Cricket

Kane Williamson to Miss Third Test Against India, Focuses on Groin RecoveryNew Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson will not join his team for the third Test against India in Mumbai, opting instead to remain in New Zealand and prioritize his recovery from a groin injury. The decision aims to ensure Williamson's fitness for the upcoming three-Test series against England, commencing on November 28 at Hagley Oval.Head coach Gary Stead confirmed Williamson's progress but emphasized that he is not yet ready for international travel. "Kane continues to show good signs, but isn’t quite ready to jump on a plane and join us," Stead stated.Stead explained the team's cautious approach, prioritizing Williamson's full recovery in time for the England series. "While things are looking promising, we think the best course of action is for him to stay in New Zealand and focus on the final part of his rehabilitation so he’ll be good to go for England," Stead said. "The England series is still a month away so taking the cautious approach now will ensure he is ready for the first Test in Christchurch."New Zealand's impressive performance in the first two Tests against India has secured them a 2-0 series victory. They triumphed by eight wickets in Bengaluru and 113 runs in Pune. The third Test in Mumbai is scheduled for Friday.Williamson's absence from the third Test is a setback for New Zealand, but the team remains confident in their ability to perform well. They will be led by Tom Latham, who has captained the side in Williamson's absence.

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has expressed his disappointment over the team's recent home defeats to Bangladesh but remains optimistic about their upcoming three-match series against England in October. Masood emphasized the importance of the England series for both Pakistan cricket and the players themselves."The series is crucial for us to regain the confidence of our fans and supporters of Pakistan cricket," Masood said. "It is frustrating the way we have performed in recent times, but our preparations for the England tests are on track."Pakistan suffered a shock 0-2 series loss to Bangladesh at home last month, a result that Masood described as "very disappointing." However, he stressed the need for continuity and security for the players."We are at a critical juncture as a team and we have to remain optimistic," Masood said. "The losses hurt, but it's important to support the team, especially during tough times."Masood emphasized that building a strong Test team takes time and requires backing players. "It's easy to make changes after a loss, but if we want to move forward, we must support our players," he said.The Pakistan captain noted that the team has reflected on recent performances and recognized the need for top fitness and mental readiness, especially with the Champions Trophy approaching."We have to be mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead," Masood said. "We have to be ready to fight and give our best on the field."Masood acknowledged that England would be a formidable opponent, having won in Pakistan two years ago and being familiar with the conditions."England is a strong team and they will be a tough challenge," Masood said. "But we are confident in our abilities and we are determined to give them a good fight."Regarding his own form, Shan expressed frustration at leading the team through defeats, stating that as captain, he always wants to contribute on the field."Accountability is for everyone in the Pakistan team," he added.Masood also said that selectors had announced the squad only for the first Test, as some players were returning from injuries and would be assessed during the match in Multan, starting October 7."For now, we've built the squad for one Test, considering the players' fitness levels," he explained. "Meanwhile, If required, Zahid Mahmood would be brought into the squad."

Mahli Beardman, a prodigious 19-year-old fast bowler, has been thrust into the spotlight as a standby player for Australia's upcoming ODI series against England. This unexpected call-up is a testament to Beardman's exceptional talent and the selectors' foresight in grooming future stars.Beardman's meteoric rise to prominence began with his stellar performance in the Under-19 World Cup final against India in February. His raw pace and incisive swing left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. Despite having played only one senior professional match, Beardman's potential has been recognized by the Australian selectors.The absence of Australia's leading fast bowlers, including Pat Cummins, has created an opportunity for Beardman to showcase his abilities. Injuries have also sidelined several other pacers, leaving the team short of experienced options. Beardman's selection, despite his limited experience, has raised eyebrows but also reflects the selectors' confidence in his abilities.Mentored by legendary Australian pace icon Dennis Lillee, Beardman possesses the raw pace and technical prowess to succeed at the highest level. Capable of bowling over 140 km/hr, he has the ability to unsettle even the most accomplished batsmen.Beardman's disbelief at his selection is a testament to his humility and the unexpected nature of his call-up. "I didn't think it was real, to be honest," he said. "I thought it might have been one of the boys pranking me."While Beardman may not get to play in the five-match series starting on Thursday, his selection is a clear indication that the selectors are looking to the future. As senior bowlers like Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc age, Beardman is being groomed as a potential successor.Reflecting on his promotion, Beardman expressed his eagerness to learn from Australia's experienced pace bowlers. "Mitch Starc and 'Hoff' (Hazlewood), it's just unbelievable knowledge and an invaluable experience," he said. "I can't wait to get over there and soak up as much knowledge as possible."Beardman's selection is a reminder that the future of Australian cricket is in safe hands. With his raw talent, unwavering determination, and the guidance of experienced mentors, he has the potential to become one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world.

Pakistan's fast-bowling woes have eased slightly with the news that Khurram Shahzad has avoided a serious injury. The 24-year-old quick was forced off the field during the final day of the second Test against Bangladesh, raising concerns about his fitness.Shahzad, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in the series with 11 scalps, played a crucial role in Bangladesh's first-innings collapse, taking 6 for 90. However, he was less effective in the second innings, managing only 1 for 40 in seven overs.After the match, Shahzad underwent scans to determine the extent of his injury. ESPNcricinfo understands that the results have ruled out a fracture, and doctors have advised him a brief period of rest. This means that Shahzad is expected to be fit for the upcoming Test series against England, which begins on October 7 in Multan.The side niggle was a major concern for Shahzad, given his recent injury history. On his debut in Perth last December, he suffered a stress fracture of the rib, which sidelined him for several months. He only returned to action for the two Tests against Bangladesh last month, having not bowled a single ball in first-class cricket since his injury in Perth.As a result, Shahzad will not participate in the Champions One-Day Cup, which starts next week. Pakistan is keen to nurse him back to full fitness before the first Test against England. He will undergo another MRI scan next week to monitor his progress.Pakistan has been plagued by injuries to its fast bowlers in recent times. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Hasan Ali, and Ihsanullah have all suffered long-term injuries, putting the PCB's medical department under scrutiny.Earlier this year, an internal review criticized the management of Ihsanullah's injury and the quality of his treatment. Chief medical officer Dr. Sohail Saleem resigned on the same day.

Shubman Gill's remarkable turnaround in Test cricket during the England series earlier this year can be attributed to his meticulous work on defensive batting, the 24-year-old has revealed.Gill, who has an average of 35.52 after 25 Tests, amassed 452 runs in the home series against England, showcasing a significant improvement in his ability to withstand the rigors of Test cricket."I worked on my defense a little bit more, especially against the spinners," Gill told ESPNCricinfo, as quoted by the ICC. "If you're playing on a turning track, you should be able to defend a lot more, then you play your scoring shots."Gill's focus on defensive batting stemmed from his realization that batting-friendly tracks in white-ball games can erode a player's defensive skills over time. "I feel it [batting-friendly tracks in white-ball games] takes away a little bit of your defensive game over a period of time," he said. "So that was my focus in the England series."Gill's defensive improvements were evident in his crucial hundred in the second Test in Vizag, where he played a patient and composed innings on a challenging pitch. He finished the series with an average of 56.5, a testament to his newfound defensive prowess.Gill's resurgence in Test cricket is a positive sign for India, who will be looking to him to play a key role in their upcoming series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. These series will serve as crucial preparation for the Border Gavaskar Trophy later this year, where India will face their arch-rivals Australia in a four-match Test series.With his improved defensive technique and growing experience, Gill is poised to become a mainstay in India's Test batting lineup for years to come.

Nathan Ellis's hopes of cementing his place in Australia's T20I side have been dashed by a hamstring injury sustained during the Hundred. The setback rules him out of the remaining Scotland series and the subsequent eight white-ball games in England.Ellis had targeted the Scotland series as an opportunity to lead Australia's attack in the absence of rested pacemen Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, and injured Josh Hazlewood. However, Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday that Ellis's hamstring tendon injury had not healed sufficiently for him to be considered for selection.The timing of the injury is particularly frustrating for Ellis, who has played 17 T20Is but has often found his opportunities limited by the presence of the "big three" quicks. Riley Meredith, who made his first international appearance since 2021 in Australia's thrashing of Scotland in the first T20I, will remain with the squad as cover.Hazlewood has joined the squad in England ahead of Wednesday's first T20I at the Utilita Bowl, having recovered from a minor calf strain. Ellis was also expected to feature in the five-match ODI series against England, which starts on September 19, but a replacement is yet to be named.Meredith could potentially be released to play for Somerset on T20 Blast Finals Day on Saturday, but the club's captain Lewis Gregory has indicated that they do not expect him to be available. Somerset do not have any players in England's T20I squad, so they will otherwise have their full squad at their disposal.Ellis's injury is a blow to Australia's T20I ambitions, as he has proven to be a valuable asset with his ability to bowl at high speeds and generate swing. His absence will put pressure on the remaining bowlers to step up and perform consistently.

Shubman Gill's remarkable turnaround in Test cricket against England earlier this year can be attributed to his meticulous focus on improving his defensive game, particularly against spinners. Prior to the series, Gill's Test average stood at a modest 30.59. However, batting at the crucial No. 3 position, he amassed 452 runs in nine innings, averaging an impressive 56.50. This included two centuries and two half-centuries, effectively silencing his critics who had questioned his ability to succeed in the longest format.Gill's defensive prowess was evident in his ability to negotiate the turning tracks in India. He acknowledged that playing on such surfaces requires a strong defensive foundation to counter the threat of spin. He also recognized that his involvement in T20 cricket, with its emphasis on aggressive batting, had inadvertently weakened his defensive skills. Thus, he made a conscious effort to rectify this during the England series.After scoring a crucial 104 in the second innings of the second Test in Visakhapatnam, Gill revealed that he had requested the team management to shift him down to No. 3 instead of opening the batting. This move allowed him to settle into the innings and build a solid foundation.Despite his impressive performances against England, Gill remains humble and acknowledges that he has yet to fully establish himself as a Test player. He is determined to make amends in the upcoming series, with India scheduled to play ten Tests over the next four months.In addition to his batting prowess, Gill has also embraced leadership responsibilities. He captained Gujarat Titans in the IPL and led India in five T20Is against Zimbabwe. He believes that captaincy enhances his understanding of his teammates and allows him to connect with them on a deeper level.Gill emphasizes that his role as a batsman remains unchanged, regardless of his leadership position. His primary goal is to contribute runs and lead his team to victory. However, he recognizes the importance of understanding his players' strengths and weaknesses as a captain.

Pakistan's white-ball cricket team has welcomed Gary Kirsten as their new head coach ahead of the T20I series against England. Kirsten's arrival in Leeds was marked by a warm reception from captain Babar Azam and the support staff, a moment that has since gone viral on social media.Kirsten, a 56-year-old South African, brings extensive coaching experience, having previously led both India and South Africa. His appointment as the white-ball coach, along with Jason Gillespie as the red-ball coach, was confirmed last month.Under Kirsten's guidance, Pakistan aim to build on their recent successes in T20 World Cups, having reached the semifinals in 2021 and the final in 2022 against England.Kirsten's first challenge will be the four-match T20I series against England, a critical preparation phase for the T20 World Cup next month in the Caribbean and the United States. Pakistan's final 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup will be announced following the first T20 against England next Tuesday in Leeds.In addition to Kirsten, the PCB has made strategic appointments to strengthen the coaching staff. Simon Helmot has been appointed as the fielding coach, and David Reid will serve as the mental performance coach. Reid is set to join the team next Monday, while Helmot will team up with the squad on May 31 after the T20 series against England.Kirsten expressed his enthusiasm for returning to international coaching. "I've missed the experience of coaching at the international level and nurturing talented players to reach their full potential," Kirsten said in a press release from the PCB. "I'm committed to working closely with the (Pakistan) team to elevate their game and bring joy to fans around the world."The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a photo on its official social media handle, capturing Kirsten with the captain and other members of the support staff. The video of the welcome has generated significant buzz, highlighting the excitement around Kirsten's two-year assignment with the team.

Pakistan's T20I squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and England has undergone significant changes, with the return of experienced players and the omission of some key figures.Usama Mir and Zaman Khan have been dropped from the squad, while Hasan Ali, who last played a T20I in 2022, has been recalled. Haris Rauf, who was injured during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has also been included, along with Agha Salman.The squad announcement, made by three members of the selection panel, also sees the return of Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, and Irfan Khan, who were ruled out of last month's series against New Zealand due to injuries. However, their fitness remains a concern, with selector Wahab Riaz expressing cautious optimism."Rizwan, Haris, Irfan, and Azam are being assessed," Riaz said. "There is a significant improvement in their fitness. They're part of the squad because we hope they will be fit for the Ireland series."Pakistan's squad largely resembles the one that played against New Zealand, with Usman Khan, Mohammad Amir, and Imad Wasim retaining their places. Despite speculation about the potential return of Aamer Jamal, the all-rounder was not selected, while Mohammad Haris continues to be overlooked.Hasan Ali's selection has been attributed to his experience and ICC tournament pedigree, rather than his current form. He had a stellar PSL season with Karachi Kings, taking 14 wickets at an economy of 8.26, but was not selected for the New Zealand series.His inclusion appears to be based on the belief in his ability beyond just hard numbers, and an opportunity to assess him in Ireland and England before the squad is whittled down to 15 for the T20 World Cup.Pakistan will play three T20Is against Ireland starting May 10, followed by four games against England. The deadline to announce the squad for the T20 World Cup (May 24) is after they play the first T20I against England (May 22).