England have called up batsman Jonny Bairstow for the test series against New Zealand as injury cover for Joe Denly, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Thursday.

Bairstow, who was due to fly home after the ongoing T20 series, was left out of the Test squad following a disappointing Ashes series against Australia.

Denly injured his ankle in training.&nbsp;

"(Denly) is making progress on his rehabilitation and is hoping that he will be fit to play in the three-day warm-up match starting on Friday, November&nbsp;15," the ECB said.

England have another warm-up game before that in which Bairstow, who has scored more than 4,000 runs in 69 tests, can press his claims for a spot in the side ahead of the two-match series starting on November&nbsp;20.

England have called up batsman Jonny Bairstow for the test series against New Zealand as injury cover for Joe Denly, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Thursday.

England have called up batsman Jonny Bairstow for the test series against New Zealand as injury cover for Joe Denly, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Thursday. Bairstow, who was due to fly home after the ongoing T20 series, was left out of the Test squad following a disappointing Ashes series against Australia. Denly injured his ankle in training. "(Denly) is making progress on his rehabilitation and is hoping that he will be fit to play in the three-day warm-up match starting on Friday, November 15," the ECB said. England have another warm-up game before that in which Bairstow, who has scored more than 4,000 runs in 69 tests, can press his claims for a spot in the side ahead of the two-match series starting on November 20.

Cricket: England call up Bairstow as cover for Denly

Opening batsman Rohit Sharma on Saturday broke the record for registering the most number of sixes in a bilateral Test series. 
 
He achieved the feat on the first day of the third and final Test against South Africa here at Ranchi. Sharma has now smashed 16 sixes in the entire series. 
 
Sharma went past West Indies' batsman Shimron Hetmyer who had registered 15 sixes in the series against Bangladesh in 2018/19. 
 
Before Hetmyer's record, spinner Harbhajan Singh held the record as he hit 14 sixes in the series against New Zealand in 2010/11. 
 
Sharma who has gone past the 100-run mark in the Test also became only the second Indian opener to score three or more centuries in a Test series. 
 
Sunil Gavaskar was the only previous Indian to do so, in three different series. 
 
In the third and final Test, India won the toss and elected to bat first against South Africa. 
 
Virat Kohli-led side handed the debut cap to Shahbaz Nadeem. On the other hand, Proteas skipper announced that Quinton de Kock would be opening the batting for the side in place of Aiden Markram. 
 
Nadeem is only the second cricketer in the history of Ranji Trophy to take 50 wickets in a season twice, having taken 51 in 2015-16. 
 
While filing this story, India had reached the score of 184/3 in the first innings. Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane are currently unbeaten on 101 and 60 respectively.

Opening batsman Rohit Sharma on Saturday broke the record for registering the most number of sixes in a bilateral Test series. He achieved the feat on the first day of the third and final Test against South Africa here at Ranchi.

Opening batsman Rohit Sharma on Saturday broke the record for registering the most number of sixes in a bilateral Test series. He achieved the feat on the first day of the third and final Test against South Africa here at Ranchi. Sharma has now smashed 16 sixes in the entire series. Sharma went past West Indies' batsman Shimron Hetmyer who had registered 15 sixes in the series against Bangladesh in 2018/19. Before Hetmyer's record, spinner Harbhajan Singh held the record as he hit 14 sixes in the series against New Zealand in 2010/11. Sharma who has gone past the 100-run mark in the Test also became only the second Indian opener to score three or more centuries in a Test series. Sunil Gavaskar was the only previous Indian to do so, in three different series. In the third and final Test, India won the toss and elected to bat first against South Africa. Virat Kohli-led side handed the debut cap to Shahbaz Nadeem. On the other hand, Proteas skipper announced that Quinton de Kock would be opening the batting for the side in place of Aiden Markram. Nadeem is only the second cricketer in the history of Ranji Trophy to take 50 wickets in a season twice, having taken 51 in 2015-16. While filing this story, India had reached the score of 184/3 in the first innings. Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane are currently unbeaten on 101 and 60 respectively.

Rohit Sharma breaks Shimron Hetmyer's record of most sixes in Test series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

England drop Bairstow from Test squad for New Zealand series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

England close in on Ashes-levelling win after Broad double

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.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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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

Rashid Khan claimed 6-49 and completed his maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket as Afghanistan overcame rain&nbsp;and fading light to crush Bangladesh by 224 runs in the one-off Test in Chittagong on Monday.

In only his country's third Test match, Rashid took three of the last four wickets to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets, helping Afghanistan bowl out Bangladesh for 173 runs in the second innings.

With four wickets in hand, the hosts were given 18.3 overs to survive after play resumed in the final session following a rain break but they succumbed with three overs to spare.

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WHAT. A. FINISH. 
 
Afghanistan will enjoy that for a long time! <a href="https://t.co/fO98U8SWEX">pic.twitter.com/fO98U8SWEX</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1171021691092373505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Rashid Khan claims the final wicket – that of Soumya Sarkar – as Afghanistan secure a 224-run victory! 
 
What a brilliant performance by the captain, who finishes with 11 wickets for the match 🔥 
 
Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvAFG</a> blog for live updates ⏬<a href="https://t.co/kHXVx32oOc">https://t.co/kHXVx32oOc</a> <a href="https://t.co/RNBDXvWd2K">pic.twitter.com/RNBDXvWd2K</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1171020830601617408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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

Australia retained the Ashes with a 185-run thrashing of England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The victory left Australia 2-1 up in the five-Test series ahead of next week's finale at the Oval.

England, set a mammoth target of 383 to win, were dismissed for 197 on the fifth day.

Craig Overton, who batted for 105 balls, was the last man out when lbw to Josh Hazlewood for 21.

Australia paceman Pat Cummins, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, had second-innings figures of 4-43 after teammate Steve Smith, top of the corresponding batting standings, scored 211 and 82.

That took Smith's tally for the series to 671 runs at 134.2 including three hundred, despite missing England's one-wicket win in the third Test at Headingley with a concussion.

Brief scores

Australia 1st Innings 497-8 dec (S Smith 211, M Labuschagne 67, T Paine 58, M Starc 54 no; S Broad 3-97)

England 1st Innings 301 (R Burns 81, J Root 71; J Hazlewood 4-57, P Cummins 3-60, M Starc 3-80)

Australia 2nd Innings 186-6 dec (S Smith 82; J Archer 3-45)

England 2nd Innings 197 (J Denly 53; P Cummins 4-43)

Result: Australia won by 185 runs

Series: Australia lead five-match series 2-1

Australia retained the Ashes with a 185-run thrashing of England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Sunday. The victory left Australia 2-1 up in the five-Test series ahead of next week's finale at the Oval.

Australia retained the Ashes with a 185-run thrashing of England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Sunday. The victory left Australia 2-1 up in the five-Test series ahead of next week's finale at the Oval. England, set a mammoth target of 383 to win, were dismissed for 197 on the fifth day. Craig Overton, who batted for 105 balls, was the last man out when lbw to Josh Hazlewood for 21. Australia paceman Pat Cummins, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, had second-innings figures of 4-43 after teammate Steve Smith, top of the corresponding batting standings, scored 211 and 82. That took Smith's tally for the series to 671 runs at 134.2 including three hundred, despite missing England's one-wicket win in the third Test at Headingley with a concussion. Brief scores Australia 1st Innings 497-8 dec (S Smith 211, M Labuschagne 67, T Paine 58, M Starc 54 no; S Broad 3-97) England 1st Innings 301 (R Burns 81, J Root 71; J Hazlewood 4-57, P Cummins 3-60, M Starc 3-80) Australia 2nd Innings 186-6 dec (S Smith 82; J Archer 3-45) England 2nd Innings 197 (J Denly 53; P Cummins 4-43) Result: Australia won by 185 runs Series: Australia lead five-match series 2-1

Australia retain Ashes with 185-run win over England in fourth Test

Stuart Broad dismissed David Warner for a third duck in as many Test innings at Old Trafford on Saturday as the England paceman continued to torment the Australia opener in the Ashes series.

Broad, bowling from around the wicket, had left-hander Warner lbw sixth ball to leave Australia none for one in their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-england-301-all-out-against-australia-in-fourth-test-248308">second innings of the fourth Test</a>.

Broad also had Warner caught behind for nought in Australia's first innings 497-8 declared, having had him lbw for nought in the second innings of England's dramatic one-wicket win in the third Test at Headingley.

This is Warner's first Test series since a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

But this Ashes has seen the 32-year-old Warner, now playing in his 78th Test, become Broad's 'bunny'.

Saturday's dismissal meant 33-year-old fast-medium bowler Broad had now taken Warner's wicket six times this series for a cost of 32 runs in 93 balls.&nbsp;

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David Warner struggles to open his account yet again! Paceman Stuart Broad has dismissed him for another duck in Manchester. 
 
The Australian's numbers in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> so far: 2, 8, 3, 5, 65, 0, 0, 0. <a href="https://t.co/JgYNOkZCmv">pic.twitter.com/JgYNOkZCmv</a>
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Warner, who did not even bother to review umpire Marais Erasmus's decision when given out on Saturday, is only the third Australia opening batsman to make three successive noughts in Test cricket after Victor Trumper in 1908 and Graeme Wood in 1980.

Despite Warner's latest early exit — which prompted the now customary mixture of cheers and boos from the home crowd — Australia were still then 196 runs ahead after bowling England out for 301 in their first innings.

While Warner is struggling, star batsman Steve Smith made 211 in Australia's first innings at Old Trafford.

It was the former Australia captain's third century of this Ashes in what is also his first series since he too completed a 12-month ball-tampering ban for his role in the same incident in Cape Town that led to the suspension of Warner, his then deputy.

Holders Australia will retain the Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play in a five-Test series if they win at Old Trafford.

Stuart Broad dismissed David Warner for a third duck in as many Test innings at Old Trafford on Saturday as the England paceman continued to torment the Australia opener in the Ashes series.

Stuart Broad dismissed David Warner for a third duck in as many Test innings at Old Trafford on Saturday as the England paceman continued to torment the Australia opener in the Ashes series. Broad, bowling from around the wicket, had left-hander Warner lbw sixth ball to leave Australia none for one in their second innings of the fourth Test. Broad also had Warner caught behind for nought in Australia's first innings 497-8 declared, having had him lbw for nought in the second innings of England's dramatic one-wicket win in the third Test at Headingley. This is Warner's first Test series since a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. But this Ashes has seen the 32-year-old Warner, now playing in his 78th Test, become Broad's 'bunny'. Saturday's dismissal meant 33-year-old fast-medium bowler Broad had now taken Warner's wicket six times this series for a cost of 32 runs in 93 balls. David Warner struggles to open his account yet again! Paceman Stuart Broad has dismissed him for another duck in Manchester. The Australian's numbers in the #Ashes so far: 2, 8, 3, 5, 65, 0, 0, 0. pic.twitter.com/JgYNOkZCmv — ICC (@ICC) September 7, 2019 × Warner, who did not even bother to review umpire Marais Erasmus's decision when given out on Saturday, is only the third Australia opening batsman to make three successive noughts in Test cricket after Victor Trumper in 1908 and Graeme Wood in 1980. Despite Warner's latest early exit — which prompted the now customary mixture of cheers and boos from the home crowd — Australia were still then 196 runs ahead after bowling England out for 301 in their first innings. While Warner is struggling, star batsman Steve Smith made 211 in Australia's first innings at Old Trafford. It was the former Australia captain's third century of this Ashes in what is also his first series since he too completed a 12-month ball-tampering ban for his role in the same incident in Cape Town that led to the suspension of Warner, his then deputy. Holders Australia will retain the Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play in a five-Test series if they win at Old Trafford.

Ashes 2019: Stuart Broad gets David Warner again as Australia opener suffers third straight Test duck

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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Steve Smith's dominance over England's bowlers continued on day two at Old Trafford. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> REPORT ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/5MWgb7rg1D">https://t.co/5MWgb7rg1D</a>
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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

England have made one change in personnel to their side for the fourth Test against Australia at Old Trafford, with fast bowler Craig Overton replacing the dropped Chris Woakes.

Somerset quick Overton was only drafted into the squad after it was confirmed James Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, was ruled out with a calf injury.&nbsp;

The same injury has prevented Anderson from bowling in the series since his four-over spell in the first innings of Australia's 251-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston.

Overton comes into the side on the back of England's stunning one-wicket win in the third Test at Headingley, inspired by Ben Stokes's superb 135 not out, that saw them square the five-match Ashes series at 1-1.

The 25-year-old Overton has played three Tests and bowled Australia star batsman Steve Smith on debut at Adelaide in December 2017.

England captain Joe Root, explaining why Overton had been included, told reporters at Old Trafford during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday: "This ground does perform slightly differently with an extra bit of bounce and a taller bowler will give us an extra option to go to.

"I feel like that balances out our attack really well in these conditions."

Root added: "Craig is a competitor. You saw him come into Ashes cricket on debut and straight away he looked very much at home.&nbsp;

"He got himself in a battle and I expect him to do that this week. I expect him to cause some issues for the Aussie batters."

'High-quality Roy'

Root also confirmed the switch of positions between Jason Roy and Joe Denly, with World Cup winner Roy dropping down to number four after struggling as a Test opener.

"Jason is a high-quality player, we all know that, and he might be better suited at four," Root said.

"I think to play in an Ashes series is very exciting and he was extremely excited to get the chance to open the batting, but I think that he might be better suited for the middle order on the evidence we have seen over the last three games.

"It's a great opportunity for him to make it his own and we have seen him play enough international cricket to know what he can do when he gets himself in, so hopefully batting lower down allows him to do that.

"Joe (Denly) has played some good cricket throughout the summer, he has got himself in and he was very good in that second innings (at Headingley when he made a fifty).

"It's a great opportunity for him to get us off to a good start with Rory (Burns)."

Smith, now back on top of the latest world Test batting rankings pulished Tuesday, will be returning to Ashes action this match after he missed the Headingley Test with concussion. &nbsp;

This is former Australia captain Smith's first Test series since completing a 12-month ban for ball-tampering.

He marked his return to the format with scores of 144 and 142 at Edgbaston before making 92 in the drawn second Test at Lord's -- where he was felled by a 92mph Jofra Archer bouncer.

Root said he was looking forward to seeing Archer bowl to Smith again.

"For everyone watching I'm sure it will be an exciting contest between two world-class players," Root added.

"What that Headingley win has done is make this a very special week this week and a great opportunity for us to build on what was a great win and carry that forward."

England team for the fourth Test: Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Joe Root (capt), Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Jos Buttler, Craig Overton, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach

England have made one change in personnel to their side for the fourth Test against Australia at Old Trafford, with fast bowler Craig Overton replacing the dropped Chris Woakes.

England have made one change in personnel to their side for the fourth Test against Australia at Old Trafford, with fast bowler Craig Overton replacing the dropped Chris Woakes. Somerset quick Overton was only drafted into the squad after it was confirmed James Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, was ruled out with a calf injury. The same injury has prevented Anderson from bowling in the series since his four-over spell in the first innings of Australia's 251-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston. Overton comes into the side on the back of England's stunning one-wicket win in the third Test at Headingley, inspired by Ben Stokes's superb 135 not out, that saw them square the five-match Ashes series at 1-1. The 25-year-old Overton has played three Tests and bowled Australia star batsman Steve Smith on debut at Adelaide in December 2017. England captain Joe Root, explaining why Overton had been included, told reporters at Old Trafford during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday: "This ground does perform slightly differently with an extra bit of bounce and a taller bowler will give us an extra option to go to. "I feel like that balances out our attack really well in these conditions." Root added: "Craig is a competitor. You saw him come into Ashes cricket on debut and straight away he looked very much at home. "He got himself in a battle and I expect him to do that this week. I expect him to cause some issues for the Aussie batters." 'High-quality Roy' Root also confirmed the switch of positions between Jason Roy and Joe Denly, with World Cup winner Roy dropping down to number four after struggling as a Test opener. "Jason is a high-quality player, we all know that, and he might be better suited at four," Root said. "I think to play in an Ashes series is very exciting and he was extremely excited to get the chance to open the batting, but I think that he might be better suited for the middle order on the evidence we have seen over the last three games. "It's a great opportunity for him to make it his own and we have seen him play enough international cricket to know what he can do when he gets himself in, so hopefully batting lower down allows him to do that. "Joe (Denly) has played some good cricket throughout the summer, he has got himself in and he was very good in that second innings (at Headingley when he made a fifty). "It's a great opportunity for him to get us off to a good start with Rory (Burns)." Smith, now back on top of the latest world Test batting rankings pulished Tuesday, will be returning to Ashes action this match after he missed the Headingley Test with concussion. This is former Australia captain Smith's first Test series since completing a 12-month ban for ball-tampering. He marked his return to the format with scores of 144 and 142 at Edgbaston before making 92 in the drawn second Test at Lord's -- where he was felled by a 92mph Jofra Archer bouncer. Root said he was looking forward to seeing Archer bowl to Smith again. "For everyone watching I'm sure it will be an exciting contest between two world-class players," Root added. "What that Headingley win has done is make this a very special week this week and a great opportunity for us to build on what was a great win and carry that forward." England team for the fourth Test: Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Joe Root (capt), Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Jos Buttler, Craig Overton, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach

England call up Craig Overton for fourth Ashes Test

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

India's Nitin Menon is all set for his Test debut after being appointed as an on-field umpire for the upcoming Test between Afghanistan and West Indies to be played in Dehradun from November 27.

Son of a former international umpire, Narendra Menon, Nitin followed into his father's footsteps when he became a state panel umpire for Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) in 2005.

Nitin, who had represented Madhya Pradesh in U16, U19, U23 and list A matches, cleared the All India Umpiring Exam conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2006 and started officiating in BCCI domestic matches from the 2007-08 season.

Apart from 57 first-class games, Nitin has officiated in 22 ODIs, nine T20Is, and 40 Indian Premier League matches.

An elated Nitin, whose ultimate goal is to become an ICC Elite Panel Umpire, thanked BCCI for the support and faith shown in him.

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Son of a former international umpire, Nitin has been appointed as an on-field umpire for the Afghanistan-West Indies Test match. 
 
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"The reason behind my smooth transition to international cricket is mainly because of the robust, competitive and professional structure of the BCCI domestic matches," Nitin said.

He added that the Umpires Exchange Program helped him in his overall growth as a match official.

"The experience that I gained from officiating in our domestic tournaments and the opportunity given to me by the BCCI for officiating in the IPL as well as in first-class matches in Australia, England and South Africa as part of Umpires Exchange Program has helped me in my development as an Umpire," he said.

"I am happy to repay the trust shown in me and looking forward to facing the new challenges of Test cricket so that I can achieve my goal of becoming an ICC Elite Panel Umpire," Nitin added.

India's Nitin Menon is all set for his Test debut after being appointed as an on-field umpire for the upcoming Test between Afghanistan and West Indies to be played in Dehradun from November 27.

India's Nitin Menon is all set for his Test debut after being appointed as an on-field umpire for the upcoming Test between Afghanistan and West Indies to be played in Dehradun from November 27. Son of a former international umpire, Narendra Menon, Nitin followed into his father's footsteps when he became a state panel umpire for Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) in 2005. Nitin, who had represented Madhya Pradesh in U16, U19, U23 and list A matches, cleared the All India Umpiring Exam conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2006 and started officiating in BCCI domestic matches from the 2007-08 season. Apart from 57 first-class games, Nitin has officiated in 22 ODIs, nine T20Is, and 40 Indian Premier League matches. An elated Nitin, whose ultimate goal is to become an ICC Elite Panel Umpire, thanked BCCI for the support and faith shown in him. NEWS📰: Umpire Nitin Menon is all set for his Test debut Son of a former international umpire, Nitin has been appointed as an on-field umpire for the Afghanistan-West Indies Test match. Details - https://t.co/BkdSPy1SkQ pic.twitter.com/ndzD9o9OTf — BCCI (@BCCI) September 2, 2019 × "The reason behind my smooth transition to international cricket is mainly because of the robust, competitive and professional structure of the BCCI domestic matches," Nitin said. He added that the Umpires Exchange Program helped him in his overall growth as a match official. "The experience that I gained from officiating in our domestic tournaments and the opportunity given to me by the BCCI for officiating in the IPL as well as in first-class matches in Australia, England and South Africa as part of Umpires Exchange Program has helped me in my development as an Umpire," he said. "I am happy to repay the trust shown in me and looking forward to facing the new challenges of Test cricket so that I can achieve my goal of becoming an ICC Elite Panel Umpire," Nitin added.

Indian umpire Nitin Menon all set for Test debut

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 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>
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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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