Kolkata turns pink for historic India-Bangladesh Test match

By Mallika Singh

Kolkata's Eden Garden is getting ready to host the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/at-long-last-india-ready-to-take-day-night-test-plunge-263379">'Pink Test</a>' between India and Bangladesh to be played at the historic venue on Friday.

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The city never lets down sport .. pink test a big occasion @bcci@cab.. the Sahid minar goes pink <a href="https://t.co/SNqnbjSrAa">pic.twitter.com/SNqnbjSrAa</a>
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99/status/1197174007314796544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It will be a maiden day-night Test for both sides which is expected to be attended by several dignitaries including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who are to ring the customary Eden Bell. &nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Sourav Ganguly confirmed that tickets for the first four days were sold out.

Indian captain Virat Kohli drew comparisons between the match on Friday to the 2016 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, saying that it would be nice to play a Test in front of 80,000 spectators, giving “a big boost to all players.”

However, the Indian captain cautioned that day/night Tests should not become the only way for the long format of the game.

"In my opinion, the day/night Test should not become the only way in which the longest format of the game is played because then you are losing out on the nervousness which is created in the first session of the match. You can bring excitement to Test cricket, but you cannot make the longest format of the game adhere just to the excitement," Kohli told reporters.

India is the second Asian country ever to host the match with Pakistan having hosted the first day/night Test back in 2016 against West Indies, which the hosts won by 56 runs.

BCCI&nbsp;president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-takes-charge-as-president-of-board-for-control-of-cricket-in-india-257654">Sourav Ganguly</a> was seen inspecting the venue pitch on Wednesday, while BCCI tweeted a 17-second clip, giving a sneak peek into the ongoing preparations.

"Kolkata gearing up for the #PinkBallTest," said the post in which the Eden Gardens could be seen lit in pink.

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Kolkata gearing up for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PinkBallTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PinkBallTest</a> 😊😊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/16p66AvHTn">pic.twitter.com/16p66AvHTn</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1197060569951436800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ganguly on Wednesday in a series of tweets called the Test a “big occasion” and a “historic Test match” as he applauded the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the BCCI for their efforts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pink-ball-cricket-will-be-the-future-says-india-bowling-coach-bharat-arun-188561">Pink balls</a> are used for day/night encounters&nbsp;as opposed to the traditional red balls for better visibility under lights.

India had last year turned down the offer to play a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-decline-day-night-test-v-australia-135381">day/night Test against Australia</a> in Adelaide.&nbsp;

On India’s decision not to play the match, captain Virat Kohli on Thursday said that the team wanted to play with the pink ball in home conditions first.

“We have not played any first-class games with the pink ball, we wanted to experience it first in our own conditions. It cannot be a sudden thing, you need to prepare. It needed a bit of preparation, once you get the hang of it, then you can play the pink-ball Test," Kohli said.

A total of 11 day-night Tests have been played till date with Australia leading the score charts winning all 5 Tests.&nbsp; Australia had won the first-ever day/night against New Zealand at Adelaide by 3 wickets in 2015.

(With inputs from ANI)

By Mallika Singh Kolkata's Eden Garden is getting ready to host the 'Pink Test' between India and Bangladesh to be played at the historic venue on Friday. The city never lets down sport .

By Mallika Singh Kolkata's Eden Garden is getting ready to host the 'Pink Test' between India and Bangladesh to be played at the historic venue on Friday. The city never lets down sport .. pink test a big occasion @bcci@cab.. the Sahid minar goes pink pic.twitter.com/SNqnbjSrAa — Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) November 20, 2019 × It will be a maiden day-night Test for both sides which is expected to be attended by several dignitaries including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who are to ring the customary Eden Bell. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Sourav Ganguly confirmed that tickets for the first four days were sold out. Indian captain Virat Kohli drew comparisons between the match on Friday to the 2016 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, saying that it would be nice to play a Test in front of 80,000 spectators, giving “a big boost to all players.” However, the Indian captain cautioned that day/night Tests should not become the only way for the long format of the game. "In my opinion, the day/night Test should not become the only way in which the longest format of the game is played because then you are losing out on the nervousness which is created in the first session of the match. You can bring excitement to Test cricket, but you cannot make the longest format of the game adhere just to the excitement," Kohli told reporters. India is the second Asian country ever to host the match with Pakistan having hosted the first day/night Test back in 2016 against West Indies, which the hosts won by 56 runs. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly was seen inspecting the venue pitch on Wednesday, while BCCI tweeted a 17-second clip, giving a sneak peek into the ongoing preparations. "Kolkata gearing up for the #PinkBallTest," said the post in which the Eden Gardens could be seen lit in pink. Kolkata gearing up for the #PinkBallTest 😊😊#TeamIndia #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/16p66AvHTn — BCCI (@BCCI) November 20, 2019 × Ganguly on Wednesday in a series of tweets called the Test a “big occasion” and a “historic Test match” as he applauded the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the BCCI for their efforts. Pink balls are used for day/night encounters as opposed to the traditional red balls for better visibility under lights. India had last year turned down the offer to play a day/night Test against Australia in Adelaide. On India’s decision not to play the match, captain Virat Kohli on Thursday said that the team wanted to play with the pink ball in home conditions first. “We have not played any first-class games with the pink ball, we wanted to experience it first in our own conditions. It cannot be a sudden thing, you need to prepare. It needed a bit of preparation, once you get the hang of it, then you can play the pink-ball Test," Kohli said. A total of 11 day-night Tests have been played till date with Australia leading the score charts winning all 5 Tests. Australia had won the first-ever day/night against New Zealand at Adelaide by 3 wickets in 2015. (With inputs from ANI)

Second Test: India, Bangladesh set to play first day/night Test at Eden tomorrow

After becoming the Indian batsman with the most number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-first-indian-to-score-40-international-hundreds-as-captain-255204">double centuries in Tests</a>, skipper Virat Kohli said that after becoming the captain, he started to think about the team completely.

The batsman managed to score his highest Test score as he registered an unbeaten knock of 254 runs. The skipper declared the innings despite having a chance of scoring a triple-hundred.

In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Kohli said: "Feels great obviously. It's a nice little thing to become the Indian batsman with the most number of double centuries in Tests. I used to struggle initially to get big scores, but as soon as I became the captain, I started to think about the team. And when it happens you end up batting more than you can imagine".

What makes this feat special is that the batsman has scored all his double centuries after 2016. Kohli said that his knocks against West Indies and England are his top two scores of over 200 in Test cricket.

"Overall, I am very happy. It was a very dominating day for us again. We are in a top position. If you keep thinking about the team, you just do whatever is best. All double centuries are great, but if you ask me, my top two double hundreds would be against West Indies in Antigua and against England in Mumbai," Kohli said.

The 30-year-old was involved in a 225-run partnership with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. This stand enabled India to post 600 runs on the board.

India also managed to take three wickets of South Africa before the close of play on day two of the match and the Proteas ended the day at 36/3.

"The plan was simple, we wanted to score 600 as soon as possible. Jaddu also batted brilliantly. He played with a great tempo, and it allowed me to bat in a normal manner. I did not have to take many risks and the partnership flourished between me and Jaddu. We got three wickets by the end of the day as well, so it was a very satisfying day. We wanted to attack and be positive," Kohli said.

With this innings, the batsman also went past the 7,000-run mark in the longest format of the game. In the match, the 30-year-old Kohli also surpassed former Australia batsman Don Bradman to record the most number of 150 plus scores as a captain.

Kohli now has 9 scores of 150 plus while captaining India, whereas Bradman had 8 scores of more than 150. Australia's Michael Clarke, Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene, West Indies' Brian Lara, and South Africa`s Graeme Smith are next on the list with 7 scores of 150+ each.

The 30-year-old, who is leading his side in the 50th Test match also joined New Zealand's Stephen Fleming, England's Alastair Cook, and Australia's Steve Waugh to become only the fourth captain to score a century in his 50th match as captain.

Kohli now also has most runs as an Indian captain. He went past former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.

He also became the first Indian to score 40 hundreds as skipper. Ricky Ponting has the most international hundreds as a skipper. He had 41 centuries as the captain for Australia in international cricket.

Earlier this year, Kohli surpassed Dhoni to become the most successful Indian Test captain.

After becoming the Indian batsman with the most number of double centuries in Tests, skipper Virat Kohli said that after becoming the captain, he started to think about the team completely.

After becoming the Indian batsman with the most number of double centuries in Tests, skipper Virat Kohli said that after becoming the captain, he started to think about the team completely. The batsman managed to score his highest Test score as he registered an unbeaten knock of 254 runs. The skipper declared the innings despite having a chance of scoring a triple-hundred. In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Kohli said: "Feels great obviously. It's a nice little thing to become the Indian batsman with the most number of double centuries in Tests. I used to struggle initially to get big scores, but as soon as I became the captain, I started to think about the team. And when it happens you end up batting more than you can imagine". What makes this feat special is that the batsman has scored all his double centuries after 2016. Kohli said that his knocks against West Indies and England are his top two scores of over 200 in Test cricket. "Overall, I am very happy. It was a very dominating day for us again. We are in a top position. If you keep thinking about the team, you just do whatever is best. All double centuries are great, but if you ask me, my top two double hundreds would be against West Indies in Antigua and against England in Mumbai," Kohli said. The 30-year-old was involved in a 225-run partnership with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. This stand enabled India to post 600 runs on the board. India also managed to take three wickets of South Africa before the close of play on day two of the match and the Proteas ended the day at 36/3. "The plan was simple, we wanted to score 600 as soon as possible. Jaddu also batted brilliantly. He played with a great tempo, and it allowed me to bat in a normal manner. I did not have to take many risks and the partnership flourished between me and Jaddu. We got three wickets by the end of the day as well, so it was a very satisfying day. We wanted to attack and be positive," Kohli said. With this innings, the batsman also went past the 7,000-run mark in the longest format of the game. In the match, the 30-year-old Kohli also surpassed former Australia batsman Don Bradman to record the most number of 150 plus scores as a captain. Kohli now has 9 scores of 150 plus while captaining India, whereas Bradman had 8 scores of more than 150. Australia's Michael Clarke, Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene, West Indies' Brian Lara, and South Africa`s Graeme Smith are next on the list with 7 scores of 150+ each. The 30-year-old, who is leading his side in the 50th Test match also joined New Zealand's Stephen Fleming, England's Alastair Cook, and Australia's Steve Waugh to become only the fourth captain to score a century in his 50th match as captain. Kohli now also has most runs as an Indian captain. He went past former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. He also became the first Indian to score 40 hundreds as skipper. Ricky Ponting has the most international hundreds as a skipper. He had 41 centuries as the captain for Australia in international cricket. Earlier this year, Kohli surpassed Dhoni to become the most successful Indian Test captain.

When you think about team, you end up batting more: Virat Kohli

India skipper Virat Kohli on Friday registered his 26th Test century and as a result, became the first Indian to score 40 hundreds as skipper. Ricky Ponting has the most international hundreds as a skipper.

He had 41 centuries as the captain for Australia in international cricket. He achieved the feat on the second day of the second Test match against South Africa at the Mumbai Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Kohli brought up his ton in the 109th over of the Indian innings.

The right-handed batsman now has 26 centuries in just 81 matches. With this knock, the 30-year-old also went past former cricketer Dilip Vengasarkar in the run-scoring charts. Vengasarkar had 6,868 runs to his credit.

Kohli is now at the 53rd position in the all-time list of leading run-scorers in Test cricket. On the first day of the second Test match, Kohli became the second Indian captain to lead the side in 50 Test matches.

He surpassed Ganguly to become the second Indian skipper to achieve the milestone. Former skipper MS Dhoni has led the Indian side for the most number of times in the longest format of the game. He captained India for 60 matches in the Test format.

Earlier this year, Kohli surpassed Dhoni to become the most successful Indian Test captain.

The 30-year-old Kohli had 27 wins to his credit before the second Test match against West Indies, but with the win, Kohli took his tally to 28 wins in the longest format of the game.

The 30-year-old now has 29 wins from 49 matches as Test skipper. MS Dhoni had scripted 27 Test wins from 60 matches.

India had registered a comprehensive 318-run win in the first Test match against Windies and as a result, Kohli had added yet another feather to his cap, becoming the most successful Indian captain in overseas Tests. Kohli had gone past former captain Sourav Ganguly to achieve the feat.

This was Kohli's 12th overseas Test victory. He broke the record in his 26th match as skipper on foreign soil. Ganguly had 11 Test wins from 28 matches. While filing this story, India had reached a score of 356/3 at the lunch break.

India skipper Virat Kohli on Friday registered his 26th Test century and as a result, became the first Indian to score 40 hundreds as skipper. Ricky Ponting has the most international hundreds as a skipper.

India skipper Virat Kohli on Friday registered his 26th Test century and as a result, became the first Indian to score 40 hundreds as skipper. Ricky Ponting has the most international hundreds as a skipper. He had 41 centuries as the captain for Australia in international cricket. He achieved the feat on the second day of the second Test match against South Africa at the Mumbai Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Kohli brought up his ton in the 109th over of the Indian innings. The right-handed batsman now has 26 centuries in just 81 matches. With this knock, the 30-year-old also went past former cricketer Dilip Vengasarkar in the run-scoring charts. Vengasarkar had 6,868 runs to his credit. Kohli is now at the 53rd position in the all-time list of leading run-scorers in Test cricket. On the first day of the second Test match, Kohli became the second Indian captain to lead the side in 50 Test matches. He surpassed Ganguly to become the second Indian skipper to achieve the milestone. Former skipper MS Dhoni has led the Indian side for the most number of times in the longest format of the game. He captained India for 60 matches in the Test format. Earlier this year, Kohli surpassed Dhoni to become the most successful Indian Test captain. The 30-year-old Kohli had 27 wins to his credit before the second Test match against West Indies, but with the win, Kohli took his tally to 28 wins in the longest format of the game. The 30-year-old now has 29 wins from 49 matches as Test skipper. MS Dhoni had scripted 27 Test wins from 60 matches. India had registered a comprehensive 318-run win in the first Test match against Windies and as a result, Kohli had added yet another feather to his cap, becoming the most successful Indian captain in overseas Tests. Kohli had gone past former captain Sourav Ganguly to achieve the feat. This was Kohli's 12th overseas Test victory. He broke the record in his 26th match as skipper on foreign soil. Ganguly had 11 Test wins from 28 matches. While filing this story, India had reached a score of 356/3 at the lunch break.

Virat Kohli first Indian to score 40 international hundreds as captain

1st Test, Day-2: Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal put India on top against South Africa

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 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

After getting a nod in the Test team for the upcoming series against South Africa, batsman Shubman Gill said that it is always an honour to represent the country, no matter the colour of the jersey.

"Be it blue or white, it`s always an honour to represent my country," Gill tweeted.

The selection panel had announced the Test team for the three-match series against South Africa on Thursday.KL Rahul who had a disappointing series against Windies was dropped from the squad and in place of him, Gill was added to the side.

Talking about Gill, chief selector MSK Prasad said, "Shubman Gill has done well in both positions as an opener and middle order, so he can be a back up in both the slots".

The 20-year-old has been in exceptional form as he displayed match-winning performances for India A. In the recently concluded Test between India A and South Africa A, the batsman played a knock of 90 runs. He also scored 204 runs in the Test against West Indies A.

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Be it blue or white 🔵⚪ 
It's always an honour to represent my country 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/qfWMpwsMsw">pic.twitter.com/qfWMpwsMsw</a>
— Shubman Gill (@RealShubmanGill) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealShubmanGill/status/1172133205559980034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Rohit Sharma maintained his place in the squad and the chief selector MSK Prasad confirmed that the batsman would be playing as an opener in the upcoming series.

India's squad for three Tests: Virat Kohli (c), Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Shubman Gill.

The team will face South Africa in a three-match T20I series and three-match Test series.

The T20I series will begin from Sunday in Dharamshala whereas the first Test match between India and South Africa will begin from October 2.

After getting a nod in the Test team for the upcoming series against South Africa, batsman Shubman Gill said that it is always an honour to represent the country, no matter the colour of the jersey.

After getting a nod in the Test team for the upcoming series against South Africa, batsman Shubman Gill said that it is always an honour to represent the country, no matter the colour of the jersey. "Be it blue or white, it`s always an honour to represent my country," Gill tweeted. The selection panel had announced the Test team for the three-match series against South Africa on Thursday.KL Rahul who had a disappointing series against Windies was dropped from the squad and in place of him, Gill was added to the side. Talking about Gill, chief selector MSK Prasad said, "Shubman Gill has done well in both positions as an opener and middle order, so he can be a back up in both the slots". The 20-year-old has been in exceptional form as he displayed match-winning performances for India A. In the recently concluded Test between India A and South Africa A, the batsman played a knock of 90 runs. He also scored 204 runs in the Test against West Indies A. Be it blue or white 🔵⚪ It's always an honour to represent my country 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/qfWMpwsMsw — Shubman Gill (@RealShubmanGill) September 12, 2019 × Rohit Sharma maintained his place in the squad and the chief selector MSK Prasad confirmed that the batsman would be playing as an opener in the upcoming series. India's squad for three Tests: Virat Kohli (c), Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Shubman Gill. The team will face South Africa in a three-match T20I series and three-match Test series. The T20I series will begin from Sunday in Dharamshala whereas the first Test match between India and South Africa will begin from October 2.

It's an honour to represent my country, says Shubman Gill

Greg Chappell could not do it, while Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, who had both had two attempts each, were unable to manage it either.

But if his side avoid defeat in the fifth Test against England at The Oval starting Thursday, Tim Paine will join the list of Australia captains who have led the team to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-retain-ashes-with-185-run-win-over-england-in-fourth-test-248509">an Ashes series win in England</a>.

It is a feat no Australia captain has achieved since Steve Waugh oversaw a 4-1 success 18 years ago.

Waugh, like Chappell, Ponting and Clarke, is one of Australia's greatest cricketers.

No one, least of all wicketkeeper Paine himself, would suggest he is in that class and the way in which he inherited the captaincy was highly unusual.

Traditionally, Australia have picked their best 11 players first and then opted for one of them as captain, while in England, where there has long been an emphasis on 'leadership qualities', the tendency has been to select the skipper first and then find 10 others to join him.

Paine's case was different. Following the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town in March 2018 that saw <a href="wionews.com/sports/take-steve-smith-out-it-would-be-very-similar-for-both-teams-joe-root-248583">Steve Smith</a> stripped of the captaincy and David Warner removed from the post of vice-captain — with both batsmen subsequently given 12-month bans by Cricket Australia — officials needed someone uncontaminated by the incident to lead the team and turned to Paine the morning after 'Sandpapergate'.

Paine, who had made his Australia debut in a Test against Pakistan at Lord's in 2010, had been on the brink of retiring from cricket in 2017 and taking up a job with an equipment manufacturer instead.

But having forced his way back into the side, the Tasmanian found himself thrust into the captaincy barely a year later.

Ever since becoming skipper, Paine has face accusations that he is both an "accidental" skipper and not worth his place in the side.

But having shown dignity after a dramatic one-wicket loss in the third Test at Headingley, Paine had the satisfaction of leading the team to an 185-run win at Old Trafford on Sunday that ensured they retained the Ashes at 2-1 up with just one to play.

'Scary Smith'

Much of the credit will go to Smith, who has so far scored 671 runs at 134.20 with three hundreds, including 211 at Old Trafford, in his first series since his ban.

"He is just a genius and I never had any doubt he would come back and be the player he was," said Paine, who made his Test debut in the same match as Smith.

"The scary thing is he's getting better.&nbsp;I don't know where it is going to stop but we are enjoying being on the ride, that is for sure."

Just as Smith is the world's top-ranked Test batsman, Australia spearhead Pat Cummins is at the summit of the corresponding bowling rankings.

Most captains are only as good as their players, but Paine contributed to victory in Manchester by ending a run of low scores with a valuable first-innings 58.

"In terms of what we've been able to achieve as a group is pretty satisfying from where we've come from in the last 18 months," said Paine.

"Great character, shows the great people we have got and shows we've also got some bloody good cricketers in our team.

"Also from where we've come from, even from last week (the defeat at Headingley). That was a loss that would break a lot of teams but we weren't."

As for personal satisfaction, the 34-year-old Paine added: "My dream was to come here and win an Ashes. I certainly didn't want to be the captain winning the Ashes.

"I am just happy to be a part of it. I could have been working at Kookaburra so this isn't bad."

Greg Chappell could not do it, while Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, who had both had two attempts each, were unable to manage it either. But if his side avoid defeat in the fifth Test against England at The Oval starting Thursday, Tim Paine will join the list of Australia captains who have led the team to an Ashes series win in England.

Greg Chappell could not do it, while Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, who had both had two attempts each, were unable to manage it either. But if his side avoid defeat in the fifth Test against England at The Oval starting Thursday, Tim Paine will join the list of Australia captains who have led the team to an Ashes series win in England. It is a feat no Australia captain has achieved since Steve Waugh oversaw a 4-1 success 18 years ago. Waugh, like Chappell, Ponting and Clarke, is one of Australia's greatest cricketers. No one, least of all wicketkeeper Paine himself, would suggest he is in that class and the way in which he inherited the captaincy was highly unusual. Traditionally, Australia have picked their best 11 players first and then opted for one of them as captain, while in England, where there has long been an emphasis on 'leadership qualities', the tendency has been to select the skipper first and then find 10 others to join him. Paine's case was different. Following the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town in March 2018 that saw Steve Smith stripped of the captaincy and David Warner removed from the post of vice-captain — with both batsmen subsequently given 12-month bans by Cricket Australia — officials needed someone uncontaminated by the incident to lead the team and turned to Paine the morning after 'Sandpapergate'. Paine, who had made his Australia debut in a Test against Pakistan at Lord's in 2010, had been on the brink of retiring from cricket in 2017 and taking up a job with an equipment manufacturer instead. But having forced his way back into the side, the Tasmanian found himself thrust into the captaincy barely a year later. Ever since becoming skipper, Paine has face accusations that he is both an "accidental" skipper and not worth his place in the side. But having shown dignity after a dramatic one-wicket loss in the third Test at Headingley, Paine had the satisfaction of leading the team to an 185-run win at Old Trafford on Sunday that ensured they retained the Ashes at 2-1 up with just one to play. 'Scary Smith' Much of the credit will go to Smith, who has so far scored 671 runs at 134.20 with three hundreds, including 211 at Old Trafford, in his first series since his ban. "He is just a genius and I never had any doubt he would come back and be the player he was," said Paine, who made his Test debut in the same match as Smith. "The scary thing is he's getting better. I don't know where it is going to stop but we are enjoying being on the ride, that is for sure." Just as Smith is the world's top-ranked Test batsman, Australia spearhead Pat Cummins is at the summit of the corresponding bowling rankings. Most captains are only as good as their players, but Paine contributed to victory in Manchester by ending a run of low scores with a valuable first-innings 58. "In terms of what we've been able to achieve as a group is pretty satisfying from where we've come from in the last 18 months," said Paine. "Great character, shows the great people we have got and shows we've also got some bloody good cricketers in our team. "Also from where we've come from, even from last week (the defeat at Headingley). That was a loss that would break a lot of teams but we weren't." As for personal satisfaction, the 34-year-old Paine added: "My dream was to come here and win an Ashes. I certainly didn't want to be the captain winning the Ashes. "I am just happy to be a part of it. I could have been working at Kookaburra so this isn't bad."

'Accidental' Australia captain Tim Paine on verge of Ashes landmark

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>
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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

Australia defeated England in the fourth Test by 185 runs to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-retain-ashes-with-185-run-win-over-england-in-fourth-test-248509">retain the Ashes</a> and as a result, the team now has 56 points in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC).

India recently defeated West Indies 2-0 in the two-match series to take their tally to 120 points. The series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka ended in a 1-1 draw.

Australia, however, is behind all the three teams in the ongoing WTC.

Now, one may wonder why Australia is behind India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka despite winning two matches and drawing one against England.

As per the International Cricket Council`s (ICC) rules, all series under the WTC will be allotted 120 points each.

India white-washed Windies so they have their tally to 120 (60+60) points. Kiwis and Sri Lanka drew the series at 1-1, so as a result, they have 60 points each.

Ashes being a five-match series gives 24 points to a team if they record a win in a single Test match whereas a draw will give eight points.

The Tim-Paine led Australia has recorded two wins and one draw in the series so far, as a result, they have 56 points (48+8).

England has 32 (24+8) points after winning one match and drawing another.ICC had officially launched the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) on July 29.

The championship began from August 1 as Australia and England resumed their rivalry in the Ashes.WTC comprises of the top nine Test teams in the world (Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies).

In the championship, a total of 71 Test matches will be played across 27 series over two years. The top two teams will then contest in the ICC World Test Championship final in June 2021 in the UK.

Points are up for grabs during each match and each team will play three home and three away series. Each series will count for 120 points, distributed over the number of matches in a series.

For example, a two-match series will mean 60 points for each Test while a three-match series will give 40 points to each Test match. A tie will be 50 per cent of the points available, whereas a draw will be a 3:1 points ratio.

The matches will be played in the same format as bilateral series but with the added context of competition and one champion team. The number of matches in each series can vary between a minimum of two matches, to a maximum of five matches.

The first cycle of the WTC consists of only five-day matches and will include day-night matches. Only matches identified as part of the WTC will count towards the championship.

Australia defeated England in the fourth Test by 185 runs to retain the Ashes and as a result, the team now has 56 points in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC).

Australia defeated England in the fourth Test by 185 runs to retain the Ashes and as a result, the team now has 56 points in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC). India recently defeated West Indies 2-0 in the two-match series to take their tally to 120 points. The series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka ended in a 1-1 draw. Australia, however, is behind all the three teams in the ongoing WTC. Now, one may wonder why Australia is behind India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka despite winning two matches and drawing one against England. As per the International Cricket Council`s (ICC) rules, all series under the WTC will be allotted 120 points each. India white-washed Windies so they have their tally to 120 (60+60) points. Kiwis and Sri Lanka drew the series at 1-1, so as a result, they have 60 points each. Ashes being a five-match series gives 24 points to a team if they record a win in a single Test match whereas a draw will give eight points. The Tim-Paine led Australia has recorded two wins and one draw in the series so far, as a result, they have 56 points (48+8). England has 32 (24+8) points after winning one match and drawing another.ICC had officially launched the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) on July 29. The championship began from August 1 as Australia and England resumed their rivalry in the Ashes.WTC comprises of the top nine Test teams in the world (Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies). In the championship, a total of 71 Test matches will be played across 27 series over two years. The top two teams will then contest in the ICC World Test Championship final in June 2021 in the UK. Points are up for grabs during each match and each team will play three home and three away series. Each series will count for 120 points, distributed over the number of matches in a series. For example, a two-match series will mean 60 points for each Test while a three-match series will give 40 points to each Test match. A tie will be 50 per cent of the points available, whereas a draw will be a 3:1 points ratio. The matches will be played in the same format as bilateral series but with the added context of competition and one champion team. The number of matches in each series can vary between a minimum of two matches, to a maximum of five matches. The first cycle of the WTC consists of only five-day matches and will include day-night matches. Only matches identified as part of the WTC will count towards the championship.

Here's why India is ahead of Aussies in WTC despite same number of wins

England skipper Joe Root identified Australia batsman Steve Smith as the standout performer in the ongoing Ashes and said if the batsman is taken out of the equation, the situation would be very similar for both teams.

His remarks came after the end of the fourth Test, which England lost by 185 runs, enabling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-retain-ashes-with-185-run-win-over-england-in-fourth-test-248509">Australia to retain the Ashes</a>.

Tim Paine has become the first Aussie captain to retain the Ashes in England since Steve Waugh in 2001.

"If you take Steve Smith out, it would be very similar for both teams. It has been a series dominated by the ball. Both batting sides have very experienced players who have not performed how they would have liked and that tells a story by itself," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Root as saying.

"Bowling at Smith in this form is difficult and you have to make sure you take all your chances. We did not do that and that cost us. The teams have put all batters - bar Smith - under pressure and it has been challenging. But I have to find a way of scoring runs. You have to look at areas you want to get better both in yourself and as a team," he added.

Thirty-year-old Smith, who scored 82 runs in the second innings of the fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes on Saturday, has been having an exceptional series. He has amassed 671 runs and has become the second-fastest batsman to register 26 Test centuries.

In the first innings of the match, he scored a double ton, enabling Australia to post 497 on the board.

The team then bundled out England for 301 to gain a lead of 196 runs.

In the second innings, Australia was in a spot of bother at 44/4, but Smith played a vital 82-run knock to enable the side to declare at 186/6, setting England a target of 383 runs.

In the final innings, England's wickets kept on falling at regular intervals but Australia had to toil hard to take the final two wickets.

Australia had to toil hard for taking the last two wickets of England and skipper Root lauded his team for the fight they put up on the final day of the match.

"I thought the guys fought extremely bravely. They dug in, they fought and they put a high price on their wicket. It almost makes it a little bit harder to take but, at the same time, I could not be more proud with how we fought today," Root said.

"It is tough to take, losing the Ashes. It is bitterly disappointing. But when you find yourself in a situation like today you learn a lot about your team and the guys. I thought everyone showed a lot of courage, resilience, and character. Everyone should be really proud about how they approached the day," he added.

Despite the loss in the Test, Root said he still wants to continue as the skipper."I definitely want to carry on as captain. I have been given a fantastic opportunity to captain the Test side and will continue to work very hard at doing my best at that," Root said.

Currently, Australia has a 2-1 lead in the series with one match left to play.

England and Australia next face each other in the final Test, beginning September 12 at the Oval.

England skipper Joe Root identified Australia batsman Steve Smith as the standout performer in the ongoing Ashes and said if the batsman is taken out of the equation, the situation would be very similar for both teams.

England skipper Joe Root identified Australia batsman Steve Smith as the standout performer in the ongoing Ashes and said if the batsman is taken out of the equation, the situation would be very similar for both teams. His remarks came after the end of the fourth Test, which England lost by 185 runs, enabling Australia to retain the Ashes. Tim Paine has become the first Aussie captain to retain the Ashes in England since Steve Waugh in 2001. "If you take Steve Smith out, it would be very similar for both teams. It has been a series dominated by the ball. Both batting sides have very experienced players who have not performed how they would have liked and that tells a story by itself," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Root as saying. "Bowling at Smith in this form is difficult and you have to make sure you take all your chances. We did not do that and that cost us. The teams have put all batters - bar Smith - under pressure and it has been challenging. But I have to find a way of scoring runs. You have to look at areas you want to get better both in yourself and as a team," he added. Thirty-year-old Smith, who scored 82 runs in the second innings of the fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes on Saturday, has been having an exceptional series. He has amassed 671 runs and has become the second-fastest batsman to register 26 Test centuries. In the first innings of the match, he scored a double ton, enabling Australia to post 497 on the board. The team then bundled out England for 301 to gain a lead of 196 runs. In the second innings, Australia was in a spot of bother at 44/4, but Smith played a vital 82-run knock to enable the side to declare at 186/6, setting England a target of 383 runs. In the final innings, England's wickets kept on falling at regular intervals but Australia had to toil hard to take the final two wickets. Australia had to toil hard for taking the last two wickets of England and skipper Root lauded his team for the fight they put up on the final day of the match. "I thought the guys fought extremely bravely. They dug in, they fought and they put a high price on their wicket. It almost makes it a little bit harder to take but, at the same time, I could not be more proud with how we fought today," Root said. "It is tough to take, losing the Ashes. It is bitterly disappointing. But when you find yourself in a situation like today you learn a lot about your team and the guys. I thought everyone showed a lot of courage, resilience, and character. Everyone should be really proud about how they approached the day," he added. Despite the loss in the Test, Root said he still wants to continue as the skipper."I definitely want to carry on as captain. I have been given a fantastic opportunity to captain the Test side and will continue to work very hard at doing my best at that," Root said. Currently, Australia has a 2-1 lead in the series with one match left to play. England and Australia next face each other in the final Test, beginning September 12 at the Oval.

Take Steve Smith out, it would be very similar for both teams: Joe Root

Spinners Rashid Khan and Zahir Khan shared five wickets between them as Afghanistan came within four wickets of a historic win over Bangladesh in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Sunday.

The visitors — playing only their third Test ever — reduced Bangladesh to 136-6 before rain forced early stumps on the fourth day, with the hosts, who were set a record target of 398 runs, still needing 262.

The highest successful run chase in Bangladesh is 317-7 by New Zealand at the same ground in 2008.

"Yes, we are bit excited because we are in a good position," Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Afsar Zazai said.

"It means a lot to be honest," he added.

"The people know about us good enough in white-ball cricket. We've discussed in our dressing room that this Test match is very important for us to win because we want to show we can play Test cricket."

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ICYMI: After a terrific spin-bowling performance in Chattogram, Afghanistan are just four wickets away from their second Test victory in three games.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvAFG</a> day four report ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/QzuLE5IHFQ">https://t.co/QzuLE5IHFQ</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1170705851864244226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Skipper Shakib Al Hasan remained unbeaten on 39 runs, giving a little hope to Bangladesh amid the gloom at the Zahur Ahmed Stadium, where rain interrupted play in all three sessions much to Afghanistan's frustration.

Shakib will resume the fifth day's play along with Soumya Sarkar, the last recognised batsman for Bangladesh, who was yet to open his account.

Shakib seemed to be preparing for a loss.

"The realistic result is we are very close to defeat. Unless there is some rain... probably we are losing," he said.

Rashid, who made his debut as youngest-ever Test captain, led Afghanistan from the front, finishing the day with 3-46 while left-arm chinaman Zahir claimed 2-36 runs.

Retiring all-rounder Mohammad Nabi claimed the other wicket.

Zahir started the victory push when he dismissed opener Liton Das, who was trapped leg before for nine two balls after a caught-behind decision against him was overturned by the TV umpire on review.

One-down Mosaddek Hossain chased a ball from him wide outside the off-stump to give a catch to Asghar Afghan at long off after making 12 runs.

Rashid trapped Mushfiqur Rahim plumb in front after the former Bangladesh skipper started confidently to make 23 off 25 balls.

Rashid delivered another blow in his next over to dismiss Mominul Haque out lbw for three.

Nabi removed Shadman Islam, who made 41 runs, the highest for Bangladesh so far in the second innings.

Rashid then snapped the wicket of Mahmudullah Riyad for seven before rain provided the home side some respite.&nbsp;

Earlier, resuming at 237-8 after more than two hours' delay due to drizzle, Afghanistan added 23 runs to their overnight score before they were all out for 260, which took their lead close to the 400-run mark.

Yamin Ahmadzai was run out for nine and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan removed last man Zahir, leaving Zazai stranded on 48.

Spinners Rashid Khan and Zahir Khan shared five wickets between them as Afghanistan came within four wickets of a historic win over Bangladesh in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Sunday.

Spinners Rashid Khan and Zahir Khan shared five wickets between them as Afghanistan came within four wickets of a historic win over Bangladesh in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Sunday. The visitors — playing only their third Test ever — reduced Bangladesh to 136-6 before rain forced early stumps on the fourth day, with the hosts, who were set a record target of 398 runs, still needing 262. The highest successful run chase in Bangladesh is 317-7 by New Zealand at the same ground in 2008. "Yes, we are bit excited because we are in a good position," Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Afsar Zazai said. "It means a lot to be honest," he added. "The people know about us good enough in white-ball cricket. We've discussed in our dressing room that this Test match is very important for us to win because we want to show we can play Test cricket." ICYMI: After a terrific spin-bowling performance in Chattogram, Afghanistan are just four wickets away from their second Test victory in three games.#BANvAFG day four report ⬇️https://t.co/QzuLE5IHFQ — ICC (@ICC) September 8, 2019 × Skipper Shakib Al Hasan remained unbeaten on 39 runs, giving a little hope to Bangladesh amid the gloom at the Zahur Ahmed Stadium, where rain interrupted play in all three sessions much to Afghanistan's frustration. Shakib will resume the fifth day's play along with Soumya Sarkar, the last recognised batsman for Bangladesh, who was yet to open his account. Shakib seemed to be preparing for a loss. "The realistic result is we are very close to defeat. Unless there is some rain... probably we are losing," he said. Rashid, who made his debut as youngest-ever Test captain, led Afghanistan from the front, finishing the day with 3-46 while left-arm chinaman Zahir claimed 2-36 runs. Retiring all-rounder Mohammad Nabi claimed the other wicket. Zahir started the victory push when he dismissed opener Liton Das, who was trapped leg before for nine two balls after a caught-behind decision against him was overturned by the TV umpire on review. One-down Mosaddek Hossain chased a ball from him wide outside the off-stump to give a catch to Asghar Afghan at long off after making 12 runs. Rashid trapped Mushfiqur Rahim plumb in front after the former Bangladesh skipper started confidently to make 23 off 25 balls. Rashid delivered another blow in his next over to dismiss Mominul Haque out lbw for three. Nabi removed Shadman Islam, who made 41 runs, the highest for Bangladesh so far in the second innings. Rashid then snapped the wicket of Mahmudullah Riyad for seven before rain provided the home side some respite. Earlier, resuming at 237-8 after more than two hours' delay due to drizzle, Afghanistan added 23 runs to their overnight score before they were all out for 260, which took their lead close to the 400-run mark. Yamin Ahmadzai was run out for nine and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan removed last man Zahir, leaving Zazai stranded on 48.

BANvAFG: Spinners take Afghanistan close to historic win

England were bowled out for 301 in reply to Australia's first-innings 497-8 declared, a deficit of 196 runs, on the fourth day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Jos Buttler's cover-driven four off Mitchell Starc saw England avoid the follow-on with just one wicket standing after Australia were unable to challenge an lbw decision against No 11 Jack Leach because they had used up all their reviews.

Buttler was last man out, bowled for 41, by Pat Cummins.

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Australia have bowled England out for 301! 
 
Opener Rory Burns and skipper Joe Root made fifties while Jos Buttler contributed with a 65-ball 41. 
 
Follow the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> live 👇<a href="https://t.co/zrb0K55IBc">https://t.co/zrb0K55IBc</a> <a href="https://t.co/slcZAPpizn">pic.twitter.com/slcZAPpizn</a>
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Nevertheless, Australia remained on top in a match where victory would see them retain the Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play in a five-Test series.

All of Australia's three fast bowlers were in the wickets, Josh Hazlewood leading the way with 4-57 in 25 overs.

Cummins took 3-60 and left-armer Mitchell Starc 3-80 after Australia star batsman Steve Smith had marked his return to Test cricket with a superb 211.

England were bowled out for 301 in reply to Australia's first-innings 497-8 declared, a deficit of 196 runs, on the fourth day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Saturday.

England were bowled out for 301 in reply to Australia's first-innings 497-8 declared, a deficit of 196 runs, on the fourth day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Saturday. Jos Buttler's cover-driven four off Mitchell Starc saw England avoid the follow-on with just one wicket standing after Australia were unable to challenge an lbw decision against No 11 Jack Leach because they had used up all their reviews. Buttler was last man out, bowled for 41, by Pat Cummins. Australia have bowled England out for 301! Opener Rory Burns and skipper Joe Root made fifties while Jos Buttler contributed with a 65-ball 41. Follow the #Ashes live 👇https://t.co/zrb0K55IBc pic.twitter.com/slcZAPpizn — ICC (@ICC) September 7, 2019 × Nevertheless, Australia remained on top in a match where victory would see them retain the Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play in a five-Test series. All of Australia's three fast bowlers were in the wickets, Josh Hazlewood leading the way with 4-57 in 25 overs. Cummins took 3-60 and left-armer Mitchell Starc 3-80 after Australia star batsman Steve Smith had marked his return to Test cricket with a superb 211.

Ashes 2019: England 301 all out against Australia in fourth Test

The Steve Smith double century at Old Trafford that continued his brilliant Ashes campaign has generated wonder Down Under, with Australia media branding him a modern-day Don Bradman on Friday.

The Depression-era Bradman's batting average of 99.94 invites no comparison but Smith's feats in England mark him out as the next most effective tormenter of the nation's bowlers.

Back at the crease after missing the third Test through concussion, his 211 propelled him to 589 runs for the series at an average of 147.25, leaving England's Headingley saviour Ben Stokes (327 at 81.75) well behind in second place.

Smith's three double centuries against England is second only to Bradman's record five, while his 11th Ashes ton moved him past Steve Waugh's 10 into outright third overall.

Only Bradman (19) and England's Jack Hobbs (12) have more Ashes hundreds.

"Books detail Bradman's greatness, sepia-toned newsreels of his deeds fill a museum that bears his name," Russell Gould wrote glowingly in Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper.

"There was even a song written about him.

"'Our Steve Smith' is more likely to be a trending hashtag.

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"But however it's captured, this era, this display of sheer cricketing dominance will live well beyond this time, and this team."

Smith has now five centuries from his last six tests against England and averages 65.37 in the Ashes, also second only to Bradman among Australian cricketers.

His day two exploits pushed Australia to a mammoth 497 for eight declared, with England 23 for one at the close of day two on Thursday, and under huge pressure to keep the series alive.

Bradman's lofty record of 5,028 Ashes runs has remained the benchmark for 70 years and 30-year-old Smith (2,615) may struggle to mow it down, even if his formidable gifts and hunger remain undimmed for years.

But the former captain is well on the way to being regarded as one of the all-time greats, according to former Australia players.

"He could be anything. We might be seeing history in the making here," former Test batsman Mike Hussey said on ESPNcricinfo.

"We think no-one can beat Bradman. I don't think he's going to even beat Bradman. But he maybe is pushing the bar higher and higher."

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting described Smith as a "genius" and seemingly impervious to any bowler's plans.

"To think how good Bradman must have been -- to be a third again better than what Steve Smith's doing at the moment -- is ridiculous," Ponting told Cricket Australia's website (cricket.com.au).

"(Smith's) got four, five, six years of good cricket ahead of him, which if you add it up, that's probably another 80, 90 test matches.

"Then he's played 150 games and could have all sorts of numbers and records by then and let's hope he does, because the way he's going about it now, the way he's playing, he deserves to get the rewards from that."

The Steve Smith double century at Old Trafford that continued his brilliant Ashes campaign has generated wonder Down Under, with Australia media branding him a modern-day Don Bradman on Friday.

The Steve Smith double century at Old Trafford that continued his brilliant Ashes campaign has generated wonder Down Under, with Australia media branding him a modern-day Don Bradman on Friday. The Depression-era Bradman's batting average of 99.94 invites no comparison but Smith's feats in England mark him out as the next most effective tormenter of the nation's bowlers. Back at the crease after missing the third Test through concussion, his 211 propelled him to 589 runs for the series at an average of 147.25, leaving England's Headingley saviour Ben Stokes (327 at 81.75) well behind in second place. Smith's three double centuries against England is second only to Bradman's record five, while his 11th Ashes ton moved him past Steve Waugh's 10 into outright third overall. Only Bradman (19) and England's Jack Hobbs (12) have more Ashes hundreds. "Books detail Bradman's greatness, sepia-toned newsreels of his deeds fill a museum that bears his name," Russell Gould wrote glowingly in Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper. "There was even a song written about him. "'Our Steve Smith' is more likely to be a trending hashtag. Steve Smith's dominance over England's bowlers continued on day two at Old Trafford. #Ashes REPORT ⬇️ https://t.co/5MWgb7rg1D — ICC (@ICC) September 6, 2019 × "But however it's captured, this era, this display of sheer cricketing dominance will live well beyond this time, and this team." Smith has now five centuries from his last six tests against England and averages 65.37 in the Ashes, also second only to Bradman among Australian cricketers. His day two exploits pushed Australia to a mammoth 497 for eight declared, with England 23 for one at the close of day two on Thursday, and under huge pressure to keep the series alive. Bradman's lofty record of 5,028 Ashes runs has remained the benchmark for 70 years and 30-year-old Smith (2,615) may struggle to mow it down, even if his formidable gifts and hunger remain undimmed for years. But the former captain is well on the way to being regarded as one of the all-time greats, according to former Australia players. "He could be anything. We might be seeing history in the making here," former Test batsman Mike Hussey said on ESPNcricinfo. "We think no-one can beat Bradman. I don't think he's going to even beat Bradman. But he maybe is pushing the bar higher and higher." Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting described Smith as a "genius" and seemingly impervious to any bowler's plans. "To think how good Bradman must have been -- to be a third again better than what Steve Smith's doing at the moment -- is ridiculous," Ponting told Cricket Australia's website (cricket.com.au). "(Smith's) got four, five, six years of good cricket ahead of him, which if you add it up, that's probably another 80, 90 test matches. "Then he's played 150 games and could have all sorts of numbers and records by then and let's hope he does, because the way he's going about it now, the way he's playing, he deserves to get the rewards from that."

Ashes 2019: Australia hail Steve Smith as Bradman incarnate

Spin sensation Rashid Khan starred with bat and ball on Friday as Afghanistan took command in the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

Rashid hit 51 off 61 balls to take Afghanistan to 342 in their first innings and then claimed 4-47 to leave Bangladesh struggling at 194 for eight at stumps on the second day.

Mominul Haque scored the only half-century for Bangladesh, 52 off 71 balls, while Mosaddek Hossain remained unbeaten on 44 to spare some blushes for the home side against the Test minnows.

Bangladesh lost a wicket in the very first over of their innings when Yamin Ahmadzai dismissed opener Shadman Islam for nought but Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das steadied the innings with a 49-run stand.

Mohammad Nabi removed Soumya leg-before for 17 before Rashid introduced himself in the attack with immediate impact as he bowled Liton for 33.

Rashid unleashed further destruction in his fifth over, trapping Shakib Al Hasan leg before for 11 and removing Mushfiqur Rahim for a duck two balls later as Bangladesh were reduced to 88-5 at tea.

They did no better after play resumed in the final session as Rashid, who made his debut as the youngest ever Test captain in this Test, bowled Mahmudullah Riyad for seven and left others with little clue against his leg-spin.

Mominul launched a counter-attack to bring his fifty off 69 balls but paid the price for his aggression as he gave a catch to Asghar Afghan at mid-off off Mohammad Nabi, who finished the day with 2-53.

Mosaddek survived the day with tail-ender Taijul Islam, 14 not out, but Bangladesh still face a mountain to climb, trailing Afghanistan by 148 runs in the first innings with just two wickets in hand.

"We believe that we have a chance to win the match. Today the rain favoured Bangladeshi batsmen as the ball became wet and it was not easy to turn away," said Afghanistan spinner Qais Ahmed, referring to a brief rain interval in the final session.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan lamented their lack of application with bat.

"Maybe we could apply better. Mosaddek and Taijul showed it was possible to survive here. If we had applied better we could have been in a better position," he said.

Rashid earlier led Afghanistan's batting charge with his maiden Test fifty after they lost early wickets, having resumed the second day's play at 271-5.

Former skipper Asghar, who was unbeaten on 88 overnight, managed to add just four runs to his score before gifting his wicket to left-arm spinner Taijul, just eight runs short of what would have been his first Test century.

Taijul then bowled the other overnight batsman Afsar Zazai for 41 but Rashid, making his debut as the youngest-ever Test captain, launched a counterattack.

Shakib struck back to remove tail-enders Qais Ahmad and Yamin Ahmadzai for nine and zero respectively but Rashid fought on, bringing up his 50 in as many balls.

Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan took a sharp catch off his own bowling to stop Rashid's onslaught and end Afghanistan's innings.

Taijul finished with 4-116 for Bangladesh while Shakib and off-spinner Nayeem Hasan claimed two wickets each.

Spin sensation Rashid Khan starred with bat and ball on Friday as Afghanistan took command in the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong. Rashid hit 51 off 61 balls to take Afghanistan to 342 in their first innings and then claimed 4-47 to leave Bangladesh struggling at 194 for eight at stumps on the second day.

Spin sensation Rashid Khan starred with bat and ball on Friday as Afghanistan took command in the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong. Rashid hit 51 off 61 balls to take Afghanistan to 342 in their first innings and then claimed 4-47 to leave Bangladesh struggling at 194 for eight at stumps on the second day. Mominul Haque scored the only half-century for Bangladesh, 52 off 71 balls, while Mosaddek Hossain remained unbeaten on 44 to spare some blushes for the home side against the Test minnows. Bangladesh lost a wicket in the very first over of their innings when Yamin Ahmadzai dismissed opener Shadman Islam for nought but Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das steadied the innings with a 49-run stand. Mohammad Nabi removed Soumya leg-before for 17 before Rashid introduced himself in the attack with immediate impact as he bowled Liton for 33. Rashid unleashed further destruction in his fifth over, trapping Shakib Al Hasan leg before for 11 and removing Mushfiqur Rahim for a duck two balls later as Bangladesh were reduced to 88-5 at tea. They did no better after play resumed in the final session as Rashid, who made his debut as the youngest ever Test captain in this Test, bowled Mahmudullah Riyad for seven and left others with little clue against his leg-spin. Mominul launched a counter-attack to bring his fifty off 69 balls but paid the price for his aggression as he gave a catch to Asghar Afghan at mid-off off Mohammad Nabi, who finished the day with 2-53. Mosaddek survived the day with tail-ender Taijul Islam, 14 not out, but Bangladesh still face a mountain to climb, trailing Afghanistan by 148 runs in the first innings with just two wickets in hand. "We believe that we have a chance to win the match. Today the rain favoured Bangladeshi batsmen as the ball became wet and it was not easy to turn away," said Afghanistan spinner Qais Ahmed, referring to a brief rain interval in the final session. Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan lamented their lack of application with bat. "Maybe we could apply better. Mosaddek and Taijul showed it was possible to survive here. If we had applied better we could have been in a better position," he said. Rashid earlier led Afghanistan's batting charge with his maiden Test fifty after they lost early wickets, having resumed the second day's play at 271-5. Former skipper Asghar, who was unbeaten on 88 overnight, managed to add just four runs to his score before gifting his wicket to left-arm spinner Taijul, just eight runs short of what would have been his first Test century. Taijul then bowled the other overnight batsman Afsar Zazai for 41 but Rashid, making his debut as the youngest-ever Test captain, launched a counterattack. Shakib struck back to remove tail-enders Qais Ahmad and Yamin Ahmadzai for nine and zero respectively but Rashid fought on, bringing up his 50 in as many balls. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan took a sharp catch off his own bowling to stop Rashid's onslaught and end Afghanistan's innings. Taijul finished with 4-116 for Bangladesh while Shakib and off-spinner Nayeem Hasan claimed two wickets each.

BANvAFG: Rashid's all-round show puts Afghanistan on top

India completed another crushing victory over the West Indies, demolishing the home side by 257 runs on the fourth afternoon of the second and final&nbsp;Test&nbsp;at Sabina Park in Jamaica on Monday.

Set the improbable target of 468 late on day three, the home side tumbled in the post-lunch session, losing their last six wickets for 51 runs as they were dismissed for 210 to hand Virat Kohli's side a clean sweep of a&nbsp;Test&nbsp;series in the Caribbean for the first time ever.

This result also completed a 100 percent record for the tourists in all completed matches played on this tour. The 2-0&nbsp;Test&nbsp;series triumph followed a 3-0 success in the T20 Internationals and a 2-0 victory in the One-Day Internationals, with one match ruined by rain.

Pacer Mohammed Shami and spinner Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets each as the Indians once again had too many varied weapons for the home side.

Shamarh Brooks completed a maiden&nbsp;Test&nbsp;half-century but it was little consolation for West Indies captain Jason Holder who was last out, bowled by Jadeja for 39 to trigger the Indian celebrations.

"This was pretty comprehensive again for us," said Kohli in assessing his team's dominant performance yet again. "We played good cricket and getting the result in the manner you want is crucial as a team. This is a real collective effort."

Amid the jubilation there was concern for the welfare of key West Indies batsman Darren Bravo, who retired hurt on 23 just 15 minutes into the day's play. He was eventually replaced by Jermaine Blackwood in the team according to the game's new concussion protocol.

Resuming his innings in partnership with Brooks with the score at 45 for two, Bravo appeared to be feeling unwell and was attended to and subsequently led off the field on his own steam.

He was struck on the back of the helmet by fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah during the final over of the third day's play and continued batting for the remaining three deliveries of the day after receiving treatment.

Australian Marnus Labuschagne was the first concussion replacement in the history of the game last month when he replaced Steve Smith during the second innings of the second&nbsp;Test&nbsp;against England at Lord's after Smith was struck on the neck by fast bowler Jofra Archer.

Blackwood was called into duty within minutes of being drafted into the team after Shimron Hetmyer fell to yet another poor shot, caught at extra-cover to give fast bowler Ishant Sharma his second wicket of the innings.

With Bravo and Blackwood both batting in the same innings, it gave West Indies the first 12-batsman&nbsp;Test&nbsp;scorecard under the protocol.

Earlier Roston Chase was the first wicket to fall in the day after coming to the crease when Bravo went off, being trapped leg-before by Jadeja.

Blackwood dominated a 61-run fifth-wicket partnership with Brooks but when the attacking right-hander became Bumrah's only wicket of the innings via a catch at the wicket, it signalled the beginning of the end of the West Indies resistance with Brooks' own carelessness contributing to his demise as he was run out by a direct hit from the effervescent Kohli.

"We've got lots of problems with the batting," said a despondent Holder. "It's a tough question as to how we fix this situation. There is quite a bit of time before our next&nbsp;Test&nbsp;so it's up to the players to take ownership of the situation."

Despite the dominance of the Indian bowlers, it was batsman Hanuma Vihari who earned the "Man of the Match" award for his maiden&nbsp;Test&nbsp;hundred in the first innings, which he followed with an unbeaten half-century in the second to help hasten Kohli's declaration on the third afternoon.

India completed another crushing victory over the West Indies, demolishing the home side by 257 runs on the fourth afternoon of the second and final Test at Sabina Park in Jamaica on Monday.

India completed another crushing victory over the West Indies, demolishing the home side by 257 runs on the fourth afternoon of the second and final Test at Sabina Park in Jamaica on Monday. Set the improbable target of 468 late on day three, the home side tumbled in the post-lunch session, losing their last six wickets for 51 runs as they were dismissed for 210 to hand Virat Kohli's side a clean sweep of a Test series in the Caribbean for the first time ever. This result also completed a 100 percent record for the tourists in all completed matches played on this tour. The 2-0 Test series triumph followed a 3-0 success in the T20 Internationals and a 2-0 victory in the One-Day Internationals, with one match ruined by rain. Pacer Mohammed Shami and spinner Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets each as the Indians once again had too many varied weapons for the home side. Shamarh Brooks completed a maiden Test half-century but it was little consolation for West Indies captain Jason Holder who was last out, bowled by Jadeja for 39 to trigger the Indian celebrations. "This was pretty comprehensive again for us," said Kohli in assessing his team's dominant performance yet again. "We played good cricket and getting the result in the manner you want is crucial as a team. This is a real collective effort." Amid the jubilation there was concern for the welfare of key West Indies batsman Darren Bravo, who retired hurt on 23 just 15 minutes into the day's play. He was eventually replaced by Jermaine Blackwood in the team according to the game's new concussion protocol. Resuming his innings in partnership with Brooks with the score at 45 for two, Bravo appeared to be feeling unwell and was attended to and subsequently led off the field on his own steam. He was struck on the back of the helmet by fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah during the final over of the third day's play and continued batting for the remaining three deliveries of the day after receiving treatment. Australian Marnus Labuschagne was the first concussion replacement in the history of the game last month when he replaced Steve Smith during the second innings of the second Test against England at Lord's after Smith was struck on the neck by fast bowler Jofra Archer. Blackwood was called into duty within minutes of being drafted into the team after Shimron Hetmyer fell to yet another poor shot, caught at extra-cover to give fast bowler Ishant Sharma his second wicket of the innings. With Bravo and Blackwood both batting in the same innings, it gave West Indies the first 12-batsman Test scorecard under the protocol. Earlier Roston Chase was the first wicket to fall in the day after coming to the crease when Bravo went off, being trapped leg-before by Jadeja. Blackwood dominated a 61-run fifth-wicket partnership with Brooks but when the attacking right-hander became Bumrah's only wicket of the innings via a catch at the wicket, it signalled the beginning of the end of the West Indies resistance with Brooks' own carelessness contributing to his demise as he was run out by a direct hit from the effervescent Kohli. "We've got lots of problems with the batting," said a despondent Holder. "It's a tough question as to how we fix this situation. There is quite a bit of time before our next Test so it's up to the players to take ownership of the situation." Despite the dominance of the Indian bowlers, it was batsman Hanuma Vihari who earned the "Man of the Match" award for his maiden Test hundred in the first innings, which he followed with an unbeaten half-century in the second to help hasten Kohli's declaration on the third afternoon.

India beat West Indies by 257 runs, win Test series 2-0

Australia's run-machine Steve Smith has edged past Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the best Test batsman in the world, based on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rankings.

Kohli's side moved to the top of the new ICC World Test Championship table with a 2-0 series sweep against West Indies. But his own first-ball duck in the second innings at Sabina Park meant he slipped to the second spot in the men's individual ranking with 903 points.

Smith leads Kohli by one point but will have a chance to consolidate his position in the fourth Ashes Test against England starting on Wednesday at Old Trafford, where he returns after recovering from a concussion.

Former captain Smith has not held top spot in the rankings since December 2015. In August last year, while Smith was serving a 12-month ban over a ball-tampering scandal, Kohli overtook him in the standings.

The Australian number four has since made a remarkable return to the longest format, with twin hundreds in the first Ashes Test in Birmingham.

He followed that up with a 92 at Lord's before being felled by a short ball from England fast bowler Jofra Archer.

Australia now boast both the number one Test batsman and bowler in the world, with Pat Cummins leading the bowling charts since February.

It is the first time the Australians have topped the charts with both bat and ball since March 2006, when Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath topped the respective rankings.

Kohli's next opportunity to respond will be in a home Test series against South Africa starting on Oct. 2.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson retains third spot, while India's Ajinkya Rahane returned to the top 10, rising four places to seventh.

After finishing the Caribbean series with 13 wickets at an impressive average of 9.23, Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah rose four places to number three in the Test rankings for bowlers, with a career-best 835 rating points.

The 25-year-old is now only behind Cummins and South Africa's Kagiso Rabada.

Already occupying top spot in the Test rankings of all-rounders, West Indies captain Jason Holder rose seven places in the bowling list to join England's James Anderson in fourth position.

England's Ben Stokes remained in second place in the all-rounder ranking after his match-winning second-innings performance in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, behind Holder and ahead of Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan in third.

Australia's run-machine Steve Smith has edged past Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the best Test batsman in the world, based on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rankings.

Australia's run-machine Steve Smith has edged past Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the best Test batsman in the world, based on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rankings. Kohli's side moved to the top of the new ICC World Test Championship table with a 2-0 series sweep against West Indies. But his own first-ball duck in the second innings at Sabina Park meant he slipped to the second spot in the men's individual ranking with 903 points. Smith leads Kohli by one point but will have a chance to consolidate his position in the fourth Ashes Test against England starting on Wednesday at Old Trafford, where he returns after recovering from a concussion. Former captain Smith has not held top spot in the rankings since December 2015. In August last year, while Smith was serving a 12-month ban over a ball-tampering scandal, Kohli overtook him in the standings. The Australian number four has since made a remarkable return to the longest format, with twin hundreds in the first Ashes Test in Birmingham. He followed that up with a 92 at Lord's before being felled by a short ball from England fast bowler Jofra Archer. Australia now boast both the number one Test batsman and bowler in the world, with Pat Cummins leading the bowling charts since February. It is the first time the Australians have topped the charts with both bat and ball since March 2006, when Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath topped the respective rankings. Kohli's next opportunity to respond will be in a home Test series against South Africa starting on Oct. 2. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson retains third spot, while India's Ajinkya Rahane returned to the top 10, rising four places to seventh. After finishing the Caribbean series with 13 wickets at an impressive average of 9.23, Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah rose four places to number three in the Test rankings for bowlers, with a career-best 835 rating points. The 25-year-old is now only behind Cummins and South Africa's Kagiso Rabada. Already occupying top spot in the Test rankings of all-rounders, West Indies captain Jason Holder rose seven places in the bowling list to join England's James Anderson in fourth position. England's Ben Stokes remained in second place in the all-rounder ranking after his match-winning second-innings performance in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, behind Holder and ahead of Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan in third.

Steve Smith overtakes Virat Kohli to reclaim No.1 spot in Test rankings

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah said he owes his maiden test hat-trick to captain Virat Kohli, who successfully reviewed a leg-before decision which was initially turned down in the ongoing second match against West Indies.

After dismissing Darren Bravo and Shamarh Brooks in consecutive deliveries at Kingston's Sabina Park, Bumrah's timid lbw shout against Roston Chase was initially turned down by on-field umpire Paul Reiffel.

A confident Kohli, however, decided to review and replays showed the ball would have struck the leg stump. The decision was overturned, with Bumrah becoming the third Indian bowler to claim a test hat-trick.

"I was not very sure of the appeal," Bumrah told Kohli in an interview to bcci.tv.

"I thought it was bat (first), so I didn't appeal so much. But it was a good review in the end, and I think I owe the hat-trick to the captain."

Bumrah finished with 6-27 as West Indies were bowled out for 117 in reply India's 416 in the first innings.

It followed the 25-year-old's blistering second innings spell in the opening test where he finished with 5-7. Ishant Sharma took eight wickets in that match and Mohammed Shami chipped in with four as India recorded a convincing 318 runs victory.

Bumrah put down his recent success on pace-friendly tracks to his camaraderie with senior bowlers in the squad.

"There's a lot of communication that goes on the field as well," Bumrah told reporters.

"When I'm getting wickets, it's somebody else's job to create pressure, and when somebody else is getting wickets, (it's) my job is to create pressure.

"We got a good relationship all of us, we want to get better every year."

India are closing in on a 2-0 sweep of series after West Indies ended day three at 45-2 while chasing an unlikely target of 468 for victory.

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah said he owes his maiden test hat-trick to captain Virat Kohli, who successfully reviewed a leg-before decision which was initially turned down in the ongoing second match against West Indies.

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah said he owes his maiden test hat-trick to captain Virat Kohli, who successfully reviewed a leg-before decision which was initially turned down in the ongoing second match against West Indies. After dismissing Darren Bravo and Shamarh Brooks in consecutive deliveries at Kingston's Sabina Park, Bumrah's timid lbw shout against Roston Chase was initially turned down by on-field umpire Paul Reiffel. A confident Kohli, however, decided to review and replays showed the ball would have struck the leg stump. The decision was overturned, with Bumrah becoming the third Indian bowler to claim a test hat-trick. "I was not very sure of the appeal," Bumrah told Kohli in an interview to bcci.tv. "I thought it was bat (first), so I didn't appeal so much. But it was a good review in the end, and I think I owe the hat-trick to the captain." Bumrah finished with 6-27 as West Indies were bowled out for 117 in reply India's 416 in the first innings. It followed the 25-year-old's blistering second innings spell in the opening test where he finished with 5-7. Ishant Sharma took eight wickets in that match and Mohammed Shami chipped in with four as India recorded a convincing 318 runs victory. Bumrah put down his recent success on pace-friendly tracks to his camaraderie with senior bowlers in the squad. "There's a lot of communication that goes on the field as well," Bumrah told reporters. "When I'm getting wickets, it's somebody else's job to create pressure, and when somebody else is getting wickets, (it's) my job is to create pressure. "We got a good relationship all of us, we want to get better every year." India are closing in on a 2-0 sweep of series after West Indies ended day three at 45-2 while chasing an unlikely target of 468 for victory.

India's Jasprit Bumrah thanks skipper Virat Kohli for review call after hat-trick

Steve Smith continued his buildup for the fourth Ashes test by heading straight to the practice nets after being dismissed in Australia's tour match against Derbyshire on Thursday.

Smith missed Australia's one-wicket loss to England in the third test at Leeds after he was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the second match at Lord's and suffered a delayed concussion.

He returned in the three-day match at the County Ground and scored 23 from 38 balls against an attack featuring mostly medium-pacers and appeared to throw his wicket away when slower bowlers were introduced.

He left his pads on and headed to the nets with fellow batsman David Warner, who used a 'dog thrower' device to simulate the kind of pace Smith might expect to face from Archer and Stuart Broad in the fourth test in Manchester.

"I think if Smudger (Smith) got 20 or 220 he'd still want to go to the nets and have a hit," said Mitchell Marsh, who batted with Smith during a 58-run stand.

"That's just him, that's what he does, and that's why he's the best in the world."

Smith's return to the crease coincided with news that England lost opening bowler James Anderson for the rest of the series.

The series is tied 1-1 with the fourth game starting at Old Trafford on September&nbsp;4 before the final test begins on September&nbsp;12 at The Oval in London.

Steve Smith continued his buildup for the fourth Ashes test by heading straight to the practice nets after being dismissed in Australia's tour match against Derbyshire on Thursday.

Steve Smith continued his buildup for the fourth Ashes test by heading straight to the practice nets after being dismissed in Australia's tour match against Derbyshire on Thursday. Smith missed Australia's one-wicket loss to England in the third test at Leeds after he was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the second match at Lord's and suffered a delayed concussion. He returned in the three-day match at the County Ground and scored 23 from 38 balls against an attack featuring mostly medium-pacers and appeared to throw his wicket away when slower bowlers were introduced. He left his pads on and headed to the nets with fellow batsman David Warner, who used a 'dog thrower' device to simulate the kind of pace Smith might expect to face from Archer and Stuart Broad in the fourth test in Manchester. "I think if Smudger (Smith) got 20 or 220 he'd still want to go to the nets and have a hit," said Mitchell Marsh, who batted with Smith during a 58-run stand. "That's just him, that's what he does, and that's why he's the best in the world." Smith's return to the crease coincided with news that England lost opening bowler James Anderson for the rest of the series. The series is tied 1-1 with the fourth game starting at Old Trafford on September 4 before the final test begins on September 12 at The Oval in London.

Steve Smith goes from crease to nets ahead of Ashes return

Ahead of the second Test against India, West Indies skipper Jason Holder said pace is the backbone of his team as fast bowlers are doing well.&nbsp;

Despite facing a massive 318 runs defeat at the hands of India in the first Test, Holder hinted the team will stick to the same bowling combination as in a previous game.&nbsp;

He hailed pacers Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel for their performance. While Roach scalped five wickets, Gabriel managed to get hold of four. In the last match, the Windies played with four seamers and one spinner.&nbsp;

"Pace is the backbone of our side. We have done well with our seamers. Roach and Gabriel have been outstanding. I have also been supporting the bowling line up. We have relied heavily on our pacers from the last couple of years. Hopefully, we continue to keep our pacers fine and hope we get 20 wickets in this Test match," Holder told reporters.&nbsp;

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The team was disappointed with the performance in the last match and will hope to do better in the second Test, he said.&nbsp;

"We are disappointed with our performance in the last game and this an opportunity for us to level the series. We have to perform. Hopefully, we can play really good team cricket," Holder added.&nbsp;

Earlier, India white-washed the Windies in the ODI and T20I series. West Indies will face India in the second Test at Sabina Park here later today.&nbsp;

Ahead of the second Test against India, West Indies skipper Jason Holder said pace is the backbone of his team as fast bowlers are doing well. Despite facing a massive 318 runs defeat at the hands of India in the first Test, Holder hinted the team will stick to the same bowling combination as in a previous game.

Ahead of the second Test against India, West Indies skipper Jason Holder said pace is the backbone of his team as fast bowlers are doing well. Despite facing a massive 318 runs defeat at the hands of India in the first Test, Holder hinted the team will stick to the same bowling combination as in a previous game. He hailed pacers Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel for their performance. While Roach scalped five wickets, Gabriel managed to get hold of four. In the last match, the Windies played with four seamers and one spinner. "Pace is the backbone of our side. We have done well with our seamers. Roach and Gabriel have been outstanding. I have also been supporting the bowling line up. We have relied heavily on our pacers from the last couple of years. Hopefully, we continue to keep our pacers fine and hope we get 20 wickets in this Test match," Holder told reporters. Watch the video: × The team was disappointed with the performance in the last match and will hope to do better in the second Test, he said. "We are disappointed with our performance in the last game and this an opportunity for us to level the series. We have to perform. Hopefully, we can play really good team cricket," Holder added. Earlier, India white-washed the Windies in the ODI and T20I series. West Indies will face India in the second Test at Sabina Park here later today.

Pace is our backbone, says West Indies skipper Jason Holder

Don Bradman, Graham Gooch, now Ben Stokes, here's a list of six great Test innings

Keeping India's pace battery fully charged will be crucial to the team's ICC World Test Championship chances, skipper Virat Kohli said following their win over West Indies in the first Test on Sunday.

Jasprit Bumrah took five wickets for seven runs while fellow fast bowler Ishant Sharma claimed three as India recorded their biggest ever away win by runs, thrashing the hosts by 318 runs in Antigua.

Bumrah's fourth five-wicket haul made him the only Asian to achieve the feat in South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies, and Kohli justified the decision to rest the 25-year-old for the three ODIs and three T20 games before the Tests.

"That's why Bumrah didn't play any white-ball cricket after the World Cup because we wanted him fresh for the Tests," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"He's going to be a key factor for us as long as the Test championship continues. We know how good a bowler he is and the impact he can make in a spell.

"That's probably the most important thing for us right now, managing player workloads."

The inaugural championship involves the nine top-ranked Test nations competing in a league between July 2019 and April 2021, with the top two sides progressing to the final which will be held in England in June 2021.

"Mohammed Shami is the same (as Bumrah). Ishant Sharma is a banker for years now and he can make an impact in any spell he bowls. Those three together are bowling well," Kohli added.

"Umesh Yadav hasn't had a game, and we have Navdeep Saini, who can bowl 150 clicks (kmph), waiting in the wings. We're pretty settled as far as our bowling options are concerned."

In another positive sign, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane scored his first century in international cricket in over two years, scoring 102 in the second innings while Hanuma Vihari made 93.

All-rounder Vihari, preferred ahead of batsman Rohit Sharma due to his part-time off-spin, said he was working on his bowling to keep his place.

"It's important that my off-spin keeps developing, not only for myself but for the team as I fit in just because of that combination," Vihari told a news conference.

"I'm trying to ... get better at it. So, hopefully, I'll get more overs and help the team in the future."

The second and final Test begins in Jamaica on Friday.

Keeping India's pace battery fully charged will be crucial to the team's ICC World Test Championship chances, skipper Virat Kohli said following their win over West Indies in the first Test on Sunday.

Keeping India's pace battery fully charged will be crucial to the team's ICC World Test Championship chances, skipper Virat Kohli said following their win over West Indies in the first Test on Sunday. Jasprit Bumrah took five wickets for seven runs while fellow fast bowler Ishant Sharma claimed three as India recorded their biggest ever away win by runs, thrashing the hosts by 318 runs in Antigua. Bumrah's fourth five-wicket haul made him the only Asian to achieve the feat in South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies, and Kohli justified the decision to rest the 25-year-old for the three ODIs and three T20 games before the Tests. "That's why Bumrah didn't play any white-ball cricket after the World Cup because we wanted him fresh for the Tests," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony. "He's going to be a key factor for us as long as the Test championship continues. We know how good a bowler he is and the impact he can make in a spell. "That's probably the most important thing for us right now, managing player workloads." The inaugural championship involves the nine top-ranked Test nations competing in a league between July 2019 and April 2021, with the top two sides progressing to the final which will be held in England in June 2021. "Mohammed Shami is the same (as Bumrah). Ishant Sharma is a banker for years now and he can make an impact in any spell he bowls. Those three together are bowling well," Kohli added. "Umesh Yadav hasn't had a game, and we have Navdeep Saini, who can bowl 150 clicks (kmph), waiting in the wings. We're pretty settled as far as our bowling options are concerned." In another positive sign, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane scored his first century in international cricket in over two years, scoring 102 in the second innings while Hanuma Vihari made 93. All-rounder Vihari, preferred ahead of batsman Rohit Sharma due to his part-time off-spin, said he was working on his bowling to keep his place. "It's important that my off-spin keeps developing, not only for myself but for the team as I fit in just because of that combination," Vihari told a news conference. "I'm trying to ... get better at it. So, hopefully, I'll get more overs and help the team in the future." The second and final Test begins in Jamaica on Friday.

Managing bowlers' workload top priority for India captain Virat Kohli

As India registered a comprehensive 318-run win over West Indies in the first Test of two-match series, skipper Virat Kohli added yet another feather to his cap, becoming the most successful Indian captain in overseas Tests.

Kohli went past former captain Sourav Ganguly to achieve the feat. This was Kohli's 12th overseas Test victory. He broke the record in his 26th match as skipper on foreign soil on Sunday. Ganguly had 11 Test wins from 28 matches.

Kohli, 30, is now tied with MS Dhoni for having the most number of victories in Tests. Both Kohli and Dhoni have 27 wins in the longest format of the game.

On day four of the Test, India resumed their innings at 185/3 and they went on to add 158 runs more to their tally to take the score up to 343 runs and gain a lead of 418 runs.

Kohli failed to add to his overnight score as he was dismissed at 51, but Ajinkya Rahane registered a century.

This ton by Rahane was his first in over two years. Hanuma Vihari was unable to score a century as he was dismissed for 93.

Windies batsmen failed to stay at the crease for long in the second innings and the entire team was bundled out in 27 overs. Jasprit Bumrah scalped five wickets for India in the second innings. India now have a 1-0 lead in the series.

India will take on the Caribbean side in the second Test, beginning August 30 at Jamaica.

As India registered a comprehensive 318-run win over West Indies in the first Test of two-match series, skipper Virat Kohli added yet another feather to his cap, becoming the most successful Indian captain in overseas Tests.

As India registered a comprehensive 318-run win over West Indies in the first Test of two-match series, skipper Virat Kohli added yet another feather to his cap, becoming the most successful Indian captain in overseas Tests. Kohli went past former captain Sourav Ganguly to achieve the feat. This was Kohli's 12th overseas Test victory. He broke the record in his 26th match as skipper on foreign soil on Sunday. Ganguly had 11 Test wins from 28 matches. Kohli, 30, is now tied with MS Dhoni for having the most number of victories in Tests. Both Kohli and Dhoni have 27 wins in the longest format of the game. On day four of the Test, India resumed their innings at 185/3 and they went on to add 158 runs more to their tally to take the score up to 343 runs and gain a lead of 418 runs. Kohli failed to add to his overnight score as he was dismissed at 51, but Ajinkya Rahane registered a century. This ton by Rahane was his first in over two years. Hanuma Vihari was unable to score a century as he was dismissed for 93. Windies batsmen failed to stay at the crease for long in the second innings and the entire team was bundled out in 27 overs. Jasprit Bumrah scalped five wickets for India in the second innings. India now have a 1-0 lead in the series. India will take on the Caribbean side in the second Test, beginning August 30 at Jamaica.

Virat Kohli becomes most successful Indian captain in overseas Tests

Pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Friday became the fastest Indian bowler to scalp 50 Test wickets.

He achieved the feat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishant-sharma-takes-five-wickets-india-on-top-against-west-indies-245225">against West Indies on day two</a> of the ongoing first Test match at Antigua.

Bumrah dismissed Darren Bravo in the 30th over of the Windies innings to register his 50th Test wicket. He had Bravo plum in front and as a result, the left-hander was adjudged leg-before wicket (LBW).&nbsp;

The 25-year-old recorded 50 Test wickets in his 11th match for the team in the longest format of the game.

The pacer has gone past Ventakesh Prasad and Mohammad Shami. Both Prasad and Shami had reached the milestone in 13 Test matches.

On day two of the first Test, India managed to post 297 runs on the board as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja played a knock of 58 runs and was involved in a 60-run stand with Ishant Sharma.

India displayed a clinical performance with the ball in hand as they reduced Windies to 189/8 in the first innings.

Ishant scalped five wickets as he dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Kemar Roach.

West Indies will resume day three at 189/8, still 108 runs behind India.

Pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Friday became the fastest Indian bowler to scalp 50 Test wickets. He achieved the feat against West Indies on day two of the ongoing first Test match at Antigua.

Pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Friday became the fastest Indian bowler to scalp 50 Test wickets. He achieved the feat against West Indies on day two of the ongoing first Test match at Antigua. Bumrah dismissed Darren Bravo in the 30th over of the Windies innings to register his 50th Test wicket. He had Bravo plum in front and as a result, the left-hander was adjudged leg-before wicket (LBW). The 25-year-old recorded 50 Test wickets in his 11th match for the team in the longest format of the game. The pacer has gone past Ventakesh Prasad and Mohammad Shami. Both Prasad and Shami had reached the milestone in 13 Test matches. On day two of the first Test, India managed to post 297 runs on the board as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja played a knock of 58 runs and was involved in a 60-run stand with Ishant Sharma. India displayed a clinical performance with the ball in hand as they reduced Windies to 189/8 in the first innings. Ishant scalped five wickets as he dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Kemar Roach. West Indies will resume day three at 189/8, still 108 runs behind India.

Jasprit Bumrah becomes the fastest Indian to scalp 50 Test wickets

A sparkling century by Tom Latham powered New Zealand's first innings reply after Sri Lanka posted 244 on day three of the rain-hit second Test in Colombo on Saturday.

Latham, on 111, put together an unbeaten 70-run stand with B.J. Watling, on 25, to thwart the Sri Lankan bowling attack that had made early inroads into the Kiwi batting.

The tourists were 196 for four at stumps, still trailing Sri Lanka by 48 runs.

Earlier Dhananjaya de Silva made 109 to lift Sri Lanka after they resumed the day on 144 for six following their decision to bat first.

But Latham made the day his own as he registered his 10th Test hundred -- fourth against Sri Lanka -- to hold the New Zealand innings after they lost key wickets including skipper Kane Williamson for 20.

Latham combined the right dose of caution and aggression as he hit 10 boundaries in his 184-ball stay at the wicket so far.

"Tom is getting better and better every season. He had a great summer back home," New Zealand paceman Tim Southee, who claimed four wickets in the Sri Lankan innings, told reporters.

"Great to see him kick on and continue that form overseas especially to come here and play the way he has played on conditions that are tough."

Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera opened the bowling for Sri Lanka and claimed two wickets, dismissing opener Jeet Raval, for nought, and Henry Nicholls, for 15.

Paceman Suranga Lakmal sent Williamson trudging back to the pavilion after the batsman edged an away-going delivery to be caught at second slip.

Latham and Ross Taylor, who made 23, tried to steady the innings by putting together 50 runs before left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya broke the partnership.

Embuldeniya drew Taylor out of his crease only for the batsman to edge the ball to slip.

Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella had to leave the field after damaging the little finger of his left hand while attempting a catch off a Kumara delivery.

In the morning session, De Silva moved from his overnight 32 to complete his fifth Test century.

Southee returned figures of 4-63 while pace partner Trent Boult got three wickets.

De Silva, who was dropped on nine by paceman Boult off his own bowling on day two, put on crucial partnerships including a 43-run stand for the eighth wicket with Suranga Lakmal.

The middle-order batsman, who hit 16 fours and two sixes in his 148-ball stay, reached his century with a boundary to third man off Southee as he raised his bat to the applauding dressing room.

"We were in a bit of a tough situation and the idea was to try and get to 230. Great support from Dilruwan and the lower-order guys to help us to get where we are," said de Silva.

"Very pleased with the effort I put in today. I have not been able to come up with a big score for quite some time now."

After the first two days were affected by rain, the third day's play witnessed 90 overs despite a 28 minute delay due to rain in the final session.

Sri Lanka lead the two-match series 1-0.

A sparkling century by Tom Latham powered New Zealand's first innings reply after Sri Lanka posted 244 on day three of the rain-hit second Test in Colombo on Saturday.

A sparkling century by Tom Latham powered New Zealand's first innings reply after Sri Lanka posted 244 on day three of the rain-hit second Test in Colombo on Saturday. Latham, on 111, put together an unbeaten 70-run stand with B.J. Watling, on 25, to thwart the Sri Lankan bowling attack that had made early inroads into the Kiwi batting. The tourists were 196 for four at stumps, still trailing Sri Lanka by 48 runs. Earlier Dhananjaya de Silva made 109 to lift Sri Lanka after they resumed the day on 144 for six following their decision to bat first. But Latham made the day his own as he registered his 10th Test hundred -- fourth against Sri Lanka -- to hold the New Zealand innings after they lost key wickets including skipper Kane Williamson for 20. Latham combined the right dose of caution and aggression as he hit 10 boundaries in his 184-ball stay at the wicket so far. "Tom is getting better and better every season. He had a great summer back home," New Zealand paceman Tim Southee, who claimed four wickets in the Sri Lankan innings, told reporters. "Great to see him kick on and continue that form overseas especially to come here and play the way he has played on conditions that are tough." Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera opened the bowling for Sri Lanka and claimed two wickets, dismissing opener Jeet Raval, for nought, and Henry Nicholls, for 15. Paceman Suranga Lakmal sent Williamson trudging back to the pavilion after the batsman edged an away-going delivery to be caught at second slip. Latham and Ross Taylor, who made 23, tried to steady the innings by putting together 50 runs before left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya broke the partnership. Embuldeniya drew Taylor out of his crease only for the batsman to edge the ball to slip. Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella had to leave the field after damaging the little finger of his left hand while attempting a catch off a Kumara delivery. In the morning session, De Silva moved from his overnight 32 to complete his fifth Test century. Southee returned figures of 4-63 while pace partner Trent Boult got three wickets. De Silva, who was dropped on nine by paceman Boult off his own bowling on day two, put on crucial partnerships including a 43-run stand for the eighth wicket with Suranga Lakmal. The middle-order batsman, who hit 16 fours and two sixes in his 148-ball stay, reached his century with a boundary to third man off Southee as he raised his bat to the applauding dressing room. "We were in a bit of a tough situation and the idea was to try and get to 230. Great support from Dilruwan and the lower-order guys to help us to get where we are," said de Silva. "Very pleased with the effort I put in today. I have not been able to come up with a big score for quite some time now." After the first two days were affected by rain, the third day's play witnessed 90 overs despite a 28 minute delay due to rain in the final session. Sri Lanka lead the two-match series 1-0.

Tom Latham ton drives New Zealand's reply against Sri Lanka

The Indian cricket team will be wearing black armbands when they step out on the field on day three of the first Test match against West Indies in Antigua as a mark of respect for former Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-passes-away-at-66-245276">Arun Jaitley who passed away</a> earlier today.

"Indian cricket team touring West Indies will be wearing black armbands to condole Arun Jaitley's demise," the BCCI said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/life-and-times-of-arun-jaitley-an-impeccable-strategist-and-bjps-precious-diamond-245285">Jaitley</a>, who also served as the BCCI vice-president and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president in the past, passed away on Saturday afternoon at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Indian skipper Virat Kohli also paid his tribute to the deceased leader.

"Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley ji. He was genuinely a good person, always willing to help others. He took out his precious time back in 2006 when my father passed away to come to my home &amp; pay his condolences. May his soul rest in peace," Kohli tweeted.

Watch:&nbsp;An orator, protagonist, philathropist; this is what describes Arun Jaitley&nbsp;

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Jaitley first became a Cabinet minister in the government of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000. He then also went on to serve as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from June 2009.

He was appointed the Finance Minister in the first term of Modi government in 2014. He opted out of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections citing health reasons.

The former Finance Minister was admitted to the AIIMS earlier this month after he complained of restlessness. He was placed under observation at the hospital`s Cardio-Neuro-Centre.

The Indian cricket team will be wearing black armbands when they step out on the field on day three of the first Test match against West Indies in Antigua as a mark of respect for former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who passed away earlier today.

The Indian cricket team will be wearing black armbands when they step out on the field on day three of the first Test match against West Indies in Antigua as a mark of respect for former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who passed away earlier today. "Indian cricket team touring West Indies will be wearing black armbands to condole Arun Jaitley's demise," the BCCI said. Jaitley, who also served as the BCCI vice-president and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president in the past, passed away on Saturday afternoon at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Indian skipper Virat Kohli also paid his tribute to the deceased leader. "Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley ji. He was genuinely a good person, always willing to help others. He took out his precious time back in 2006 when my father passed away to come to my home & pay his condolences. May his soul rest in peace," Kohli tweeted. Watch: An orator, protagonist, philathropist; this is what describes Arun Jaitley × Jaitley first became a Cabinet minister in the government of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000. He then also went on to serve as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from June 2009. He was appointed the Finance Minister in the first term of Modi government in 2014. He opted out of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections citing health reasons. The former Finance Minister was admitted to the AIIMS earlier this month after he complained of restlessness. He was placed under observation at the hospital`s Cardio-Neuro-Centre.

Indian team to sport black armbands to condole Arun Jaitley's demise

The last time Ajinkya Rahane scored a century in international cricket was over two years back but the India Test vice-captain says the drought does not concern him as long as he is contributing for his side.&nbsp;

The middle-order batsman was dismissed after a gritty 81 in the opening Test against West Indies in Antigua on Thursday, the sixth time he had gone past a half-century in the format since scoring 132 against Sri Lanka in Colombo in August, 2017.&nbsp;

Rahane, 31, fell short of the three-figure mark again when he was bowled by paceman Shannon Gabriel, via an inside edge, but not before he had resurrected the world's top-ranked Test side from a precarious 25-3.&nbsp;

"I knew this question will come, I was ready," Rahane told reporters after a brief laugh when he was asked about missing out on a hundred again.&nbsp;

"As long as I am contributing for my team, that's what matters. Yes, I was thinking about my hundred but the situation we were in was tricky. I am not too worried or concerned about my hundred as that will come automatically.&nbsp;

"As long as I am at the crease, I am thinking about my team, I am not a selfish guy. I thought 81 on that wicket was really crucial and we are in a decent position."

Rahane's innings helped India steady the ship with the right-handed batsman adding 68 for the fourth wicket with opener KL Rahul and another 82 for the next with Hanuma Vihari to help the touring side reach 203-6 on the rain-truncated day.

He had missed out from India's World Cup squad and used the time for a stint with English County Championship side Hampshire.

With India playing their first Test in over seven months, the Hampshire stint was helpful, Rahane said.

"That was a good thing for me because I took the decision when I got to know that I was not in the World Cup squad," Rahane said. "I wanted to make use of the two months and I thought the county stint helped me a lot.

"I was focusing on my batting, few areas to work on basically. When you play with Dukes ball in England you got to play close to your body.

"I was batting at No. 3 as well so luckily I got to play the new ball there. Those two months I really used my time well...I thought I was in good nick and it's good that I went there and had some batting practice."

The last time Ajinkya Rahane scored a century in international cricket was over two years back but the India Test vice-captain says the drought does not concern him as long as he is contributing for his side.

The last time Ajinkya Rahane scored a century in international cricket was over two years back but the India Test vice-captain says the drought does not concern him as long as he is contributing for his side. The middle-order batsman was dismissed after a gritty 81 in the opening Test against West Indies in Antigua on Thursday, the sixth time he had gone past a half-century in the format since scoring 132 against Sri Lanka in Colombo in August, 2017. Rahane, 31, fell short of the three-figure mark again when he was bowled by paceman Shannon Gabriel, via an inside edge, but not before he had resurrected the world's top-ranked Test side from a precarious 25-3. "I knew this question will come, I was ready," Rahane told reporters after a brief laugh when he was asked about missing out on a hundred again. "As long as I am contributing for my team, that's what matters. Yes, I was thinking about my hundred but the situation we were in was tricky. I am not too worried or concerned about my hundred as that will come automatically. "As long as I am at the crease, I am thinking about my team, I am not a selfish guy. I thought 81 on that wicket was really crucial and we are in a decent position." Rahane's innings helped India steady the ship with the right-handed batsman adding 68 for the fourth wicket with opener KL Rahul and another 82 for the next with Hanuma Vihari to help the touring side reach 203-6 on the rain-truncated day. He had missed out from India's World Cup squad and used the time for a stint with English County Championship side Hampshire. With India playing their first Test in over seven months, the Hampshire stint was helpful, Rahane said. "That was a good thing for me because I took the decision when I got to know that I was not in the World Cup squad," Rahane said. "I wanted to make use of the two months and I thought the county stint helped me a lot. "I was focusing on my batting, few areas to work on basically. When you play with Dukes ball in England you got to play close to your body. "I was batting at No. 3 as well so luckily I got to play the new ball there. Those two months I really used my time well...I thought I was in good nick and it's good that I went there and had some batting practice."

'Not a selfish guy': Ajinkya Rahane not concerned about century drought

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood&nbsp;took a five-wicket haul to help his team&nbsp;restrict England for&nbsp;67 in their first innings on day two of the third Ashes Test at Headingley.&nbsp;

This is England's&nbsp;lowest Test innings score against Australia since 1948.&nbsp;

For England, with 12,&nbsp;Joe Denly&nbsp;was the only batsman to reach double figures in an innings that lasted a mere 27.5 overs. The skipper Joe Root out for his second successive duck.&nbsp;

Australia lead the five-match series 1-0 and victory in Leeds would see them retain the Ashes.&nbsp;

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England have been bowled out for 67! 
 
What a performance from the Australian bowlers today, five wickets for Josh Hazlewood.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/NMDHfzmkZz">pic.twitter.com/NMDHfzmkZz</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1164887166448746498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Jason Roy's struggles continued as he fell early for nine, before Root followed his golden duck at Lord's by lasting one more ball on his home ground without scoring.

Rory Burns went next, before England's in-form batsman Ben Stokes, on eight, went for a shot he did not need to and edged to David Warner — one of four catches taken by the Australia opener.

Coming out on 54-6 after the morning session, the wickets continued to fall as Chris Woakes was out first ball after lunch, with Australia making light work of the England tail to embarrass the hosts and open up a first-innings lead of 112.

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood took a five-wicket haul to help his team restrict England for 67 in their first innings on day two of the third Ashes Test at Headingley.

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood took a five-wicket haul to help his team restrict England for 67 in their first innings on day two of the third Ashes Test at Headingley. This is England's lowest Test innings score against Australia since 1948. For England, with 12, Joe Denly was the only batsman to reach double figures in an innings that lasted a mere 27.5 overs. The skipper Joe Root out for his second successive duck. Australia lead the five-match series 1-0 and victory in Leeds would see them retain the Ashes. England have been bowled out for 67! What a performance from the Australian bowlers today, five wickets for Josh Hazlewood.#Ashes pic.twitter.com/NMDHfzmkZz — ICC (@ICC) August 23, 2019 × Jason Roy's struggles continued as he fell early for nine, before Root followed his golden duck at Lord's by lasting one more ball on his home ground without scoring. Rory Burns went next, before England's in-form batsman Ben Stokes, on eight, went for a shot he did not need to and edged to David Warner — one of four catches taken by the Australia opener. Coming out on 54-6 after the morning session, the wickets continued to fall as Chris Woakes was out first ball after lunch, with Australia making light work of the England tail to embarrass the hosts and open up a first-innings lead of 112.

Ashes 2019: England post lowest total against Australia since 1948

Trent Boult and Tim Southee led New Zealand's charge against Sri Lanka on day two of the rain-hit second Test in Colombo on Friday.

The pacemen claimed two wickets each as Sri Lanka reached 144 for six at lunch when rain came down and no further play was possible.

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne moved from his overnight 49 to score 65 and provided the only bit of resistance in the morning session, which saw 29.3 overs bowled.

Boult took two early wickets in one over after Sri Lanka resumed the day at 85 for two.

Dhananjaya de Silva on 32 and Dilruwan Perera on five were at the crease.

Southee, like Boult, also delivered a double-wicket maiden as the duo put on a superb display of seam bowling under overcast conditions.

Boult got overnight batsman Angelo Mathews caught behind for two to reach a landmark of 250 Test wickets -- only the third Kiwi bowler to achieve the feat.

Boult trapped Kusal Perera lbw for nought after just three balls as Sri Lanka slipped to 93-4 and would have been in further trouble had Boult held on to a simple catch from de Silva off his own bowling a few overs later.

"Today's a special day for Trent. He's become the third highest wicket-taker for New Zealand," New Zealand bowling coach Shane Jurgensen told reporters.

"He's got great passion and energy which he brings to our team. I think the skill and execution and the way he's contributed to the team has been amazing."

Karunaratne also got a lifeline on 61 when Kane Williamson could not grab a tough chance at short mid-wicket off Ajaz Patel.

But the left-hander, who completed his 23rd Test fifty after resuming the day on 49, soon fell, caught behind off Southee for 65.

Southee struck again in the same over to send Niroshan Dickwella trudging back to the pavilion for nought.

"Tim and Trent have been doing it for a while. They've been creating wickets and they're very accurate, and they've got the ability to swing the ball," said Jurgensen.

"Today there might have been a little bit of swing with the overhead conditions, and it just seemed to be doing a little bit. They both work really hard on their fitness, and that's a big factor in their resilience.

"And they don't just play Test cricket. They play basically all formats. To play all formats and do as well as they've done is awesome."

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Play has been abandoned for the day in Colombo! 
 
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Perera then played out the rest of the session with de Silva.

Medium-pace bowler Colin de Grandhomme and spinner William Somerville took a wicket each on the opening day after Sri Lanka elected to bat first.

Weather permitting, extended playing time is planned for the third day after two days of continuous rain interruptions in the Sri Lankan capital.

Trent Boult and Tim Southee led New Zealand's charge against Sri Lanka on day two of the rain-hit second Test in Colombo on Friday. The pacemen claimed two wickets each as Sri Lanka reached 144 for six at lunch when rain came down and no further play was possible.

Trent Boult and Tim Southee led New Zealand's charge against Sri Lanka on day two of the rain-hit second Test in Colombo on Friday. The pacemen claimed two wickets each as Sri Lanka reached 144 for six at lunch when rain came down and no further play was possible. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne moved from his overnight 49 to score 65 and provided the only bit of resistance in the morning session, which saw 29.3 overs bowled. Boult took two early wickets in one over after Sri Lanka resumed the day at 85 for two. Dhananjaya de Silva on 32 and Dilruwan Perera on five were at the crease. Southee, like Boult, also delivered a double-wicket maiden as the duo put on a superb display of seam bowling under overcast conditions. Boult got overnight batsman Angelo Mathews caught behind for two to reach a landmark of 250 Test wickets -- only the third Kiwi bowler to achieve the feat. Boult trapped Kusal Perera lbw for nought after just three balls as Sri Lanka slipped to 93-4 and would have been in further trouble had Boult held on to a simple catch from de Silva off his own bowling a few overs later. "Today's a special day for Trent. He's become the third highest wicket-taker for New Zealand," New Zealand bowling coach Shane Jurgensen told reporters. "He's got great passion and energy which he brings to our team. I think the skill and execution and the way he's contributed to the team has been amazing." Karunaratne also got a lifeline on 61 when Kane Williamson could not grab a tough chance at short mid-wicket off Ajaz Patel. But the left-hander, who completed his 23rd Test fifty after resuming the day on 49, soon fell, caught behind off Southee for 65. Southee struck again in the same over to send Niroshan Dickwella trudging back to the pavilion for nought. "Tim and Trent have been doing it for a while. They've been creating wickets and they're very accurate, and they've got the ability to swing the ball," said Jurgensen. "Today there might have been a little bit of swing with the overhead conditions, and it just seemed to be doing a little bit. They both work really hard on their fitness, and that's a big factor in their resilience. "And they don't just play Test cricket. They play basically all formats. To play all formats and do as well as they've done is awesome." Play has been abandoned for the day in Colombo! Sri Lanka will resume on 144/6 tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/fOlUFTsWx7 — ICC (@ICC) August 23, 2019 × Perera then played out the rest of the session with de Silva. Medium-pace bowler Colin de Grandhomme and spinner William Somerville took a wicket each on the opening day after Sri Lanka elected to bat first. Weather permitting, extended playing time is planned for the third day after two days of continuous rain interruptions in the Sri Lankan capital.

SLvsNZ: Trent Boult, Tim Southee rattle Sri Lanka in rain-hit 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>
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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

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