Cricket

Kemar Roach, the veteran West Indies fast bowler, has been ruled out of the upcoming Test tour of England due to a knee injury. Roach, who turns 36 on Sunday, sustained the injury while playing for Surrey in the County Championship.Roach has been a key member of the West Indies Test team for over a decade, taking 270 wickets in 72 matches. He has been particularly effective in England, claiming 61 wickets in 16 Tests.Roach's absence is a blow to the West Indies, who are already without injured all-rounder Jason Holder. However, the team has called up uncapped fast bowler Jeremiah Louis as a replacement.Louis, 24, has impressed for St Kitts and Nevis in recent years. He has taken 50 wickets in 12 first-class matches, including 18 wickets in the ongoing West Indies Championship.West Indies lead selector Desmond Haynes said: "Kemar's skill and experience in English conditions will be missed. However, this opportunity has been long in the making for Jeremiah Louis. He certainly has the skill and experience to make an impact in England."The West Indies are scheduled to play three Tests against England, starting at Lord's on July 10. They will also play a warm-up match against a County Select XI in Beckenham from July 3-6.

West Indies' T20 World Cup campaign has suffered a major setback with the loss of opening batter Brandon King to a side strain. King sustained the injury during the team's Super Eight loss to England on June 19 and has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.King's absence is a significant blow to the West Indies, as he has been their leading run-scorer in T20Is since the start of 2023. He has amassed 651 runs in 23 innings, including four fifties. King was also the highest run-scorer in the team's 3-0 T20I series sweep over South Africa heading into the tournament.In King's place, left-hand opening batter Kyle Mayers has been called up to the squad. Mayers has played 37 T20Is and was considered unfortunate to miss the initial cut for the World Cup. He has had a decent 2024, scoring 367 runs in 11 T20 games at a strike rate of 155.50. Mayers is expected to join the squad on Saturday.King's injury occurred during the third over of West Indies' chase against England. He smashed a 101-metre six off Reece Topley but injured himself while attempting to charge down the track to hit Sam Curran through cover. King received treatment from the medical staff but was unable to continue and retired hurt on 23.West Indies went on to lose the match by eight wickets, and King did not field in the run-chase. He traveled to Barbados for the team's Super Eight fixture against USA on Friday, awaiting the results of his MRI scans. However, the scans revealed the extent of his injury, ruling him out of the tournament.The West Indies have won four out of four games in the group stage but started the Super Eight with a loss to England. After their USA fixture on Friday, they will play South Africa on Sunday in North Sound, Antigua.

Brandon King's T20 World Cup campaign hangs in the balance after the West Indies opener suffered a side strain in their match against England. King, who has been a key player for the Windies, was forced to retire hurt after just 12 balls in the match.The injury occurred while King was attempting to hit Sam Curran through cover. He took one step and then crumpled to the ground, clutching his side. He received treatment from the West Indies medical staff but was unable to continue batting.Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that King had been diagnosed with a side strain. "Brandon King has suffered a side strain and will not return to the field of play in this evening's match," CWI said.Side strains typically take several weeks to heal, making King a major doubt for the rest of the World Cup. The tournament ends in just 10 days, and the Windies have only one more match remaining in the Super Eight stage.King's injury is a significant blow to the West Indies, who are already without several key players. Rovman Powell is still at the IPL, while Andre Russell and Obed McCoy have been ruled out of the tournament with injuries.The Windies have five players on standby for the World Cup: Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh Jr., and Matthew Forde. Mayers is the most likely replacement for King, having been widely considered unfortunate to miss the initial cut.The West Indies will travel to Barbados on Thursday ahead of their second Super Eight fixture against USA at Kensington Oval on Friday. They will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat to England and keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman's T20 World Cup campaign has come to an abrupt end due to a recurring finger injury. The Afghan spinner, who missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season with the same ailment, played in Afghanistan's opening match against Uganda but has been sidelined since.The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Friday that Hazratullah Zazai, an opening batter, will replace Mujeeb in Afghanistan's squad. The replacement was approved by the event technical committee following Afghanistan's victory over Papua New Guinea.Afghanistan had initially named Noor Ahmad as Mujeeb's replacement in the squad. Ahmad played in Afghanistan's last two fixtures, taking one wicket in their win over New Zealand and 1 for 14 in their victory over PNG."He's going to be a big part for us going forward, as these wickets continue to wear," said Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott about Noor. "It's always nice to have the option of him to come into the side, or the left-arm spin of Nangeyalia Kharote, who can come into the side - he did really well in the last [series] against Ireland - and obviously [Mohammad] Nabi, who can bowl spin as well."Zazai, a left-handed opening batter, is not a direct replacement for Mujeeb but will strengthen Afghanistan's batting lineup. He has not played a T20I since February but has participated in the last two T20 World Cups and holds the second-highest individual score in a men's T20I.Afghanistan secured their place in the Super Eight stage by defeating PNG and will face West Indies in their final group game on Monday in St Lucia.

India's Captain Rohit Sharma Suffers Thumb Injury Ahead of Pakistan ClashIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma sustained a left thumb injury during a practice session on Saturday, casting a shadow over his participation in the highly anticipated match against Pakistan on Sunday.The incident occurred when Sharma, 37, was struck on the thumb during a net session. The team's medical staff immediately attended to him, and after an assessment, Sharma resumed batting practice.The injury is a concern for India, as Sharma is a key player in the team's batting lineup. He scored 52 runs off 37 balls in India's opening match against Ireland, but was forced to retire hurt after the 10th over due to the injury.The condition of the pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, where the India-Pakistan match will be played, has been a topic of discussion. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has acknowledged that the pitches at the venue have not performed as consistently as anticipated."T20 Inc and the ICC recognise that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted," the ICC said in a statement.The grounds team at the stadium is reportedly working diligently to address these concerns and enhance the quality of the pitches for the remainder of the tournament.Despite the injury, Sharma is expected to play in the match against Pakistan. However, his fitness will be closely monitored, and if necessary, he could be replaced by vice-captain KL Rahul.The India-Pakistan match is one of the most eagerly awaited matches in the T20 World Cup. The two teams have a long history of rivalry, and the match is always a high-stakes affair.

Mitchell Marsh, Australia's captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, has revealed that he will not be bowling in the initial stages of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. However, he remains hopeful of being able to contribute with the ball later on.Marsh, who missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to the injury, has had a slower recovery than anticipated. He did not bowl in Australia's warm-up matches against Namibia and West Indies."I won't be bowling early on in the tournament," Marsh said. "I hope I won't bowl late in the tournament either. But I'll progress that slowly over the next 10-12 days and hopefully be available for them at the back end of the tournament."Australia's preparations for the World Cup have been hampered by the late arrival of several players who were involved in the IPL playoffs. However, Marsh believes that the players' time with their families was important."We really value a bit of family time," he said. "The guys have obviously been at the IPL, which I think is great preparation for a World Cup. And then, yeah, just the value of seeing their families and getting them in their own bed for one or two nights is really important."Marsh also expressed excitement about the expanded format of the T20 World Cup, which now includes 20 teams."I think it certainly feels like a World Cup," he said. "I got presented a Ugandan playing shirt the other day in our team hotel and that was a really special moment. It's not just about the cricket throughout these World Cups, it's about opportunity and teams have earned the right to be here."However, Marsh declined to comment on whether there should have been a longer break between the end of the IPL and the start of the T20 World Cup."I don't really have an answer to that question and I don't make those decisions," he said. "As a group, we're here to win. Things may look a little bit disjointed at the beginning, but that's the nature of international cricket these days."

Shikhar Dhawan, the veteran Indian opener, has acknowledged that he is approaching a transitional phase in his career, signaling a potential end to his illustrious journey on the international stage.Dhawan, who made a memorable Test debut with a century and celebrated his 100th ODI with a ton, has enjoyed a remarkable career. However, the 38-year-old has been absent from international cricket since December 2022 and has faced speculation about his future after Punjab Kings' exit from the ongoing IPL season.In a recent interview, Dhawan candidly admitted that his cricketing career is undergoing a "transition." He remains composed and accepts the inevitable reality that his playing days are numbered."I am also going through a transition 'Jahan Meri Cricket Vishram Pe Aayegi' and a new chapter in my life will start. You only have a certain age till you can play. It could be one year more, two years more, or xyz for me...," Dhawan said.Despite his absence from international cricket, Dhawan has maintained a strong presence in the IPL. As the second-highest run-getter in the league's history, he has showcased his enduring talent. However, a shoulder injury sustained during the IPL season has limited his participation to just five games.Reflecting on his injury, Dhawan said, "Unfortunately I got injured this IPL season and could not play for Punjab except for 4-5 matches. It takes time to recover. I am still healing. I have not recovered 100 per cent yet."While sidelined from on-field action, Dhawan has ventured into a new realm with his chat show 'Dhawan Karenge.' The show, which premiered on JioCinema, has provided him with a unique learning experience."I will be honest...I was quite nervous initially as it was something new for me. 'Dil Dhak-Dhak Kar Raha Tha'..(heart was beating fast), especially when I was shooting with Akshay Paaji (Akshay Kumar). I was smiling in front of him but I was nervous for sure. I feel it's natural to get nervous when you start something new...but 'Ek Baari Flow Mein Aa Gaye Toh Phir Chakke-Chauke Pad Hi Jaate Hain' (once you get the hang of it, then it is just like smashing boundaries on the cricket field)," Dhawan said.As Dhawan navigates this transitional phase, he remains open to new opportunities and embraces the challenges that lie ahead. His legacy as one of India's most successful openers will undoubtedly endure, and his contributions to the sport will continue to inspire future generations.

Kagiso Rabada, South Africa's premier fast bowler, has returned home from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to an infection in the soft tissue of his lower limb. Despite the setback, Rabada is expected to be fit for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on October 16 in Australia.Rabada played 11 matches for the Punjab Kings in the IPL, taking 11 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 8.85. However, he will miss the team's final two matches as he undergoes treatment for the infection.The South African Cricket Board (CSA) released a statement confirming Rabada's condition and stating that he is being "closely monitored by the medical team" ahead of the World Cup.Rabada's inclusion in the South African squad is crucial, as he is the only black African player named in the 15-man provisional squad. This has sparked controversy, as CSA has targets for the national team to field an average of six players of color in every XI, with at least two being black African.South Africa will fall short of this target at the T20 World Cup, with only six players of color in the squad and only one black African (Rabada). Therefore, Rabada will need to play every game to ensure that the team does not fall too far behind the overall target.Lungi Ngidi is the only other black African player who was in contention for the squad and has been included as a traveling reserve. South Africa's other fast bowlers include Anrich Nortje, who has returned after a nine-month break due to a stress fracture, Gerald Coetzee, Ottniel Baartman, and Marco Jansen.

Taskin Ahmed, despite his recent injury, has been named vice-captain and included in Bangladesh's 15-member squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. The all-rounder suffered a side strain during the series against Zimbabwe but is expected to recover in time for the tournament.Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the team, which also features veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has participated in every T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007. Litton Das, despite his recent struggles in white-ball cricket, has also been included in the squad.Taskin's injury occurred before the fifth T20I against Zimbabwe on May 12, forcing him to miss the match. However, he was named Player of the Series for his impressive performance in the previous four games, claiming eight wickets.Bangladesh will kick off their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on June 8 in Dallas. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars, with the likes of Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, and Mahmudullah providing support to the core group.The team will also have the services of Jaker Ali, Tanvir Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and Tanzim Hasan. Hasan Mahmud and Afif Hossain have been named as traveling reserves.Bangladesh will be hoping to make a strong impact at the World Cup, having reached the semi-finals in 2016. With a talented squad and a determined mindset, they will be aiming to challenge the top teams and make a deep run in the tournament.