastern Cape province. A 23-year-old university student committed a suicide in August. After police launched an investgation into the matter, it was reported that she was raped by another student at the university campus. The recent series of crimes related to sexual violence in South Africa has triggered a massive anger among people. Woman have pointed out that they no longer feel safe in the country and said that such frequent incidents have made South Africa a "dangerous place to raise female children." Some women also observed that the justice system in South Africa is too lenient towards inhuman crimes and have asked the governmemt to increase the sentence for rape and other forms of sexual crimes. According to a report by BBC, South Africa has one of the highest incidents of rape in the world. The police recorded 40,035 rapes in the 12 months this year till March 31, an average of 110 each day; BBC reported citing a fact-checking Africa organisation. According to estimates released by the national statistical service of South Africa, 138 out of every 100,00 women in the country were raped in 2017. The figure is among the highest in the world due to which some have also labelled South Africa the 'rape capital of the world'. As the anger is mounting in the country, women expressed their outrage on social media. South Africa is cancelled, kids can't even go out to eat y'all rape them in restaurant bathrooms now? 😡😡😡 — Ms_Gupta🇿🇦 (@African_Spring) September 27, 2018 × The justice system is South Africa is too lenient towards inhuman crimes. Rape, Trafficking, child abuse and murders should be taken with greater punishment — E V E L Y N (@EvelynLobelo) September 26, 2018 × South Africa has become a living horror movie. Abuse, rape and murder has become a thing of a trending culture. It is painful, it is horrific and it is a terrible atmosphere for new and forthcoming generations to be born into. SA is a dangerous place to raise a female child in. https://t.co/dBfPTH6pWn — Tlotlo Boom (@Tlotlo_Boom) September 26, 2018 × A reminder that South Africa is the rape capital of the world. 41% of these crimes are committed against children. People seem to be more outraged when the victims are children. Rape is heinous in all of its forms. No victim is more or less deserving. — Mima (@RealLifeGold) September 27, 2018 ×

Outrage in South Africa after 7-year-old raped in family restaurant

South Africa on Tuesday announced visa reforms aimed at luring investment and tourists to help lift the continent's most advanced economy out of recession.

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba unveiled a raft of regulations allowing frequent visitors and foreign business travellers to have long-term multiple-entry visas of up to 10 years.

The rules will take effect from next month.

"Changes to our visa architecture have the potential to boost tourism and make business travel more conducive," Gigaba told reporters.

"We are simplifying visa requirements for countries such as China and India."

Applicants from those two countries will be able to have a 10-year visa processed within five days.

"This arrangement is meant to attract business people and prospective investors," he said.

Anti-trafficking rules requiring parents to travel with birth certificates of their children will be simplified, he added.

Tourism contributes 10 per cent of South Africa's total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Visa reforms are part of an economic stimulus plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday to boost investor confidence after South Africa entered a recession in the second quarter of this year.

The plan also includes large-scale infrastructural development.

Data showing that South Africa had slipped into recession dealt a blow to Ramaphosa who came to office in February ahead of elections next year.

South Africa on Tuesday announced visa reforms aimed at luring investment and tourists to help lift the continent's most advanced economy out of recession. Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba unveiled a raft of regulations allowing frequent visitors and foreign business travellers to have long-term multiple-entry visas of up to 10 years.

South Africa on Tuesday announced visa reforms aimed at luring investment and tourists to help lift the continent's most advanced economy out of recession. Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba unveiled a raft of regulations allowing frequent visitors and foreign business travellers to have long-term multiple-entry visas of up to 10 years. The rules will take effect from next month. "Changes to our visa architecture have the potential to boost tourism and make business travel more conducive," Gigaba told reporters. "We are simplifying visa requirements for countries such as China and India." Applicants from those two countries will be able to have a 10-year visa processed within five days. "This arrangement is meant to attract business people and prospective investors," he said. Anti-trafficking rules requiring parents to travel with birth certificates of their children will be simplified, he added. Tourism contributes 10 per cent of South Africa's total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Visa reforms are part of an economic stimulus plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday to boost investor confidence after South Africa entered a recession in the second quarter of this year. The plan also includes large-scale infrastructural development. Data showing that South Africa had slipped into recession dealt a blow to Ramaphosa who came to office in February ahead of elections next year.

South Africa relaxes visa rules to attract investors, tourists

An elite South Africa police unit raided offices of India’s Bank of Baroda on Friday and seized documents as part of an investigation into state corruption under former president Jacob Zuma, a police spokesman said.

Bank of Baroda, which is winding down its operations in South Africa, was thrust into the spotlight two years ago when it started working with the Guptas, a family of Indian-born businessmen who are at the centre of an influence-peddling scandal surrounding Zuma.

Zuma and the Guptas deny wrongdoing.

Police raided Bank of Baroda branches in Johannesburg and Durban and took documents showing bank transactions involving South African state firms, Hangwani Mulaudzi, a spokesman for the police’s elite “Hawks” unit, said.

“We are of the view that Bank of Baroda was used as a conduit for the transfer of illicit funds. The raids are happening as part of ‘state capture’ investigations,” Mulaudzi said, using a phrase coined to describe alleged influence-peddling under Zuma.

A Bank of Baroda employee in Durban who picked up the telephone confirmed the Hawks had visited the bank’s premises on Friday.

“This search and seizure operation is not for investigation on Bank of Baroda. This requisition by the Hawks is in relation to the continuing ongoing investigation of the Gupta family,” the bank said in a statement on Saturday.

The bank has been cooperating with investigating agencies and has shared relevant documents with them, it said.

An inquiry into allegations surrounding Zuma and the Guptas will begin formal public hearings in August and could take two years or more, officials have said.

Police earlier this year raided the compound of the Guptas in Johannesburg as part of an investigation into theft, fraud and money laundering at a state-backed dairy project in the Free State province that was meant to benefit the local community.

The whereabouts of the Gupta brothers is not publicly known. One of the brothers, Ajay Gupta, was declared a “fugitive from justice” after leaving South Africa for Dubai in February.

Gupta family representatives in South Africa could not be reached for comment.

Zuma was in court on Friday for a separate hearing relating to a $2.5 billion arms deal from the 1990s. He faces 16 charges of fraud, racketeering, corruption and money laundering in that case.&nbsp

Bank of Baroda, which is winding down its operations in South Africa, was thrust into the spotlight two years ago when it started working with the Guptas, a family of Indian-born businessmen who are at the centre of an influence-peddling scandal surrounding Zuma

An elite South Africa police unit raided offices of India’s Bank of Baroda on Friday and seized documents as part of an investigation into state corruption under former president Jacob Zuma, a police spokesman said. Bank of Baroda, which is winding down its operations in South Africa, was thrust into the spotlight two years ago when it started working with the Guptas, a family of Indian-born businessmen who are at the centre of an influence-peddling scandal surrounding Zuma. Zuma and the Guptas deny wrongdoing. Police raided Bank of Baroda branches in Johannesburg and Durban and took documents showing bank transactions involving South African state firms, Hangwani Mulaudzi, a spokesman for the police’s elite “Hawks” unit, said. “We are of the view that Bank of Baroda was used as a conduit for the transfer of illicit funds. The raids are happening as part of ‘state capture’ investigations,” Mulaudzi said, using a phrase coined to describe alleged influence-peddling under Zuma. A Bank of Baroda employee in Durban who picked up the telephone confirmed the Hawks had visited the bank’s premises on Friday. “This search and seizure operation is not for investigation on Bank of Baroda. This requisition by the Hawks is in relation to the continuing ongoing investigation of the Gupta family,” the bank said in a statement on Saturday. The bank has been cooperating with investigating agencies and has shared relevant documents with them, it said. An inquiry into allegations surrounding Zuma and the Guptas will begin formal public hearings in August and could take two years or more, officials have said. Police earlier this year raided the compound of the Guptas in Johannesburg as part of an investigation into theft, fraud and money laundering at a state-backed dairy project in the Free State province that was meant to benefit the local community. The whereabouts of the Gupta brothers is not publicly known. One of the brothers, Ajay Gupta, was declared a “fugitive from justice” after leaving South Africa for Dubai in February. Gupta family representatives in South Africa could not be reached for comment. Zuma was in court on Friday for a separate hearing relating to a $2.5 billion arms deal from the 1990s. He faces 16 charges of fraud, racketeering, corruption and money laundering in that case.

South African police raid Bank of Baroda in ex-President Zuma's corruption investigation

Former South African President Jacob Zuma, who was ousted by his own party in February, appeared at the Durban High Court on Friday for the second time on corruption charges relating to a $2.5 billion arms deal in the late 1990s.

Zuma faces 16 charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering relating to the deal to buy European military hardware to upgrade South Africa's armed forces after the end of apartheid in 1994.

State prosecutors and Zuma's lawyers presented arguments over a start date for the trial, a rare example of an African leader being held to account for his actions.

Judge Mjabuliseni Madondo adjourned the case to July 27 for the state and the defence to indicate whether they can commence the case. The matter will be heard in the nearby city of Pietermaritzburg to allow for renovations at the Durban court.

"There are still some applications to be launched," he said, adding that it was still too early to say when a trial could start. Lawyers for the state said they were still ready for a trial to start in November.

Zuma, clad in a dark suit and red tie, shook hands and laughed with his supporters as he left the court. Outside, hundreds of supporters sang his name and waved placards.

The national prosecutor this week turned down a request by the 76-year-old to delay Friday's hearing pending the outcome of a separate legal challenge over the state paying his legal fees.

The speed with which prosecutors have moved against Zuma is a sign of his waning influence since he was replaced as head of state by Cyril Ramaphosa, his former deputy, four months ago.

Ramaphosa has made the fight against corruption a top priority as he seeks to woo foreign investment and revamp an ailing economy.

Zuma's supporters say the former president, whose nine years in power were marked by economic stagnation and credit rating downgrades, is the victim of a politically motivated witch-hunt.

Zuma faces 16 charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering

Former South African President Jacob Zuma, who was ousted by his own party in February, appeared at the Durban High Court on Friday for the second time on corruption charges relating to a $2.5 billion arms deal in the late 1990s. Zuma faces 16 charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering relating to the deal to buy European military hardware to upgrade South Africa's armed forces after the end of apartheid in 1994. State prosecutors and Zuma's lawyers presented arguments over a start date for the trial, a rare example of an African leader being held to account for his actions. Judge Mjabuliseni Madondo adjourned the case to July 27 for the state and the defence to indicate whether they can commence the case. The matter will be heard in the nearby city of Pietermaritzburg to allow for renovations at the Durban court. "There are still some applications to be launched," he said, adding that it was still too early to say when a trial could start. Lawyers for the state said they were still ready for a trial to start in November. Zuma, clad in a dark suit and red tie, shook hands and laughed with his supporters as he left the court. Outside, hundreds of supporters sang his name and waved placards. The national prosecutor this week turned down a request by the 76-year-old to delay Friday's hearing pending the outcome of a separate legal challenge over the state paying his legal fees. The speed with which prosecutors have moved against Zuma is a sign of his waning influence since he was replaced as head of state by Cyril Ramaphosa, his former deputy, four months ago. Ramaphosa has made the fight against corruption a top priority as he seeks to woo foreign investment and revamp an ailing economy. Zuma's supporters say the former president, whose nine years in power were marked by economic stagnation and credit rating downgrades, is the victim of a politically motivated witch-hunt.

South Africa's ex-president Zuma makes second court appearance on corruption charges

Former Australia captain Steve Smith says he cried for four days as he tried to cope with the fallout from the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March.

Smith and former test vice-captain David Warner were handed 12-month bans by Cricket Australia (CA) after admitting a plan to tamper the ball during the third test against South Africa in Cape Town.

The duo lost their leadership positions and were sent home after the incident with Smith breaking down in tears while apologising at an emotional press conference at Sydney Airport.

"To be honest, I probably spent four days in tears," Smith told students at a school according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

"I was really struggling mentally and I was really lucky that I had some close friends and family members that I could speak to at all hours of the day.

"The people that I had supporting me through that whole time made a huge difference to the headspace I am in now."

Smith and Warner are scheduled to return to competitive action in the Global T20 Canada, a tournament that starts on June 28.

Junior batsman Cameron Bancroft was banned for nine months for his role in the incident.

Smith and Warner are scheduled to return to competitive action in the Global T20 Canada, a tournament that starts on June 28

Former Australia captain Steve Smith says he cried for four days as he tried to cope with the fallout from the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March. Smith and former test vice-captain David Warner were handed 12-month bans by Cricket Australia (CA) after admitting a plan to tamper the ball during the third test against South Africa in Cape Town. The duo lost their leadership positions and were sent home after the incident with Smith breaking down in tears while apologising at an emotional press conference at Sydney Airport. "To be honest, I probably spent four days in tears," Smith told students at a school according to the Sydney Morning Herald. "I was really struggling mentally and I was really lucky that I had some close friends and family members that I could speak to at all hours of the day. "The people that I had supporting me through that whole time made a huge difference to the headspace I am in now." Smith and Warner are scheduled to return to competitive action in the Global T20 Canada, a tournament that starts on June 28. Junior batsman Cameron Bancroft was banned for nine months for his role in the incident.

'I probably spent four days in tears,' says Steve Smith on ball-tampering scandal

Global auditor KPMG said on Monday it will lay off up to 400 people in South Africa, in its latest shake-up following a corruption scandal that saw it lose several major clients.

The auditor has taken a number of steps since last September to help restore its reputation, including changes to corporate governance and management and measures to improve risk management.

KPMG plans to have just four business hubs in South Africa in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth and close other regional offices, it said in a statement.

"These hard decisions were necessary to put the firm on a more sustainable footing, while ensuring we continue to offer our clients the best service and support," Nhlamulo Dlomu, chief executive of KPMG South Africa, said in a statement.

The auditor's South African unit has been under close scrutiny since 2017 over work done for a company owned by the Gupta family - who have been accused of using their links to former president Jacob Zuma to influence government decisions and the awarding of tenders - and more recently for failing to disclose loans from small lender VBS Mutual Bank.

The Guptas and Zuma have denied any wrongdoing.

South Africa's auditor general said in April that he would terminate all government contracts with KPMG following the scandals, prompting Barclays Africa, one of KPMG's biggest clients, to stop doing business with the company.

More than 12 other clients have cut ties with KPMG since 2017 and last month South African micro lender Finbond became the latest firm to drop the auditor.

As part of plans to refocus the business, KPMG will appoint a number of senior KPMG partners from across its international network to the board and executive positions at its South African unit as well as to senior client service roles, it said.

"Today's announcement to embed additional senior international partners into the South African leadership team is evidence of the significant investment KPMG International is providing to help ensure KPMG South Africa can continue to focus on trust, quality and integrity," KPMG International Chairman Bill Thomas said.

KPMG in South Africa will have more than 130 partners and 2,200 employees, the company said, adding that it would continue to offer a wide range of the core services that its global, regional and local clients require.

KPMG plans to have just four business hubs in South Africa in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth and close other regional offices, it said in a statement

Global auditor KPMG said on Monday it will lay off up to 400 people in South Africa, in its latest shake-up following a corruption scandal that saw it lose several major clients. The auditor has taken a number of steps since last September to help restore its reputation, including changes to corporate governance and management and measures to improve risk management. KPMG plans to have just four business hubs in South Africa in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth and close other regional offices, it said in a statement. "These hard decisions were necessary to put the firm on a more sustainable footing, while ensuring we continue to offer our clients the best service and support," Nhlamulo Dlomu, chief executive of KPMG South Africa, said in a statement. The auditor's South African unit has been under close scrutiny since 2017 over work done for a company owned by the Gupta family - who have been accused of using their links to former president Jacob Zuma to influence government decisions and the awarding of tenders - and more recently for failing to disclose loans from small lender VBS Mutual Bank. The Guptas and Zuma have denied any wrongdoing. South Africa's auditor general said in April that he would terminate all government contracts with KPMG following the scandals, prompting Barclays Africa, one of KPMG's biggest clients, to stop doing business with the company. More than 12 other clients have cut ties with KPMG since 2017 and last month South African micro lender Finbond became the latest firm to drop the auditor. As part of plans to refocus the business, KPMG will appoint a number of senior KPMG partners from across its international network to the board and executive positions at its South African unit as well as to senior client service roles, it said. "Today's announcement to embed additional senior international partners into the South African leadership team is evidence of the significant investment KPMG International is providing to help ensure KPMG South Africa can continue to focus on trust, quality and integrity," KPMG International Chairman Bill Thomas said. KPMG in South Africa will have more than 130 partners and 2,200 employees, the company said, adding that it would continue to offer a wide range of the core services that its global, regional and local clients require.

KPMG to lay off 400 employees in South Africa in latest shake-up

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and other leaders at Johannesburg.&nbsp

Swaraj stated that the BRICS countries have contributed to global growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty.

BRICS is a grouping of five countries-Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and IBSA is a tripartite grouping of India, Brazil, South Africa.&nbsp

Swaraj, who is on a five-day visit to South Africa, reached Johannesburg on Sunday evening. Swaraj met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and discussed ways of strengthening bilateral ties between India and South Africa here on Sunday.

During the visit, Swaraj is expected to have meetings with the top leadership of South Africa and chair the IBSA Foreign Ministers Meeting, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on June 2 read.

During her visit, the EAM, on June 6, will visit the Phoenix Settlement, a South African Heritage site, a place where Mahatma Gandhi developed his philosophy of non-violence.

She would also participate in a series of events at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, on June 6-7 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the "historic incident in the train compartment that became a catalyst for Gandhiji's Satyagraha movement."

Swaraj, who is on a five-day visit to South Africa, reached Johannesburg on Sunday evening

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and other leaders at Johannesburg. Swaraj stated that the BRICS countries have contributed to global growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty. BRICS is a grouping of five countries-Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and IBSA is a tripartite grouping of India, Brazil, South Africa. Swaraj, who is on a five-day visit to South Africa, reached Johannesburg on Sunday evening. Swaraj met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and discussed ways of strengthening bilateral ties between India and South Africa here on Sunday. During the visit, Swaraj is expected to have meetings with the top leadership of South Africa and chair the IBSA Foreign Ministers Meeting, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on June 2 read. During her visit, the EAM, on June 6, will visit the Phoenix Settlement, a South African Heritage site, a place where Mahatma Gandhi developed his philosophy of non-violence. She would also participate in a series of events at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, on June 6-7 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the "historic incident in the train compartment that became a catalyst for Gandhiji's Satyagraha movement."

BRICS countries have contributed to global growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty: Sushma Swaraj

Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday bid farewell to South Africa star batsman AB De Villiers after he announced a sudden retirement from all international cricket earlier this week.&nbsp;

Kohli and AB De Villiers play together for Bangalore franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it is unclear, whether he will return or not for the next year's season.

Terming him his 'brother', Kohli took to his twitter handle to praise the class cricketer. &nbsp;

"Wish you all the best in everything that you do my brother. You've changed the way batting was seen in the time you've played international cricket. My best wishes to you and your family for this amazing journey ahead @ABdeVilliers17," Kohli tweeted.

De Villiers announced his decision on his Twitter handle, claiming to be 'tired and out of gas'. &nbsp;

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Wish you all the best in everything that you do my brother. You’ve changed the way batting was seen in the time you’ve played international cricket. My best wishes to you and your family for this amazing journey ahead ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a> <a href="https://t.co/uxtRAPl3zA">pic.twitter.com/uxtRAPl3zA</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1000261774657114112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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De Villiers hung his boot with 8,765 runs in 114 Tests with 22 centuries (average 50.66), 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs with 25 centuries and 1,672 runs in 78 T20Is with 10 half-centuries. 
&nbsp;

Kohli took to his Twitter handle to praise the class cricketer.

Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday bid farewell to South Africa star batsman AB De Villiers after he announced a sudden retirement from all international cricket earlier this week. Kohli and AB De Villiers play together for Bangalore franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it is unclear, whether he will return or not for the next year's season. Terming him his 'brother', Kohli took to his twitter handle to praise the class cricketer. "Wish you all the best in everything that you do my brother. You've changed the way batting was seen in the time you've played international cricket. My best wishes to you and your family for this amazing journey ahead @ABdeVilliers17," Kohli tweeted. De Villiers announced his decision on his Twitter handle, claiming to be 'tired and out of gas'. Wish you all the best in everything that you do my brother. You’ve changed the way batting was seen in the time you’ve played international cricket. My best wishes to you and your family for this amazing journey ahead ?? @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/uxtRAPl3zA — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 26, 2018 × De Villiers hung his boot with 8,765 runs in 114 Tests with 22 centuries (average 50.66), 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs with 25 centuries and 1,672 runs in 78 T20Is with 10 half-centuries.

Virat Kohli bids farewell to 'brother' AB de Villiers

South African cricketer AB de Villiers announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, on Wednesday.

&nbsp;The 34-year-old is one of the greatest players of South Africa, having played 114 Tests, 228 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and 78 T20 Internationals.&nbsp;

“I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect,” he said on Wednesday. “After 114 Test matches, 228 ODI’s and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired.

“This is a tough decision, I have thought long and hard about it and I’d like to retire while still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside.

“It would not be right for me to pick and choose where, when and in what format I play for the Proteas. For me, in the green and gold, it must be everything or nothing. I will always be grateful to the coaches and staff of Cricket South Africa for their support through all these years. The most important thank you goes out to all of my team mates throughout my career, I wouldn’t be half the player that I am without the support throughout the years.

“It’s not about earning more somewhere else, it’s about running out of gas and feeling that it is the right time to move on. Everything comes to an end. To the cricket fans around South Africa and the World, thank you for your kindness and generosity, and today, for your understanding.

“I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket. I will continue to be the biggest supporter of Faf du Plessis and the Proteas.”

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I’ve made a big decision today <a href="https://t.co/In0jyquPOK">pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK</a>
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/999247658995810304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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De Villiers, recently, was part of the Bangalore team in the ongoing 2018 Indian Premier League.

In 12 games, he scored 480 runs which include six half-centuries. &nbsp;

Bangalore failed to make it to the play-offs and is out from the tournament.

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The 34-year-old has played 114 Tests, 228 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and 78 T20 Internationals.

South African cricketer AB de Villiers announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, on Wednesday. The 34-year-old is one of the greatest players of South Africa, having played 114 Tests, 228 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and 78 T20 Internationals. “I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect,” he said on Wednesday. “After 114 Test matches, 228 ODI’s and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired. “This is a tough decision, I have thought long and hard about it and I’d like to retire while still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside. “It would not be right for me to pick and choose where, when and in what format I play for the Proteas. For me, in the green and gold, it must be everything or nothing. I will always be grateful to the coaches and staff of Cricket South Africa for their support through all these years. The most important thank you goes out to all of my team mates throughout my career, I wouldn’t be half the player that I am without the support throughout the years. “It’s not about earning more somewhere else, it’s about running out of gas and feeling that it is the right time to move on. Everything comes to an end. To the cricket fans around South Africa and the World, thank you for your kindness and generosity, and today, for your understanding. “I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket. I will continue to be the biggest supporter of Faf du Plessis and the Proteas.” I’ve made a big decision today pic.twitter.com/In0jyquPOK — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 23, 2018 × De Villiers, recently, was part of the Bangalore team in the ongoing 2018 Indian Premier League. In 12 games, he scored 480 runs which include six half-centuries. Bangalore failed to make it to the play-offs and is out from the tournament. ×

AB de Villiers retires from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, says 'I am tired'

Former South African skipper AB de Villiers on Wednesday announced retirement from all form of cricket with immediate effect.&nbsp;

He announced the decision on his official Twitter handle.&nbsp;

The right-handed batsman said he is 'tired'&nbsp;and is the right time for him to hang his boots.

Minutes after the decision, his Twitter was flooded with people expressing their surprise over the news.

While some praised his way of playing cricket during crucial stages, some termed him an all time entertainer.&nbsp;

His IPL team Bangalore also raised a question over his sudden decision but wished him luck for his future endeavours.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Sudden but we're confident there was immense thought and contemplation behind the decision. You have to come back to Bengaluru in 2019 ❤️? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mr360?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mr360</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/dWNlH5Ygoo">https://t.co/dWNlH5Ygoo</a>
— Royal Challengers (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/999252303650541573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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AB de Villiers retires from International cricket, one of the two extreme allrounders in cricket along with TM Dilshan. Both batted and bowled in all positions, kept wickets, captained and brilliant fielders. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a>
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/daniel86cricket/status/999249144555425792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The man who showed the world that batting 360° is an easy task. All the best for your future endeavours <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a>, thank you for all the unforgettable memories! <a href="https://t.co/9r4AAQDKfj">pic.twitter.com/9r4AAQDKfj</a>
— R P Singh (@rpsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rpsingh/status/999255309519544323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breaking?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Breaking</a> AB de Villiers announces retirement from all forms of international cricket. 
Thank you for all the entertainment, champ <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a>
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhaleraosarang/status/999250017914257409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In my opinion, <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a> was world's best batsman across formats in past 7-8 years. Wish he had played more Tests! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/deVilliersRetires?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#deVilliersRetires</a>
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/999251812657090560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 34-year-old is one of the greatest players of South Africa, having played 114 Tests, 228 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and 78 T20 Internationals.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

His IPL team Bangalore was quick to respond on the news

Former South African skipper AB de Villiers on Wednesday announced retirement from all form of cricket with immediate effect. He announced the decision on his official Twitter handle. The right-handed batsman said he is 'tired' and is the right time for him to hang his boots. Minutes after the decision, his Twitter was flooded with people expressing their surprise over the news. While some praised his way of playing cricket during crucial stages, some termed him an all time entertainer. His IPL team Bangalore also raised a question over his sudden decision but wished him luck for his future endeavours. Sudden but we're confident there was immense thought and contemplation behind the decision. You have to come back to Bengaluru in 2019 ❤️? #Mr360 #PlayBold #RCB https://t.co/dWNlH5Ygoo — Royal Challengers (@RCBTweets) May 23, 2018 × AB de Villiers retires from International cricket, one of the two extreme allrounders in cricket along with TM Dilshan. Both batted and bowled in all positions, kept wickets, captained and brilliant fielders. #Cricket — Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) May 23, 2018 × The man who showed the world that batting 360° is an easy task. All the best for your future endeavours @ABdeVilliers17, thank you for all the unforgettable memories! pic.twitter.com/9r4AAQDKfj — R P Singh (@rpsingh) May 23, 2018 × #Breaking AB de Villiers announces retirement from all forms of international cricket. Thank you for all the entertainment, champ @ABdeVilliers17 — Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) May 23, 2018 × In my opinion, @ABdeVilliers17 was world's best batsman across formats in past 7-8 years. Wish he had played more Tests! #deVilliersRetires — Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 23, 2018 × The 34-year-old is one of the greatest players of South Africa, having played 114 Tests, 228 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and 78 T20 Internationals. ×

Twitterati raise concern over AB de Villiers' retirement decision

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers or famously known as AB de Villiers, is South Africa's gem batsman with enviable wicketkeeping skills.&nbsp;

The cricketing legend debuted in late 2004 against a visiting England, partnering Graeme Smith as an opener.&nbsp;

In his second Test in the same series, he was given the responsibility of wicket-keeping as a stand-in for the injured Mark Boucher.&nbsp;

The duties led to a demotion in his batting line to the lower order. However, the experiment worked well, yielding a fifty on debut, in the second innings of the Test.&nbsp;

De Villiers announced his arrival with scores of 92 and 109 while opening the innings, in the last of the 5-Test series

In ODIs though, it took a while for him to find his footing, recording his first half-century in his 15th attempt, against Australia.&nbsp;

He was one of South Africa's most consistent performers in all formats. He was one of those players, who had no qualms in being deployed as an opener, middle or lower order batsman, depending on the situation.

The ability to offer dead bats, drives, flicks and pulls and his instinctive nature to innovate in manners, turned de Villiers into one of the most dangerous cricketers.

He has played 228 &nbsp;games and has smashed 9577 runs at an average of 53.5. His highest individual score is 176 runs.

As an accomplished gloveman, he was often called to deputize for Boucher, and with time he was even being touted as his eventual successor.

De Villiers' presence in the batting line up was important in South Africa's return to the pinnacle of cricket, registering historic wins in Australia and going on a 3-year unbeaten run since 2007.&nbsp;

He helped South Africa to a semi-final berth in the 2007 ICC Cricket World World Cup, restoring respectability after a poor showing in the tournament's previous edition.&nbsp;

If we see the T20I format, then the cricket legend has 1672 runs in his kitty of just 78 game played.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ab-de-villiers-retires-from-all-forms-of-cricket-with-immediate-effect-says-i-am-tired-139205">AB de Villiers retires from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, says 'I am tired'</a>

Consistent performances over the years gave the Proteas a new ODI captain in de Villiers, when he replaced Graeme Smith in 2011, post the ICC Cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

After proving his class in the Test arena, he was the number one batsman in ODIs as well as in Tests on a number of occasions.

De Villiers has played 114 Tests and has scored 8765 runs at an average of &nbsp;50.66, with unbeaten 278 being his highest score.

De Villiers was a hot-buy in the Indian T20 League and he started off representing Delhi until he moved to Bangalore for the later seasons.&nbsp;

AB was also one of the players to have been retained by Bangalore in 2014.&nbsp;

In 141 games in the Indian Premier League, since its inception in 2008, De Villiers has made 3953 runs in 141 matches. He has smashed three centuries and 28 half-centuries.&nbsp;

In 2018, he played 12 games for the Virat kohli-led side and scored 480 runs which include six half-centuries. &nbsp;

Though Bangalore failed to make it to the play-offs, De Villiers left an impression that there is still a lot of cricket left in him.&nbsp;

But, the South African star today announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect.&nbsp;

While some fans raised serious doubts over his retirement decision many wished him luck for his future plans.&nbsp;

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The cricketing legend debuted in late 2004 against a visiting England.

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers or famously known as AB de Villiers, is South Africa's gem batsman with enviable wicketkeeping skills. The cricketing legend debuted in late 2004 against a visiting England, partnering Graeme Smith as an opener. In his second Test in the same series, he was given the responsibility of wicket-keeping as a stand-in for the injured Mark Boucher. The duties led to a demotion in his batting line to the lower order. However, the experiment worked well, yielding a fifty on debut, in the second innings of the Test. De Villiers announced his arrival with scores of 92 and 109 while opening the innings, in the last of the 5-Test series In ODIs though, it took a while for him to find his footing, recording his first half-century in his 15th attempt, against Australia. He was one of South Africa's most consistent performers in all formats. He was one of those players, who had no qualms in being deployed as an opener, middle or lower order batsman, depending on the situation. The ability to offer dead bats, drives, flicks and pulls and his instinctive nature to innovate in manners, turned de Villiers into one of the most dangerous cricketers. He has played 228 games and has smashed 9577 runs at an average of 53.5. His highest individual score is 176 runs. As an accomplished gloveman, he was often called to deputize for Boucher, and with time he was even being touted as his eventual successor. De Villiers' presence in the batting line up was important in South Africa's return to the pinnacle of cricket, registering historic wins in Australia and going on a 3-year unbeaten run since 2007. He helped South Africa to a semi-final berth in the 2007 ICC Cricket World World Cup, restoring respectability after a poor showing in the tournament's previous edition. If we see the T20I format, then the cricket legend has 1672 runs in his kitty of just 78 game played. Also read: AB de Villiers retires from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, says 'I am tired' Consistent performances over the years gave the Proteas a new ODI captain in de Villiers, when he replaced Graeme Smith in 2011, post the ICC Cricket World Cup. After proving his class in the Test arena, he was the number one batsman in ODIs as well as in Tests on a number of occasions. De Villiers has played 114 Tests and has scored 8765 runs at an average of 50.66, with unbeaten 278 being his highest score. De Villiers was a hot-buy in the Indian T20 League and he started off representing Delhi until he moved to Bangalore for the later seasons. AB was also one of the players to have been retained by Bangalore in 2014. In 141 games in the Indian Premier League, since its inception in 2008, De Villiers has made 3953 runs in 141 matches. He has smashed three centuries and 28 half-centuries. In 2018, he played 12 games for the Virat kohli-led side and scored 480 runs which include six half-centuries. Though Bangalore failed to make it to the play-offs, De Villiers left an impression that there is still a lot of cricket left in him. But, the South African star today announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. While some fans raised serious doubts over his retirement decision many wished him luck for his future plans. ×

AB de Villiers: Mr 360 degree and his cricketing career

Former Australian captain of men's cricket Steve Smith is currently serving a 12-month ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal which was revealed in March 2018 when Australia men's cricket team was touring South Africa for a four-Test match series.

During the third Test at Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball by using sandpaper in order to ‘reverse swing’ the ball.

The incident was caught in various cameras around the ground. Bancroft and Smith accepted that they were involved in the ball tampering mess and eventually punishments followed and with it came the tears- live on TV.

On Friday, May 4, Steve Smith shared a picture with his wife Dani Willis and thanked fans and followers who have supported him during his difficult times through letters and emails.

"I have had some time away to come to terms with everything and now it’s time to get back into it. The amount of emails and letters I have received has been incredible and I have been extremely humbled by the enormous amount of support you have given me," said former Australian skipper Steve Smith.

He also said, "I now have a lot to do to earn back your trust."&nbsp

Here is the post:

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiVyq5XBHc0/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">It’s great to be back home in Australia. I have had some time away to come to terms with everything and now it’s time to get back into it. The amount of emails and letters I have received has been incredible and I have been extremely humbled by the enormous amount of support you have given me. I now have a lot to do to earn back your trust. To my Mum, Dad and Dani you have been my rock through this and I can’t thank you enough. Family is the most important thing in the world and I thank you for your love and support.</a>

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&nbsp

Steve Smith is currently serving a 12-month ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal

Former Australian captain of men's cricket Steve Smith is currently serving a 12-month ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal which was revealed in March 2018 when Australia men's cricket team was touring South Africa for a four-Test match series. During the third Test at Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball by using sandpaper in order to ‘reverse swing’ the ball. The incident was caught in various cameras around the ground. Bancroft and Smith accepted that they were involved in the ball tampering mess and eventually punishments followed and with it came the tears- live on TV. On Friday, May 4, Steve Smith shared a picture with his wife Dani Willis and thanked fans and followers who have supported him during his difficult times through letters and emails. "I have had some time away to come to terms with everything and now it’s time to get back into it. The amount of emails and letters I have received has been incredible and I have been extremely humbled by the enormous amount of support you have given me," said former Australian skipper Steve Smith. He also said, "I now have a lot to do to earn back your trust." Here is the post: It’s great to be back home in Australia. I have had some time away to come to terms with everything and now it’s time to get back into it. The amount of emails and letters I have received has been incredible and I have been extremely humbled by the enormous amount of support you have given me. I now have a lot to do to earn back your trust. To my Mum, Dad and Dani you have been my rock through this and I can’t thank you enough. Family is the most important thing in the world and I thank you for your love and support. A post shared by Steve Smith (@steve_smith49) on May 3, 2018 at 8:30pm PDT ×

Have a lot to do to earn back trust: Steve Smith

Mine operator Sibanye-Stillwater said on Friday that 10 of 13 miners trapped underground at its South African gold mine were rescued but four of the 10 have died from their injuries.

The miners were trapped at the company's Masakhane mine west of Johannesburg on Thursday after an earthquake caused a cave-in.

Five of 13 miners were rescued on Thursday but one of them had died.

Sibanye-Stillwater said in an updated statement that six of the rescued employees are in hospital and another has been located, while two employees remain unaccounted for.

A further update will be provided when more information is available, it said.

South Africa is home to the world's deepest mines.

More than 1,000 mineworkers were rescued after being trapped underground for more than 24 hours after a storm knocked out power lines supplying electricity to Sibanye-Stillwater's Beatrix gold mine in February.

The miners were trapped at the company's Masakhane mine west of Johannesburg on Thursday after an earthquake caused a cave-in

Mine operator Sibanye-Stillwater said on Friday that 10 of 13 miners trapped underground at its South African gold mine were rescued but four of the 10 have died from their injuries. The miners were trapped at the company's Masakhane mine west of Johannesburg on Thursday after an earthquake caused a cave-in. Five of 13 miners were rescued on Thursday but one of them had died. Sibanye-Stillwater said in an updated statement that six of the rescued employees are in hospital and another has been located, while two employees remain unaccounted for. A further update will be provided when more information is available, it said. South Africa is home to the world's deepest mines. More than 1,000 mineworkers were rescued after being trapped underground for more than 24 hours after a storm knocked out power lines supplying electricity to Sibanye-Stillwater's Beatrix gold mine in February.

South Africa: Death toll rises at gold mine

Desperate times call for desperate measures. That seems to be the case as scientists are faced with the situation to provide water to parched Cape Town which is in the grip of a catastrophic three-year-long drought.

Scientists are suggesting moving an iceberg from Antarctica to South Africa's Cape Town - a distance of not just an inch or two, or a couple of kilometres but a massive 4 thousand 700 kilometres.

The proposal has been suggested by Cape-Town based salvage master Nick Sloane who refloated the Italian passenger liner Costa Concordia in the Mediterranean in 2013. The entire cost of the project is estimated to be $130 million.

Billions of tons of iceberg break off the Antactic ice shelf every year and drift with ocean currents and gradually melt as they enter warmer waters.

According to Sloane, a suitable iceberg could be located within about 1,000 nautical miles of Cape Town, nudged into the right ocean current and slowly floated to a position just offshore.

With processing, Sloane suggests, the berg could be melted for drinking water at a rate of up to 150 million liters per day. Assuming a 100-million-ton iceberg, this would satisfy up to a third of the parched city's needs for a year.

As per Sloane's plan, his team could wrap passing icebergs in fabric skirts so that they do not evaporate in thin air. Large tankers could then guide the blocks into the Benguela Current that flows along the west coast of southern Africa.

A single iceberg "could produce about 150 million litres per day for about a year, which is enough to quench the thirst of about one-third of Cape Town," according to Sloane.

He said he is planning to hold a conference to try and sell the project to city officials and investors. The city council was not immediately available for comment.

South Africa has declared a national disaster over the drought that hit its southern and western regions after 2015 and 2016 turned into two of the driest years on record.

Tough water restrictions are already in place and Cape Town authorities have warned that taps could run dry altogether as early as this month.

South Africa has declared a national disaster over the drought that hit its southern and western regions after 2015 and 2016 turned into two of the driest years on record.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. That seems to be the case as scientists are faced with the situation to provide water to parched Cape Town which is in the grip of a catastrophic three-year-long drought. Scientists are suggesting moving an iceberg from Antarctica to South Africa's Cape Town - a distance of not just an inch or two, or a couple of kilometres but a massive 4 thousand 700 kilometres. The proposal has been suggested by Cape-Town based salvage master Nick Sloane who refloated the Italian passenger liner Costa Concordia in the Mediterranean in 2013. The entire cost of the project is estimated to be $130 million. Billions of tons of iceberg break off the Antactic ice shelf every year and drift with ocean currents and gradually melt as they enter warmer waters. According to Sloane, a suitable iceberg could be located within about 1,000 nautical miles of Cape Town, nudged into the right ocean current and slowly floated to a position just offshore. With processing, Sloane suggests, the berg could be melted for drinking water at a rate of up to 150 million liters per day. Assuming a 100-million-ton iceberg, this would satisfy up to a third of the parched city's needs for a year. As per Sloane's plan, his team could wrap passing icebergs in fabric skirts so that they do not evaporate in thin air. Large tankers could then guide the blocks into the Benguela Current that flows along the west coast of southern Africa. A single iceberg "could produce about 150 million litres per day for about a year, which is enough to quench the thirst of about one-third of Cape Town," according to Sloane. He said he is planning to hold a conference to try and sell the project to city officials and investors. The city council was not immediately available for comment. South Africa has declared a national disaster over the drought that hit its southern and western regions after 2015 and 2016 turned into two of the driest years on record. Tough water restrictions are already in place and Cape Town authorities have warned that taps could run dry altogether as early as this month.

Can towing an iceberg to Cape Town solve city's water crisis? Scientists think so

The Indian Cricket team failed to retain its top spot in the ICC ODI rankings after England displaced the Virat Kohli-led side to become the new number 1.&nbsp

This is the first time that England claimed the top position since January 2013.

England arose by eight points to climb up to the No. 1 position, just three points above the Indian Cricket team.&nbsp

Meanwhile, India slipped to number 2 position to be at 122 points, in the latest reshuffling of the cricket governing body’s annual updates.&nbsp

England’s rise came with the omission of their poor record in the 2014-15 season, in which they won only seven out of 25 ODI’s against other Full Members of ICC.

South Africa, which earlier acquired the second position, dropped to the third as they lost four points, going down to 113 points from 117, making them nine points below from India.&nbsp

&nbspThe rest of the positions remain unchanged, thus ensuring that the current top 10 ranked sides will participate in the upcoming ICC World Cup in 2019.

India will travel to England in July for a full series which will feature 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs and 5 Tests.

This is the first time that England claimed the top position since January 2013.

The Indian Cricket team failed to retain its top spot in the ICC ODI rankings after England displaced the Virat Kohli-led side to become the new number 1. This is the first time that England claimed the top position since January 2013. England arose by eight points to climb up to the No. 1 position, just three points above the Indian Cricket team. Meanwhile, India slipped to number 2 position to be at 122 points, in the latest reshuffling of the cricket governing body’s annual updates. England’s rise came with the omission of their poor record in the 2014-15 season, in which they won only seven out of 25 ODI’s against other Full Members of ICC. South Africa, which earlier acquired the second position, dropped to the third as they lost four points, going down to 113 points from 117, making them nine points below from India. &nbspThe rest of the positions remain unchanged, thus ensuring that the current top 10 ranked sides will participate in the upcoming ICC World Cup in 2019. India will travel to England in July for a full series which will feature 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs and 5 Tests.

ICC ODI rankings: England cricket team displace India to be new No. 1

India has consolidated their position at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Team Rankings following the annual update.

In the ICC's annual update, the series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 percent.

India has stretched their lead over South Africa from four to 13 points after gaining four points to reach an aggregate of 125 while South Africa have lost five points and slipped to 112.

South Africa is, however, still comfortably ahead of the remaining sides.

Australia is placed third with 106 points after gaining four points following the update, taking back the position from New Zealand, who had overtaken them at the last cut-off date of April 3.

The change in positions saw New Zealand assure themselves of two lakh dollars for finishing third. India and South Africa had won 1 million dollars and five lakh dollars, respectively for finishing first and second at the cut-off date.

After the update, New Zealand remains on 102 points while England has inched closer, reaching 98 after gaining one point.

In another interesting move, Bangladesh has moved ahead of the West Indies, who are in ninth position for the first time ever.

The West Indies have lost five points and are now standing on 67 points while Bangladesh has gained four points to reach 75, eight points clear of the West Indies.

Sri Lanka continues to remain at sixth position after losing one point while Zimbabwe has gained one point to reach two. The table will see new additions in the form of Afghanistan and Ireland after they have played their first Tests following their Full Membership status.

Ireland is due to play their inaugural Test against Pakistan in Malahide, Dublin, from May 11 while Afghanistan's first Test will be against India in Bengaluru from June 18.

In the ICC's annual update, the series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 percent

India has consolidated their position at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Team Rankings following the annual update. In the ICC's annual update, the series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 percent. India has stretched their lead over South Africa from four to 13 points after gaining four points to reach an aggregate of 125 while South Africa have lost five points and slipped to 112. South Africa is, however, still comfortably ahead of the remaining sides. Australia is placed third with 106 points after gaining four points following the update, taking back the position from New Zealand, who had overtaken them at the last cut-off date of April 3. The change in positions saw New Zealand assure themselves of two lakh dollars for finishing third. India and South Africa had won 1 million dollars and five lakh dollars, respectively for finishing first and second at the cut-off date. After the update, New Zealand remains on 102 points while England has inched closer, reaching 98 after gaining one point. In another interesting move, Bangladesh has moved ahead of the West Indies, who are in ninth position for the first time ever. The West Indies have lost five points and are now standing on 67 points while Bangladesh has gained four points to reach 75, eight points clear of the West Indies. Sri Lanka continues to remain at sixth position after losing one point while Zimbabwe has gained one point to reach two. The table will see new additions in the form of Afghanistan and Ireland after they have played their first Tests following their Full Membership status. Ireland is due to play their inaugural Test against Pakistan in Malahide, Dublin, from May 11 while Afghanistan's first Test will be against India in Bengaluru from June 18.

India consolidate top spot in ICC Test team rankings

South African pacer Junior Dala has been included in the Delhi squad as the replacement for injured Chris Morris for the remainder of Indian Premier League 2018.

Chris Morris has been ruled out of the ongoing edition of IPL as he is suffering back injury. He had missed the last game against Punjab which Delhi, eventually, lost.&nbsp

Morris has played only four games out of six and was not contributing&nbspmuch to the team.

Dala made his career debut for South Africa against India this year in a three-match&nbspT20 series.

He came into prominence in the same series by taking seven wickets in the series. Dala will be wearing jersey No 3 for Daredevils.

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Wish you a speedy recovery champ! 
 
Hope to see you back in DD colours soon! ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DilDilli?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DilDilli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhadkega?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhadkega</a> <a href="https://t.co/fxlsGuI3Q5">https://t.co/fxlsGuI3Q5</a>
— Delhi Daredevils (@DelhiDaredevils) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiDaredevils/status/989855415885119488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Chris Morris has been ruled out of the ongoing edition of IPL as he is suffering back injury

South African pacer Junior Dala has been included in the Delhi squad as the replacement for injured Chris Morris for the remainder of Indian Premier League 2018. Chris Morris has been ruled out of the ongoing edition of IPL as he is suffering back injury. He had missed the last game against Punjab which Delhi, eventually, lost. Morris has played only four games out of six and was not contributing&nbspmuch to the team. Dala made his career debut for South Africa against India this year in a three-match&nbspT20 series. He came into prominence in the same series by taking seven wickets in the series. Dala will be wearing jersey No 3 for Daredevils. Wish you a speedy recovery champ! Hope to see you back in DD colours soon! ?#DilDilli #Dhadkega https://t.co/fxlsGuI3Q5 — Delhi Daredevils (@DelhiDaredevils) April 27, 2018 ×

IPL 2018: Junior Dala replaces injured Chris Morris in Delhi squad

India will take on Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2019 on June 16 at Old Trafford, a BCCI official said on Tuesday.

Cut to 10 teams from 14, the World Cup this year will be in a round-robin format where every team which play each other.

It is to be noted that in the history of Cricket World Cup, India has never lost to Pakistan. Usually, ICC banks on the Indo-Pak rivalry and makes it an opening fixture at marquee events, like it did in the 2015 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy, as it is a crowd puller. This won't be the case in the upcoming edition as it will be a round-robin format.

The 2019 World Cup will be held in the UK from May 30 to July 14 and India will start on June 5 as the BCCI will have to maintain a mandatory 15-day gap between the IPL final and international assignment as per the Lodha Committee recommendations.

The matter was discussed during the ICC Chief Executives Meeting here today.

"The 2019 IPL will be played between March 29 and May 19. But we need to maintain a 15-day gap and World Cup starts on May 30. Therefore as per a 15-day gap, we could have only played on June 5. Earlier, we were scheduled to start on June 2 but we couldn't have played on that day," a senior BCCI official present here said on conditions of anonymity.

India will open their 2019 World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5 and will square off against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 16, as per senior BCCI official.

India will take on Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2019 on June 16 at Old Trafford, a BCCI official said on Tuesday. Cut to 10 teams from 14, the World Cup this year will be in a round-robin format where every team which play each other. It is to be noted that in the history of Cricket World Cup, India has never lost to Pakistan. Usually, ICC banks on the Indo-Pak rivalry and makes it an opening fixture at marquee events, like it did in the 2015 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy, as it is a crowd puller. This won't be the case in the upcoming edition as it will be a round-robin format. The 2019 World Cup will be held in the UK from May 30 to July 14 and India will start on June 5 as the BCCI will have to maintain a mandatory 15-day gap between the IPL final and international assignment as per the Lodha Committee recommendations. The matter was discussed during the ICC Chief Executives Meeting here today. "The 2019 IPL will be played between March 29 and May 19. But we need to maintain a 15-day gap and World Cup starts on May 30. Therefore as per a 15-day gap, we could have only played on June 5. Earlier, we were scheduled to start on June 2 but we couldn't have played on that day," a senior BCCI official present here said on conditions of anonymity.

ICC World Cup 2019: India to clash with Pakistan on June 16 in a high-voltage contest

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has cut short his visit to Britain by a day to return home to deal with protests in the country's North West province, his office said on Thursday.

Protesters seeking jobs, better housing, roads and hospitals frequently clash with police in a country faced with weak economic growth and near-record unemployment - but these are the first big demonstrations since Ramaphosa took power in February.

The unrest, dubbed "service delivery protests", has mounted over the years.

The latest protests erupted on Wednesday with residents demanding that the province's Premier Supra Mahumapelo, a member of Ramaphosa's ruling African National Congress party, step down.&nbsp

Ramaphosa called for calm, ordered police to exercise maximum restraint and urged the aggrieved parties to express their grievances without resorting to violence.&nbsp

He was due to return to South Africa on Friday from London, where he is leading a delegation to a Commonwealth summit.

"The president will return to Pretoria today, Thursday," the president`s office said in a statement.

South African media reported that a bus was set alight, vehicles stoned and roads blockaded by protesters calling for Mahumapelo to quit because of a failure to adequately deliver services. Polife fired teargas to disperse the crowds.

Botswana's government said on Thursday it had closed exit points to South Africa's North West province, where the two countries share a border. The troubled province lies 300 km (200 miles) west of South Africa`s commercial hub Johannesburg.

Protesters seeking jobs, better housing, roads and hospitals frequently clash with police in a country faced with weak economic growth and near-record unemployment - but these are the first big demonstrations since Ramaphosa took power in February

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has cut short his visit to Britain by a day to return home to deal with protests in the country's North West province, his office said on Thursday. Protesters seeking jobs, better housing, roads and hospitals frequently clash with police in a country faced with weak economic growth and near-record unemployment - but these are the first big demonstrations since Ramaphosa took power in February. The unrest, dubbed "service delivery protests", has mounted over the years. The latest protests erupted on Wednesday with residents demanding that the province's Premier Supra Mahumapelo, a member of Ramaphosa's ruling African National Congress party, step down. Ramaphosa called for calm, ordered police to exercise maximum restraint and urged the aggrieved parties to express their grievances without resorting to violence. He was due to return to South Africa on Friday from London, where he is leading a delegation to a Commonwealth summit. "The president will return to Pretoria today, Thursday," the president`s office said in a statement. South African media reported that a bus was set alight, vehicles stoned and roads blockaded by protesters calling for Mahumapelo to quit because of a failure to adequately deliver services. Polife fired teargas to disperse the crowds. Botswana's government said on Thursday it had closed exit points to South Africa's North West province, where the two countries share a border. The troubled province lies 300 km (200 miles) west of South Africa`s commercial hub Johannesburg.

South Africa's Ramaphosa cuts short Britain trip to deal with protests at home

Indian women’s hockey team defeated South Africa 1-0 to enter the semi-final of 2018 Commonwealth Games, on Tuesday.

India took down South Africa’s challenge in their fourth encounter in Women’s Pool A match.&nbsp

The Indian team produced a fourth-quarter goal in a tense match through captain Rani Rampal that ensured her side a berth in the semifinals.&nbsp

India returned to winning ways after their initial 2-3 defeat against Wales as they embarrassed Malaysia 4-1 in their next match.&nbsp

They then went on to defeat Olympic champions England 2-1 to keep their semi-final hope alive.

India have so far won 21 medals, including 11 gold, four silver and six bronze.&nbsp

The Indian men’s hockey team also progressed to the semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Malaysia while boxers Manoj Kumar, Mohammed Hussanmuddin, Amit Phangal and Naman Tanwar also assured themselves of a bronze at least by entering the last four stage.

India took down South Africa’s challenge in their fourth encounter in Women’s Pool A match

Indian women’s hockey team defeated South Africa 1-0 to enter the semi-final of 2018 Commonwealth Games, on Tuesday. India took down South Africa’s challenge in their fourth encounter in Women’s Pool A match. The Indian team produced a fourth-quarter goal in a tense match through captain Rani Rampal that ensured her side a berth in the semifinals. India returned to winning ways after their initial 2-3 defeat against Wales as they embarrassed Malaysia 4-1 in their next match. They then went on to defeat Olympic champions England 2-1 to keep their semi-final hope alive. India have so far won 21 medals, including 11 gold, four silver and six bronze. The Indian men’s hockey team also progressed to the semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Malaysia while boxers Manoj Kumar, Mohammed Hussanmuddin, Amit Phangal and Naman Tanwar also assured themselves of a bronze at least by entering the last four stage.

CWG 2018: India beat South Africa 1-0 to enter women's hockey semi-final

Australian cricket team's&nbspformer vice-captain David Warner on Thursday joined Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft in deciding not to contest the sanctions imposed on him by Cricket Australia (CA) for his role in last month`s ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

The Australian board&nbspslapped Smith and Warner with 12-months bans, while Bancroft, who was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball in the third test in Cape Town, was suspended for nine months.

Confirming the same, Warner took to his Twitter account and accepted the sanctions imposed on him.&nbsp

"I have today let Cricket Australia know that I fully accept the sanctions imposed on me," Warner said on his verified Twitter account on Thursday.

"I am truly sorry for my actions and will now do everything I can to be a better person, teammate and role model."

Smith and Bancroft confirmed on Wednesday that they had accepted the CA sanctions.

Cricket Australia slapped Warner with a 12-months ban

Australian cricket team's&nbspformer vice-captain David Warner on Thursday joined Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft in deciding not to contest the sanctions imposed on him by Cricket Australia (CA) for his role in last month`s ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. The Australian board&nbspslapped Smith and Warner with 12-months bans, while Bancroft, who was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball in the third test in Cape Town, was suspended for nine months. Confirming the same, Warner took to his Twitter account and accepted the sanctions imposed on him. "I have today let Cricket Australia know that I fully accept the sanctions imposed on me," Warner said on his verified Twitter account on Thursday. "I am truly sorry for my actions and will now do everything I can to be a better person, teammate and role model." Smith and Bancroft confirmed on Wednesday that they had accepted the CA sanctions.

Australia's Warner follows Smith, Bancroft, says 'won't challenge ban'

In a big blow to the Delhi Daredevils, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada on Thursday was ruled out of the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a lower back stress reaction.&nbsp

As per media reports, the daredevil will be out of action for a period of up to three months and will miss the entire season of the IPL.

After Mitchell Starc, Rabada is the latest to join the growing list of injury-hit players.

“Kagiso has been diagnosed with a lower back stress reaction, which will rule him out of cricket action for up to three months. He will need a month’s break from all physical activity before commencing with a rehabilitation programme to get him ready for the series against Sri Lanka in July,” said a statement of Proteas team doctor.

The IPL franchise is yet to announce a replacement but has a capable replacement in the form of Trent Boult in their line-up.

The South African pacer will miss the entire season of the tournament

In a big blow to the Delhi Daredevils, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada on Thursday was ruled out of the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a lower back stress reaction. As per media reports, the daredevil will be out of action for a period of up to three months and will miss the entire season of the IPL. After Mitchell Starc, Rabada is the latest to join the growing list of injury-hit players. “Kagiso has been diagnosed with a lower back stress reaction, which will rule him out of cricket action for up to three months. He will need a month’s break from all physical activity before commencing with a rehabilitation programme to get him ready for the series against Sri Lanka in July,” said a statement of Proteas team doctor. The IPL franchise is yet to announce a replacement but has a capable replacement in the form of Trent Boult in their line-up.

IPL 2018: Delhi Daredevil's Rabada ruled out due to injury

Former Australia captain Steve Smith and batsman Cameron Bancroft on Wednesday refused to challenge the sanctions imposed on them by Cricket Australia (CA) for their role in last month's ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Smith and former vice-captain David Warner were handed 12-month bans, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months after the latter was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball.

"I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country," Smith said on his verified Twitter account.&nbsp

"But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team.

"I won`t be challenging the sanctions. They`ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them."

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I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country. But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) <a href="https://twitter.com/stevesmith49/status/981407491752853504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bancroft followed suit and accepted his punishment.

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Today I lodged the paperwork with Cricket Australia and will be accepting the sanction handed down. I would love to put this behind me and will do whatever it takes to earn back the trust of the Australian public. Thank you to all those who have sent messages of support
— Cameron Bancroft (@cbancroft4) <a href="https://twitter.com/cbancroft4/status/981441426230792193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Now, Warner is the only player left to announce his decision.

Smith and Warner were stripped of their leadership positions for their role in the March 24 incident.&nbsp 
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Now, Warner is the only player left to announce his decision.

Former Australia captain Steve Smith and batsman Cameron Bancroft on Wednesday refused to challenge the sanctions imposed on them by Cricket Australia (CA) for their role in last month's ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Smith and former vice-captain David Warner were handed 12-month bans, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months after the latter was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball. "I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country," Smith said on his verified Twitter account. "But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. "I won`t be challenging the sanctions. They`ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them." I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country. But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them. — Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) April 4, 2018 × Bancroft followed suit and accepted his punishment. Today I lodged the paperwork with Cricket Australia and will be accepting the sanction handed down. I would love to put this behind me and will do whatever it takes to earn back the trust of the Australian public. Thank you to all those who have sent messages of support — Cameron Bancroft (@cbancroft4) April 4, 2018 × Now, Warner is the only player left to announce his decision. Smith and Warner were stripped of their leadership positions for their role in the March 24 incident.

Smith, Bancroft not to challenge ball-tampering ban

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