Bangladesh Cricket Board and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../pakistan-have-no-dearth-of-talents-says-waqar- younis-271890">Pakistan Cricket Board</a> have been in much of a scuffle regarding the venue of the test series between them.

Today, Bangladesh Cricket Board is going to decide whether they will play the Test match in Pakistan or not.

In 2009, Sri Lanka's National Team bus on it's way to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was brutally ambushed by terrorists leaving 8 people dead and 7 Sri Lanka players and staff injured. After which Teams have been hesitant of tours in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan have managed to successfully host <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../sri-lanka-arrive-for-first-tests-in-pakistan-since- 2009-attack-267140">Sri Lanka</a> in ODI, T20I, and Test Series after a long decade gap.

The fear of security lures in for the Bangladesh Cricket team. The BCB had agreed on playing the T20I in Pakistan as the T20 World Cup closes in, but they wanted a neutral venue to play two test matches.&nbsp;

These matches are for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../south-africa-beat-england-by-107-runs-in-first- test-270868">World Test Championship</a>, so they are significant for both sides.

In December, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani wrote an e-mail to Bangladesh Cricket Board, asking them to provide valid reasons for not playing in Pakistan. &nbsp;

"We said we want to play only T20Is, but they wanted us to play the Tests. We will play the T20Is bilaterally before the [T20] World Cup. This was PCB's proposal today, but we haven't decided yet. We will on Thursday," said Nazmul Hassan, as reported by ANI.

Pakistan are&nbsp;fourth in ICC World Test Championship, with one win, two losses and a draw whereas Bangladesh are&nbsp;at the bottom of the table without a win and two heavy defeats. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-t20i-india-thrash-sri-lanka-by-7-wickets-in-the-second-t20i-take-1-0-lead-272801">India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I: India thrash Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in the second T20I, take 1-0 lead</a>

Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board have been in much of a scuffle regarding the venue of the test series between them. Today, Bangladesh Cricket Board is going to decide whether they will play the Test match in Pakistan or not.

Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board have been in much of a scuffle regarding the venue of the test series between them. Today, Bangladesh Cricket Board is going to decide whether they will play the Test match in Pakistan or not. In 2009, Sri Lanka's National Team bus on it's way to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was brutally ambushed by terrorists leaving 8 people dead and 7 Sri Lanka players and staff injured. After which Teams have been hesitant of tours in Pakistan. Pakistan have managed to successfully host Sri Lanka in ODI, T20I, and Test Series after a long decade gap. The fear of security lures in for the Bangladesh Cricket team. The BCB had agreed on playing the T20I in Pakistan as the T20 World Cup closes in, but they wanted a neutral venue to play two test matches. These matches are for the World Test Championship, so they are significant for both sides. In December, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani wrote an e-mail to Bangladesh Cricket Board, asking them to provide valid reasons for not playing in Pakistan. "We said we want to play only T20Is, but they wanted us to play the Tests. We will play the T20Is bilaterally before the [T20] World Cup. This was PCB's proposal today, but we haven't decided yet. We will on Thursday," said Nazmul Hassan, as reported by ANI. Pakistan are fourth in ICC World Test Championship, with one win, two losses and a draw whereas Bangladesh are at the bottom of the table without a win and two heavy defeats. Also read: India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I: India thrash Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in the second T20I, take 1-0 lead

Bangladesh Cricket Board to decide on Test Tour in Pakistan today

A flu-like bug that has ripped through the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save-second-australia-test-270820">New Zealand</a> squad ahead of the third Test against Australia forced captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls to miss training for the second successive day on Thursday.

Tom Latham, who took the captain's press conference in the absence of Williamson, said left-arm spinner Mitch Santner had also been affected by the bug but he was hopeful all three would be fit to play when the Test got underway on Friday.

"It's up in the air at the moment but a couple of the boys are a bit crook unfortunately," Latham told reporters at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-collapse-to-148-all-out-under-australian-pace-barrage-270701">Sydney&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Ground</a> (SCG).

"They're going to have today off as well as yesterday, so fingers crossed tomorrow they'll be right to go.

"I think it's flu-like symptoms, I'm not 100% sure," he added. "It's gone around the team a little bit, which isn't ideal, but they're resting up today and hopefully they'll be good to go."

New Zealand were beaten heavily in the first two Tests of the three-match series but the loss in particular of world class batsman Williamson would be a major blow to their hopes of putting in a good performance to close out the tour.

Latham, however, thought it would have to be a very serious illness for his captain to miss the match.

"I think it will take a lot," he said. "He's obviously a great leader amongst this group and he's passionate about this group so if there's any chance of him playing, even if it is a small chance, I'm sure he'll play."

Santner was under pressure for his place in the side in any case after taking 1-250 over the first two Tests and his illness makes it even more likely that off-spinner Will Somerville will play his fourth Test.

The 35-year-old former accountant, who knows the SCG well after playing for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-orders-mass-evacuation-over-bushfire-danger-military-moves-in-to-help-271499">New South Wales</a> for four years until 2018, was called into the squad this week.

New Zealand have only one extra batsman in the squad but Latham said the presence of a few all-rounders would make the position easier if Williamson and Nicholls were unable to play.

"Obviously if we lost those guys it would be a little bit disappointing but ... whatever side we end up playing, we've got the backing of the whole group that it's the right team to do the job," he said.

"We haven't necessarily played our best brand of&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;since we've been over here and the guys are really excited to go out there over the next five days and try to put in a good performance."

A flu-like bug that has ripped through the New Zealand squad ahead of the third Test against Australia forced captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls to miss training for the second successive day on Thursday.

A flu-like bug that has ripped through the New Zealand squad ahead of the third Test against Australia forced captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls to miss training for the second successive day on Thursday. Tom Latham, who took the captain's press conference in the absence of Williamson, said left-arm spinner Mitch Santner had also been affected by the bug but he was hopeful all three would be fit to play when the Test got underway on Friday. "It's up in the air at the moment but a couple of the boys are a bit crook unfortunately," Latham told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). "They're going to have today off as well as yesterday, so fingers crossed tomorrow they'll be right to go. "I think it's flu-like symptoms, I'm not 100% sure," he added. "It's gone around the team a little bit, which isn't ideal, but they're resting up today and hopefully they'll be good to go." New Zealand were beaten heavily in the first two Tests of the three-match series but the loss in particular of world class batsman Williamson would be a major blow to their hopes of putting in a good performance to close out the tour. Latham, however, thought it would have to be a very serious illness for his captain to miss the match. "I think it will take a lot," he said. "He's obviously a great leader amongst this group and he's passionate about this group so if there's any chance of him playing, even if it is a small chance, I'm sure he'll play." Santner was under pressure for his place in the side in any case after taking 1-250 over the first two Tests and his illness makes it even more likely that off-spinner Will Somerville will play his fourth Test. The 35-year-old former accountant, who knows the SCG well after playing for New South Wales for four years until 2018, was called into the squad this week. New Zealand have only one extra batsman in the squad but Latham said the presence of a few all-rounders would make the position easier if Williamson and Nicholls were unable to play. "Obviously if we lost those guys it would be a little bit disappointing but ... whatever side we end up playing, we've got the backing of the whole group that it's the right team to do the job," he said. "We haven't necessarily played our best brand of cricket since we've been over here and the guys are really excited to go out there over the next five days and try to put in a good performance."

Cricket: New Zealand sweat on ailing Williamson and Nicholls

test story

New Zealand have a chance of securing the top spot in Test cricket when they take on Sri Lanka in a two-match series from Wednesday, exactly a month after their cruel World Cup defeat to England.

New Zealand, with 109 points in Test cricket, are ranked behind India on 113 points, but a 2-0 series win in Sri Lanka will see the Kiwis leapfrog the Asian heavyweights.

Test rankings have added relevance with the new, two-year ICC World Test Championship now under way, culminating in a 2021 final at Lord's between the top two teams.

Crisis-ridden Sri Lanka will be wary of providing a rank turning wicket in the first Test in Galle after being outsmarted by England in the most recent encounter at the venue.&nbsp;

England overcame the battle with a variety of off-, leg- and left-arm spin as the trio of Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Jack Leach played a key role in a 3-0 series sweep.

The Kiwis too are carrying plenty of spin options and are likely to play two of them. Bombay-born left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel claimed five wickets in the warm-up game in Negombo and he is likely to be the second spinner to leggie Todd Astle.

Although seam is New Zealand's strength, they are likely to stick to two-seamers with all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme coming in as the third option.&nbsp;

Trent Boult will be the number one pick while they will have to make a call between Tim Southee and Neil Wagner, possibly the latter, who picked up nine wickets in New Zealand’s last Test match.

But the hosts will be no pushover, as they showed by winning their recent 2-0 series in South Africa -- becoming the first Asian nation to do so.

"They are a strong team. They will come into this series with lot of confidence behind them after what happened in South Africa," said New Zealand coach Gary Stead.

Tough choices

But Sri Lanka have some tough choices, and in all departments.

The hosts have dumped head coach Chandika Hathurusingha halfway through his three-year tenure, with former fast bowler Rumesh Ratnayake now filling in on an interim basis.

When they trounced South Africa five months ago, rookie Oshada Fernando played a key role posting an unbeaten 75 in Port Elizabeth in what was his second Test match.&nbsp;

He became an instant hero and his subsequent snubbing from the World Cup squad earned the wrath of former players.&nbsp;

There will be more disappointment as Fernando, one of the brightest prospects to emerge in recent times, is set to miss both Tests with the return of Angelo Mathews, who was injured for South Africa.

"New Zealand will be tough to beat. We have got guys who were not part of the series in South Africa, so we have got to make some tough calls," said Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne.

Former captain Dinesh Chandimal, who also missed out on touring South Africa, is back in the squad and the wicketkeeper's slot will be a toss up between him and Niroshan&nbsp;Dickwella.

Lahiru Kumara, another player who didn't go to South Africa, will be Sri Lanka’s lead fast bowler and it remains to be seen with whom he will share the new ball.&nbsp;

Both Suranga Lakmal and&nbsp;Vishwa Fernando were main architects during the win in South Africa.

Squads:

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, William Somerville, Mitchell Santner, Tom Blundell, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, B.J. Watling, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Neil&nbsp;Wagner

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando

Umpire:&nbsp;Michael Gough and Richard Illingworth (England)

Third umpire: Bruce Oxenford (Australia)

Match referee:&nbsp; Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe)

New Zealand have a chance of securing the top spot in Test cricket when they take on Sri Lanka in a two-match series from Wednesday, exactly a month after their cruel World Cup defeat to England.

New Zealand have a chance of securing the top spot in Test cricket when they take on Sri Lanka in a two-match series from Wednesday, exactly a month after their cruel World Cup defeat to England. New Zealand, with 109 points in Test cricket, are ranked behind India on 113 points, but a 2-0 series win in Sri Lanka will see the Kiwis leapfrog the Asian heavyweights. Test rankings have added relevance with the new, two-year ICC World Test Championship now under way, culminating in a 2021 final at Lord's between the top two teams. Crisis-ridden Sri Lanka will be wary of providing a rank turning wicket in the first Test in Galle after being outsmarted by England in the most recent encounter at the venue. England overcame the battle with a variety of off-, leg- and left-arm spin as the trio of Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Jack Leach played a key role in a 3-0 series sweep. The Kiwis too are carrying plenty of spin options and are likely to play two of them. Bombay-born left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel claimed five wickets in the warm-up game in Negombo and he is likely to be the second spinner to leggie Todd Astle. Although seam is New Zealand's strength, they are likely to stick to two-seamers with all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme coming in as the third option. Trent Boult will be the number one pick while they will have to make a call between Tim Southee and Neil Wagner, possibly the latter, who picked up nine wickets in New Zealand’s last Test match. But the hosts will be no pushover, as they showed by winning their recent 2-0 series in South Africa -- becoming the first Asian nation to do so. "They are a strong team. They will come into this series with lot of confidence behind them after what happened in South Africa," said New Zealand coach Gary Stead. Tough choices But Sri Lanka have some tough choices, and in all departments. The hosts have dumped head coach Chandika Hathurusingha halfway through his three-year tenure, with former fast bowler Rumesh Ratnayake now filling in on an interim basis. When they trounced South Africa five months ago, rookie Oshada Fernando played a key role posting an unbeaten 75 in Port Elizabeth in what was his second Test match. He became an instant hero and his subsequent snubbing from the World Cup squad earned the wrath of former players. There will be more disappointment as Fernando, one of the brightest prospects to emerge in recent times, is set to miss both Tests with the return of Angelo Mathews, who was injured for South Africa. "New Zealand will be tough to beat. We have got guys who were not part of the series in South Africa, so we have got to make some tough calls," said Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne. Former captain Dinesh Chandimal, who also missed out on touring South Africa, is back in the squad and the wicketkeeper's slot will be a toss up between him and Niroshan Dickwella. Lahiru Kumara, another player who didn't go to South Africa, will be Sri Lanka’s lead fast bowler and it remains to be seen with whom he will share the new ball. Both Suranga Lakmal and Vishwa Fernando were main architects during the win in South Africa. Squads: New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, William Somerville, Mitchell Santner, Tom Blundell, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, B.J. Watling, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Neil Wagner Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando Umpire: Michael Gough and Richard Illingworth (England) Third umpire: Bruce Oxenford (Australia) Match referee: Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe)

New Zealand eye top Test ranking in Sri Lanka series

Pacer Chris Woakes took a six-wicket haul for&nbsp;17 runs as England defeated Ireland by 143 runs in the one-off Test match at Lord's on Friday.&nbsp;

Woakes delivered a brilliant performance and took six wickets to shatter Ireland's dreams of maiden&nbsp;Test win.&nbsp;Stuart Broad was also stunning from the other end as he took the rest of the wickets.&nbsp;

Ireland's&nbsp;second innings lasted just 15.4 overs, however, they made a dream start when Stuart Thompson ended England's second innings on 303 with the first ball of the day, clean bowling Olly Stone on a duck.&nbsp;

After a rain delay, Ireland, chasing 182 for victory, began in encouraging fashion, reaching 11 without loss, but they lost the balance after 9th over and&nbsp;posted the lowest ever Test innings total at Lord's. The visitors were all all-out after scoring just 38 runs.&nbsp;

For Ireland, opener James McCollum scored 11 runs, maximum for the team and the only to score two digits.&nbsp;

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England bowl Ireland out for just 38! 
 
They win the one-off Test by 143 runs. 
 
Three fascinating days of cricket. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvIRE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvIRE</a> <a href="https://t.co/AFqIADUqMa">pic.twitter.com/AFqIADUqMa</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1154737635371429889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This was&nbsp;only Ireland's third Test match and they were seeking their maiden victory in the format following defeats by Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Next England will gear up for&nbsp;a five-Test Ashes series against Australia, which is scheduled to start from August 1.&nbsp;

Pacer Chris Woakes took a six-wicket haul for 17 runs as England defeated Ireland by 143 runs in the one-off Test match at Lord's on Friday. Woakes delivered a brilliant performance and took six wickets to shatter Ireland's dreams of maiden Test win.

Pacer Chris Woakes took a six-wicket haul for 17 runs as England defeated Ireland by 143 runs in the one-off Test match at Lord's on Friday. Woakes delivered a brilliant performance and took six wickets to shatter Ireland's dreams of maiden Test win. Stuart Broad was also stunning from the other end as he took the rest of the wickets. Ireland's second innings lasted just 15.4 overs, however, they made a dream start when Stuart Thompson ended England's second innings on 303 with the first ball of the day, clean bowling Olly Stone on a duck. After a rain delay, Ireland, chasing 182 for victory, began in encouraging fashion, reaching 11 without loss, but they lost the balance after 9th over and posted the lowest ever Test innings total at Lord's. The visitors were all all-out after scoring just 38 runs. For Ireland, opener James McCollum scored 11 runs, maximum for the team and the only to score two digits. England bowl Ireland out for just 38! They win the one-off Test by 143 runs. Three fascinating days of cricket. #ENGvIRE pic.twitter.com/AFqIADUqMa — ICC (@ICC) July 26, 2019 × This was only Ireland's third Test match and they were seeking their maiden victory in the format following defeats by Pakistan and Afghanistan. Next England will gear up for a five-Test Ashes series against Australia, which is scheduled to start from August 1.

Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad star in England's 143-run win over Ireland in one-off Test

Tim Murtagh took five wickets as England suffered a dramatic collapse to 85 all out on the first morning of their one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's on Wednesday.

Murtagh, who plays county cricket at the ground for Middlesex, took five wickets for 13 runs in nine overs as Ireland made a sensational start to their first Test match at the 'home of cricket'.

In the process, the 37-year-old veteran became the first Ireland bowler to take five wickets in a Test innings in what is just his side's third match at this level.

England, on the ground, where they won the 50-over World Cup just over a week ago, were bowled out in a mere 23.4 overs - and that after captain Joe Root won the toss.

It was the latest worrying batting collapse suffered by England ahead of the Ashes that start next week - the third time in three years they had lost all 10 wickets in a session in the past three years, having not done so previously since 1938.

It was also their lowest score in a home Test innings since they were dismissed for 77 by Australia at Lord's in 1997 and came hot on the heels of their 77 all-out away to the West Indies in Barbados in January.

Tim Murtagh took five wickets as England suffered a dramatic collapse to 85 all out on the first morning of their one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's on Wednesday.

Tim Murtagh took five wickets as England suffered a dramatic collapse to 85 all out on the first morning of their one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's on Wednesday. Murtagh, who plays county cricket at the ground for Middlesex, took five wickets for 13 runs in nine overs as Ireland made a sensational start to their first Test match at the 'home of cricket'. In the process, the 37-year-old veteran became the first Ireland bowler to take five wickets in a Test innings in what is just his side's third match at this level. England, on the ground, where they won the 50-over World Cup just over a week ago, were bowled out in a mere 23.4 overs - and that after captain Joe Root won the toss. It was the latest worrying batting collapse suffered by England ahead of the Ashes that start next week - the third time in three years they had lost all 10 wickets in a session in the past three years, having not done so previously since 1938. It was also their lowest score in a home Test innings since they were dismissed for 77 by Australia at Lord's in 1997 and came hot on the heels of their 77 all-out away to the West Indies in Barbados in January.

England collapse to 85 all out in Ireland Test

Trent Boult and Neil Wagner quickly wrapped up Sri Lanka's second innings on Sunday as New Zealand clinched the series 1-0 with a dominant 423-run victory in the second Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Boult trapped Dushmantha Chameera in front after only 10 minutes of play on the fifth day, and while the batsman asked for a review third umpire Rod Tucker confirmed the onfield decision two minutes later to bring the match to an end.

With the first match in Wellington ending in a damp draw, Sunday's victory saw the hosts win a fourth successive Test series for the first time.

"A fantastic achievement," said New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. "It's exciting, the four series, even if I wasn't aware of it.

"But it's a proud achievement because we are playing in different conditions and having to adjust our games."

The victory was even more impressive given New Zealand had been reduced to 64 for six on the first day, before Tim Southee produced a counter-attacking innings of 68 that pushed their total through to 178.

Southee then blasted the top off Sri Lanka's reply, reducing them to 21 for three. The performance on the first day earned him man-of-the match honours.

"It was nice to get some runs," Southee said. "We needed to post some sort of score and try and hang in there ... for as long as we could.

"I guess 170 in the first innings was a good score on that wicket."

Boult followed up Southee's cameo with a stunning burst of six wickets in 15 deliveries early on the second day, which swung the game in their favour as they took a 74-run lead.

New Zealand's batsmen all got starts in their second innings with Tom Latham (176) and Henry Nicholls (162 not out) notching their first centuries on their home ground as Williamson declared at 585 for four.

"A couple of brilliant contributions from those two local boys," Williamson said of Latham and Nicholls. "We required big runs and ...they went and put us in a really strong position."

Sri Lanka put up a stronger second innings performance as they sought to either grind out an improbable 660 runs for victory, or bat for more than two days to save the game.

Their resistance was broken late on the fourth day.

After they had battled through to 231 for six at stumps the tourists faced the prospect of having their top batsman Angelo Mathews not appearing again after he retired hurt with a hamstring injury.

Boult wasted little time on Sunday in the overcast conditions as he bowled Suranga Lakmal for 18 on the third ball, before Wagner had Dilruwan Perera caught for 22 on the eighth.

Boult then wrapped up the innings at 236 for nine with Mathews unable to bat.

"Disappointed with the way we batted in the first innings but I'm happy with the way we played in the second innings as we fought hard as a team," said Sri Lanka captain Dinseh Chandimal.

"We are a young team, but if we can show the same character as Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews then we should be able to compete."

Trent Boult and Neil Wagner quickly wrapped up Sri Lanka's second innings on Sunday as New Zealand clinched the series 1-0 with a dominant 423-run victory in the second Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Trent Boult and Neil Wagner quickly wrapped up Sri Lanka's second innings on Sunday as New Zealand clinched the series 1-0 with a dominant 423-run victory in the second Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Boult trapped Dushmantha Chameera in front after only 10 minutes of play on the fifth day, and while the batsman asked for a review third umpire Rod Tucker confirmed the onfield decision two minutes later to bring the match to an end. With the first match in Wellington ending in a damp draw, Sunday's victory saw the hosts win a fourth successive Test series for the first time. "A fantastic achievement," said New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. "It's exciting, the four series, even if I wasn't aware of it. "But it's a proud achievement because we are playing in different conditions and having to adjust our games." The victory was even more impressive given New Zealand had been reduced to 64 for six on the first day, before Tim Southee produced a counter-attacking innings of 68 that pushed their total through to 178. Southee then blasted the top off Sri Lanka's reply, reducing them to 21 for three. The performance on the first day earned him man-of-the match honours. "It was nice to get some runs," Southee said. "We needed to post some sort of score and try and hang in there ... for as long as we could. "I guess 170 in the first innings was a good score on that wicket." Boult followed up Southee's cameo with a stunning burst of six wickets in 15 deliveries early on the second day, which swung the game in their favour as they took a 74-run lead. New Zealand's batsmen all got starts in their second innings with Tom Latham (176) and Henry Nicholls (162 not out) notching their first centuries on their home ground as Williamson declared at 585 for four. "A couple of brilliant contributions from those two local boys," Williamson said of Latham and Nicholls. "We required big runs and ...they went and put us in a really strong position." Sri Lanka put up a stronger second innings performance as they sought to either grind out an improbable 660 runs for victory, or bat for more than two days to save the game. Their resistance was broken late on the fourth day. After they had battled through to 231 for six at stumps the tourists faced the prospect of having their top batsman Angelo Mathews not appearing again after he retired hurt with a hamstring injury. Boult wasted little time on Sunday in the overcast conditions as he bowled Suranga Lakmal for 18 on the third ball, before Wagner had Dilruwan Perera caught for 22 on the eighth. Boult then wrapped up the innings at 236 for nine with Mathews unable to bat. "Disappointed with the way we batted in the first innings but I'm happy with the way we played in the second innings as we fought hard as a team," said Sri Lanka captain Dinseh Chandimal. "We are a young team, but if we can show the same character as Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews then we should be able to compete."

New Zealand seal series with victory in second Sri Lanka Test

India captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> praised his side after they defeated Australia by 137 runs in Melbourne on Sunday to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-australia-by-137-runs-to-win-melbourne-test-187279">win the third Test</a> of their four-match series. With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.&nbsp;

While addressing the media, Virat said, "We are very happy. Leading the series for the first time in Australia. We will take the trophy back home regardless of what happens in the last Test."&nbsp;

Virat added, "Although our aim is to win the series here, which is what we came here thinking and that hasn't changed regardless of whatever happened."

"But it is important to realise this moment and it is important to understand how much hard work we have put in to reach this scoreline. We have to appreciate that as a whole team."&nbsp;

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Thank you to all the fans for the Love and support! A special win at The MCG. Next stop - SCG 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/HR4FnnGEbA">pic.twitter.com/HR4FnnGEbA</a>
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Thank you, Melbourne for all the support. Onto the next one at the SCG <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/6iCBgNaLcu">pic.twitter.com/6iCBgNaLcu</a>
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Kohli singled out bowler Jasprit Bumrah and Test debutante batsman Mayank Aggarwal for their contributions to the victory as India retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy.&nbsp;

Kohli told reporters, "Mayank's composure, his intent and belief, it was a huge boost for us. Because the way he batted at top of the order on first day, it has to be praised because it is not easy to come to Australia and start like that, and starting against such a bowling attack. He should also get a lot of credit for the win."&nbsp;

Virat gave a special mention to Bumrah, who was awarded player of the match for his brilliant bowling.&nbsp;

"Jasprit obviously is the best bowler in the world, as per me. He is a match winner, without doubt."

Bumrah took a total of nine wickets in the third match and so far in the series, he has taken 20 wickets.&nbsp;

The final Test match of the series starts 3rd January in Sydney.

India captain Virat Kohli praised his side after they defeated Australia by 137 runs in Melbourne on Sunday to win the third Test of their four-match series. With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.

India captain Virat Kohli praised his side after they defeated Australia by 137 runs in Melbourne on Sunday to win the third Test of their four-match series. With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. While addressing the media, Virat said, "We are very happy. Leading the series for the first time in Australia. We will take the trophy back home regardless of what happens in the last Test." Virat added, "Although our aim is to win the series here, which is what we came here thinking and that hasn't changed regardless of whatever happened." "But it is important to realise this moment and it is important to understand how much hard work we have put in to reach this scoreline. We have to appreciate that as a whole team." Thank you to all the fans for the Love and support! A special win at The MCG. Next stop - SCG 🇮🇳 #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HR4FnnGEbA — BCCI (@BCCI) December 30, 2018 × Thank you, Melbourne for all the support. Onto the next one at the SCG #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/6iCBgNaLcu — BCCI (@BCCI) December 30, 2018 × Kohli singled out bowler Jasprit Bumrah and Test debutante batsman Mayank Aggarwal for their contributions to the victory as India retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy. Kohli told reporters, "Mayank's composure, his intent and belief, it was a huge boost for us. Because the way he batted at top of the order on first day, it has to be praised because it is not easy to come to Australia and start like that, and starting against such a bowling attack. He should also get a lot of credit for the win." Virat gave a special mention to Bumrah, who was awarded player of the match for his brilliant bowling. "Jasprit obviously is the best bowler in the world, as per me. He is a match winner, without doubt." Bumrah took a total of nine wickets in the third match and so far in the series, he has taken 20 wickets. The final Test match of the series starts 3rd January in Sydney.

Delighted Virat Kohli praises Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Agarwal after 3rd Test victory over Australia

Test Headline

India coach Ravi Shastri saw in Prithvi Shaw's batting, glimpses of two of the greatest batsmen of modern era and a non-conformist who redefined batsmanship.&nbsp;

An overwhelmed Shastri on Sunday, in one breath, mentioned the names of three legends, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Virender Sehwag, while trying to describe the 18-year-old Shaw who accumulated big runs in his first brush with top-flight international cricket.&nbsp;

"He (Shaw) is born to play cricket. He's been playing since the age of eight in the maidans of Mumbai. You can see all that hardwork showing. He's a spectator's delight.

There's a bit of Sachin there, a bit of Viru in him and when he walks - there's a bit of Lara as well," Shastri said.

"If he can keep his head on his shoulders and keep the work ethic, he has a bright future."

Shastri was speaking after India completed a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-west-indies-to-sweep-test-series-171436">2-0 series sweep</a> over the West Indies with a 10-wicket victory here.

Opener Shaw flayed the Caribbean attack during his 52-ball-70 on the second day of the second Test to give India a flying start, days after hitting a century on debut.

Even skipper Virat Kohli gushed about the 18-year-old.&nbsp;

"The guy (has) grabbed his chance beautifully. He looks like someone who can get you off to a kind of start you require. Making a mark in the first series that you play, from that point of view, it is great to have a guy who is so fearless. And he is not reckless, he is very confident about his game," he said.&nbsp;

"You might feel that he will nick one now and then but he hardly nicks the ball. That we saw in England as well. He was batting in the nets, really attacking but was in control. But that kind of rare control against new ball is a great thing to have. Any of us weren't even 10 percent of what when he is at 18 or 19," added the captain.&nbsp;

India coach Ravi Shastri saw in Prithvi Shaw's batting, glimpses of two of the greatest batsmen of modern era and a non-conformist who redefined batsmanship. An overwhelmed Shastri on Sunday, in one breath, mentioned the names of three legends, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Virender Sehwag, while trying to describe the 18-year-old Shaw who accumulated big runs in his first brush with top-flight international cricket.

India coach Ravi Shastri saw in Prithvi Shaw's batting, glimpses of two of the greatest batsmen of modern era and a non-conformist who redefined batsmanship. An overwhelmed Shastri on Sunday, in one breath, mentioned the names of three legends, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Virender Sehwag, while trying to describe the 18-year-old Shaw who accumulated big runs in his first brush with top-flight international cricket. "He (Shaw) is born to play cricket. He's been playing since the age of eight in the maidans of Mumbai. You can see all that hardwork showing. He's a spectator's delight. There's a bit of Sachin there, a bit of Viru in him and when he walks - there's a bit of Lara as well," Shastri said. "If he can keep his head on his shoulders and keep the work ethic, he has a bright future." Shastri was speaking after India completed a 2-0 series sweep over the West Indies with a 10-wicket victory here. Opener Shaw flayed the Caribbean attack during his 52-ball-70 on the second day of the second Test to give India a flying start, days after hitting a century on debut. Even skipper Virat Kohli gushed about the 18-year-old. "The guy (has) grabbed his chance beautifully. He looks like someone who can get you off to a kind of start you require. Making a mark in the first series that you play, from that point of view, it is great to have a guy who is so fearless. And he is not reckless, he is very confident about his game," he said. "You might feel that he will nick one now and then but he hardly nicks the ball. That we saw in England as well. He was batting in the nets, really attacking but was in control. But that kind of rare control against new ball is a great thing to have. Any of us weren't even 10 percent of what when he is at 18 or 19," added the captain.

Ravi Shastri sees Tendulkar, Sehwag and Lara in Prithvi Shaw

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed faces some searching questions to answer for the second test against Australia over his bowling attack and batting lineup after Tim Paine's side produced a battling draw in the first test in Dubai.

Usman Khawaja defied pre-match predictions and a poor return on turning pitches in Asia to score a battling 141 and anchor his side's defiance as they survived 139.5 overs in stifling conditions to ensure a draw.

Sarfraz's bowlers were unable to put concerted pressure on the visitors with Khawaja reverse sweeping leg-spinner Yasir Shah seemingly at will on a pitch that was deteriorating and offering assistance to Pakistan's four slow bowlers.

Left-arm quick Wahab Riaz also failed to effectively exploit any reverse swing he was achieving with the older ball, forcing Sarfraz to continually change his tactics and fielding positions in an effort to manufacture a wicket.

The second test starts in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Sarfraz's side will be forced to make at least one change with opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq having surgery on a broken finger and ruled out of the match.

Imam scored an impressive 76 in a 205-run opening stand with Mohammed Hafeez that set up Pakistan's first innings of 482.

He added 48 in Pakistan's second innings of 181 for six declared but broke the little finger on his left hand while fielding on the fifth and final day and was forced from the ground.

The left-handed opener had surgery in Dubai on Saturday and would return home on Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board said.

His absence will necessitate changes to the batting order with Fakhar Zaman the only other specialist opening batsman in the squad, although he is yet to make his test debut at the age of 28 and not played a first-class match in more than a year.

Azhar Ali, who scored just a total of 22 runs in the first test, could also be promoted up the order to open with Hafeez with leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan possibly coming into the squad to bolster the team's bowling stocks.

The 20-year-old Shadab, however, is battling a groin injury that ruled him out of the first test and which thwarted coach Mickey Arthur's plans of combining him with Yasir to attack Australia's inexperienced batting lineup.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed faces some searching questions to answer for the second test against Australia over his bowling attack and batting lineup after Tim Paine's side produced a battling draw in the first test in Dubai.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed faces some searching questions to answer for the second test against Australia over his bowling attack and batting lineup after Tim Paine's side produced a battling draw in the first test in Dubai. Usman Khawaja defied pre-match predictions and a poor return on turning pitches in Asia to score a battling 141 and anchor his side's defiance as they survived 139.5 overs in stifling conditions to ensure a draw. Sarfraz's bowlers were unable to put concerted pressure on the visitors with Khawaja reverse sweeping leg-spinner Yasir Shah seemingly at will on a pitch that was deteriorating and offering assistance to Pakistan's four slow bowlers. Left-arm quick Wahab Riaz also failed to effectively exploit any reverse swing he was achieving with the older ball, forcing Sarfraz to continually change his tactics and fielding positions in an effort to manufacture a wicket. The second test starts in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Sarfraz's side will be forced to make at least one change with opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq having surgery on a broken finger and ruled out of the match. Imam scored an impressive 76 in a 205-run opening stand with Mohammed Hafeez that set up Pakistan's first innings of 482. He added 48 in Pakistan's second innings of 181 for six declared but broke the little finger on his left hand while fielding on the fifth and final day and was forced from the ground. The left-handed opener had surgery in Dubai on Saturday and would return home on Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board said. His absence will necessitate changes to the batting order with Fakhar Zaman the only other specialist opening batsman in the squad, although he is yet to make his test debut at the age of 28 and not played a first-class match in more than a year. Azhar Ali, who scored just a total of 22 runs in the first test, could also be promoted up the order to open with Hafeez with leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan possibly coming into the squad to bolster the team's bowling stocks. The 20-year-old Shadab, however, is battling a groin injury that ruled him out of the first test and which thwarted coach Mickey Arthur's plans of combining him with Yasir to attack Australia's inexperienced batting lineup.

Sarfraz faces questions over second test tactics, team composition

India's all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja slammed his maiden international century on Friday against West Indies in his 218th international match and 169th international innings. In his Test career, he has completed nine half-centuries and this was his first-ever&nbsp;century in any format of international cricket.

Jadeja made his One-day debut in 2009 against Sri Lanka and Test debut against England in 2012.

The 29-year-old had to wait till his 38th Test to reach three figures, whose previous&nbsp;highest score was 90, scored in a Test match against England in 2016.

Batting alongside with No.11 Mohammad Shami, he experienced the nervous 90s before finally getting to the milestone in final over before tea.&nbsp;

It has been a good last 30 days for the southpaw, who scored a gritty 86 in the final Test in England before making an impressive ODI comeback with the Asia Cup in Dubai.

Jadeja enthralled the sparse crowd at SCA stadium with aerial hits which came mainly off the spinners. He ended up with five boundaries and as many sixes.&nbsp;

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Oh Ravi Jadeja! 
 
The India all-rounder brings up his maiden Test century! 💯 
 
Congratulations! 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/xh1HQ8PHSe">pic.twitter.com/xh1HQ8PHSe</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1048131091796819968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Recently, he proved his mettle in the 2018 Asia Cup triumph and could not have envisaged a better comeback on his return to international limited-overs cricket.

He shrugged off a 14-month absence by taking four wickets against Bangladesh in the final clash.

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📸📸 
 
Oh whatta feeling 😎<a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/nszR1bhigQ">pic.twitter.com/nszR1bhigQ</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1048134542106607617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 29-year-old is a regular in the Test side, particularly on home soil, but last played a one-dayer against West Indies in July 2017 and had been overlooked for white-ball cricket since.

"During my earlier comebacks the gap was never so long. I will always remember this comeback because I returned to the team after a gap of almost 480 days," Jadeja said after being named man of the match following his 4-29 display.

India's all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja slammed his maiden international century on Friday against West Indies in his 218th international match and 169th international innings.

India's all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja slammed his maiden international century on Friday against West Indies in his 218th international match and 169th international innings. In his Test career, he has completed nine half-centuries and this was his first-ever century in any format of international cricket. Jadeja made his One-day debut in 2009 against Sri Lanka and Test debut against England in 2012. The 29-year-old had to wait till his 38th Test to reach three figures, whose previous highest score was 90, scored in a Test match against England in 2016. Batting alongside with No.11 Mohammad Shami, he experienced the nervous 90s before finally getting to the milestone in final over before tea. It has been a good last 30 days for the southpaw, who scored a gritty 86 in the final Test in England before making an impressive ODI comeback with the Asia Cup in Dubai. Jadeja enthralled the sparse crowd at SCA stadium with aerial hits which came mainly off the spinners. He ended up with five boundaries and as many sixes. Oh Ravi Jadeja! The India all-rounder brings up his maiden Test century! 💯 Congratulations! 👏#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/xh1HQ8PHSe — ICC (@ICC) October 5, 2018 × Recently, he proved his mettle in the 2018 Asia Cup triumph and could not have envisaged a better comeback on his return to international limited-overs cricket. He shrugged off a 14-month absence by taking four wickets against Bangladesh in the final clash. 📸📸 Oh whatta feeling 😎@Paytm #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/nszR1bhigQ — BCCI (@BCCI) October 5, 2018 × The 29-year-old is a regular in the Test side, particularly on home soil, but last played a one-dayer against West Indies in July 2017 and had been overlooked for white-ball cricket since. "During my earlier comebacks the gap was never so long. I will always remember this comeback because I returned to the team after a gap of almost 480 days," Jadeja said after being named man of the match following his 4-29 display.

Ind vs WI, 1st Test: Ravindra Jadeja slams maiden international century

Cricket Australia (CA) will push for up to two day-night Tests at next year&#39;s Ashes series despite the misgivings of captain Steven Smith and his England counterpart Alastair Cook. 
 
Both skippers said they felt the game&#39;s most enduring series could survive without being played under lights but CA CEO James Sutherland said he felt it was a &quot;natural progression&quot;. &quot;I respect the views of Steven and Alastair,&quot; he told reporters in Melbourne today. 
 
&quot;The Ashes is a great contest and will no doubt attract a huge audience both at the grounds and on television, but the facts of the matter are by playing day-night Tests, we&#39;re going to get even bigger audiences at the game and on television.&nbsp;The Ashes series is still a long way off and we want to get through this summer first but we will play somewhere between zero and two day-night Tests during the Ashes in 18 months&#39; time.&quot; 
 
Australia played the maiden day-night Test against New Zealand at Adelaide Oval last November and have just agreed another flood-lit match with South Africa at the same venue during the home summer. 
 
The hosts will also play their series-opener against Pakistan with the pink ball in Brisbane for the first time in December. 
 
Smith has backed day-night cricket repeatedly but said he did not feel it necessary for the Ashes, which reliably draws big crowds.&nbsp;&quot;I think it works pretty well with the red ball,&quot; he told media while on tour in the Caribbean.&nbsp;&quot;It&#39;s been around for years and I think playing against England we always get the viewers and the crowds out,&quot; added Smith. 
 
Cook echoed Smith&#39;s position. &quot;It&#39;s probably not a series where you need to do it exactly at this time,&quot; he said. 
 
England and Wales Cricket board chairman Colin Graves has also backed day-night cricket, saying it was only a matter of time that a match would be played in England.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland believes that day-night tests will draw bigger audiences to the game and on television

Cricket Australia (CA) will push for up to two day-night Tests at next year's Ashes series despite the misgivings of captain Steven Smith and his England counterpart Alastair Cook. Both skippers said they felt the game's most enduring series could survive without being played under lights but CA CEO James Sutherland said he felt it was a "natural progression". "I respect the views of Steven and Alastair," he told reporters in Melbourne today. "The Ashes is a great contest and will no doubt attract a huge audience both at the grounds and on television, but the facts of the matter are by playing day-night Tests, we're going to get even bigger audiences at the game and on television. The Ashes series is still a long way off and we want to get through this summer first but we will play somewhere between zero and two day-night Tests during the Ashes in 18 months' time." Australia played the maiden day-night Test against New Zealand at Adelaide Oval last November and have just agreed another flood-lit match with South Africa at the same venue during the home summer. The hosts will also play their series-opener against Pakistan with the pink ball in Brisbane for the first time in December. Smith has backed day-night cricket repeatedly but said he did not feel it necessary for the Ashes, which reliably draws big crowds. "I think it works pretty well with the red ball," he told media while on tour in the Caribbean. "It's been around for years and I think playing against England we always get the viewers and the crowds out," added Smith. Cook echoed Smith's position. "It's probably not a series where you need to do it exactly at this time," he said. England and Wales Cricket board chairman Colin Graves has also backed day-night cricket, saying it was only a matter of time that a match would be played in England.

Cricket Australia pushing for two day-night Ashes Tests

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