Cricket

England's stand-in Test captain Ollie Pope has signed a deal with the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. Pope, who is currently leading England against Sri Lanka in the absence of Ben Stokes, will join the Strikers after the Test tour of New Zealand, which concludes on December 18.Pope, a dynamic batsman and wicketkeeper, will be a valuable addition to the Strikers' squad. He boasts an impressive T20 record, having scored 1295 runs at an average of 28.77 and a strike rate of 132.82. However, he endured a lean spell in the recent Hundred tournament for London Spirit, managing only 35 runs in five innings.The 24-year-old will have the opportunity to team up with Ashes rivals Travis Head and Alex Carey, who recently signed a new four-year deal with the Strikers. Head and Carey will be available for a brief period during the BBL after the India Test series."Ollie Pope is an exceptional talent with a proven track record at the highest level," said Tim Paine, the Strikers' new head coach. "His dynamic batting style and wicket-keeping abilities are a fantastic addition to our squad."The Strikers had previously considered signing allrounder Jamie Overton as their pre-draft signing, but they will now have the option to use their retention option during the draft if they wish to bring back the England player, who made a significant impact last season.Meanwhile, Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has not nominated for the BBL draft, meaning he will miss the tournament for the second consecutive season. Khan has international commitments with Afghanistan during the early part of the BBL and has also signed a contract with the SA20 league.The BBL draft will take place on September 1, and the Strikers will be hoping to add further depth to their squad with some astute selections.

Nic Maddinson, a former Australian Test cricketer, is determined to make a comeback to the national team after a strong finish to the Sheffield Shield season with New South Wales. Maddinson, who returned to his home state after six seasons with Victoria, scored three centuries in three Shield matches last season, showcasing his improved batting skills.Maddinson's performances have reignited his Test aspirations, as he believes he is a significantly better player than he was during his previous Test appearances in 2016-17. He acknowledges that the competition for Test selection is fierce, but he remains motivated to represent Australia once again.In addition to his Test ambitions, Maddinson is also eager to revive his T20 career after a disappointing season with the Melbourne Renegades. He hopes to find a consistent role with the Sydney Thunder, where he could potentially open the batting alongside David Warner.Maddinson's return to form has been attributed to his ability to adapt his batting style and overcome technical challenges. He believes that his experience in longer-form cricket has benefited his T20 game, and he is confident that he can make a significant contribution to the Thunder.The Thunder's top order, which includes Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Ollie Davies, and Sam Billings, is expected to be a formidable force in the upcoming BBL season. Maddinson is excited about the prospect of playing alongside such talented batsmen and contributing to the team's success.

Australian cricket legend Steve Smith has dismissed any thoughts of retirement, despite being overlooked for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. The 35-year-old recently signed a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL), indicating his continued passion for the game.Smith's decision to join the Sixers suggests he intends to play at least four BBL matches this summer, fitting them in between the final Test against India and the tour of Sri Lanka. Despite his omission from the T20 World Cup squad, Smith remains committed to competing in all formats of cricket."I don't have any plans [to retire], I'm just enjoying playing at the moment," Smith told reporters. "I'm pretty relaxed and I'm looking forward to this summer."Smith's recent performances as an opener for Australia have been mixed. In the home summer against the West Indies and New Zealand, he averaged just 28.25 in eight innings. However, his career average of 56.97 suggests he is still a formidable batsman.The veteran batsman admitted that his teammates prefer him at number four, where he has spent most of his Test career. However, he emphasized that he is willing to bat anywhere for the team."I'm happy wherever and I'll bat anywhere for the team," Smith said. "For me it's just a position."Smith's future role in the Australian Test team remains uncertain. He is expected to play in the upcoming five-Test series against India, but it is unclear whether he will open the batting or return to his preferred position at number four.

David Warner and Steven Smith, two of Australia's most decorated cricketers, have committed their futures to the Big Bash League (BBL) with new contracts. Warner has signed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder, while Smith has inked a three-year contract with Sydney Sixers.Warner, who recently retired from international cricket, will be available for a full BBL season for the first time in his career. The explosive opener has played just eight games for Thunder over the past two seasons, but he is now set to be a mainstay in the team's lineup.Smith, on the other hand, could potentially play a full BBL season beyond his Test career. The former Australian captain has not ruled out retiring from Test cricket over the next three years, which would free him up to play more games for Sixers.The Test stars are set to be available for a handful of games between the end of the Sydney Test against India and their departure for the Sri Lanka tour on January 21. This includes the BBL's knockout stage, which begins on the same day.Other Test team-mates Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey have also re-signed with their respective BBL franchises, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers. Labuschagne will return to Heat, the reigning champions, after India's Australia tour concludes on January 7. Carey has signed a four-year deal with the Strikers, with whom he has played all 56 BBL games of his eight-year career.The signings of Warner, Smith, Labuschagne, and Carey are a major boost for the BBL, which is set to begin its 14th edition in December. The league has been struggling to attract fans in recent years, but the presence of these star players is sure to generate excitement and interest.

The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) have released their initial batches of player nominations ahead of the upcoming drafts. Among the notable names is Shamar Joseph, who could return to the tournament where he made his triumphant Test debut.Joseph, who has been in impressive form for the West Indies, has nominated for the BBL draft. He could potentially join his former teammate Finn Allen, who has already signed with the Perth Scorchers.India captain Harmanpreet Kaur is among the first group of players confirmed for the WBBL draft. She could be retained by the Melbourne Renegades, who she has played for in the past. Other notable Indian players in the draft include Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma.England captain Heather Knight and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone have also nominated for the WBBL draft. However, their availability for the entire tournament is uncertain due to England's tour of South Africa.Other notable retention options include Jamie Overton (Adelaide Strikers), Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder), James Vince (Sydney Sixers), Alice Capsey (Melbourne Stars), and Shabnim Ismail (Hobart Hurricanes).Players are drafted in either Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze categories, and clubs must select at least two during the draft. Those signed under pre-draft agreements are allocated a pick that matches their salary band.The BBL and WBBL drafts will take place on September 1.

New Zealand's explosive opener Finn Allen has made a bold decision to prioritize franchise cricket over a national contract, signing a two-year deal with the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL).Allen's decision comes as a surprise, as he was initially included in New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) central contract list. However, the Scorchers' recent interest has swayed him towards a lucrative franchise opportunity.Allen's T20 credentials are impeccable. With a strike rate of 168.60, he ranks second only to Andre Russell among batters with at least 3000 runs. His international performances have also been impressive, including two centuries and a blistering 42 off 16 balls against Australia in the 2022 T20 World Cup.The Scorchers have been searching for a reliable opener since Cameron Bancroft's departure last season. Allen's signing fills that void, bringing a wealth of experience and firepower to the Perth-based franchise.Allen's decision to join the BBL means he will miss New Zealand's white-ball series against Sri Lanka in December. However, he will join fellow Kiwis Colin Munro (Brisbane Heat) and Tim Seifert (Melbourne Renegades) in the Australian domestic competition.The Scorchers' signing of Allen ahead of the draft raises questions about the future of Laurie Evans, who had a stellar season with the franchise last year. Evans' availability is limited due to his ongoing commitments in the UAE's ILT20, making it uncertain whether he will return to Perth.The BBL draft will be held on September 1, and the Scorchers have picks 7, 15, 18, and 31. With Allen already secured, they may focus on bolstering their bowling attack or adding depth to their batting lineup.

Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has embarked on a new chapter in his cricketing career, taking the reins as head coach of the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL). Paine's appointment comes less than two years after he retired from professional cricket.Paine's coaching journey has been swift. After serving as Jason Gillespie's assistant with the Strikers last season, he has now taken over the top job following Gillespie's departure. The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) has opted to separate the state and BBL coaching roles, with Ryan Harris recently appointed as South Australia's head coach.Paine has gained valuable coaching experience in recent times. He is currently guiding the NT Strike in the Top End T20 series, and has previously assisted Adam Voges with Australia A, worked with the Under-19 setup, and coached the women's team."I am honored and excited by the opportunity to coach such a well-established and strongly supported club," Paine said. "I believe the Strikers team and the whole of South Australian cricket has huge potential, and I'm looking forward to being part of taking it forward and winning a few trophies."Last season, the Strikers surged into the finals with four consecutive victories, defeating the defending champions Perth Scorchers in the Knockout before bowing out to the eventual winners Brisbane Heat in the Challenger.Paine's international career came to an abrupt end when he resigned as Test captain on the eve of the 2021-22 Ashes series. His first major task as Strikers coach will be overseeing the BBL draft alongside captain Matt Short on September 1. The club has yet to announce any pre-draft signings and will have picks 5, 11, 20, and 29.Rashid Khan, a long-time Strikers player, was expected to return last season but was ruled out due to injury. He will be part of MI Cape Town in the SA20, which overlaps with the BBL in January. It remains to be seen whether he will nominate for the Strikers this year.The Strikers will be bolstered by the availability of Chris Lynn for the entire tournament after he signed a new one-year deal. Lynn had previously left the BBL early to play in the ILT20.

Tom Curran, the third-highest wicket-taker among overseas bowlers in the Big Bash League (BBL), has signed a two-year pre-draft deal with the Melbourne Stars for the 2024-25 season. The move comes after a tumultuous season with the Sydney Sixers, where he was suspended for intimidating an umpire.Despite taking 3 for 19 in the game where he was suspended, Curran only appeared in two more matches before a knee injury ended his campaign. The Sixers have since reassessed their overseas options, with a spinner reportedly high on their list.However, Curran believes he left the Sixers on good terms. "I don't feel like it was an issue with the Sixers," he said. "We fought the case together and they backed me."Curran is currently playing for the Oval Invincibles in the Hundred, having recovered from a broken forearm. The injury was a reminder of the dangers bowlers face, particularly in T20 cricket."It was nasty," he said. "It could have been so much worse if it had got me in the face."Curran has previously fought back from two stress fractures of the back and has opted to step away from red-ball cricket. While he is not consumed by the prospect of an England recall, he is confident he could make a success of it."I feel like I'm a better all-round player than I was then," he said. "I know my value now."

Melbourne Renegades have bolstered their batting lineup with the acquisition of New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert on a two-year deal. The 29-year-old will be available for the entirety of the next two BBL seasons as the Renegades aim to improve upon their seventh-place finish last season.Seifert's signing means he will miss a portion of the Super Smash, New Zealand's domestic T20 tournament, and will not be available for the white-ball series against Pakistan over the Christmas and New Year period.With an impressive international record of three ODIs and 61 T20Is for New Zealand, Seifert brings a wealth of experience to the Renegades. He has also featured in T20 leagues worldwide, averaging 27.43 with a strike rate of 130.12 in the format, including three centuries.In the recent Lanka Premier League, Seifert emerged as the leading run-scorer with 400 runs at an average of 57.14 and a strike rate of 135.13.Seifert is expected to form a formidable top three for the Renegades alongside Josh Brown and Jake Fraser-McGurk. He is also a frontrunner to take over the wicketkeeping duties, a role shared by overseas signings Quinton de Kock and Jordan Cox last season."I'm thrilled to be here for the next two seasons," said Seifert. "I'll be able to enjoy the environment and get to know the club on a deeper level, which doesn't often happen in franchise cricket. I'm excited to call myself a Gade for the next couple of seasons at least."Renegades general manager James Rosengarten expressed his delight at Seifert's signing. "Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper and regular member of the Blackcaps program," said Rosengarten. "We're excited to welcome him into the club."The BBL draft will take place on September 1, with the Renegades holding pick numbers 2, 10, 23, and 26.