Cricket

Mitchell Marsh's recovery from a hamstring tear has been slower than anticipated, but Australia's coach, Andrew McDonald, remains confident that the skipper will be fully fit for the opening game of the World Cup. Marsh was ruled out of the IPL last month and has been undergoing rehabilitation since returning home from India.McDonald confirmed that Marsh will not be fit to bowl until the final week before the squad departs for the Caribbean on May 25. However, he emphasized that Marsh has made significant progress and will be able to ramp up his bowling intensity once the team arrives in the Caribbean."We've got plenty of time now that he has been ruled out the IPL," McDonald said. "The first game is just short of a month away now. So ample time for him to get ready."McDonald also addressed concerns about Marsh's lack of match practice, stating that Australia will have practice games before their opening clash with Oman. "We've got a couple of practice games when we get to Trinidad in the support period," McDonald said. "So he'll likely get plenty of match opportunities."The coach also confirmed that Australia will likely take one traveling reserve but has yet to decide on the type of player they need as cover for the 15-man squad.McDonald defended the age profile of Australia's squad, which includes only one player under the age of 28. "I'm a big believer in you don't know when the end is going to be," McDonald said. "And a lot of people write off those players just based around their age."He highlighted the strong performances of senior players such as David Warner, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc in recent months. "Those players that are probably the elder statesman of the team are still performing at international level," McDonald said. "And that goes a long way."

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni's limited mobility on the field is not a matter of choice but a necessity due to a muscle tear in his leg, according to team sources. Despite the injury, Dhoni has been playing through pain and taking medication to minimize his running.The injury occurred early in the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, and if second wicketkeeper Devon Conway had been available, Dhoni might have considered resting. However, with CSK facing a string of injuries, Dhoni has no choice but to play."We are virtually playing with our 'B' team. Those who are criticizing Dhoni don't know the sacrifice that he is doing for this team," said a source close to the team.Dhoni's injury has severely restricted his movements on the field. During practice, he avoids running and focuses on hitting the ball out of the park. The limited running he does during matches aggravates the injury, but he refuses to take a break.Despite his physical limitations, Dhoni has been a guiding light for new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. While Gaikwad's captaincy is still a work in progress, Dhoni believes he has the potential to lead the team beyond the playoffs.In another setback for CSK, paceman Deepak Chahar is unlikely to return from a leg injury suffered in the team's loss to Punjab Kings last week.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major setback with the departure of their star pacer Matheesha Pathirana due to a hamstring injury. The Sri Lankan speedster has been a key performer for CSK this season, taking 13 wickets in six matches with an impressive economy rate of 7.68.Pathirana's absence is a significant blow to CSK's bowling attack, which has already been depleted by the injuries to Deepak Chahar and Maheesh Theekshana. Chahar, a pace-bowling all-rounder, is expected to miss the remainder of the IPL after sustaining a niggle during the match against Punjab Kings. Theekshana, a Sri Lankan spinner, is also set to miss a few more matches as he returns to Sri Lanka to complete his USA visa process ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas.Pathirana's last game for CSK was during their 78-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he bowled two overs and dismissed Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen. He missed the match against Punjab Kings in Chennai on May 1, with England pacer Richard Gleeson stepping in as his replacement.In a heartfelt message on social media, Pathirana expressed his gratitude to the CSK team and his teammates. "A hard goodbye with my only wish to see the 2024 IPL champion trophy in CSK's room soon! Grateful to the CSK team for all the blessings and love from Chennai," he wrote.CSK's bowling options have been severely weakened by the injuries to Pathirana, Chahar, and Theekshana. The team will need to find replacements quickly to maintain their competitiveness in the tournament.

Mayank Yadav, the promising fast bowler for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has suffered a setback that will likely rule him out for the remainder of IPL 2024. The injury, a small tear in his abdomen, is similar to the one that sidelined him earlier in the season.Head coach Justin Langer expressed optimism that Yadav could potentially return for the playoffs if LSG qualifies, but acknowledged the challenges of his recovery. "We'll be praying that he can play, hopefully, in the playoffs, but I'm a realist as well. It'll be probably difficult for him to get up for the back-end of the tournament," Langer said.Yadav's absence is a significant blow to LSG, who have relied on his pace and wicket-taking ability. In his three appearances this season, he has claimed 9 wickets at an impressive average of 11.11 and an economy rate of 6.78.The 21-year-old's injury highlights the challenges faced by young fast bowlers, who are prone to various injuries as they develop. Langer emphasized the importance of patience and rehabilitation, noting that Yadav's previous recovery was successful."He's got huge potential. But his rehabilitation was excellent. He went into the game [against MI], had a couple of bowls before the game. He was completely pain free. So it's very sad for him and it's disappointing for LSG as well that he might [not[ play the rest of the tournament," Langer said.Yadav's injury raises questions about whether he was rushed back into action too soon. However, Langer defended the decision, stating that Yadav's rehabilitation had been thorough and he had been pain-free in the lead-up to the match against Mumbai Indians.Despite the setback, LSG remains hopeful that Yadav can make a full recovery and return to the team in the future. His potential and impact on the team have been evident in his brief appearances this season, and his absence will be felt in the upcoming matches.

Mayank Yadav, the pace sensation from Delhi, faces an uncertain future in the remaining IPL round-robin stage after sustaining a suspected abdominal muscle tear during the match against Mumbai Indians. This is his second injury setback in the past four weeks, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial knockout games.However, there is a silver lining for the 21-year-old. The BCCI is set to offer him a pace bowling contract alongside Umran Malik, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Dayal, and Akash Deep. This contract will place Yadav under the supervision of the NCA's Sports Science and Medical team, who will oversee his injury management and fitness program."Mayank has a tear, but it is likely a grade 1 tear. It will be cutting it fine, but if LSG qualifies for the play-offs, he might be able to play the knockout games. But it is like hoping against hope, and right now, he is doubtful for the remaining IPL games," a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.Yadav burst onto the scene with impressive performances at the start of the IPL, earning back-to-back 'Player of the Match' awards. However, he broke down in the third match and was ruled out for four weeks. He made a comeback against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday but was forced to leave the field after bowling 3.1 overs.Had Yadav been fit throughout the tournament, he could have been a potential left-field selection for the T20 World Cup. However, the Indian cricket establishment is now focused on handling him with care."He will soon be handed a pace bowling contract, and once he is in the BCCI Pathways structure, his growth will be systematically monitored. The national selection committee and the Indian team management would like to gradually blood him and ensure that he can maintain peak fitness," the BCCI source added.

Lucknow Super Giants' promising fast bowler, Mayank Yadav, has suffered a setback in his IPL campaign after being forced off the field due to abdominal soreness. The 21-year-old had impressed with his pace and accuracy in the initial matches, but his injury concerns have resurfaced.Mayank's injury occurred during the match against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. He had bowled just one ball of his third over when he experienced discomfort and was forced to leave the field. LSG head coach Justin Langer revealed that Mayank may have aggravated the same injury that had previously kept him out of action.Despite the setback, Mayank was seen back on the field after the match, engaging in a conversation with fellow pacer Yash Thakur and Mumbai Indians' experienced campaigner, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, known for his remarkable comeback from injury setbacks, shared valuable insights with Mayank, drawing praise from IPL for his mentorship towards budding pacers.Reflecting on Mayank's injury, LSG captain KL Rahul expressed caution, stating that it was better not to risk the young bowler's health further. Coach Langer echoed this sentiment, mentioning that Mayank's rehabilitation had been on track, but further assessment through a scan would be conducted to determine the extent of the injury.Mayank's injury is a significant blow to LSG, who have relied heavily on his pace and accuracy in the early stages of the tournament. The 21-year-old had made an immediate impact in the IPL, winning player of the match awards in his first two appearances. His ability to consistently bowl over 150 kmph had caught the attention of fans and experts alike.However, his participation in the ongoing season has been curtailed again by this unfortunate setback. LSG will be hoping that Mayank's injury is not too serious and that he can return to action soon.

England's T20 World Cup squad selection faces a dilemma as Jamie Overton's back injury casts doubt over his availability. The Surrey allrounder, who has impressed as a short-format allrounder, was expected to receive his maiden T20I call-up. However, an inconclusive scan has left his injury status uncertain.Overton's absence from Surrey's recent County Championship fixtures has raised concerns. He is scheduled for another scan in two weeks, but England's provisional squad for the T20 World Cup must be submitted by May 1.The selection panel, led by Rob Key, will meet soon to finalize the 15-man squad. Ben Duckett is a contender for the spare batter role, while Tom Hartley is likely to be the second spinner ahead of Rehan Ahmed.Jofra Archer is expected to be included in the provisional squad and given a chance to prove his fitness against Pakistan. Chris Jordan, who was omitted from the squad that lost to West Indies in December, could also be recalled due to Overton's injury.The identity of England's wicketkeeper is another topic for discussion. Jos Buttler's captaincy duties may make it challenging for him to keep wicket, especially with the ICC's new fielding penalties for slow over-rates. Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow are potential alternatives.The ECB has not yet clarified whether England players will be allowed to participate in the IPL knockout stages if their franchises qualify. This could impact the availability of players like Buttler for the start of the Pakistan series.England's squad announcement is expected on Tuesday morning. They have until May 25 to make changes, but they will aim to avoid a repeat of last year's World Cup debacle when Harry Brook was added to the squad at the last minute.

Devon Conway Ruled Out of IPL 2024, Richard Gleeson Named ReplacementChennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major setback with the news that star batter Devon Conway has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 due to an injury. The New Zealand international had missed the first six games of the tournament due to the injury, and his absence will be a significant blow to CSK's title hopes.Conway has been a key player for CSK in recent seasons, helping them win the title in 2023. In 23 matches for the franchise, he has scored 924 runs, including nine half-centuries and a highest score of 92 not out. His ability to anchor the innings and provide stability at the top of the order will be sorely missed.To replace Conway, CSK have signed veteran England pacer Richard Gleeson. The 36-year-old has yet to make his IPL debut, but he has impressed for England in T20Is, taking nine wickets in six matches. He is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace, which could be a valuable asset for CSK in the middle overs.Gleeson has played 90 T20s in his career, taking 101 wickets. He will join CSK for his reserve price of Rs 50 lakh.CSK are currently third in the IPL 2024 points table with four wins from six matches. They will be hoping that Gleeson can make a quick impact and help them maintain their title challenge.

Delhi Capitals' all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has returned to Australia to address a partial tear in his right hamstring. The injury has raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming T20 World Cup, where he is expected to lead the Australian team.Marsh, who has been a key player for the Capitals, missed the team's last two matches against Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. His last appearance was on April 3 against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he was dismissed for a duck.According to ESPNcricinfo, Marsh's recall to Australia was coordinated between Cricket Australia (CA) and the Delhi Capitals franchise. The decision was made after careful consideration of the injury's severity and the potential impact on Marsh's World Cup preparations.CA has been closely monitoring Marsh's workload over the past year, as he has returned to playing in all three formats of the game. His impressive performances earned him the Allan Border Medal as Australia's best-performed player across all formats.Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals are also dealing with an injury concern involving David Warner. The opener was hit on the finger while attempting a lap shot against Lucknow Super Giants. Warner underwent scans upon arriving in Ahmedabad, where the Capitals will face Gujarat Titans in their next match on April 17.The Capitals currently sit on four points after six games and will be hoping to have both Marsh and Warner available for their upcoming fixtures. However, the final decision on Marsh's IPL participation will be made after further assessment by CA and the franchise.