Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri revealed on Thursday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../ms-dhoni-visits-team-india-at-jsca-stadium- complex-in-ranchi-257464">MS Dhoni</a> may soon end his prolific ODI career, but may still be keen on playing T20Is.&nbsp;

Dhoni, who was deemed as 'Captain Cool', has not donned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-t20i-india-thrash-sri- lanka-by-7-wickets-in-the-second-t20i-take-1-0-lead-272801">Indian team</a> Jersey since the semi-final defeat against New Zealand, where he was run out following a half-century. He went on to train with 106 TA Battalion (Para) in Jammu and Kashmir for two weeks and missed the West Indies Series.

"He has finished (playing) test match cricket. In all probability, he will finish one-day cricket. At his age I think, the only format he will want to play is T20," Shastri told a TV news channel.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/looking-forward-to-seeing-our-indian-fans-warner-ahead-of-odi-series-273103">Looking forward to seeing our Indian fans: David Warner ahead of ODI series</a>

Dhoni is one of the most successful captains for the Indian team as he has led the Indian team to win every ICC trophy across the globe.&nbsp;

Ravi Shastri was looking forward to Dhoni's performance in the IPL that will help them set the tone on what Dhoni's future will look like.&nbsp;

"If he feels, when he comes back, that something is not right, he will quit...But if he has a cracking IPL season then, you know..." said Shastri.&nbsp;

He added that it's the selector's job in the end, and if he plays well in IPL he would put himself into the contention.

MS Dhoni has had one of the best ODI careers as an individual, scoring 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries with an average of 50.6.

Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri revealed on Thursday that MS Dhoni may soon end his prolific ODI career, but may still be keen on playing T20Is. Dhoni, who was deemed as 'Captain Cool', has not donned the Indian team Jersey since the semi-final defeat against New Zealand, where he was run out following a half-century.

Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri revealed on Thursday that MS Dhoni may soon end his prolific ODI career, but may still be keen on playing T20Is. Dhoni, who was deemed as 'Captain Cool', has not donned the Indian team Jersey since the semi-final defeat against New Zealand, where he was run out following a half-century. He went on to train with 106 TA Battalion (Para) in Jammu and Kashmir for two weeks and missed the West Indies Series. "He has finished (playing) test match cricket. In all probability, he will finish one-day cricket. At his age I think, the only format he will want to play is T20," Shastri told a TV news channel. Also Read: Looking forward to seeing our Indian fans: David Warner ahead of ODI series Dhoni is one of the most successful captains for the Indian team as he has led the Indian team to win every ICC trophy across the globe. Ravi Shastri was looking forward to Dhoni's performance in the IPL that will help them set the tone on what Dhoni's future will look like. "If he feels, when he comes back, that something is not right, he will quit...But if he has a cracking IPL season then, you know..." said Shastri. He added that it's the selector's job in the end, and if he plays well in IPL he would put himself into the contention. MS Dhoni has had one of the best ODI careers as an individual, scoring 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries with an average of 50.6.

MS Dhoni may retire from ODIs soon: Ravi Shastri

Ahead of the three-match ODI series against India, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-nz-nathan-lyon-takes-five-as-australia-dominate-in-sydney-272264">Australia</a>'s opening batsman David Warner on Thursday said that the entire side is looking forward to meeting their Indian fans.

Warner took to Instagram to share a picture of himself and captioned the post as: "India here we come!! It's going to be a great 3 game series. Looking forward to seeing all our Indian fans".

Warner had registered the second-highest score for an Australian batter in a Test match against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-cricket-team-from-flamboyance-to-religious-discrimination-270672">Pakistan</a> last year after scoring 335 at Adelaide.

He also scored a century in the second innings of the third Test against New Zealand.

Australia white-washed both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-sweat-on-ailing-williamson-and-nicholls-271562">New Zealand</a> and Pakistan in the respective Test series. As a result, it moved to the second position on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table.

Australia will next take on India in a three-match ODI series.

The first game will be played on January 14 at the Wankhede Stadium in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/deepika-padukone-and-chhapaak-team-conduct-social-experiment-share-video-272855">Mumbai</a>.

Ahead of the three-match ODI series against India, Australia's opening batsman David Warner on Thursday said that the entire side is looking forward to meeting their Indian fans.

Ahead of the three-match ODI series against India, Australia's opening batsman David Warner on Thursday said that the entire side is looking forward to meeting their Indian fans. Warner took to Instagram to share a picture of himself and captioned the post as: "India here we come!! It's going to be a great 3 game series. Looking forward to seeing all our Indian fans". Warner had registered the second-highest score for an Australian batter in a Test match against Pakistan last year after scoring 335 at Adelaide. He also scored a century in the second innings of the third Test against New Zealand. Australia white-washed both New Zealand and Pakistan in the respective Test series. As a result, it moved to the second position on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Australia will next take on India in a three-match ODI series. The first game will be played on January 14 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Looking forward to seeing our Indian fans: David Warner ahead of ODI series

England pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-injures-england-cricketer-rory-burns-271899">James Anderson</a> has been ruled out of the remaining Test matches against South Africa due to an injury.

The bowler had sustained a left rib injury during the second Test between the two countries at Cape Town.

"Anderson felt tightness and discomfort at the end of the morning session during day five and as a result, he was able to bowl just eight overs in the day," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-meghan-markle-quit-royal-front-line-in-shock-move-273083">England</a> Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.

In the second match against Proteas, the pacer finished with the figures of 2-23 in the second innings.

Now, the 37-year-old will be returning to the United Kingdom in the next few days.

England managed to defeat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-beat-england-by-107-runs-in-first-test-270868">South Africa</a> by 189 runs in the second Test to level the four-match series.

Both sides will now lock in the third Test, slated to begin from January 16.

England pacer James Anderson has been ruled out of the remaining Test matches against South Africa due to an injury. The bowler had sustained a left rib injury during the second Test between the two countries at Cape Town.

England pacer James Anderson has been ruled out of the remaining Test matches against South Africa due to an injury. The bowler had sustained a left rib injury during the second Test between the two countries at Cape Town. "Anderson felt tightness and discomfort at the end of the morning session during day five and as a result, he was able to bowl just eight overs in the day," England Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement. In the second match against Proteas, the pacer finished with the figures of 2-23 in the second innings. Now, the 37-year-old will be returning to the United Kingdom in the next few days. England managed to defeat South Africa by 189 runs in the second Test to level the four-match series. Both sides will now lock in the third Test, slated to begin from January 16.

James Anderson ruled out of Test series against South Africa

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stokes-and-broad-bicker-as-england-end-first-test-with-a-loss-270971">Ben Stokes</a> took the last three wickets as England subdued a stubborn South Africa to win a thrilling second test by 189 runs late on day five on Tuesday, their first victory at Newlands since 1957.

Quinton <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-de-kock-leads-south-africa-fightback-against-england-270522">de Kock</a> and Rassie van der Dussen had frustrated England for 44 overs before Stokes provided late drama to finish the match with 8.2 overs to spare and level the four-match series.

The win will be especially pleasing for England for the way they stuck to their task on a flat fifth-day wicket, with Stokes's superb burst earning the all-rounder figures of 3-35.

"A great day's play and a great test match," England seamer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/james-anderson-and-stuart-broad-key-to-ashes-glory-says-harmison-239049">Stuart Broad</a> told Sky Sports. "We had to work incredibly hard, we knew we were going to have to do that.

"It was incredible discipline from South Africa throughout the day but we kept saying one bit of magic.

"We set some funky fields. One breakthrough and we could apply some pressure. You need a lot of character and skill to chase 10 wickets. We are proud of taking our chances."

Chasing a test record 438 to win, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-de-kock-leads-south-africa-fightback-against-england-270522">South Africa</a> looked relatively comfortable as they reached 237 for five with 26 overs remaining in the match.

For the second time in the innings, however, a key man gave his wicket away. De Kock (50) attempted to pull a dragged down delivery from part-time leg spinner Joe Denly and succeeded only in picking out Zak Crawley at mid-wicket.

It was an unnecessary stroke that opened the door for England and when Broad removed the obdurate Van der Dussen (17 from 140 balls), it was well and truly ajar.

Stokes accounted for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-beat-england-by-107-runs-in-first-test-270868">Dwaine Pretorius</a> and Anrich Nortje in successive balls, both caught at slip, and sealed the victory in front of an ecstatic Barmy Army when Vernon Philander was caught fending a lifting delivery to Ollie Pope.

South Africa had given themselves a chance with some stern resistance, not least from debutant opener Pieter Malan who lasted 288 balls for his 84.

But England looked on course for victory at lunch after grabbing the key wicket of South Africa captain Faf du Plessis (19), who will be disappointed with his shot selection as he tried to take on spinner Dom Bess with a powerful sweep and picked out Denly at square leg.

"The boys fought very hard. They <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-archer-may-miss-test-against-south-africa-271563">bowled</a> really well and congrats to them," De Kock said.

"Obviously we tried to push them as far as we can. Unfortunately, we fell just short. I was disappointed because we had a good partnership going and I smoked one straight to a fielder."

South Africa won the first test in Pretoria by 107 runs.

The third match in the four-test series starts in Port Elizabeth on January&nbsp;16.

Ben Stokes took the last three wickets as England subdued a stubborn South Africa to win a thrilling second test by 189 runs late on day five on Tuesday, their first victory at Newlands since 1957.

Ben Stokes took the last three wickets as England subdued a stubborn South Africa to win a thrilling second test by 189 runs late on day five on Tuesday, their first victory at Newlands since 1957. Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen had frustrated England for 44 overs before Stokes provided late drama to finish the match with 8.2 overs to spare and level the four-match series. The win will be especially pleasing for England for the way they stuck to their task on a flat fifth-day wicket, with Stokes's superb burst earning the all-rounder figures of 3-35. "A great day's play and a great test match," England seamer Stuart Broad told Sky Sports. "We had to work incredibly hard, we knew we were going to have to do that. "It was incredible discipline from South Africa throughout the day but we kept saying one bit of magic. "We set some funky fields. One breakthrough and we could apply some pressure. You need a lot of character and skill to chase 10 wickets. We are proud of taking our chances." Chasing a test record 438 to win, South Africa looked relatively comfortable as they reached 237 for five with 26 overs remaining in the match. For the second time in the innings, however, a key man gave his wicket away. De Kock (50) attempted to pull a dragged down delivery from part-time leg spinner Joe Denly and succeeded only in picking out Zak Crawley at mid-wicket. It was an unnecessary stroke that opened the door for England and when Broad removed the obdurate Van der Dussen (17 from 140 balls), it was well and truly ajar. Stokes accounted for Dwaine Pretorius and Anrich Nortje in successive balls, both caught at slip, and sealed the victory in front of an ecstatic Barmy Army when Vernon Philander was caught fending a lifting delivery to Ollie Pope. South Africa had given themselves a chance with some stern resistance, not least from debutant opener Pieter Malan who lasted 288 balls for his 84. But England looked on course for victory at lunch after grabbing the key wicket of South Africa captain Faf du Plessis (19), who will be disappointed with his shot selection as he tried to take on spinner Dom Bess with a powerful sweep and picked out Denly at square leg. "The boys fought very hard. They bowled really well and congrats to them," De Kock said. "Obviously we tried to push them as far as we can. Unfortunately, we fell just short. I was disappointed because we had a good partnership going and I smoked one straight to a fielder." South Africa won the first test in Pretoria by 107 runs. The third match in the four-test series starts in Port Elizabeth on January 16.

Cricket: Inspired Stokes seals dramatic England victory

Opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-drop-bairstow-from-test-squad-for-new-zealand-series-251553">Dominic Sibley</a> struck a career-best unbeaten 85 as England seized control of the second Test against South Africa at the close of the third day at Newlands on Sunday, grinding down their hosts ahead of a fourth-innings victory charge.

The tourists reached 218 for four at stumps, a lead of 264 that already looks substantial with two full days remaining, and potentially provides an excellent chance to level the four-match series.

Sibley put on 116 for the third wicket with captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-captain-joe-roots-year-of-frustration-as-england-falter-in-test-arena-270931">Joe Root</a> (61), before the latter steered Dwaine Pretorius to Faf du Plessis at slip late on.

Nightwatchman Dominic Bess gloved a leg-side delivery from Anrich Nortje (2-36) to end the day.

Sibley will seek to take the game further away from South Africa with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stokes-and-broad-bicker-as-england-end-first-test-with-a-loss-270971">Ben Stokes</a> on day four with England's travelling fans in full voice in Cape Town.

"We’ve done really well – the performance with the ball yesterday and today we have shown some real grit with the bat," England seamer James Anderson told reporters.

"It is hard to say what is a good target to set. If the wicket is as flat as it was today, we would want 350 plus as a minimum.

"But if it starts to deteriorate, then we feel in the game right now. Whatever we post we will have to bowl well."

Sibley’s previous best in Tests was 29 and he showed impressive patience and concentration to see off the new ball and then accumulate his runs by waiting for the right opportunities to score.

He took 140 balls to reach his 50 and batted for almost the full day, which allowed Root to score more freely at the other end.

South Africa’s other two wickets in England’s second innings were that of Zak Crawley (25), who edged Kagiso Rabada to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, and Joe Denly (31), caught at long leg attempting a hook off Nortje.

It was, at times, a war of attrition that the visiting side won with risk-free, smart&nbsp;cricket.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/james-anderson-becomes-fifth-bowler-in-this-decade-to-take-wicket-on-first-ball-of-test-270372">Anderson</a> took five wickets and Stokes an England record five catches as they made short work of wrapping up the South African first innings, bowling the hosts out for 223.

Anderson (5-40) knocked over Rabada (0) with the first ball of the day and completed his England record 28th Test five-wicket haul when Nortje (4) edged to Stokes at slip for the all-rounder to take his fifth catch of the innings.

It is the joint-most by any player in Test&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;and the 12th time a fielder had taken five catches in an innings, but a first for England.

South Africa won the first Test in Pretoria by 107 runs.

Opener Dominic Sibley struck a career-best unbeaten 85 as England seized control of the second Test against South Africa at the close of the third day at Newlands on Sunday, grinding down their hosts ahead of a fourth-innings victory charge.

Opener Dominic Sibley struck a career-best unbeaten 85 as England seized control of the second Test against South Africa at the close of the third day at Newlands on Sunday, grinding down their hosts ahead of a fourth-innings victory charge. The tourists reached 218 for four at stumps, a lead of 264 that already looks substantial with two full days remaining, and potentially provides an excellent chance to level the four-match series. Sibley put on 116 for the third wicket with captain Joe Root (61), before the latter steered Dwaine Pretorius to Faf du Plessis at slip late on. Nightwatchman Dominic Bess gloved a leg-side delivery from Anrich Nortje (2-36) to end the day. Sibley will seek to take the game further away from South Africa with Ben Stokes on day four with England's travelling fans in full voice in Cape Town. "We’ve done really well – the performance with the ball yesterday and today we have shown some real grit with the bat," England seamer James Anderson told reporters. "It is hard to say what is a good target to set. If the wicket is as flat as it was today, we would want 350 plus as a minimum. "But if it starts to deteriorate, then we feel in the game right now. Whatever we post we will have to bowl well." Sibley’s previous best in Tests was 29 and he showed impressive patience and concentration to see off the new ball and then accumulate his runs by waiting for the right opportunities to score. He took 140 balls to reach his 50 and batted for almost the full day, which allowed Root to score more freely at the other end. South Africa’s other two wickets in England’s second innings were that of Zak Crawley (25), who edged Kagiso Rabada to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, and Joe Denly (31), caught at long leg attempting a hook off Nortje. It was, at times, a war of attrition that the visiting side won with risk-free, smart cricket. Anderson took five wickets and Stokes an England record five catches as they made short work of wrapping up the South African first innings, bowling the hosts out for 223. Anderson (5-40) knocked over Rabada (0) with the first ball of the day and completed his England record 28th Test five-wicket haul when Nortje (4) edged to Stokes at slip for the all-rounder to take his fifth catch of the innings. It is the joint-most by any player in Test cricket and the 12th time a fielder had taken five catches in an innings, but a first for England. South Africa won the first Test in Pretoria by 107 runs.

Cricket: Sibley, Root put England in command of second Test

Spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-nz-nathan-lyon-takes-five-as-australia-dominate-in-sydney-272264">Nathan Lyon</a> took 10 wickets for the match as Australia underlined their absolute dominance of New Zealand with a crushing 279-run victory in the third Test at the Sydney&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Ground on Monday to sweep the series 3-0.

The hosts were utterly ruthless with bat and ball throughout the series and dismissed New Zealand for 136 having declared on 217 for two after lunch to hand the Black Caps an unlikely victory target of 416.

New Zealand had arrived with some confidence they could repeat the singular feat of the triumphant 1985–86 tourists from across the Tasman Sea but will return well beaten after injury and illness ravaged the squad.

With captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls missing because of a flu bug, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-nz-new-zealand-woes-continue-with-bowler-matt-henry-injury-272088">New Zealand</a> had no answer to the fearsome pace of Australia's quicks and the guile of Lyon's spin.

Lyon, aided by paceman Mitchell Starc's 3-25, cleaned up the tail on a deteriorating pitch to finish with 5-50 to add to his 5-68 in the first innings.

After New Zealand had slumped to 22-4, Colin de Grandhomme scored a gritty 52 and BJ Watling 19 off 108 balls and at one stage it looked like a fifth day might be needed for the first time in the series.

But with Matt Henry unable to bat because of a broken thumb sustained earlier in the match Lyon ended the resistance under the SCG lights when he had Watling caught by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-cummins-becomes-ipls-most-expensive-overseas-buy-269295">Pat Cummins</a>.

"It's a great summer for the Australian Test side and it's very special to be part of it, to win Tests at home and be very clinical in all wins, very impressive," off-spinner Lyon said.

"To take 10 on my home deck in front of friends and family is pretty special but every chance you get to put the Baggy Green on is for me a dream come true."

Ross Taylor scored 22 runs for the tourists to take his career tally to 7,174 and overhaul Stephen Fleming as New Zealand's highest Test scorer.

It was a rare glimmer of light for the visitors and five balls after passing that milestone Taylor had his off stump removed by a peach of a delivery from Cummins, the world's top-ranked Test bowler.

"We were outplayed in all departments," said Williamson.

"We were good with the ball in hand but with the bat we couldn't be good for long enough ... Frustrating and disappointing coming here after playing some good&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;for a long period of time."

&nbsp;

Prolific batting

Earlier, David Warner and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-marnus-labuschagne-hits-double-ton-in-australias-454-in-sydney-test-272047">Marnus Labuschagne</a> had produced more of the prolific batting that has helped carry Australia to five thumping victories in five Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand in their home summer.

Warner secured his 24th Test century with an exhibition of batting on his home ground for 111 not out as the hosts looked to quickly inflate the lead of 263 with which they started the day.

The opener, born a few hundred metres from the SCG, hit 154 and 335 not out against Pakistan in the first two Tests of Australia's home season but had failed to get past the half-century mark in five innings in the New Zealand series.

The left-hander looked unlikely to repeat those failures on Monday after resuming on 23 with Australia 40 without loss and he reached the milestone with three runs through mid-wicket off 147 deliveries.

Three balls later Labuschagne, who had joined Warner after Joe Burns was caught and bowled by Todd Astle for 40, passed the half-century mark for the seventh time in Australia's five home Tests this year.

Australia captain Tim Paine declared after Labuschagne, who scored a maiden double century in the home side's first-innings 454, was caught at long for 59.

Warner finishes Australia's five home Tests with 786 runs at an average of 131, while Labuschagne's glorious summer ended with a tally of 896 runs at 112 and both man of the match and man of the series honours.

"I'm very lucky no doubt to be captaining this group, it's a special team," said Paine.

"Batting has become very consistent with Marnus leading this year and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-smith-strikes-a-blow-against-new-zealand-on-boxing-day-270526">Steve (Smith)</a> and David back ... it's pretty simple leading this side at times."

Labuschagne was handed a rare penalty by umpire Aleem Dar for running on the wicket but it never looked like the extra five runs being added to New Zealand's first innings score of 251 would make a difference to the outcome.

Spinner Nathan Lyon took 10 wickets for the match as Australia underlined their absolute dominance of New Zealand with a crushing 279-run victory in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday to sweep the series 3-0.

Spinner Nathan Lyon took 10 wickets for the match as Australia underlined their absolute dominance of New Zealand with a crushing 279-run victory in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday to sweep the series 3-0. The hosts were utterly ruthless with bat and ball throughout the series and dismissed New Zealand for 136 having declared on 217 for two after lunch to hand the Black Caps an unlikely victory target of 416. New Zealand had arrived with some confidence they could repeat the singular feat of the triumphant 1985–86 tourists from across the Tasman Sea but will return well beaten after injury and illness ravaged the squad. With captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls missing because of a flu bug, New Zealand had no answer to the fearsome pace of Australia's quicks and the guile of Lyon's spin. Lyon, aided by paceman Mitchell Starc's 3-25, cleaned up the tail on a deteriorating pitch to finish with 5-50 to add to his 5-68 in the first innings. After New Zealand had slumped to 22-4, Colin de Grandhomme scored a gritty 52 and BJ Watling 19 off 108 balls and at one stage it looked like a fifth day might be needed for the first time in the series. But with Matt Henry unable to bat because of a broken thumb sustained earlier in the match Lyon ended the resistance under the SCG lights when he had Watling caught by Pat Cummins. "It's a great summer for the Australian Test side and it's very special to be part of it, to win Tests at home and be very clinical in all wins, very impressive," off-spinner Lyon said. "To take 10 on my home deck in front of friends and family is pretty special but every chance you get to put the Baggy Green on is for me a dream come true." Ross Taylor scored 22 runs for the tourists to take his career tally to 7,174 and overhaul Stephen Fleming as New Zealand's highest Test scorer. It was a rare glimmer of light for the visitors and five balls after passing that milestone Taylor had his off stump removed by a peach of a delivery from Cummins, the world's top-ranked Test bowler. "We were outplayed in all departments," said Williamson. "We were good with the ball in hand but with the bat we couldn't be good for long enough ... Frustrating and disappointing coming here after playing some good cricket for a long period of time." Prolific batting Earlier, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne had produced more of the prolific batting that has helped carry Australia to five thumping victories in five Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand in their home summer. Warner secured his 24th Test century with an exhibition of batting on his home ground for 111 not out as the hosts looked to quickly inflate the lead of 263 with which they started the day. The opener, born a few hundred metres from the SCG, hit 154 and 335 not out against Pakistan in the first two Tests of Australia's home season but had failed to get past the half-century mark in five innings in the New Zealand series. The left-hander looked unlikely to repeat those failures on Monday after resuming on 23 with Australia 40 without loss and he reached the milestone with three runs through mid-wicket off 147 deliveries. Three balls later Labuschagne, who had joined Warner after Joe Burns was caught and bowled by Todd Astle for 40, passed the half-century mark for the seventh time in Australia's five home Tests this year. Australia captain Tim Paine declared after Labuschagne, who scored a maiden double century in the home side's first-innings 454, was caught at long for 59. Warner finishes Australia's five home Tests with 786 runs at an average of 131, while Labuschagne's glorious summer ended with a tally of 896 runs at 112 and both man of the match and man of the series honours. "I'm very lucky no doubt to be captaining this group, it's a special team," said Paine. "Batting has become very consistent with Marnus leading this year and Steve (Smith) and David back ... it's pretty simple leading this side at times." Labuschagne was handed a rare penalty by umpire Aleem Dar for running on the wicket but it never looked like the extra five runs being added to New Zealand's first innings score of 251 would make a difference to the outcome.

Cricket: Lyon roars as Australia crush New Zealand to sweep series

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-sweat-on-ailing-williamson-and-nicholls-271562">Kane Williamson</a> on Friday.

A Blacks Caps side featuring five changes from the side which lost in Melbourne to cede the three-match series battled gamely but Labuschagne looked well set on 73 not out after scoring his sixth half-century in his last seven innings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-smith-strikes-a-blow-against-new-zealand-on-boxing-day-270526">Steve Smith</a> was unbeaten on 42 having taken 39 balls to get off the mark, his determination not to fall to <a>New Zealand</a> quick Neil Wagner for a fifth time in this series apparently overcoming his desire to score runs.

Wagner did take one big wicket when he removed David Warner for 45 three balls after lunch with a delivery down the leg side that the Australian opener steered to gully for Colin de Grandhomme to take a fine catch.

De Grandhomme was responsible for the one wicket to fall in the first session when he had the other opener, Joe Burns, caught in the slips off an outside edge for 18.

The day got off to a chaotic start for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-collapse-to-148-all-out-under-australian-pace-barrage-270701">New Zealand</a> when Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls were ruled out of the match by a flu virus just before the toss, while spinner Mitchell Santner was too ill to leave the team hotel.

Tom Latham was named captain in Williamson's place and his first act was to lose a toss the tourists would have been desperate to win after selecting two spinners and dropping paceman Tim Southee.

With Southee's usual strike partner Trent Boult ruled out by injury, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save-second-australia-test-270820">New Zealand</a> started a test for the first time in more than a decade without one of the pair or Williamson in the side.

Both teams wore black armbands in memory of those who have lost their lives in the bushfires and before the start of play joined the crowd in a minute of applause for the emergency services fighting the conflagrations.

The skies were clear of the bushfire smoke that has shrouded the city on several occasions over the last few months and has organisers prepared for delays during the match.

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain Kane Williamson on Friday.

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain Kane Williamson on Friday. A Blacks Caps side featuring five changes from the side which lost in Melbourne to cede the three-match series battled gamely but Labuschagne looked well set on 73 not out after scoring his sixth half-century in his last seven innings. Steve Smith was unbeaten on 42 having taken 39 balls to get off the mark, his determination not to fall to New Zealand quick Neil Wagner for a fifth time in this series apparently overcoming his desire to score runs. Wagner did take one big wicket when he removed David Warner for 45 three balls after lunch with a delivery down the leg side that the Australian opener steered to gully for Colin de Grandhomme to take a fine catch. De Grandhomme was responsible for the one wicket to fall in the first session when he had the other opener, Joe Burns, caught in the slips off an outside edge for 18. The day got off to a chaotic start for New Zealand when Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls were ruled out of the match by a flu virus just before the toss, while spinner Mitchell Santner was too ill to leave the team hotel. Tom Latham was named captain in Williamson's place and his first act was to lose a toss the tourists would have been desperate to win after selecting two spinners and dropping paceman Tim Southee. With Southee's usual strike partner Trent Boult ruled out by injury, New Zealand started a test for the first time in more than a decade without one of the pair or Williamson in the side. Both teams wore black armbands in memory of those who have lost their lives in the bushfires and before the start of play joined the crowd in a minute of applause for the emergency services fighting the conflagrations. The skies were clear of the bushfire smoke that has shrouded the city on several occasions over the last few months and has organisers prepared for delays during the match.

Sydney Test: Labuschagne leads charge against New Zealand as Australia take charge

In an age of sports science, expert physical conditioning and meticulous planning, watching Test cricketers clumsily kick a soccer ball around as they&nbsp;warm&nbsp;up&nbsp;defies&nbsp;belief.

Not only because they look as if they are going hurt themselves, but because that is often what happens as their child-like enthusiasm for a kick-about clash with the tenets of professional sport.

The latest casualty is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rory-burnss-maiden-test-century-frustrates-australia-240333">Rory Burns</a>, England's opening batsman who top-scored in the first Test against South Africa but who will now return home with a serious ankle injury, missing out on the rest of the four-match series.

He hurt ligaments on Thursday trying to kick the ball away as his captain Joe Root bore down on him.

It came only 24 hours after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-draw-second-test-with-england-win-series-265850">Ollie Pope</a> had taken angry exception to a crunching tackle from teammate Matt Parkinson that in a real game of football might have earned the leg spinner a red card.

"If you look at what football does, the benefits from a psychological and fun point of view are outstripped by the dangers from it, but we will discuss that. I am not coming in with an iron rod right now," said Ashley Giles -- a year ago when he was appointed the new England director of cricket.

But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-archer-may-miss-test-against-south-africa-271563">England</a> have now added yet&nbsp;another&nbsp;name to a growing list of soccer casualties.

Just over a year ago, Jonny Bairstow lost his place as wicketkeeper on a tour of Sri Lanka after damaging ankle ligaments in a kick-about.

A decade ago, then England coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kirsten-ideal-candidate-to-coach-england-atherton-255139">Andy Flower</a> banned the&nbsp;warm-up&nbsp;soccer&nbsp;routine&nbsp;after Joe Denly damaged a knee because of an unwieldy tackle before a one-day international match against Australia at The Oval.

Like Bairstow, Denly is on tour in South Africa and might have offered some caution, as might have James Anderson, who turned his ankle playing soccer on tour in New Zealand in 2008.

Opponents South African can relate. Ace bowler Vernon Philander was out for eight months after he damaged his ankle in a pre-match kick-about in India.

But South Africa also still continue to play an awkward version of a rondo, where a few players in the middle of a circle of others try to intercept a soccer ball being passed between the players on the outer ring.

Australia's culture is reflected in their choice of touch rugby rather than soccer to get the blood flowing.

But this proved even costlier. In was during such a game that Glenn McGrath stood on a stray cricket ball left on the outfield at Edgbaston and ripped the ligaments in his right ankle, changing the course of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-batting-woes-to-pace-aces-major-takeaways-from-ashes-2019-249986">Ashes</a> in 2005.

In an age of sports science, expert physical conditioning and meticulous planning, watching Test cricketers clumsily kick a soccer ball around as they warm up defies belief.

In an age of sports science, expert physical conditioning and meticulous planning, watching Test cricketers clumsily kick a soccer ball around as they warm up defies belief. Not only because they look as if they are going hurt themselves, but because that is often what happens as their child-like enthusiasm for a kick-about clash with the tenets of professional sport. The latest casualty is Rory Burns, England's opening batsman who top-scored in the first Test against South Africa but who will now return home with a serious ankle injury, missing out on the rest of the four-match series. He hurt ligaments on Thursday trying to kick the ball away as his captain Joe Root bore down on him. It came only 24 hours after Ollie Pope had taken angry exception to a crunching tackle from teammate Matt Parkinson that in a real game of football might have earned the leg spinner a red card. "If you look at what football does, the benefits from a psychological and fun point of view are outstripped by the dangers from it, but we will discuss that. I am not coming in with an iron rod right now," said Ashley Giles -- a year ago when he was appointed the new England director of cricket. But England have now added yet another name to a growing list of soccer casualties. Just over a year ago, Jonny Bairstow lost his place as wicketkeeper on a tour of Sri Lanka after damaging ankle ligaments in a kick-about. A decade ago, then England coach Andy Flower banned the warm-up soccer routine after Joe Denly damaged a knee because of an unwieldy tackle before a one-day international match against Australia at The Oval. Like Bairstow, Denly is on tour in South Africa and might have offered some caution, as might have James Anderson, who turned his ankle playing soccer on tour in New Zealand in 2008. Opponents South African can relate. Ace bowler Vernon Philander was out for eight months after he damaged his ankle in a pre-match kick-about in India. But South Africa also still continue to play an awkward version of a rondo, where a few players in the middle of a circle of others try to intercept a soccer ball being passed between the players on the outer ring. Australia's culture is reflected in their choice of touch rugby rather than soccer to get the blood flowing. But this proved even costlier. In was during such a game that Glenn McGrath stood on a stray cricket ball left on the outfield at Edgbaston and ripped the ligaments in his right ankle, changing the course of the Ashes in 2005.

Football injures England cricketer Rory Burns

England paceman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-archer-in-no-ball-controversy-270703">Jofra Archer</a> may miss out on the second Test against South Africa after skipping bowling practice at Newlands on Wednesday.

Archer, who took six wickets in the first Test defeat at Pretoria including 5-102 in the second innings, did bat in the nets and took part in fielding drills but a sore right elbow kept him from bowling.

A decision on the 24-year-old would have to be made just before the start of the Test on Friday.

He had been a doubt for the first match after suffering from the virus that swept through the England camp on their arrival in South Africa but recovered in time to play in the 107-run defeat.

For the first time on tour, England's entire 19-man squad were at practice on Wednesday including spinner Jack Leech, who has suffered the longest from the flu bug.

Leech could come into contention as a spin option for England in the Newlands Test.

"Fingers crossed we’ve beaten the illness. It was nice to have everyone here and training together today," said wicketkeeper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-beat-england-by-107-runs-in-first-test-270868">Jos Buttler</a> on Wednesday.

"We start the new year afresh. We’ve had a lot of things thrown at us since the start of the tour but we know it is no excuse for how we performed (in the first Test)."

England paceman Jofra Archer may miss out on the second Test against South Africa after skipping bowling practice at Newlands on Wednesday. Archer, who took six wickets in the first Test defeat at Pretoria including 5-102 in the second innings, did bat in the nets and took part in fielding drills but a sore right elbow kept him from bowling.

England paceman Jofra Archer may miss out on the second Test against South Africa after skipping bowling practice at Newlands on Wednesday. Archer, who took six wickets in the first Test defeat at Pretoria including 5-102 in the second innings, did bat in the nets and took part in fielding drills but a sore right elbow kept him from bowling. A decision on the 24-year-old would have to be made just before the start of the Test on Friday. He had been a doubt for the first match after suffering from the virus that swept through the England camp on their arrival in South Africa but recovered in time to play in the 107-run defeat. For the first time on tour, England's entire 19-man squad were at practice on Wednesday including spinner Jack Leech, who has suffered the longest from the flu bug. Leech could come into contention as a spin option for England in the Newlands Test. "Fingers crossed we’ve beaten the illness. It was nice to have everyone here and training together today," said wicketkeeper Jos Buttler on Wednesday. "We start the new year afresh. We’ve had a lot of things thrown at us since the start of the tour but we know it is no excuse for how we performed (in the first Test)."

England paceman Jofra Archer may miss Test against South Africa

Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad were involved in a spat during the Centurian&nbsp;Test as the England vice-captain exchanged heated words with his teammate.

Interestingly, the two clashed as the team went into a huddle after the fall of a wicket.

The exact words exchanged between England vice-captain Stokes&nbsp;and fast bowler Broad remain&nbsp;unclear.

However, former England captain Nasser Hussain who was in the commentary box believed&nbsp;that Stuart&nbsp;might have said something which did not go well with his vice-captain.

Along with Hussian was former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding&nbsp;who was also surprised and hoped for the quarrel to "end soon".

The West Indies legend added that before the tussle, the two players were joined by the captain&nbsp;Joe Root&nbsp;in a conversation on the field while South African player Dwaine Pretorius was walking towards the pitch.&nbsp;

Hussain added that he was "pleased"&nbsp;that the two players who had problems exchanged words to "clear their minds".

It ended badly for England, however, as the visitors&nbsp;ended the first Test match with a loss, being unable to reach the target of 376 runs. Hosts South Africa beat England easily by 107 runs.&nbsp;

Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad were involved in a spat during the Centurian Test as the England vice-captain exchanged heated words with his teammate. Interestingly, the two clashed as the team went into a huddle after the fall of a wicket.

Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad were involved in a spat during the Centurian Test as the England vice-captain exchanged heated words with his teammate. Interestingly, the two clashed as the team went into a huddle after the fall of a wicket. The exact words exchanged between England vice-captain Stokes and fast bowler Broad remain unclear. However, former England captain Nasser Hussain who was in the commentary box believed that Stuart might have said something which did not go well with his vice-captain. Along with Hussian was former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding who was also surprised and hoped for the quarrel to "end soon". The West Indies legend added that before the tussle, the two players were joined by the captain Joe Root in a conversation on the field while South African player Dwaine Pretorius was walking towards the pitch. Hussain added that he was "pleased" that the two players who had problems exchanged words to "clear their minds". It ended badly for England, however, as the visitors ended the first Test match with a loss, being unable to reach the target of 376 runs. Hosts South Africa beat England easily by 107 runs.

Stokes, Broad bicker as England lose first Test against South Africa

New Zealand all-rounder Colin De Grandhomme broke a stubborn third-wicket partnership by bowling <a href="wionews.com/sports/daynight-test-labuschagnes-ton-rescues-australia-on-day-1-against-new-zealand-267932">Marnus Labuschagne</a> but Australia's batsmen were otherwise dominant as they pushed to 155 for three at tea on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test on Thursday.

Labuschagne was out for 63 failing to play a shot, with the ball clipping his elbow before clattering into the stumps.

The number three batsman's dismissal ended an 83-run partnership with Smith, giving New Zealand's bowlers a late reward after they were unlucky not to make further inroads at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-becomes-fastest-man-to-reach-7000-runs-265372">Steve Smith</a> was 41 not out, with Matthew Wade on seven after New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and sent Australia in to bat.

Williamson was tempted by a&nbsp;pitch with a covering of grass under an overcast sky and his decision paid an&nbsp;immediate dividend when recalled paceman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealands-trent-boult-on-track-for-dream-boxing-day-test-against-australia-268852">Trent Boult</a> bowled opener, Joe Burns, for a first-ball duck with the fourth delivery of the morning.

But Warner and Labuschagne hung tough for a 60-run partnership before the former nicked Neil Wagner into the slips where Tim Southee dived for a sharp one-handed catch.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-new-zealand-by-296-runs-to-win-first-test-in-perth-268378">Australia</a> reached lunch at 67 for two but were fortunate not to lose&nbsp;Labuschagne for 27 after the break when he was called through for a risky single then turned back by Smith. Williamson's throw at the stumps from mid-off flew wide with Labuschagne metres short of his ground.

Wade was also in the action with the second-last ball before tea, with neither wicketkeeper BJ Watling nor first slip moving for a catch off the bowling of Wagner.

The umpire gave four runs for Wade when the ball raced to the boundary but replays appeared to show it had missed his bat and pinged off his thigh.

New Zealand made two changes, with fit-again Boult replacing the injured <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-fast-bowler-ferguson-gets-new-zealand-test-call-262318">Lockie Ferguson</a> and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell coming in for the dropped opener Jeet Raval.&nbsp;Australia recalled paceman James Pattinson to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-new-zealand-by-296-runs-to-win-first-test-in-perth-268378">Australia</a> lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the opener in Perth by 296 runs.

The home side's selectors said they had added uncapped spinner Mitchell Swepson to the squad for the third and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

New Zealand all-rounder Colin De Grandhomme broke a stubborn third-wicket partnership by bowling Marnus Labuschagne but Australia's batsmen were otherwise dominant as they pushed to 155 for three at tea on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test on Thursday.

New Zealand all-rounder Colin De Grandhomme broke a stubborn third-wicket partnership by bowling Marnus Labuschagne but Australia's batsmen were otherwise dominant as they pushed to 155 for three at tea on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test on Thursday. Labuschagne was out for 63 failing to play a shot, with the ball clipping his elbow before clattering into the stumps. The number three batsman's dismissal ended an 83-run partnership with Smith, giving New Zealand's bowlers a late reward after they were unlucky not to make further inroads at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Steve Smith was 41 not out, with Matthew Wade on seven after New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and sent Australia in to bat. Williamson was tempted by a pitch with a covering of grass under an overcast sky and his decision paid an immediate dividend when recalled paceman Trent Boult bowled opener, Joe Burns, for a first-ball duck with the fourth delivery of the morning. But Warner and Labuschagne hung tough for a 60-run partnership before the former nicked Neil Wagner into the slips where Tim Southee dived for a sharp one-handed catch. Australia reached lunch at 67 for two but were fortunate not to lose Labuschagne for 27 after the break when he was called through for a risky single then turned back by Smith. Williamson's throw at the stumps from mid-off flew wide with Labuschagne metres short of his ground. Wade was also in the action with the second-last ball before tea, with neither wicketkeeper BJ Watling nor first slip moving for a catch off the bowling of Wagner. The umpire gave four runs for Wade when the ball raced to the boundary but replays appeared to show it had missed his bat and pinged off his thigh. New Zealand made two changes, with fit-again Boult replacing the injured Lockie Ferguson and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell coming in for the dropped opener Jeet Raval. Australia recalled paceman James Pattinson to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood. Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the opener in Perth by 296 runs. The home side's selectors said they had added uncapped spinner Mitchell Swepson to the squad for the third and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Boxing Day Test: Australia move to 155-3 at tea

Nobody doubted&nbsp;England's title credentials in their home World Cup after the spectacular metamorphosis of Eoin Morgan's side into a white-ball juggernaut since their embarrassing exit from the 2015 tournament.

But few anticipated the drama that would mark their crowning moment as they ended a 44-year wait for a maiden 50-over World Cup title at a mesmerised Lord's.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/englands-ben-stokes-travels-rocky-road-en-route-success-245836">Stokes</a>'s international future had been in doubt after he was involved in a court case over a fight outside a nightclub, but with that behind him, he returned to the fold in spectacular style.

In the final, he channelled his inner gladiator to almost single-handedly drag&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-draw-second-test-with-england-win-series-265850">England</a>&nbsp;to a tie with New Zealand as, after six weeks of cricket, the game was decided by a Super Over.

That too ended level but&nbsp;England&nbsp;knew it would be enough to win the trophy on the obscure boundary countback rule, triggering wild celebrations at the home of cricket and heated debate about the fairness of the rule.

Defeated captain Kane Williamson, adjudged player of the tournament, handled gracefully the heartbreak that cemented New Zealand's reputation as the tournament's perennial bridesmaids.

Three months after the July 14 final, the game's governing body discarded the rule, prompting a sarcastic response from New Zealand's Jimmy Neesham.

"Next on the agenda: Better binoculars for the ice spotters on the Titanic," tweeted the all-rounder who faced five of the six deliveries from Jofra Archer in that fateful Super Over.

Stokes&nbsp;also lit up the Ashes series.

After&nbsp;England&nbsp;had been bowled out for 67 and were running out of batsmen in their second innings, he smashed an incredible unbeaten 135 to secure an astonishing victory in the third Test at Headingley.

His heroics earned him the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, but even the great all-rounder had to bow to&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;when it came to dominating the series.

&nbsp;

ASHES REDEMPTION

In a drawn series, Australia retained the Ashes largely because&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;redeemed himself in extraordinary fashion after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.

Stripped of the captaincy and smeared in ignominy after the Cape Town fiasco,&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;became Australia's immovable rock as he amassed 774 runs in seven innings at an average of 110, despite missing the third Test with a concussion.

Financial powerhouse India lost in the World Cup semi-finals but flexed their muscles in the long format. Virat Kohli and his men top the confused and confusing World Test Championship table with seven wins in as many matches, including their first pink-ball Test against Bangladesh last month.

That victory marked their 12th consecutive Test series win at home.

In other significant developments, women's T20 got the nod to feature in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, while Test cricket returned to Pakistan after more than a decade with a two-match series against Sri Lanka.

The game continued to grapple with corruption issues and Bangladesh captain Shakib-Al-Hasan was given a two-year ban, one of which is suspended, for failing to report fixing approaches.

Player-board disputes flared up in Bangladesh and South Africa, the latter also grappling with a tricky transition after quick Dale Steyn quit Test cricket while batsman Hashim Amla and leg-spinner Imran Tahir retired altogether.

The game also lost former&nbsp;England&nbsp;captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-england-captain-bob-willis-dies-at-70-266269">Bob Willis</a>, one of the heroes of the classic 1981 Ashes series who died of cancer aged 70 this month.

Nobody doubted England's title credentials in their home World Cup after the spectacular metamorphosis of Eoin Morgan's side into a white-ball juggernaut since their embarrassing exit from the 2015 tournament.

Nobody doubted England's title credentials in their home World Cup after the spectacular metamorphosis of Eoin Morgan's side into a white-ball juggernaut since their embarrassing exit from the 2015 tournament. But few anticipated the drama that would mark their crowning moment as they ended a 44-year wait for a maiden 50-over World Cup title at a mesmerised Lord's. Stokes's international future had been in doubt after he was involved in a court case over a fight outside a nightclub, but with that behind him, he returned to the fold in spectacular style. In the final, he channelled his inner gladiator to almost single-handedly drag England to a tie with New Zealand as, after six weeks of cricket, the game was decided by a Super Over. That too ended level but England knew it would be enough to win the trophy on the obscure boundary countback rule, triggering wild celebrations at the home of cricket and heated debate about the fairness of the rule. Defeated captain Kane Williamson, adjudged player of the tournament, handled gracefully the heartbreak that cemented New Zealand's reputation as the tournament's perennial bridesmaids. Three months after the July 14 final, the game's governing body discarded the rule, prompting a sarcastic response from New Zealand's Jimmy Neesham. "Next on the agenda: Better binoculars for the ice spotters on the Titanic," tweeted the all-rounder who faced five of the six deliveries from Jofra Archer in that fateful Super Over. Stokes also lit up the Ashes series. After England had been bowled out for 67 and were running out of batsmen in their second innings, he smashed an incredible unbeaten 135 to secure an astonishing victory in the third Test at Headingley. His heroics earned him the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, but even the great all-rounder had to bow to Smith when it came to dominating the series. ASHES REDEMPTION In a drawn series, Australia retained the Ashes largely because Smith redeemed himself in extraordinary fashion after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year. Stripped of the captaincy and smeared in ignominy after the Cape Town fiasco, Smith became Australia's immovable rock as he amassed 774 runs in seven innings at an average of 110, despite missing the third Test with a concussion. Financial powerhouse India lost in the World Cup semi-finals but flexed their muscles in the long format. Virat Kohli and his men top the confused and confusing World Test Championship table with seven wins in as many matches, including their first pink-ball Test against Bangladesh last month. That victory marked their 12th consecutive Test series win at home. In other significant developments, women's T20 got the nod to feature in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, while Test cricket returned to Pakistan after more than a decade with a two-match series against Sri Lanka. The game continued to grapple with corruption issues and Bangladesh captain Shakib-Al-Hasan was given a two-year ban, one of which is suspended, for failing to report fixing approaches. Player-board disputes flared up in Bangladesh and South Africa, the latter also grappling with a tricky transition after quick Dale Steyn quit Test cricket while batsman Hashim Amla and leg-spinner Imran Tahir retired altogether. The game also lost former England captain Bob Willis, one of the heroes of the classic 1981 Ashes series who died of cancer aged 70 this month.

Fuelled by Stokes, foiled by Smith: England headline 2019 act

Boult was ruled out of the opener of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-new-zealand-by-296-runs-to-win-first-test-in-perth-268378">three-match series</a> at Perth Stadium with a rib injury as injury-hit New Zealand suffered a 296-run thrashing in the pink-ball Test.

The left-arm quick got through a nets session unscathed on a scorching hot day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday in a boost to Kane Williamson's team.

"(I'm) feeling pretty good. Probably a little bit frustrated to be on the sidelines watching the games go by," the 30-year-old told reporters.

"I feel like I've been rehabbing well. The ball's coming out alright, I'm hoping to be pushing for Boxing Day and getting back out there.

"The side has been the issue. It's about rehabbing that, letting it rest and cool down.

"From there it's about being confident with the overs under my belt and having enough behind me. I feel like I'm in that place and ticking all the right boxes so far."

Boult said he would look to continue his recovery in a two-day game against a Victoria state XI starting on Friday as he works toward what would be his first Test at the MCG, which traditionally draws a huge crowd on Boxing Day.

"I appreciate that stage for what it is," said Boult, who played in front of 93,000 spectators at the MCG in the 2015 World Cup final defeat by Australia.

"Test cricket is my favourite format, this is the stage a lot of people dream of being on," Boult said.

"To get this opportunity in my career is definitely something I'm looking forward to."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-spearhead-boult-a-doubt-for-first-test-267610">Boult</a> bowled in the MCG nets on Wednesday to out-of-form opener Jeet Raval and reserve wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell.

New Zealand media pundits have urged selectors to pick two-Test Blundell in place of lefthander Raval, who has managed a top score of 19 in his past five innings.

The third and final Test of the series starts in Sydney on January&nbsp;3.

Boult was ruled out of the opener of the three-match series at Perth Stadium with a rib injury as injury-hit New Zealand suffered a 296-run thrashing in the pink-ball Test.

Boult was ruled out of the opener of the three-match series at Perth Stadium with a rib injury as injury-hit New Zealand suffered a 296-run thrashing in the pink-ball Test. The left-arm quick got through a nets session unscathed on a scorching hot day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday in a boost to Kane Williamson's team. "(I'm) feeling pretty good. Probably a little bit frustrated to be on the sidelines watching the games go by," the 30-year-old told reporters. "I feel like I've been rehabbing well. The ball's coming out alright, I'm hoping to be pushing for Boxing Day and getting back out there. "The side has been the issue. It's about rehabbing that, letting it rest and cool down. "From there it's about being confident with the overs under my belt and having enough behind me. I feel like I'm in that place and ticking all the right boxes so far." Boult said he would look to continue his recovery in a two-day game against a Victoria state XI starting on Friday as he works toward what would be his first Test at the MCG, which traditionally draws a huge crowd on Boxing Day. "I appreciate that stage for what it is," said Boult, who played in front of 93,000 spectators at the MCG in the 2015 World Cup final defeat by Australia. "Test cricket is my favourite format, this is the stage a lot of people dream of being on," Boult said. "To get this opportunity in my career is definitely something I'm looking forward to." Boult bowled in the MCG nets on Wednesday to out-of-form opener Jeet Raval and reserve wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell. New Zealand media pundits have urged selectors to pick two-Test Blundell in place of lefthander Raval, who has managed a top score of 19 in his past five innings. The third and final Test of the series starts in Sydney on January 3.

New Zealand's Trent Boult on track for 'dream' Boxing Day Test against Australia

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been rewarded for his success in white-ball cricket with a maiden call-up to the test squad for matches against England and Australia, the country's board (NZC) said on Friday.

Ferguson finished as the second highest wicket-taker at the 50-overs World Cup in England where New Zealand lost a nail-biting final in a super over to the hosts.

The 28-year-old has played 36 one-day internationals and eight Twenty20 matches for the Black Caps while he has also shown strong domestic form with 153 wickets from 42 first-class games at an average of 24.30.

"There's no doubt Lockie has been knocking on the door for a while now and we're delighted to finally bring him into the Test fold," selector Gavin Larsen said in a NZC statement.

"It's well documented he has raw pace, but he also possesses a quality bowling skillset and has proved his durability.

"Our pace bowling stocks are strong at the moment and we feel Lockie will add another dimension to the picture, and will create some great competition."

Batting mainstay Kane Williamson will lead the side after missing the recently concluded T20 international series against England with a hip injury.

Leg-spinner Todd Astle was the only other change to the squad from that which drew a two-test series 1-1 in Sri Lanka in August, with spinners Will Somerville and Ajaz Patel left out.

After hosting England for a two-test series, starting on November&nbsp;21 at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand travel to Australia to play three tests.

&nbsp;

Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been rewarded for his success in white-ball cricket with a maiden call-up to the test squad for matches against England and Australia, the country's board (NZC) said on Friday.

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been rewarded for his success in white-ball cricket with a maiden call-up to the test squad for matches against England and Australia, the country's board (NZC) said on Friday. Ferguson finished as the second highest wicket-taker at the 50-overs World Cup in England where New Zealand lost a nail-biting final in a super over to the hosts. The 28-year-old has played 36 one-day internationals and eight Twenty20 matches for the Black Caps while he has also shown strong domestic form with 153 wickets from 42 first-class games at an average of 24.30. "There's no doubt Lockie has been knocking on the door for a while now and we're delighted to finally bring him into the Test fold," selector Gavin Larsen said in a NZC statement. "It's well documented he has raw pace, but he also possesses a quality bowling skillset and has proved his durability. "Our pace bowling stocks are strong at the moment and we feel Lockie will add another dimension to the picture, and will create some great competition." Batting mainstay Kane Williamson will lead the side after missing the recently concluded T20 international series against England with a hip injury. Leg-spinner Todd Astle was the only other change to the squad from that which drew a two-test series 1-1 in Sri Lanka in August, with spinners Will Somerville and Ajaz Patel left out. After hosting England for a two-test series, starting on November 21 at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand travel to Australia to play three tests. Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling

Cricket: Fast bowler Ferguson gets New Zealand test call

Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the home Test series against South Africa after suffering a stress fracture in his back and will be replaced by Umesh Yadav, the country's cricket board (BCCI) said on Tuesday.

Bumrah, 25, was India's leading bowler at the 50-over World Cup with 18 victims and he took 13 wickets in the recent two-Test series in West Indies at an exceptional average of 9.23.

"Jasprit Bumrah has sustained a minor stress fracture in his lower back and has been ruled out of the upcoming series for Gandhi-Mandela Trophy against South Africa," the BCCI said in a statement.

Bumrah's spell of 5-7 in the first Test made him the first Asian bowler to complete five-wicket hauls in Australia, England, South Africa and West Indies -- in only his 11th Test.

Yadav, who has taken 119 wickets in 41 Tests, last played for India in December in Australia.

Vishakhapatnam will host the first Test between India and South Africa from Oct. 2 followed by matches at Pune and Ranchi. The series is the first for South Africa in the new ICC Test Championship.&nbsp;

India squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Shubman Gill.

Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the home Test series against South Africa after suffering a stress fracture in his back and will be replaced by Umesh Yadav, the country's cricket board (BCCI) said on Tuesday.

Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the home Test series against South Africa after suffering a stress fracture in his back and will be replaced by Umesh Yadav, the country's cricket board (BCCI) said on Tuesday. Bumrah, 25, was India's leading bowler at the 50-over World Cup with 18 victims and he took 13 wickets in the recent two-Test series in West Indies at an exceptional average of 9.23. "Jasprit Bumrah has sustained a minor stress fracture in his lower back and has been ruled out of the upcoming series for Gandhi-Mandela Trophy against South Africa," the BCCI said in a statement. Bumrah's spell of 5-7 in the first Test made him the first Asian bowler to complete five-wicket hauls in Australia, England, South Africa and West Indies -- in only his 11th Test. Yadav, who has taken 119 wickets in 41 Tests, last played for India in December in Australia. Vishakhapatnam will host the first Test between India and South Africa from Oct. 2 followed by matches at Pune and Ranchi. The series is the first for South Africa in the new ICC Test Championship. India squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Shubman Gill.

India call up Umesh Yadav to replace injured Jasprit Bumrah for South Africa series

England have dropped Jonny Bairstow from their Test squad for the tour of New Zealand, with paceman James Anderson unavailable for the two-match series due to a calf injury.

Four uncapped players will be on the plane — Warwickshire opener Dominic Sibley, Kent batsman Zak Crawley and Lancashire pair Saqib Mahmood and Matt Parkinson.

Batsman Jason Roy, who starred in England's World Cup triumph, is another name missing from the 15-strong Test squad after a difficult Ashes series, which ended 2-2 last week.

Surrey batsman Ollie Pope, who played two Tests against India in 2018, is back in the squad while Jos Buttler will be the wicketkeeper in New Zealand due to Bairstow's absence.

Bairstow, 29, scored just 214 runs in the five Ashes Tests during the English summer at an average of 23.77.

Anderson, England's top Test wicket-taker, has been out of action since the first Test against Australia and is targeting the South Africa tour, starting in December.

The first Test, at Mount Maunganui, starts on November 21. The series is not included in the new World Test Championship.&nbsp;

National selector Ed Smith confirmed Bairstow, who will travel with the 15-man T20 squad, had been dropped rather than rested.

"This feels like an opportunity for Jonny to reset," he said on Sky Sports.

"He's not rested. He drops out of the Test team but it's an opportunity for Jonny after a very busy summer, very hectic schedule, to reset, to work on one or two things and to come back stronger," he added.

"My prediction is he comes back very strongly."

World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan will captain the Twenty20 team, with the five-match series starting on November 1.

Somerset's Tom Banton and Mahmood have earned their first England call-ups after impressive white-ball summers, along with Worcestershire seamer Pat Brown and Lancashire spinner Matthew Parkinson.

Test squad: Joe Root (capt), Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Dominic Sibley, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes

Twenty20 squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Pat Brown, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Lewis Gregory, Chris Jordan, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Matt Parkinson, Adil Rashid, James Vince

England have dropped Jonny Bairstow from their Test squad for the tour of New Zealand, with paceman James Anderson unavailable for the two-match series due to a calf injury.

England have dropped Jonny Bairstow from their Test squad for the tour of New Zealand, with paceman James Anderson unavailable for the two-match series due to a calf injury. Four uncapped players will be on the plane — Warwickshire opener Dominic Sibley, Kent batsman Zak Crawley and Lancashire pair Saqib Mahmood and Matt Parkinson. Batsman Jason Roy, who starred in England's World Cup triumph, is another name missing from the 15-strong Test squad after a difficult Ashes series, which ended 2-2 last week. Surrey batsman Ollie Pope, who played two Tests against India in 2018, is back in the squad while Jos Buttler will be the wicketkeeper in New Zealand due to Bairstow's absence. Bairstow, 29, scored just 214 runs in the five Ashes Tests during the English summer at an average of 23.77. Anderson, England's top Test wicket-taker, has been out of action since the first Test against Australia and is targeting the South Africa tour, starting in December. The first Test, at Mount Maunganui, starts on November 21. The series is not included in the new World Test Championship. National selector Ed Smith confirmed Bairstow, who will travel with the 15-man T20 squad, had been dropped rather than rested. "This feels like an opportunity for Jonny to reset," he said on Sky Sports. "He's not rested. He drops out of the Test team but it's an opportunity for Jonny after a very busy summer, very hectic schedule, to reset, to work on one or two things and to come back stronger," he added. "My prediction is he comes back very strongly." World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan will captain the Twenty20 team, with the five-match series starting on November 1. Somerset's Tom Banton and Mahmood have earned their first England call-ups after impressive white-ball summers, along with Worcestershire seamer Pat Brown and Lancashire spinner Matthew Parkinson. Test squad: Joe Root (capt), Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Dominic Sibley, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes Twenty20 squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Pat Brown, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Lewis Gregory, Chris Jordan, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Matt Parkinson, Adil Rashid, James Vince

England drop Bairstow from Test squad for New Zealand series

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has taken a break from test cricket after losing out on a central contract for the longest format for the 2019-20 season following a dismal summer.

The 32-year-old off-spinner and left-handed batsman lost his place in England's World Cup winning team before being dropped from the test side after the defeat in the first Ashes test.

"It's just to get away from it a little bit. I feel like I want to enjoy my batting and this will give me a bit of a break," Moeen said to a news website.&nbsp;

"I want to spend some time with my family. I've been playing for England for five years and it's been quite tough. The intensity is obviously higher in test cricket so this is just to give me a break and then we will see what happens after that," he said.

"I'm not ruling out playing test cricket in the future. I've had long chats and thought about it quite a lot. I just want to give myself a bit of time to refresh my batteries and see where it goes after that."

Ali has played 60 tests, 101 one-dayers and 25 Twenty20 internationals - scoring eight hundreds while taking 280 wickets across formats.

He has, however, retained his white-ball contract and is expected to be a key member for 50-over champion England's World Twenty20 campaign in Australia next year.

England's director of cricket, Ashley Giles, supported Ali's decision.

"For all the guys, not just Moeen, it's been a really challenging summer," Giles said. "A World Cup and an Ashes back-to-back has had a massive effect on many of these guys psychologically, as much as physically.

"His experience in the first (Ashes) test wasn't a great one, but that's cricket. He's has been a great servant for his team. And that's why I encouraged him to leave that option open to come back.

"He might just need to go away and freshen up. But he's been a really good servant for this team. And he's still relatively young."

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has taken a break from test cricket after losing out on a central contract for the longest format for the 2019-20 season following a dismal summer.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has taken a break from test cricket after losing out on a central contract for the longest format for the 2019-20 season following a dismal summer. The 32-year-old off-spinner and left-handed batsman lost his place in England's World Cup winning team before being dropped from the test side after the defeat in the first Ashes test. "It's just to get away from it a little bit. I feel like I want to enjoy my batting and this will give me a bit of a break," Moeen said to a news website. "I want to spend some time with my family. I've been playing for England for five years and it's been quite tough. The intensity is obviously higher in test cricket so this is just to give me a break and then we will see what happens after that," he said. "I'm not ruling out playing test cricket in the future. I've had long chats and thought about it quite a lot. I just want to give myself a bit of time to refresh my batteries and see where it goes after that." Ali has played 60 tests, 101 one-dayers and 25 Twenty20 internationals - scoring eight hundreds while taking 280 wickets across formats. He has, however, retained his white-ball contract and is expected to be a key member for 50-over champion England's World Twenty20 campaign in Australia next year. England's director of cricket, Ashley Giles, supported Ali's decision. "For all the guys, not just Moeen, it's been a really challenging summer," Giles said. "A World Cup and an Ashes back-to-back has had a massive effect on many of these guys psychologically, as much as physically. "His experience in the first (Ashes) test wasn't a great one, but that's cricket. He's has been a great servant for his team. And that's why I encouraged him to leave that option open to come back. "He might just need to go away and freshen up. But he's been a really good servant for this team. And he's still relatively young."

England all-rounder Moeen Ali takes a break from Test cricket

After retaining the Ashes, Australia skipper Tim Paine said that the team can be extremely proud of what they have achieved on the English soil.

His remarks came after the loss in the fifth and final Test by 135 runs against England. Despite the loss, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-win-fifth-test-to-square-ashes-series-249870">Australia retained the Ashes</a> as the series ended in a 2-2 draw.

The side retained the Ashes as they had previously won the series during the 2017/18 season. Paine has become the first Aussie captain since 2001 to have retained the urn in England.

"Steve had a great series and won a couple of Tests by himself, but we have got a couple of parts that we need to improve. As a whole series, we had a heap of good moments in a country where Australia hasn't had a lot of success for a long time. We can be proud of that," International Cricket Council (ICC) quoted Paine as saying.

"Taking the urn home was what we came here to do. We are thrilled by that. This game puts a bit of a dampener on it, but, overall, if you said we would be taking them (the Ashes) home, we would have jumped at that," he added.

Paine said that if the team continues to put up inspiring performances then the side can become very hard to team to beat."I still have a bit to give, but we are always trying to develop more leaders in our group and there is unfinished business - it's about getting better. If we can click them into gear when he (Smith) is at the height of his powers, and with the pace attack we have got, in the next few years we are going to be a hard team to beat," Paine said.

With England winning the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval, the series ended at a 2-2 scoreline, the first time in 47 years that the Men's Ashes has ended in a draw.

The last series which ended as a draw between England and Australia was in 1972. The series was hosted by England.

After being set a target of 399, Australia was bundled out for 263 runs in the final innings. Matthew Wade was the top-scorer for Aussies as he played a knock of 117 runs whereas Stuart Broad scalped four wickets for England.

Archer was given the Man of the Match award for scalping six wickets in the first innings of the match.

Aussie batter Steve Smith was given Australia's Man of the Series award whereas Ben Stokes was handed England`s Man of the Series award.

Smith had an exceptional series with the bat as he scored 774 runs, scoring the most number of runs in a series this century.

On the other hand, Ben Stokes displayed an all-round performance, scoring 440 runs with the bat and taking eight wickets with the ball.

The first Test of the series was won by Australia by 251 runs at Birmingham.

The second match at Lord's finished as a draw and Stokes's heroics in the third Test at Headingley helped England level the series at 1-1.

However, Australia came back strongly in the fourth Test as they won the match by 185 runs to retain the Ashes.

The team from Down Under will next face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series.

After retaining the Ashes, Australia skipper Tim Paine said that the team can be extremely proud of what they have achieved on the English soil. His remarks came after the loss in the fifth and final Test by 135 runs against England.

After retaining the Ashes, Australia skipper Tim Paine said that the team can be extremely proud of what they have achieved on the English soil. His remarks came after the loss in the fifth and final Test by 135 runs against England. Despite the loss, Australia retained the Ashes as the series ended in a 2-2 draw. The side retained the Ashes as they had previously won the series during the 2017/18 season. Paine has become the first Aussie captain since 2001 to have retained the urn in England. "Steve had a great series and won a couple of Tests by himself, but we have got a couple of parts that we need to improve. As a whole series, we had a heap of good moments in a country where Australia hasn't had a lot of success for a long time. We can be proud of that," International Cricket Council (ICC) quoted Paine as saying. "Taking the urn home was what we came here to do. We are thrilled by that. This game puts a bit of a dampener on it, but, overall, if you said we would be taking them (the Ashes) home, we would have jumped at that," he added. Paine said that if the team continues to put up inspiring performances then the side can become very hard to team to beat."I still have a bit to give, but we are always trying to develop more leaders in our group and there is unfinished business - it's about getting better. If we can click them into gear when he (Smith) is at the height of his powers, and with the pace attack we have got, in the next few years we are going to be a hard team to beat," Paine said. With England winning the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval, the series ended at a 2-2 scoreline, the first time in 47 years that the Men's Ashes has ended in a draw. The last series which ended as a draw between England and Australia was in 1972. The series was hosted by England. After being set a target of 399, Australia was bundled out for 263 runs in the final innings. Matthew Wade was the top-scorer for Aussies as he played a knock of 117 runs whereas Stuart Broad scalped four wickets for England. Archer was given the Man of the Match award for scalping six wickets in the first innings of the match. Aussie batter Steve Smith was given Australia's Man of the Series award whereas Ben Stokes was handed England`s Man of the Series award. Smith had an exceptional series with the bat as he scored 774 runs, scoring the most number of runs in a series this century. On the other hand, Ben Stokes displayed an all-round performance, scoring 440 runs with the bat and taking eight wickets with the ball. The first Test of the series was won by Australia by 251 runs at Birmingham. The second match at Lord's finished as a draw and Stokes's heroics in the third Test at Headingley helped England level the series at 1-1. However, Australia came back strongly in the fourth Test as they won the match by 185 runs to retain the Ashes. The team from Down Under will next face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series.

We can be proud of our effort, says Tim Paine after retaining Ashes

England closed in on a series-levelling victory in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-set-australia-target-of-399-to-win-ashes-249839">fifth Test at the Oval</a> on Sunday as Australia slipped to 68-3 at lunch on the fourth day.

Joe Root's side set the tourists an unlikely 399 to win in London after adding just 16 runs to their overnight total.

Paceman Stuart Broad pounded in, roared on by a packed crowd, who raised the roof when he demolished Marcus Harris's off-stump in the fifth over, removing the batsman for nine.

In his following over, Broad ended David Warner's miserable series, with the opener edging him to Rory Burns in the slips and departing for 11.

Warner, who returned to international cricket in June after a 12-month ban for ball-tampering, had a good World Cup but has endured a torrid time in the Ashes.

The attacking batsman has scored just 95 runs in 10 innings and has been dismissed by Broad seven times.

Warner's dismissal brought Steve Smith to the wicket and he opened his account with a sweet drive through the covers for four off Jofra Archer.

Smith and Marcus Labuschagne (14) took the score to 56 before off-spinner Jack Leach beat the outside edge of Labuschagne's bat and Johnny Bairstow whipped off the bails to complete a sharp stumping.

Seamer Sam Curran and Leach continued to apply pressure on Smith and new man Matthew Wade but Australia reached the lunch break without losing a further wicket.&nbsp;

Smith was unbeaten on 18, with Wade 10 not out.

England, who became world champions in the one-day game for the first time in July, are desperate to end a long summer by levelling the five-match series at 2-2.

If they manage to win, it would be the first drawn Ashes series since 1972.

The tourists' hopes rest almost entirely on the shoulders of Smith, who has dominated the series with his bat despite missing one-and-a-half Tests after being hit by an Archer bouncer.

His 769 runs so far put him fifth on the list of highest tallies in an Ashes series behind Don Bradman's two entries, England's Wally Hammond and former Australia skipper Mark Taylor.

Australia are seeking their first Test&nbsp;series win in England since 2001 but only once before have they scored 399-plus runs in the fourth innings to win a Test match, against England at Headingley in 1948.

Earlier, England took their second-innings total to 329, with Archer and Leach the last men out.

England closed in on a series-levelling victory in the fifth Test at the Oval on Sunday as Australia slipped to 68-3 at lunch on the fourth day. Joe Root's side set the tourists an unlikely 399 to win in London after adding just 16 runs to their overnight total.

England closed in on a series-levelling victory in the fifth Test at the Oval on Sunday as Australia slipped to 68-3 at lunch on the fourth day. Joe Root's side set the tourists an unlikely 399 to win in London after adding just 16 runs to their overnight total. Paceman Stuart Broad pounded in, roared on by a packed crowd, who raised the roof when he demolished Marcus Harris's off-stump in the fifth over, removing the batsman for nine. In his following over, Broad ended David Warner's miserable series, with the opener edging him to Rory Burns in the slips and departing for 11. Warner, who returned to international cricket in June after a 12-month ban for ball-tampering, had a good World Cup but has endured a torrid time in the Ashes. The attacking batsman has scored just 95 runs in 10 innings and has been dismissed by Broad seven times. Warner's dismissal brought Steve Smith to the wicket and he opened his account with a sweet drive through the covers for four off Jofra Archer. Smith and Marcus Labuschagne (14) took the score to 56 before off-spinner Jack Leach beat the outside edge of Labuschagne's bat and Johnny Bairstow whipped off the bails to complete a sharp stumping. Seamer Sam Curran and Leach continued to apply pressure on Smith and new man Matthew Wade but Australia reached the lunch break without losing a further wicket. Smith was unbeaten on 18, with Wade 10 not out. England, who became world champions in the one-day game for the first time in July, are desperate to end a long summer by levelling the five-match series at 2-2. If they manage to win, it would be the first drawn Ashes series since 1972. The tourists' hopes rest almost entirely on the shoulders of Smith, who has dominated the series with his bat despite missing one-and-a-half Tests after being hit by an Archer bouncer. His 769 runs so far put him fifth on the list of highest tallies in an Ashes series behind Don Bradman's two entries, England's Wally Hammond and former Australia skipper Mark Taylor. Australia are seeking their first Test series win in England since 2001 but only once before have they scored 399-plus runs in the fourth innings to win a Test match, against England at Headingley in 1948. Earlier, England took their second-innings total to 329, with Archer and Leach the last men out.

England close in on Ashes-levelling win after Broad double

Rashid Khan claimed 6-49 and completed his maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket as Afghanistan overcame rain&nbsp;and fading light to crush Bangladesh by 224 runs in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Monday.

In only his country's third Test match, Rashid took three of the last four wickets to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets, helping Afghanistan bowl out Bangladesh for 173 runs in the second innings.

With four wickets in hand, the hosts were given 18.3 overs to survive after play resumed in the final session following a rain break but they succumbed with three overs to spare.

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WHAT. A. FINISH. 
 
Afghanistan will enjoy that for a long time! <a href="https://t.co/fO98U8SWEX">pic.twitter.com/fO98U8SWEX</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1171021691092373505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Rashid Khan claims the final wicket – that of Soumya Sarkar – as Afghanistan secure a 224-run victory! 
 
What a brilliant performance by the captain, who finishes with 11 wickets for the match 🔥 
 
Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvAFG</a> blog for live updates ⏬<a href="https://t.co/kHXVx32oOc">https://t.co/kHXVx32oOc</a> <a href="https://t.co/RNBDXvWd2K">pic.twitter.com/RNBDXvWd2K</a>
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Brief scores: Afghanistan first innings 342 all out (Rahmat Shah 102, Asghar Afghan 92, Rashid Khan 51; Taijul Islam 4-116) and 260 all out (Ibrahim Zadran 87, Asghar Afgan 50; Shakib Al Hasan 3-58) vs Bangladesh first innings 205 (Mominul Haque 52; Rashid Khan 5-55, Mohammad Nabi 3-56) and 173 in 61.2 overs (Rashid Khan 6-49, Zahir Khan 3-59)

Rashid Khan claimed 6-49 and completed his maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket as Afghanistan overcame rain and fading light to crush Bangladesh by 224 runs in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Monday.

Rashid Khan claimed 6-49 and completed his maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket as Afghanistan overcame rain and fading light to crush Bangladesh by 224 runs in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Monday. In only his country's third Test match, Rashid took three of the last four wickets to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets, helping Afghanistan bowl out Bangladesh for 173 runs in the second innings. With four wickets in hand, the hosts were given 18.3 overs to survive after play resumed in the final session following a rain break but they succumbed with three overs to spare. WHAT. A. FINISH. Afghanistan will enjoy that for a long time! pic.twitter.com/fO98U8SWEX — ICC (@ICC) September 9, 2019 × Rashid Khan claims the final wicket – that of Soumya Sarkar – as Afghanistan secure a 224-run victory! What a brilliant performance by the captain, who finishes with 11 wickets for the match 🔥 Follow #BANvAFG blog for live updates ⏬https://t.co/kHXVx32oOc pic.twitter.com/RNBDXvWd2K — ICC (@ICC) September 9, 2019 × Brief scores: Afghanistan first innings 342 all out (Rahmat Shah 102, Asghar Afghan 92, Rashid Khan 51; Taijul Islam 4-116) and 260 all out (Ibrahim Zadran 87, Asghar Afgan 50; Shakib Al Hasan 3-58) vs Bangladesh first innings 205 (Mominul Haque 52; Rashid Khan 5-55, Mohammad Nabi 3-56) and 173 in 61.2 overs (Rashid Khan 6-49, Zahir Khan 3-59)

Afghanistan thrash Bangladesh by 224 runs in one-off Test

Ahead of India's first Test match of a two-match Test series against West Indies, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli got an opportunity to interview former Windies cricketer Vivian Richards.&nbsp;

In a video posted on the Twitter handle of India's cricket board BCCI, Kohli&nbsp;introduced Viv Richards as "the greatest inspiration to all of us batsmen", he further&nbsp;quizzed&nbsp;the Windies great&nbsp;to understand his fearless mindset while facing the fastest of bowlers of his time.&nbsp;

Virat said that earlier there were less protection and no restriction on bouncers but despite that Richards dominated the game with ease.&nbsp;

Virat asked, "Whenever I have seen videos of you walking out, you're in a hat, no helmets back then. Even when there were, after a point you chose not to. Because it was something that made you feel like you had the belief and 'you are chewing gum'."&nbsp;

"What did you feel from the time you left the changing room till you got to the pitch. What was the mindset?" Kohli added. &nbsp;

Replying to that, Richards said, "I believed I am the man," said Richards.&nbsp;

"It may sound arrogant but I always felt that I was involved in a game that I knew. I would back myself every time," he added.&nbsp;

"You have to back yourself to get hurt, to take the knocks. But the helmet — I tried, I am not going to lie and tell you. But, it felt a little uncomfortable. So I felt my cap, my maroon cap which was given to me. I felt so proud with that," said the 67-year-old.&nbsp;

"My mindset was that if I am good enough to be here, if I get hurt it's God's will. I will survive," he added.&nbsp;

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🚨Part of 2 of the special chat with <a href="https://twitter.com/ivivianrichards?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ivivianrichards</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> is out! 
 
Playing in Australia brought the best out of them. Find out how they relished the challenge of taking on some of the best bowlers in the world. 😎 
 
Full interview 🎥 - <a href="https://t.co/1ystv9lmpa">https://t.co/1ystv9lmpa</a> <a href="https://t.co/4TraXddaTK">pic.twitter.com/4TraXddaTK</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1164782285431791619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Richards, who had earlier praised Kohli's batting skills, said that he sees the same passion in the Indian skipper.&nbsp;"I see that little similarity in you and that same passion in you," said&nbsp;Richards.&nbsp;

Richards, who scored 8,540 Test runs and 6,721 One-Day International (ODI) runs before announcing retirement in 1991, further said, "I always felt I was good enough to be competing and I wanted to express myself in the best way that I can."&nbsp;

Ahead of India's first Test match of a two-match Test series against West Indies, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli got an opportunity to interview former Windies cricketer Vivian Richards.

Ahead of India's first Test match of a two-match Test series against West Indies, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli got an opportunity to interview former Windies cricketer Vivian Richards. In a video posted on the Twitter handle of India's cricket board BCCI, Kohli introduced Viv Richards as "the greatest inspiration to all of us batsmen", he further quizzed the Windies great to understand his fearless mindset while facing the fastest of bowlers of his time. Virat said that earlier there were less protection and no restriction on bouncers but despite that Richards dominated the game with ease. Virat asked, "Whenever I have seen videos of you walking out, you're in a hat, no helmets back then. Even when there were, after a point you chose not to. Because it was something that made you feel like you had the belief and 'you are chewing gum'." "What did you feel from the time you left the changing room till you got to the pitch. What was the mindset?" Kohli added. Replying to that, Richards said, "I believed I am the man," said Richards. "It may sound arrogant but I always felt that I was involved in a game that I knew. I would back myself every time," he added. "You have to back yourself to get hurt, to take the knocks. But the helmet — I tried, I am not going to lie and tell you. But, it felt a little uncomfortable. So I felt my cap, my maroon cap which was given to me. I felt so proud with that," said the 67-year-old. "My mindset was that if I am good enough to be here, if I get hurt it's God's will. I will survive," he added. 🚨Part of 2 of the special chat with @ivivianrichards and @imVkohli is out! Playing in Australia brought the best out of them. Find out how they relished the challenge of taking on some of the best bowlers in the world. 😎 Full interview 🎥 - https://t.co/1ystv9lmpa pic.twitter.com/4TraXddaTK — BCCI (@BCCI) August 23, 2019 × Richards, who had earlier praised Kohli's batting skills, said that he sees the same passion in the Indian skipper. "I see that little similarity in you and that same passion in you," said Richards. Richards, who scored 8,540 Test runs and 6,721 One-Day International (ODI) runs before announcing retirement in 1991, further said, "I always felt I was good enough to be competing and I wanted to express myself in the best way that I can."

I see same passion in you, says Vivian Richards to Virat Kohli

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson praised Sri Lanka skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-beat-new-zealand-in-first-test-by-six-wickets-243792">Dimuth Karunaratne's brilliant match-winning ton</a> saying that it was a 'fantastic hundred'.&nbsp;

"I think in a last-innings chase, a lot of credit goes to the way Sri Lanka batted. It was a fantastic hundred by Dimuth," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Williamson as saying.&nbsp;

Karunaratne played a knock of 122 runs which helped his side chase a target of 268 runs and consequently, Sri Lanka secured a six-wicket victory in the first Test match. Williamson also said that they thought the wicket would deteriorate more than it did.

"We thought the wicket would deteriorate more than it did. It perhaps got slower. It wasn't turning a huge amount out of the rough. It didn't get more difficult to bat on. I think there was a little bit more bounce and the turn was a little bit quicker in the first innings," Williamson said.&nbsp;

"Though, saying that, it was a good batting surface as well. I thought our bowlers operated patiently for a long period of time. We probably even bowled better in the second innings, but without the edges going to hand, and those sorts of things, which is the nature of the game we play," he added.&nbsp;

Williamson failed in both the innings as he was sent back to the pavilion on a duck in the first inning and managed to score just four runs in the second.

"Personally I was probably looking to be too positive when it wasn't really required. In hindsight, if you go back in time, that wouldn't have been the option, because the wicket was pretty much just getting slower rather than deteriorating," Williamson said.&nbsp;

The second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will start from August 22.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson praised Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne's brilliant match-winning ton saying that it was a 'fantastic hundred'. "I think in a last-innings chase, a lot of credit goes to the way Sri Lanka batted.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson praised Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne's brilliant match-winning ton saying that it was a 'fantastic hundred'. "I think in a last-innings chase, a lot of credit goes to the way Sri Lanka batted. It was a fantastic hundred by Dimuth," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Williamson as saying. Karunaratne played a knock of 122 runs which helped his side chase a target of 268 runs and consequently, Sri Lanka secured a six-wicket victory in the first Test match. Williamson also said that they thought the wicket would deteriorate more than it did. "We thought the wicket would deteriorate more than it did. It perhaps got slower. It wasn't turning a huge amount out of the rough. It didn't get more difficult to bat on. I think there was a little bit more bounce and the turn was a little bit quicker in the first innings," Williamson said. "Though, saying that, it was a good batting surface as well. I thought our bowlers operated patiently for a long period of time. We probably even bowled better in the second innings, but without the edges going to hand, and those sorts of things, which is the nature of the game we play," he added. Williamson failed in both the innings as he was sent back to the pavilion on a duck in the first inning and managed to score just four runs in the second. "Personally I was probably looking to be too positive when it wasn't really required. In hindsight, if you go back in time, that wouldn't have been the option, because the wicket was pretty much just getting slower rather than deteriorating," Williamson said. The second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will start from August 22.

It was a fantastic hundred by Dimuth: Kane Williamson

Australia have announced the&nbsp;12-member squad for the second Test of a five-match Ashes series, which is scheduled to begin on August 14 at Lord's cricket stadium.&nbsp;

James Pattinson, who picked two wickets and also scored a crucial unbeaten 47-run knock in the second innings of the first Test, has been left out.&nbsp;

Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, who did not play the first Test at Edgbaston because he was recovering from a knee injury, is included in the 15-man squad.

Josh Hazlewood has also been named as he impressed during last week's&nbsp;tour match at Worcester, where he returned figures of 3-34.

The playing XI will be announced at the time of toss.&nbsp;

"What is fortunate at the moment is we've got six fit and healthy fast bowlers," &nbsp;said head coach Justin Langer at Monday's pre-match press conference.

"I've been coaching for about 10 years now and I can't ever remember having that luxury, but it could change like that so we're not getting carried away with it.

"The fact that we had Josh and Mitch on the bench in the last Test match, it doesn't happen very often," the coach added.&nbsp;

Australia is currently leading the series 1-0 after winning the first Test match by 251 runs.&nbsp;

David Warner, who failed to leave an impact in&nbsp;the Edgbaston Test, will again open for Australia alongside&nbsp;Cameron Bancroft.&nbsp;

On being asked about Warner's form, coach Justin Langer said, "I like it when great players miss out."&nbsp;

"It means statistically they'll probably get some pretty soon, so hopefully it's this Test," Langer quoted by&nbsp;cricket.com.au.&nbsp;

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James Pattinson left out of the squad for Lord's, but who makes the final XI? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/dun3xghD10">https://t.co/dun3xghD10</a>
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Australia's XII for Lord's Test: David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (C/WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood&nbsp;

Australia have announced the 12-member squad for the second Test of a five-match Ashes series, which is scheduled to begin on August 14 at Lord's cricket stadium.

Australia have announced the 12-member squad for the second Test of a five-match Ashes series, which is scheduled to begin on August 14 at Lord's cricket stadium. James Pattinson, who picked two wickets and also scored a crucial unbeaten 47-run knock in the second innings of the first Test, has been left out. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, who did not play the first Test at Edgbaston because he was recovering from a knee injury, is included in the 15-man squad. Josh Hazlewood has also been named as he impressed during last week's tour match at Worcester, where he returned figures of 3-34. The playing XI will be announced at the time of toss. "What is fortunate at the moment is we've got six fit and healthy fast bowlers," said head coach Justin Langer at Monday's pre-match press conference. "I've been coaching for about 10 years now and I can't ever remember having that luxury, but it could change like that so we're not getting carried away with it. "The fact that we had Josh and Mitch on the bench in the last Test match, it doesn't happen very often," the coach added. Australia is currently leading the series 1-0 after winning the first Test match by 251 runs. David Warner, who failed to leave an impact in the Edgbaston Test, will again open for Australia alongside Cameron Bancroft. On being asked about Warner's form, coach Justin Langer said, "I like it when great players miss out." "It means statistically they'll probably get some pretty soon, so hopefully it's this Test," Langer quoted by cricket.com.au. James Pattinson left out of the squad for Lord's, but who makes the final XI? #Ashes https://t.co/dun3xghD10 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 13, 2019 × Australia's XII for Lord's Test: David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (C/WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Ashes 2019: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood named in Australia's 12-man squad for Lord's Test

Is Steve Smith the next Donald Bradman?

South African Dale Steyn, one of the great fast bowlers of the modern era, on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket in a bid to extend his longevity in the shorter forms of the game.

Steyn, who made his international debut against England in 2004 and last played a Test in February against Sri Lanka, is still contracted in the white-ball form of the game for the 2019/20 season and therefore remains available for South Africa in one-day internationals and T20s.

"Today I walk away from a format of the game I love so much," said the 36-year-old Steyn, his country's leading Test wicket-taker of all time and one of the top 10 in the history of the game.

"In my opinion Test cricket is the best version of this game. It tests you mentally, physically, emotionally. It's terrible to consider never playing another Test again but what's more terrifying is the thought of never playing again at all.

"So I will be focusing on ODIs and T20s for the rest of my career to maximise my full potential and ensure my longevity in this sport... I look forward to continuing to play for the Proteas in the shorter formats."

Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Thabang Moroe hailed Steyn as "undoubtedly one of the all-time greats of cricket".

"He has been one of the standout fast bowlers in world cricket. He has led the South African attack brilliantly and has set the standard for our future generations to follow," said a "saddened" Moroe.

"More than that he has been a wonderful mentor to our next generation of speedsters."

South African Dale Steyn, one of the great fast bowlers of the modern era, on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket in a bid to extend his longevity in the shorter forms of the game.

South African Dale Steyn, one of the great fast bowlers of the modern era, on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket in a bid to extend his longevity in the shorter forms of the game. Steyn, who made his international debut against England in 2004 and last played a Test in February against Sri Lanka, is still contracted in the white-ball form of the game for the 2019/20 season and therefore remains available for South Africa in one-day internationals and T20s. "Today I walk away from a format of the game I love so much," said the 36-year-old Steyn, his country's leading Test wicket-taker of all time and one of the top 10 in the history of the game. "In my opinion Test cricket is the best version of this game. It tests you mentally, physically, emotionally. It's terrible to consider never playing another Test again but what's more terrifying is the thought of never playing again at all. "So I will be focusing on ODIs and T20s for the rest of my career to maximise my full potential and ensure my longevity in this sport... I look forward to continuing to play for the Proteas in the shorter formats." Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Thabang Moroe hailed Steyn as "undoubtedly one of the all-time greats of cricket". "He has been one of the standout fast bowlers in world cricket. He has led the South African attack brilliantly and has set the standard for our future generations to follow," said a "saddened" Moroe. "More than that he has been a wonderful mentor to our next generation of speedsters."

South African pacer Dale Steyn retires from Test cricket

Former New Zealand all-rounder Daniel Vettori's jersey number 11 has been retired, the cricketing board for Kiwi players announced on Monday.

New Zealand's BlackCaps in a tweet said Kiwi players who have represented the country in 200 ODIs have their shirt numbers retired.

Vettori, who wore number 11, has played 291 ODI matches.

"Players that represent New Zealand in 200 ODIs have their shirt number retired. Daniel Vettori who wore number 11 has played the most ODIs for the BLACKCAPS with 291," BlackCaps tweeted.

This comes after New Zealand revealed the Test jersey numbers of its players ahead of the two matches against Sri Lanka.

"The full list of shirt numbers for the #SLvNZ Test squad. Williamson 22Astle 60Blundell 66Boult 18De Grandhomme 77Latham 48Nicholls 86Patel 24Raval 1Somerville 28Santner 74Southee 38Taylor 3Wagner 35Watling 47," BlackCaps tweeted.

The two-Test series, scheduled to be held from August 14 to 26, marks the start of the ICC World Test Championship for the Kiwis.

The team will wear name and number on the Test jersey as it is an initiative by the ICC to help fans connect with the players.

New Zealand's 15-member squad for the upcoming Test series: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, BJ Watling (wk), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Jeet Raval, Will Somerville, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner.

Former New Zealand all-rounder Daniel Vettori's jersey number 11 has been retired, the cricketing board for Kiwi players announced on Monday. New Zealand's BlackCaps in a tweet said Kiwi players who have represented the country in 200 ODIs have their shirt numbers retired.

Former New Zealand all-rounder Daniel Vettori's jersey number 11 has been retired, the cricketing board for Kiwi players announced on Monday. New Zealand's BlackCaps in a tweet said Kiwi players who have represented the country in 200 ODIs have their shirt numbers retired. Vettori, who wore number 11, has played 291 ODI matches. "Players that represent New Zealand in 200 ODIs have their shirt number retired. Daniel Vettori who wore number 11 has played the most ODIs for the BLACKCAPS with 291," BlackCaps tweeted. This comes after New Zealand revealed the Test jersey numbers of its players ahead of the two matches against Sri Lanka. "The full list of shirt numbers for the #SLvNZ Test squad. Williamson 22Astle 60Blundell 66Boult 18De Grandhomme 77Latham 48Nicholls 86Patel 24Raval 1Somerville 28Santner 74Southee 38Taylor 3Wagner 35Watling 47," BlackCaps tweeted. The two-Test series, scheduled to be held from August 14 to 26, marks the start of the ICC World Test Championship for the Kiwis. The team will wear name and number on the Test jersey as it is an initiative by the ICC to help fans connect with the players. New Zealand's 15-member squad for the upcoming Test series: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, BJ Watling (wk), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Jeet Raval, Will Somerville, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner.

Daniel Vettori's jersey number 11 retired

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir on Friday announced his retirement from Test matches with immediate effect, but reaffirmed his commitment to playing white-ball cricket.

Amir, who was jailed in 2011 for his part in a spot-fixing scandal, featured in 36 Tests, taking 119 wickets at an average of 30.47.

"It has been an honour to represent Pakistan in the pinnacle and traditional format of the game," the 27-year-old, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle in July 2009, said in a statement.

"I, however, have decided to move away from the longer version so I can concentrate on white-ball cricket.

"Playing for Pakistan remains my ultimate desire and objective, and I will try my best to be in the best physical shape to contribute in the team's upcoming challenges, including next year's ICC T20 World Cup."

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He retires from Test cricket with 119 wickets from 36 matches.<a href="https://t.co/UfCtFB9y24">https://t.co/UfCtFB9y24</a>
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Amir was one of three Pakistan players jailed for his part in a spot-fixing scandal against England the previous year, when he was only 18.

After serving three months in prison and a five-year ban from all forms of cricket, Amir returned to the Pakistan squad in Jan. 2016.

The left-arm bowler has since excelled in limited-overs cricket, helping Pakistan to the Champions Trophy title in 2017.

Amir was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan in the recent 50-overs World Cup in England with 17 wickets but the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side finished fifth in the group stage and narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot.

"He overcame adversity as a young cricketer and came back stronger not only as a cricketer but also as a better human being," Pakistan Cricket Board managing director Wasim Khan said.

"His skill, on the field, and his personality will be missed in the dressing room in the longer format."

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir on Friday announced his retirement from Test matches with immediate effect, but reaffirmed his commitment to playing white-ball cricket.

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir on Friday announced his retirement from Test matches with immediate effect, but reaffirmed his commitment to playing white-ball cricket. Amir, who was jailed in 2011 for his part in a spot-fixing scandal, featured in 36 Tests, taking 119 wickets at an average of 30.47. "It has been an honour to represent Pakistan in the pinnacle and traditional format of the game," the 27-year-old, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle in July 2009, said in a statement. "I, however, have decided to move away from the longer version so I can concentrate on white-ball cricket. "Playing for Pakistan remains my ultimate desire and objective, and I will try my best to be in the best physical shape to contribute in the team's upcoming challenges, including next year's ICC T20 World Cup." He retires from Test cricket with 119 wickets from 36 matches.https://t.co/UfCtFB9y24 — ICC (@ICC) July 26, 2019 × Amir was one of three Pakistan players jailed for his part in a spot-fixing scandal against England the previous year, when he was only 18. After serving three months in prison and a five-year ban from all forms of cricket, Amir returned to the Pakistan squad in Jan. 2016. The left-arm bowler has since excelled in limited-overs cricket, helping Pakistan to the Champions Trophy title in 2017. Amir was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan in the recent 50-overs World Cup in England with 17 wickets but the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side finished fifth in the group stage and narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot. "He overcame adversity as a young cricketer and came back stronger not only as a cricketer but also as a better human being," Pakistan Cricket Board managing director Wasim Khan said. "His skill, on the field, and his personality will be missed in the dressing room in the longer format."

Pakistan's Mohammad Amir announces retirement from Test cricket

Test cricket is all set to undergo a major change as Australia and England will lineup with names and jersey numbers on their Test whites in the upcoming Ashes series.

ODI and T20I jerseys have had personalisation on their backs since a long time, but Test matches had to wait for this change.

England Cricket official Twitter handle confirmed the jersey number of team's Test match skipper Joe Root and wrote "Names and numbers on the back of Test shirts," as the caption.

Earlier this year, there were reports that Ashes series between England and Australia would bring in the modernisation of cricketing kits.

Cricketing fans on Twitter seemed divided on this development in Test cricket and made their voices heard on the social-networking platform.

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Names and numbers on the back of Test shirts! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏 <a href="https://t.co/M660T2EI4Z">pic.twitter.com/M660T2EI4Z</a>
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"Absolutely no problem with numbers 1 to 11 etc but can`t see the benefit of names or random high numbers on shirts. I guess it`s all to do with increasing merchandise sales hoping a name will sell more. @YorkshireCCC," wrote one fan.

"Names r okay bt never got the idea about these random numbers in cricket...could still live with it in ODIs n T20s bt spare tests...names r fine bt w/o numbers @ICC," another fan tweeted.

"I like it! After all anything that makes the game easier to follow is good - think about people with visual impairments for example," one Twitter user wrote."A good addition.

Improves both the supporter and media experience of seeing who it is. The game moves on. It's fine. The world won`t fall off its axis," another Twitter user wrote.

On July 14, England scripted history as they managed to win their maiden 50-over World Cup and the side will look to continue their winning momentum going.

England will take on Ireland in a one-off four-day Test from July 24 and then the team will face Australia in the Ashes, beginning August 1.&nbsp;

Test cricket is all set to undergo a major change as Australia and England will lineup with names and jersey numbers on their Test whites in the upcoming Ashes series.

Test cricket is all set to undergo a major change as Australia and England will lineup with names and jersey numbers on their Test whites in the upcoming Ashes series. ODI and T20I jerseys have had personalisation on their backs since a long time, but Test matches had to wait for this change. England Cricket official Twitter handle confirmed the jersey number of team's Test match skipper Joe Root and wrote "Names and numbers on the back of Test shirts," as the caption. Earlier this year, there were reports that Ashes series between England and Australia would bring in the modernisation of cricketing kits. Cricketing fans on Twitter seemed divided on this development in Test cricket and made their voices heard on the social-networking platform. Names and numbers on the back of Test shirts! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏 pic.twitter.com/M660T2EI4Z — England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 22, 2019 × "Absolutely no problem with numbers 1 to 11 etc but can`t see the benefit of names or random high numbers on shirts. I guess it`s all to do with increasing merchandise sales hoping a name will sell more. @YorkshireCCC," wrote one fan. "Names r okay bt never got the idea about these random numbers in cricket...could still live with it in ODIs n T20s bt spare tests...names r fine bt w/o numbers @ICC," another fan tweeted. "I like it! After all anything that makes the game easier to follow is good - think about people with visual impairments for example," one Twitter user wrote."A good addition. Improves both the supporter and media experience of seeing who it is. The game moves on. It's fine. The world won`t fall off its axis," another Twitter user wrote. On July 14, England scripted history as they managed to win their maiden 50-over World Cup and the side will look to continue their winning momentum going. England will take on Ireland in a one-off four-day Test from July 24 and then the team will face Australia in the Ashes, beginning August 1.

In a first in Test cricket, Ashes jerseys to have players' names, numbers

India and England managed to retain top spots in the Test and ODI team rankings respectively, following the annual update of the ICC rankings on Thursday.&nbsp;

The rankings were updated after series results from 2015-16 were removed, and outcomes from 2016-17 and 2017-18 are weighted at 50 per cent, an ICC statement read.

England are the number one ranked ODI team with less than a month to go for the 2019 World Cup, but India have managed to narrow the gap to just two points.

India's lead over second-placed New Zealand in the Test rankings has narrowed from eight to two points.&nbsp;

India were on 116 points and New Zealand on 108 before the update but Virat Kohli-led side's 3-0 win over South Africa and a 2-1 win in

Sri Lanka being purged as part of the 2015-16 season sees them losing three points while New Zealand's two 2-0 defeats to Australia being removed sees them gain three points.

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India and England continue their reign atop the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Men's Team Rankings in Tests and ODIs after the annual update!<a href="https://t.co/t7TEpvzIhR">https://t.co/t7TEpvzIhR</a>
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In the only change of positions on the table, England have overtaken Australia to the fourth position and are on 105 points. Australia are on 98 points after dropping six points as they had won four of the five series in 2015-16, no more part of the calculations.&nbsp;

In another significant movement, the gap between seventh-placed Pakistan and eighth-placed West Indies has trimmed from 11 to two points.

In the ODI rankings, England have retained the top spot, but to go into the World Cup as the top-ranked side, they will need to beat Ireland in an upcoming one-off ODI and then beat Pakistan 3-2 or better in a home series, or lose to Ireland but then beat Pakistan 4-1 or better.

South Africa have overtaken New Zealand into the third position while another change in positions sees the West Indies moving ahead of Sri Lanka to seventh place.&nbsp;

No team has dropped out of the top 10, thus ensuring that the World Cup will see the 10 top-ranked sides in action.

Three of the four teams awarded ODI status at the end of the World Cricket League Division 2 will join the rankings once they have played the requisite eight qualifying matches.&nbsp;

However, Papua New Guinea has joined the rankings immediately having played several ODIs prior to April 2018.&nbsp;

The Netherlands, who already had ODI status, will need to play two more ODIs to achieve a ranking.

India and England managed to retain top spots in the Test and ODI team rankings respectively, following the annual update of the ICC rankings on Thursday. The rankings were updated after series results from 2015-16 were removed, and outcomes from 2016-17 and 2017-18 are weighted at 50 per cent, an ICC statement read.

India and England managed to retain top spots in the Test and ODI team rankings respectively, following the annual update of the ICC rankings on Thursday. The rankings were updated after series results from 2015-16 were removed, and outcomes from 2016-17 and 2017-18 are weighted at 50 per cent, an ICC statement read. England are the number one ranked ODI team with less than a month to go for the 2019 World Cup, but India have managed to narrow the gap to just two points. India's lead over second-placed New Zealand in the Test rankings has narrowed from eight to two points. India were on 116 points and New Zealand on 108 before the update but Virat Kohli-led side's 3-0 win over South Africa and a 2-1 win in Sri Lanka being purged as part of the 2015-16 season sees them losing three points while New Zealand's two 2-0 defeats to Australia being removed sees them gain three points. India and England continue their reign atop the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's Team Rankings in Tests and ODIs after the annual update!https://t.co/t7TEpvzIhR — ICC (@ICC) May 2, 2019 × In the only change of positions on the table, England have overtaken Australia to the fourth position and are on 105 points. Australia are on 98 points after dropping six points as they had won four of the five series in 2015-16, no more part of the calculations. In another significant movement, the gap between seventh-placed Pakistan and eighth-placed West Indies has trimmed from 11 to two points. In the ODI rankings, England have retained the top spot, but to go into the World Cup as the top-ranked side, they will need to beat Ireland in an upcoming one-off ODI and then beat Pakistan 3-2 or better in a home series, or lose to Ireland but then beat Pakistan 4-1 or better. South Africa have overtaken New Zealand into the third position while another change in positions sees the West Indies moving ahead of Sri Lanka to seventh place. No team has dropped out of the top 10, thus ensuring that the World Cup will see the 10 top-ranked sides in action. Three of the four teams awarded ODI status at the end of the World Cricket League Division 2 will join the rankings once they have played the requisite eight qualifying matches. However, Papua New Guinea has joined the rankings immediately having played several ODIs prior to April 2018. The Netherlands, who already had ODI status, will need to play two more ODIs to achieve a ranking.

India, England top Test and ODI rankings after annual update

VVS Laxman, popular as the God of fourth innings, established himself as one of the best middle order batsmen of all times.&nbsp;

Although, Laxman always had the pressure of proving himself to fixate his place in the Indian national team but his contribution to the Indian cricket team will be remembered by his several match-winning knocks and for the same he received India's fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri in 2011.&nbsp;

In his illustrious cricket career, Laxman earned many accolades and his performance was outstanding against best teams of his time.&nbsp;

The former middle-order great made his Test debut in the year 1996 against South Africa and in his 16-year long Test career, he has an aggregate of 8781 runs in a total of 225 innings.&nbsp;

He made his One-Day debut in 1998 against Zimbabwe and in his illustrious ODI career, Laxman scored 2338 runs in 83 innings.&nbsp;

In his Test career, he hit 17 centuries and 56 half-centuries and in ODI six centuries and 10 half-centuries.&nbsp;

Laxman smashed 1135 boundaries in Test format and 222 in One-Day, but the number&nbsp;of sixes in his cricketing career is rather shocking.&nbsp;

In Test cricket, Laxman hit just five sixes and four in ODIs.&nbsp;

So including Tests and ODIs, Laxman has hit only nine sixes in his cricket career.&nbsp;

He also played 25 Twenty20 matches and scored 491 runs with a strike rate of 114.71, his T20 career included 57 fours and eight sixes.&nbsp;

Overall, with a number of 107, New Zealand's Brendan McCullum leads the record of most sixes in Test history. While&nbsp;in ODIs, Pakistan's Shahid Afridi is at number one with 351 sixes.&nbsp;

VVS Laxman, popular as the God of fourth innings, established himself as one of the best middle order batsmen of all times. Although, Laxman always had the pressure of proving himself to fixate his place in the Indian national team but his contribution to the Indian cricket team will be remembered by his several match-winning knocks and for the same he received India's fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri in 2011.

VVS Laxman, popular as the God of fourth innings, established himself as one of the best middle order batsmen of all times. Although, Laxman always had the pressure of proving himself to fixate his place in the Indian national team but his contribution to the Indian cricket team will be remembered by his several match-winning knocks and for the same he received India's fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri in 2011. In his illustrious cricket career, Laxman earned many accolades and his performance was outstanding against best teams of his time. The former middle-order great made his Test debut in the year 1996 against South Africa and in his 16-year long Test career, he has an aggregate of 8781 runs in a total of 225 innings. He made his One-Day debut in 1998 against Zimbabwe and in his illustrious ODI career, Laxman scored 2338 runs in 83 innings. In his Test career, he hit 17 centuries and 56 half-centuries and in ODI six centuries and 10 half-centuries. Laxman smashed 1135 boundaries in Test format and 222 in One-Day, but the number of sixes in his cricketing career is rather shocking. In Test cricket, Laxman hit just five sixes and four in ODIs. So including Tests and ODIs, Laxman has hit only nine sixes in his cricket career. He also played 25 Twenty20 matches and scored 491 runs with a strike rate of 114.71, his T20 career included 57 fours and eight sixes. Overall, with a number of 107, New Zealand's Brendan McCullum leads the record of most sixes in Test history. While in ODIs, Pakistan's Shahid Afridi is at number one with 351 sixes.

Guess how many sixes VVS Laxman hit in his career, you will be shocked to know

India have finished at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings and taken home the purse of $1 million for a third consecutive year, the governing body said on Monday.

India, who registered their first series victory in Australia at the turn of the year, finished with 116 points on the April 1 cut-off date, eight points ahead of New Zealand who finished second and took home $500,000.

South Africa finished third with 105 points while Australia finished with 104 points to finish fourth, a few decimal points ahead of England.

"Retaining the ICC Test championship mace once again is something we are all really proud of," India captain Virat Kohli, who won the ICC's cricketer, Test and one-day international player of the year awards in January, said in a statement.

"Our team has been doing well across formats but it gives us extra pleasure to come out on top of the Test rankings. We all know of the importance of Test cricket and of how only the best can prosper in the format."

The ICC's world Test championship begins in August, after the 50-over World Cup in England, with nine Test playing nations taking part in 71 Test matches spread across 27 series to reach the final in 2021.

ICC Test Team Rankings (as of April 1 2019)

1. India 116 points

2. New Zealand 108

3. South Africa 105

4. Australia 104

5. England 104

6. Sri Lanka 93

7. Pakistan 88

8. West Indies 77

9. Bangladesh 69

10. Zimbabwe 13

India have finished at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings and taken home the purse of $1 million for a third consecutive year, the governing body said on Monday.

India have finished at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings and taken home the purse of $1 million for a third consecutive year, the governing body said on Monday. India, who registered their first series victory in Australia at the turn of the year, finished with 116 points on the April 1 cut-off date, eight points ahead of New Zealand who finished second and took home $500,000. South Africa finished third with 105 points while Australia finished with 104 points to finish fourth, a few decimal points ahead of England. "Retaining the ICC Test championship mace once again is something we are all really proud of," India captain Virat Kohli, who won the ICC's cricketer, Test and one-day international player of the year awards in January, said in a statement. "Our team has been doing well across formats but it gives us extra pleasure to come out on top of the Test rankings. We all know of the importance of Test cricket and of how only the best can prosper in the format." The ICC's world Test championship begins in August, after the 50-over World Cup in England, with nine Test playing nations taking part in 71 Test matches spread across 27 series to reach the final in 2021. ICC Test Team Rankings (as of April 1 2019) 1. India 116 points 2. New Zealand 108 3. South Africa 105 4. Australia 104 5. England 104 6. Sri Lanka 93 7. Pakistan 88 8. West Indies 77 9. Bangladesh 69 10. Zimbabwe 13

India top Test rankings for third straight year

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