Cricket

Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has cast doubt over his participation in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, scheduled for November 6-12 in the United Arab Emirates. Shakib's uncertainty stems from a lack of communication from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding his inclusion in the squad.Speaking to Cricbuzz, Shakib expressed his confusion, stating, "How can I tell [whether I will play the ODIs against Afghanistan]? BCB should tell about it." Despite his willingness to represent Bangladesh if selected, sources within the board have raised concerns about his frequent absences from the country.The BCB's selection panel has also acknowledged the uncertainty, confirming that they have not received clear instructions from higher authorities regarding Shakib's availability. The final decision is expected to be made by the BCB's senior officials in the coming days.Shakib's participation in the ODI series has been a subject of speculation since his retirement from Test cricket and T20 Internationals in September. The all-rounder had hoped to play his final Test match at home against South Africa, but security concerns amid political unrest in Bangladesh forced him to withdraw.Despite being accused in a murder case related to the unrest, Shakib was allowed to continue playing in the Test series against India, with the BCB permitting him to remain with the national team until proven guilty. However, his absence from the subsequent South Africa series has raised questions about his future with the Bangladesh team.The BCB's decision on Shakib's inclusion in the ODI squad will be closely watched, as it could have implications for his long-term future with the national team. The all-rounder remains one of Bangladesh's most valuable players, and his absence would be a significant blow to their chances of success in the upcoming series against Afghanistan.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proposed significant changes to promote Test and ODI formats. The Cricket Committee has recommended that every World Test Championship (WTC) series should have a minimum of three Tests, ensuring a more balanced and competitive format.To enhance the appeal of Test cricket, the committee has also suggested that host nations prioritize scheduling more day-night Tests. The success of pink-ball Tests in Australia and India has demonstrated their ability to attract larger crowds and create a more engaging atmosphere.In an effort to restore balance to ODIs, the committee has proposed using two new balls for the first 25 overs. This measure aims to reduce the dominance of batters and bring reverse swing and finger spinners back into the game. The recommendation will be presented to captains for their feedback and consensus.Another significant change approved by the ICC board is the extension of the tenure for the ICC chair and independent directors to two terms of three years. This means that Jay Shah, who is set to take over as ICC chair, could potentially hold the position for six years.The ICC's recommendations are aimed at addressing concerns about the declining popularity of Test cricket and the imbalance in ODIs. By increasing the number of Tests in WTC series, promoting day-night Tests, and potentially introducing two new balls in ODIs, the ICC hopes to revitalize these formats and ensure their long-term sustainability.

Sri Lanka's ODI squad for the upcoming series against West Indies has undergone significant changes, with uncapped allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe and legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay earning call-ups. Wickramasinghe replaces Chamika Karunaratne, who has fallen out of favor with the new selection and coaching regime. Vandersay comes in for offspinner Akila Dananjaya.Wickramasinghe's inclusion is a testament to his impressive performances in the Lanka Premier League, where he showcased his batting prowess. He made his T20I debut against West Indies but was later replaced by Dunith Wellalage due to spin-friendly conditions.Mohamed Shiraz, who was a late addition to the squad for the India series, retains his place, while Dilshan Madushanka returns after missing the T20I series against West Indies. However, Matheesha Pathirana, who played all three T20Is against West Indies, has been omitted. Asitha Fernando completes the pace options.The spin attack will be led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, with Vandersay and Wellalage providing support. Sri Lanka's batting lineup remains unchanged, with skipper Charith Asalanka leading a formidable unit that includes Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Nishan Madushka.The three-match series will commence on October 20, with all games scheduled to be played in Pallekele.

Virat Kohli, India's batting maestro, has etched another remarkable milestone in his illustrious career by becoming the first active batter to amass over 1000 fours in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket. This achievement solidifies his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.Kohli reached the 1001-four mark in Test cricket during India's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the second Test at Kanpur. With this feat, he joined an elite group of batters, including Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ricky Ponting, who have achieved this rare distinction.Kohli's journey to this milestone has been marked by consistency and brilliance. In ODI cricket, he has amassed 1302 fours, making him one of the most prolific boundary hitters in the format. His ability to find gaps and time the ball with precision has been a hallmark of his batting.In Test cricket, Kohli has been equally impressive. His 1001 fours have come in just 99 Tests, highlighting his exceptional longevity and ability to adapt to different conditions. His cover drives, flicks, and pull shots have become synonymous with his aggressive and stylish batting style.Kohli's achievement is a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work. He has consistently pushed the boundaries of batting excellence, setting new records and inspiring generations of cricketers. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning performances has made him a true icon of the sport.Beyond his statistical achievements, Kohli's impact on Indian cricket has been profound. He has led the team to numerous victories, including the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His leadership and passion have been instrumental in India's rise to the top of the cricketing world.As Kohli continues to grace the cricket field, fans can expect more milestones and unforgettable moments. His unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence will undoubtedly leave an enduring legacy in the annals of the game.

England's resurgence in the ODI series against Australia continued at Lord's, where they annihilated the visitors by 186 runs in a rain-shortened match. The hosts' batting onslaught, led by Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone, set the stage for a dominant victory, while Matthew Potts' four-wicket haul sealed the deal.After a two-hour rain delay, England's innings began cautiously against the formidable Australian pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. However, Brook's reprieve on 17 sparked a remarkable turnaround. The Yorkshireman unleashed a flurry of boundaries, reaching his fourth ODI fifty in just 37 balls.Ben Duckett provided solid support, contributing 63 before falling to Adam Zampa. Brook continued to dominate, but his dismissal on 87 left England needing a late surge. Enter Livingstone, who unleashed a blistering assault on Starc, smashing four sixes in the final over to propel England to a daunting 312-5.Australia's chase began promisingly, with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh putting on 66 runs. However, Head's dismissal triggered a collapse. Steve Smith departed cheaply, and Jofra Archer's unplayable delivery sent Marsh packing. Brydon Carse then struck twice in quick succession, removing Josh Inglis and Marnus Labuschagne.Potts took over from there, claiming three more wickets to complete a career-best four-for. Only four Australian batsmen managed to reach double figures as the hosts rolled over their opponents for a mere 126 all out.England's victory not only leveled the series at 2-2 but also marked their second-biggest ODI win in terms of runs against Australia. The decider will take place in Bristol on Sunday, where the hosts will aim to secure a memorable series triumph.

In a thrilling encounter at Chester-le-Street, England's captain Harry Brook led his team to a 46-run victory against the world champions Australia, keeping their hopes alive in the five-match ODI series. Despite a shaky start, losing openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett to Mitchell Starc's bowling, England fought back through a remarkable 156-run partnership between Will Jacks (84) and Brook (110 not out) in a rain-hit chase after Australia put up an impressive 304 for 7 on the board.Rain interrupted play with England at 254 for 4 off 37.4 overs, but they were comfortably ahead of the required target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, securing the victory and ending Australia's 14-match winning streak in ODIs.Earlier in the day, Alex Carey's unbeaten 77 and Steven Smith's 60 led the visitors' batting card. England paceman Jofra Archer claimed 2 for 67. Despite losing wickets at crucial moments, Australia's middle-order partnerships, particularly between Carey and Glenn Maxwell (30), and later with Aaron Hardie (44), helped them reach a challenging total.England's bowlers made early inroads, but Smith's half-century and Carey's aggressive batting kept Australia in the game. Cameron Green, who replaced the injured Travis Head, was dismissed for 42. In the following over, Australia's score of 131 for 3 quickly became 132 for 4 when Labuschagne fell for a duck, mistiming a paddle-sweep off spinner Jacks that was easily caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.Smith reached his half-century by pulling a short ball from Jacks for his fifth boundary, having faced 71 deliveries. However, he was dismissed when Brydon Carse made a spectacular diving catch on the boundary off a forceful pull shot from Archer.Carey, on the other hand, struck Carse through midwicket for one of his four boundaries in a 48-ball fifty that also included a straight six off Jacob Bethell.The series, now standing at 2-1 in Australia's favour, will continue at Lord's on Friday, with both teams eager to secure a victory in the remaining two matches.Initially in the home team's run-chase, their supporters might have been concerned when Salt clipped Starc's delivery straight to midwicket, and Duckett, attempting to play across the line, edged the left-arm fast bowler to backward point.However, Jacks and Brook managed to turn the game around against an Australian bowling attack that was missing their key leg-spinner, Adam Zampa, due to illness.Jacks, made a fourth fifty in 10 ODIs but missed out on a maiden century when he uppercut a bouncer from Cameron Green to backward point to end an 82-ball innings featuring nine fours and a six.Jamie Smith's hook shot off a Green found the deep square leg fielder, leaving England at 197 for 4 in the 32nd over.An edgy four to fine third-man brought up Brooks' maiden ODI century in his 18th match, scored off 87 deliveries with 12 fours and two sixes. His second fifty came off just 33 balls.

England, trailing 2-0 in the ODI series against Australia, opted to bowl first in the third match at Chester-le-Street under overcast conditions. Captain Harry Brook, who has won all three tosses in the series, made the decision to utilize the favorable bowling conditions.England brought back Jofra Archer into their attack, replacing Olly Stone. Despite their batting struggles in the previous matches, Brook expressed confidence in his inexperienced side. "We've picked guys because of their capabilities," he said. "We don't want to change that. Want them to go out there and do what they've done for their counties."Australia, plagued by injuries and illness, was forced to make two changes. Travis Head and Adam Zampa were ruled out, with Cameron Green and Sean Abbott taking their places. Mitchell Marsh, Australia's captain, remained optimistic. "We've got a real good side out today, and a chance of winning the series," he said.

Afghanistan Eyes Historic Series Win in Second ODI Against South AfricaIn a historic first-ever bilateral series between Afghanistan and South Africa, the second ODI promises to be a thrilling encounter. After a resounding victory in the first match, Afghanistan is poised to secure a historic series win.Afghanistan's bowling attack, led by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan, proved devastating in the first ODI, reducing South Africa to a precarious 36/7. The Proteas' inexperienced side struggled to recover, eventually falling for 114.Afghanistan will be eager to replicate that performance and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. South Africa, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back and salvage some pride.The Proteas have a relatively young and inexperienced team, with several key players missing due to injuries. However, they will be hoping that their talented youngsters can step up and deliver.The match will be a crucial test for both teams. Afghanistan will be aiming to prove that their recent success is no fluke, while South Africa will be looking to show that they are still a force to be reckoned with.The second ODI is scheduled to take place at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on January 25, 2023. The match will start at 10:00 AM local time (08:00 AM GMT).

England and Australia kicked off their five-match ODI series at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, with England captain Harry Brook winning the toss and opting to bat. Australia handed ODI debuts to left-arm paceman Ben Dwarshuis and all-rounder Aaron Hardie, while England gave a debut to spin-bowling all-rounder Jacob Bethell.Dwarshuis opened the bowling for Australia and conceded a boundary in his first over, with Phil Salt driving the ball through extra covers. However, Dwarshuis struck back in his second over, trapping Salt in front for 14. Ben Duckett joined Salt at the crease and played aggressively, hitting two boundaries off Sean Abbott in the sixth over.Duckett continued to score freely, reaching his half-century off just 34 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 63, caught by Cameron Green off the bowling of Abbott. Will Jacks and Harry Brook also made significant contributions, scoring 31 and 29 respectively.England finished their innings on 287/9, with Matthew Potts and Adil Rashid remaining unbeaten on 15 and 14 respectively. For Australia, Abbott was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/47, while Dwarshuis and Hardie claimed two wickets each.In reply, Australia lost Travis Head early on, caught by Jamie Smith off the bowling of Brydon Carse. Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership, but both fell in quick succession to Bethell and Rashid respectively.Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne then put on a 70-run stand for the fourth wicket, but England continued to take wickets at regular intervals. Green was dismissed for 55, caught by Smith off the bowling of Carse, while Labuschagne fell for 48, caught by Bethell off the bowling of Rashid.Australia eventually fell short of their target, bowled out for 265 in the 49th over. Carse was the most successful bowler for England, taking 3/43, while Rashid and Bethell claimed two wickets each.England won the match by 22 runs, taking an early lead in the five-match series.