Cricket

Dan Lawrence, a versatile cricketer who has patiently awaited his opportunity, is set to make his Test debut as an opener for England in the first Test against Sri Lanka. Despite spending years as a drinks carrier and filling various batting positions, Lawrence is eager to seize this chance and prove his worth.Lawrence's journey to the Test team has been marked by both perseverance and adaptability. After initially being groomed as an opener, he transitioned to a middle-order role and even developed his spin bowling skills. His recent stint as captain of London Spirit has honed his leadership abilities.Despite his eagerness to bat at any position, Lawrence acknowledges the challenges of opening the batting. However, he is determined to embrace the opportunity and make a positive impact. His aggressive strokeplay and resilience align well with England's current approach under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.Lawrence's selection as an opener has raised some eyebrows, but he remains unfazed. He believes that his experience and versatility make him a suitable candidate for the role. The absence of Ben Stokes and the decision to replace him with Matthew Potts have also contributed to Lawrence's selection.As England prepares for the first Test, Lawrence is focused on enjoying the experience and contributing to the team's success. He is grateful for the opportunity to showcase his abilities and hopes to earn a permanent spot in the Test side.

England Spinner Shoaib Bashir Concedes Record-Breaking 38-Run Over in County ChampionshipEngland spinner Shoaib Bashir endured a nightmare over in the County Championship match between Surrey and Worcestershire on Monday, conceding a staggering 38 runs. The over, which came after Dan Lawrence reached his century, saw the middle-order batter unleash a barrage of sixes on Bashir.Lawrence began the over with a charge down the wicket and a towering six over long-on. He followed it up with three consecutive sixes, including a straight drive, a pull shot, and a slog-sweep over mid-wicket. Bashir was left visibly perplexed as Lawrence's assault continued.Lawrence's fifth six was a slog-sweep over mid-wicket, bringing him within reach of joining the elite group of players who have hit six sixes in an over. However, Bashir's next delivery was wide down the leg side and missed by the wicketkeeper, resulting in five wides.To add insult to injury, Bashir then bowled a no ball, which in County Cricket incurs a penalty of two runs. Lawrence added a single before Bashir finally ended the forgetful over with a dot ball.Bashir's over is the most expensive in the history of the County Championship, surpassing the previous record of 36 runs conceded by Warwickshire's Keith Barker in 1995. It is also the first time a bowler has conceded five consecutive sixes in the competition.Lawrence's onslaught helped Worcestershire post a formidable total of 556/7 declared. Surrey, in reply, were bowled out for 280, with Bashir finishing with figures of 1/72.

Surrey seized control of their County Championship clash against Worcestershire on a thrilling opening day at the Kia Oval. Despite being bowled out for 213, Surrey's bowlers, led by Dan Worrall and Kemar Roach, reduced Worcestershire to 112 for 7, trailing by 101 runs.Surrey's innings began disastrously as they lost four wickets for 15 runs, with Joe Leach claiming three of them. However, Dan Lawrence and Ollie Pope rescued the innings with a superb 148-run partnership. Lawrence scored 84 off 102 balls, while Pope contributed 63 off 110 deliveries.Worcestershire's top order crumbled against Worrall's pace, with the Australian claiming three wickets in his opening spell. Kemar Roach then struck twice in quick succession to leave Worcestershire reeling at 53 for 5.Matthew Waite and Brett D'Oliveira offered some resistance with a 58-run stand, but Roach returned to dismiss Waite and Nathan Smith, leaving Worcestershire in deep trouble. D'Oliveira remained unbeaten on 22 at the close of play.Earlier, Surrey's batting woes began when Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Jamie Smith, and Ben Foakes were dismissed cheaply. Lawrence and Pope's partnership turned the tide, but Surrey's lower order failed to capitalize, allowing Worcestershire to claw their way back into the contest.