Cricket

Jhye Richardson, the Australian fast bowler, has returned to the run-up that brought him success in Test cricket, hoping to put his injury woes behind him. Richardson has been plagued by hamstring injuries since his Test debut in 2019, suffering four setbacks since June 2022.Despite his injury struggles, Richardson has been retained on the national contract list, and selectors see him as a potential leader of the Test attack in the future. With the current frontline quicks all over 30, Richardson's fitness is crucial for Australia's long-term plans.Richardson has made a successful return to competitive cricket in the Top End T20 series in Darwin, playing for the Perth Scorchers. He has reverted to his traditional run-up, which sees him sprinting in at speeds of close to 22.5kph from earlier in his run-up."I've played two games [in Darwin], the body has been good," Richardson said. "It's obviously a different intensity playing competitive cricket again."Richardson believes that his previous run-up, which involved reaching top speed closer to the crease, may have contributed to his hamstring injuries. He is now focused on building resilience and avoiding problem areas."I'm trying to avoid problem areas and build that resilience that I haven't had in the past couple of years," Richardson said. "I have put a lot of work into my hamstring, so everyone is comfortable with the fact I can go back to what has worked previously."Richardson's return to fitness is a significant boost for Australia, who are facing a transition in their Test team. With all three frontline quicks over 30, Richardson is the most credentialed man to one day lead the attack."I think [it is important to be fit then], but we are looking pretty far into the future there," he said. "Taking it one step at a time, getting the body right and making sure everything is right on my end, and not worrying about what is happening externally."

Jamie Smith, England's wicketkeeper-batter, has opened up about the mental toll of his first three weeks as a Test cricketer. Despite making two attacking half-centuries, Smith found the experience "mentally draining."Smith's workload was compounded by his wicketkeeping duties, which he admitted contributed to his fatigue. He also acknowledged the intense emotions and expectations that come with Test cricket."It's been different for me," Smith said. "Mentally and physically, it was quite a lot in three weeks, going from county cricket into that, and with the potential for more stuff to come."Smith's admission highlights the challenges of transitioning from domestic to international cricket. The intensity and pressure of Test cricket can be overwhelming for even the most experienced players.Despite the mental toll, Smith remains open to moving up the batting order to No. 6 in the absence of Ben Stokes. He has batted at various positions in his career and believes he can adapt to the role.England have two options to replace Stokes: bring in uncapped batter Jordan Cox or promote Smith and Chris Woakes up the order. Smith's experience as a specialist batter in the County Championship could make him a suitable candidate for No. 6.Smith's workload management will be crucial in the coming months. England have a busy schedule, including white-ball series against Australia and West Indies, and Test series in Pakistan and New Zealand.Smith's girlfriend is also expecting their first child in December, which could affect his availability for some of England's Test series in New Zealand."It's not been massively discussed," Smith said. "I'll just play it by ear… there's no guarantee that I'll be selected for anything moving forward anyway."Smith's situation underscores the challenges of balancing international cricket with personal commitments. As England look to manage their players' workloads, Smith's versatility and adaptability will be valuable assets.

West Indies and South Africa are eager to secure a victory in the second Test match of their series in Guyana, following a rain-affected draw in Trinidad. Both teams have areas to improve upon, particularly in converting starts into substantial scores.West Indies, currently at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, will be determined to secure their second win. They will rely on the likes of Kraigg Brathwaite and David Bedingham, known for their patience and ability to hold their ground.South Africa, on the other hand, faces a must-win situation in each of their remaining seven Tests in this World Test Championship cycle. They may consider fielding only six batters, placing pressure on Kyle Verreynne to deliver significant runs.Alick Athanaze, who impressed in Trinidad with his composure and ability to handle short balls, could be a key player for West Indies. He has a strong record at the Providence Stadium, where the second Test will be played.South Africa may opt to include Nandre Burger or Dane Piedt in their lineup, sacrificing a batter for additional bowling firepower.The Providence Stadium pitch is expected to provide challenges for batters, with an average first-innings score of 206 in 2023. Both seam and spin bowlers are likely to find success.

Pakistan's Test captain, Shan Masood, has emphasized the importance of establishing a winning mentality at home for the team's long-term success. He believes that until Pakistan can consistently triumph on home soil, they cannot aspire to qualify for the World Test Championship final.Masood's appointment as Test captain followed Babar Azam's resignation after Pakistan's disappointing exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup. Since international cricket returned to Pakistan in 2019, the Test side has struggled to make an impact at home. Australia and England have both comfortably won series in Pakistan, while the hosts have also failed to defeat New Zealand.Critics have accused the PCB and team management of preparing flat pitches against Australia, England, and New Zealand in 2022-23, fearing defeats. Pakistan's last Test series win came against South Africa in January 2021.Masood believes that Pakistan's lack of home advantage stems from their decade-long isolation from international cricket. "In Test cricket, you have to be familiar with certain conditions," he said. "We still haven't found our ideal way of playing at home that suits our batting, bowling, and overall style."Pakistan's red-ball head coach, former Australian pace bowler Jason Gillespie, hopes that playing seven out of nine Tests at home this season will help the team find the right formula. "I think we still need to figure out exactly what surfaces we want to be playing on which gives us the edge," said Gillespie.Masood is determined to create conditions that favor Pakistan's strengths. "We need to determine how we can create conditions that suit us more and put us in the driving seat, rather than just thinking about how we can cope with the opposition," he said.Pakistan's upcoming international assignments in July will provide a crucial test for Masood and his team. If they can establish a winning habit at home, they will take a significant step towards their goal of becoming a formidable unit on the international stage.

Tony de Zorzi, the newly appointed Test opener for South Africa, has made a significant impact both on and off the field during the team's tour of the West Indies.Off the field, de Zorzi has showcased his comedic talents by hosting the team's video tour diary. In a recent episode, he engaged in a pop-quiz on Olympic sports, designed a makeshift hurdles course, and conducted a spoof pitch report.On the field, de Zorzi has acquitted himself well in his new role. In the first Test against West Indies, he scored a half-century in the first innings and a 45 in the second, helping South Africa set a challenging target.De Zorzi's approach at the crease has been influenced by the conditions in the Caribbean. He has focused on playing straighter shots, adjusting to the slower pace and harder ball. Despite the differences from his home pitches, de Zorzi has maintained his batting style while making subtle adjustments.While he acknowledges the pressure to score his first Test century, de Zorzi remains philosophical. He believes it will come when it's meant to and is confident in his abilities.Beyond cricket, de Zorzi has embraced the culinary delights of the West Indies. He has particularly enjoyed the plantain, a popular snack in Guyana, where the second Test will be played.De Zorzi's performances and off-field antics have endeared him to fans and teammates alike. He has demonstrated his versatility and adaptability, both as a cricketer and an entertainer.

England's Test captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out for the remainder of the summer due to a torn left hamstring. The injury occurred during a Hundred match for Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals on Sunday.Stokes sustained the injury while attempting a quick single. He pulled up in pain after completing the run and collapsed to the ground, clutching his left leg. He required assistance to leave the field and returned to the dugout on crutches.A scan on Tuesday confirmed the severity of the injury, ruling Stokes out of the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins in Manchester on August 21.Ollie Pope, Stokes' vice-captain for over a year, will assume full captaincy duties for the series.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated that Stokes aims to return for England's winter Test tour of Pakistan, which commences in Multan on October 7. Zak Crawley, who is missing the Sri Lanka series with a finger injury, is also targeting the Pakistan tour for his comeback.England has opted not to name a replacement for Stokes in their squad for the Sri Lanka series. In his absence, Jordan Cox could make his Test debut as a specialist batter at No. 6. Alternatively, the team could adjust its balance by promoting Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes to No. 6 and 7, respectively, and selecting an additional seamer like Matthew Potts or Olly Stone.Stokes' injury is a significant blow to England's Test team. He is a key all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball. His absence will test the depth of England's squad and provide opportunities for other players to step up.

England Test captain Ben Stokes and opener Zak Crawley have suffered injuries that will impact their availability for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.Stokes, 33, was carried off the field while playing for the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred on Sunday. The all-rounder appeared to suffer a hamstring injury and was assisted into the stands by team staff. England's first Test against Sri Lanka begins on August 21 at Old Trafford, the same ground where Stokes sustained his injury.Meanwhile, Crawley has been ruled out of the series due to a broken finger. The 26-year-old fractured his little finger on his right hand while attempting to take a catch during the third Test victory over the West Indies. Crawley will now focus on recovering in time for England's tour of Pakistan in October.With Crawley sidelined, Dan Lawrence is expected to open alongside Ben Duckett. Lawrence has been included in several England squads but has not played a Test since 2022. The 27-year-old has impressed in the County Championship this season, averaging 53.09 with two centuries and three fifties.England have made several other changes to their squad ahead of the Sri Lanka series. Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith, who made their Test debuts against the West Indies, have been retained. Essex batsman Jordan Cox has received his first call-up, while uncapped seamer Dillon Pennington has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.Nottinghamshire seam bowler Olly Stone returns to the Test squad for the first time since 2021. The 29-year-old will be hoping to add to his three Test caps.The first Test against Sri Lanka starts at Old Trafford on August 21, with the second match at Lord's and the third at The Oval.

West Indies Cricketers Prioritize T20 Leagues Over Tests, Says Andre RussellAndre Russell, the explosive West Indian all-rounder, has shed light on the ongoing issue of premier West Indian cricketers opting out of Test matches in favor of lucrative T20 leagues around the world. Russell believes that the lack of interest in Tests stems from a shift in priorities rather than financial concerns."I don't think it's the money, I don't think money is the issue," Russell told Press Association. "Based on the amount of T20 and leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests."Russell's comments come amidst West Indies' struggles in the World Test Championship, where they currently languish at the bottom of the table. Despite a recent draw against South Africa, the team has been plagued by inconsistent performances and a lack of depth in the Test format.Russell, along with several other high-profile West Indian players, has been absent from the Test team in recent years, opting instead to participate in T20 leagues such as The Hundred. This has raised concerns about the future of Test cricket in the Caribbean."I'm always excited watching the other West Indian batters, especially when they're hitting boundary after boundary," Russell said. "As long as you can do well from contracts outside your nation I think they are going to grab that opportunity but everyone wants to play on the big stage."Russell believes that the allure of T20 leagues, with their shorter format and higher financial rewards, has made it difficult for players to commit to the rigors of Test cricket. He also acknowledges that the physical demands of Test cricket may not be suitable for all players."Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don't think my body will keep up with Test cricket," he said. "But those in the team at the moment are fit enough and taking on the challenge."Russell's comments highlight the challenges facing West Indies cricket as it grapples with the changing landscape of the sport. The team's struggles in Test cricket have raised questions about the future of the format in the Caribbean, while the popularity of T20 leagues has created a new set of priorities for players.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins is preparing for the upcoming series against India by considering a brief return to the Sheffield Shield. Cummins, who recently completed a stint in the USA, has been rested from Australia's white-ball tour of Scotland and England next month.Cummins' focus is on building strength and conditioning ahead of the home summer, which includes five Tests against India starting in late November. These Tests will be crucial in determining Australia's chances of defending their World Test Championship title at Lord's next June.Cummins last played Sheffield Shield for New South Wales in February 2021 and has only made nine appearances in his career. He is considering playing two or three ODIs against Pakistan in early November, followed by a Shield game or NSW one-day matches.New South Wales has a Shield game against Victoria from October 20 and Queensland from November 1, although the latter overlaps with the start of the ODI series against Pakistan. Cummins' fellow fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood could also be available for New South Wales ahead of the international season.Most of the Australian batters are expected to be available for the Sheffield Shield in October, while those not involved in the ODI series against Pakistan could get another outing. There are also two Australia A four-day matches against India A in Mackay and Melbourne.Cummins' return to the Sheffield Shield will provide him with valuable match practice ahead of the crucial Test series against India. The series will be a major test for Australia, who are currently second in the World Test Championship table behind India.