Cricket

Pakistan's Test squad has undergone significant changes for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, with the return of fast bowler Naseem Shah and the appointment of Saud Shakeel as vice-captain.Shah, who last played a Test in July 2021, has been recalled after impressing in domestic cricket. He joins a bowling attack that includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, and Abrar Ahmed.Shakeel, a middle-order batter, has been rewarded for his consistent performances with the vice-captaincy. He takes over from Afridi, who is currently injured.The squad also features several new faces, including batter Kamran Ghulam, fast bowler Mohammad Ali, and batter Muhammad Hurraira. These players have earned their call-ups based on their strong showings in domestic cricket.However, the squad has also seen some notable omissions. Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan have all been dropped, while Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim are injured.The Pakistan squad will begin training in Rawalpindi on August 11 under head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. Bangladesh will arrive in Islamabad on August 17.The two Tests, part of the World Test Championship, will be played from August 21 to 25 in Rawalpindi and August 30 to September 3 in Karachi.The appointment of Shakeel as vice-captain is part of a strategic decision by the selectors to manage Afridi's workload. Afridi is expected to play a key role in Pakistan's upcoming T20 World Cup campaign.

Tristan Stubbs, a rising star in South African cricket, has been entrusted with the crucial role of Test No. 3 by coach Shukri Conrad. Despite his limited experience, Conrad believes Stubbs possesses the ideal combination of batting prowess and intimidating presence for the position.Conrad, who holds the sole responsibility for selecting both the squad and the playing XI, has decided to give Stubbs an extended opportunity to prove his worth. He sees something special in the young batsman's technique and physical attributes."Technique is crucial because he'll be facing the new ball most of the time," Conrad explained. "And he's quite an imposing character, a big, strong, strapping boy, and I quite like that. I like the fact that at the top of the order, there are quite imposing guys; guys that have got a good aura about them and strong body language."South Africa's top three for the upcoming Test series against West Indies will comprise Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Stubbs. All three players stand over 1.8 meters tall and exude a confident presence.Conrad did not elaborate on the specific advantages of having three physically imposing players at the top of the order, but it may have something to do with the diminutive stature of their captain, Temba Bavuma. Bavuma, who stands at 1.62 meters, has not played a Test match since March 2022 due to hamstring injuries.While Bavuma does not require protection, he needs players around him who can bat consistently and provide a solid foundation. Stubbs has been identified as someone who can fulfill that role."His psyche and his technique speak to someone who will do that job really well," Conrad said. "We've got a good one for the future of South African cricket."Stubbs' impressive first-class record supports Conrad's confidence. In 18 matches, he has averaged 50.20, with three centuries and a highest score of 302*. His ability to score quickly and dominate the opposition has caught the attention of selectors.Conrad has committed to giving Stubbs a significant run in the No. 3 spot throughout the remainder of the World Test Championship cycle. South Africa has eight more Tests scheduled in this cycle, providing Stubbs with ample opportunities to prove his worth."I'm going to give him a good run," Conrad said. "I'd be surprised if we didn't back him throughout the rest of the cycle. I'm pretty confident Tristan is going to come good."Stubbs has been instructed to express himself freely and play to his strengths. Conrad believes that by embracing their own identities, players can achieve success."Whatever that identity is, you couple that with the conditions that you're confronting and then marry that with what the skills the opposition bring, but ultimately, you still operate with your own identity in mind," Conrad said.

Graham Thorpe: A Legacy of Excellence and InspirationThe cricket world is mourning the untimely passing of former England batsman Graham Thorpe, who passed away at the age of 55. Thorpe's illustrious career spanned 13 years, during which he represented England in 100 Tests and 82 One-Day Internationals.As a batsman, Thorpe was renowned for his exceptional skill and unwavering determination. He amassed 6,744 Test runs, including 16 centuries, with an impressive average of 44.66. His ability to adapt to different conditions and play with both finesse and power made him a formidable opponent.Beyond his batting prowess, Thorpe was also a respected coach. He played a pivotal role in guiding England's men's team to numerous victories across all formats of the game. His expertise and mentorship helped shape the careers of some of England's most talented players.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expressed their profound shock and sadness at Thorpe's passing. "There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's death," said an ECB statement. "More than one of England's finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world."Thorpe's legacy extends far beyond his statistics and achievements. He was a true ambassador for the sport, inspiring countless young cricketers with his passion and dedication. His untimely demise is a significant loss to the cricket community and will be deeply felt by all who knew and admired him.

England's Zak Crawley Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Test Series with Fractured FingerEngland's preparations for their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka have been dealt a blow with the news that opener Zak Crawley will miss the three-match encounter due to a fractured right little finger. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the injury on Sunday, announcing a 14-member squad for the series that begins on August 21 at Old Trafford.Crawley, 26, sustained the injury during England's third Test victory over the West Indies last month. The right-handed batsman has been a regular fixture in the England Test team since making his debut in 2019, scoring 1,328 runs in 25 matches at an average of 28.44.In addition to Crawley's absence, seamer Dillon Pennington will also miss the series due to a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old made his Test debut against New Zealand in June but has yet to establish himself as a regular member of the team.Jordan Cox has been called up to the Test squad for the first time. The 23-year-old middle-order batter has impressed in the County Championship for Kent this season, scoring 750 runs in 12 matches at an average of 41.67.Seamer Olly Stone also returns to the Test squad for the first time since June 2021. The 29-year-old has been plagued by injuries throughout his career but has shown glimpses of his potential when fit.Ben Stokes will captain the England team during the series against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder has led England to victory in their last four Test matches, including a 3-0 sweep of New Zealand in June.

The inaugural Test match, played in Melbourne on March 15, 1877, marked a pivotal moment in cricket history. Australian opener Charles Bannerman etched his name into the annals of the sport by scoring the first-ever run in the game's longest format. His innings of 165, before retiring hurt, laid the foundation for Australia's eventual 45-run victory over England.Since those early days, cricket has evolved and expanded, with the introduction of limited-overs formats such as ODIs and Twenty20Is. While results remain paramount, individual statistics have become a source of fascination for fans and statisticians alike.In the era of Test cricket, Sunil Gavaskar's "Mount 10,000" achievement in 1987 seemed insurmountable. However, the likes of Allan Border, Sachin Tendulkar, and Ricky Ponting have since surpassed his tally. Tendulkar's record of 15,921 runs and 51 centuries stands as a testament to his unparalleled dominance.Yet, the pursuit of greatness continues. Joe Root, the current England captain, has emerged as a potential challenger to Tendulkar's legacy. With 12,027 runs from 143 Tests, Root is within striking distance of the Indian legend's record. His ability to accumulate runs consistently, even under pressure, has set him apart from his contemporaries.The sporting 30s, once considered a twilight zone for athletes, has been redefined by modern fitness standards and medical advancements. Players like Graeme Smith and Virat Kohli have extended their careers well into their 30s, continuing to perform at the highest level.The dynamics of longevity in cricket are complex. While some players struggle to maintain their form after their initial burst, others, like Root, seem to thrive with age. The absence of captaincy responsibilities, as in Root's case, can also prolong a player's career.As the years go by, there will be new challengers to Tendulkar's throne. The likes of Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Babar Azam are all capable of rewriting the record books. However, for now, the Indian maestro remains the undisputed king of Test cricket.

Kemar Roach is set to make a triumphant return to the West Indies Test side for their upcoming home series against South Africa. The experienced fast bowler missed the recent tour of England due to a knee injury sustained during the County Championship.Roach's return bolsters a West Indies bowling attack that has been depleted by the absence of Alzarri Joseph, who has been rested for this series. Wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva has been appointed as the new vice-captain in Joseph's stead."We have decided to rest our vice-captain Alzarri Joseph for this series," explained head coach Andre Coley. "Alzarri has had a considerable workload recently, and this break will allow him to recuperate and return to peak performance."Coley has emphasized the importance of managing Joseph's workload, stating that "it always helps to have a period of time away from the game to work on your individual skills."Offspin-bowling allrounder Kevin Sinclair remains sidelined due to a fractured left forearm suffered during the England tour. However, uncapped offspinner Bryan Charles, pace-bowling allrounder Justin Greaves, and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican have been included in the 15-member squad.Jeremiah Louis and Akeem Jordan, who were both part of the England tour, have been omitted from the squad. Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, and Akeem Jordan have also been left out."The selection process for this squad was led by our Head Coach, Andre Coley," said Miles Bascombe, CWI's director of cricket. "This is pending the implementation of our new selection process, which will be rolled out in the coming days."West Indies will be eager to bounce back from their 3-0 whitewash in England, which has left them languishing at the bottom of the World Test Championship table. The two Tests against South Africa will be played in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, from August 7 to 11 and in Providence, Guyana, from August 15 to 19.

Virender Sehwag, the legendary Indian Test opener, has endorsed the idea of youngsters starting their cricket careers with T20 cricket, provided it helps them develop an aggressive mindset that can enhance their Test performances.Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Delhi Premier League (DPL), Sehwag acknowledged the allure and financial benefits of T20 cricket for young players. However, he emphasized that the evolving nature of Test cricket demands an attacking approach."The way England is playing Test cricket, scoring at five runs an over, shows that attacking play is crucial," Sehwag said. "In our time, Australia scored at four runs per over. I believe that if you can attack, you give your team more chances to win Test matches."Sehwag addressed concerns about T20 leagues diverting attention from red-ball cricket, citing his own son's experience. "My son has played three-day cricket for Delhi U16, but there are many boys waiting for that opportunity," he said. "When we were young, there was no IPL. Now, youngsters have the IPL and DPL as platforms."Sehwag believes that aggressive gameplay can benefit Test cricket. "If anyone develops an aggressive game that suits Test cricket, why not? We want people to come and watch Tests," he said.Sehwag's own aggressive style in Test cricket, even before the advent of the IPL, was evident in his triple century scored in just 270 balls. "Today's kids might score 400 if they play that many balls," he quipped.The DPL will feature six teams and notable players such as Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma, and Navdeep Saini. The league has implemented anti-corruption measures and will be aired live on a leading OTT platform with DRS technology.

England's dominance over the West Indies continued in the third and final Test at Edgbaston, as they secured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory to complete a 3-0 series sweep. The match concluded more than two days ahead of schedule, highlighting England's overwhelming superiority.Ben Stokes, England's captain, led the charge with a blistering innings that saw him reach a remarkable milestone. Opening the batting in place of the injured Zak Crawley, Stokes smashed the fastest fifty by an England batsman in Test cricket, reaching the mark in just 24 deliveries. His aggressive display included nine boundaries and a six, surpassing the previous record held by Ian Botham since 1981.Stokes' innings not only contributed to England's rapid chase but also etched his name in the record books. He remained unbeaten on 57, finishing the match with a six off the bowling of West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite.Mark Wood, Stokes' Durham teammate, played a pivotal role in England's victory with an exceptional bowling performance. He claimed five wickets for nine runs in six overs, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup and leaving England with a modest target of 82 runs.West Indies opener Mikyle Louis showed some resilience with a maiden Test fifty, scoring 57 runs. Kavem Hodge also contributed 55 runs, but their efforts were not enough to set a challenging target. The next highest score in the innings was a mere 12 runs, shared by Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder, and extras.England's victory was a testament to their all-round dominance throughout the series. They outplayed the West Indies in all departments, showcasing their superior batting, bowling, and fielding skills. The 3-0 sweep further strengthens England's position as one of the top Test teams in the world.

Ireland's historic Test victory over Zimbabwe was sealed on the fourth day at Belfast, marking their first home Test win and their second consecutive Test triumph.After being reduced to 21 for 5 on the third evening, Ireland's Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine staged a remarkable recovery with a 96-run partnership. Tucker scored a gritty 56, while McBrine remained unbeaten on 55, guiding Ireland to a four-wicket victory.The morning session on the fourth day proved decisive as Ireland capitalized on the favorable batting conditions. Tucker and McBrine attacked the Zimbabwean bowlers, exploiting the gaps in the outfield and punishing loose deliveries.Zimbabwe's hopes of a comeback were dashed as Ngarava and Muzarabani, who had wreaked havoc on the third evening, failed to replicate their performance. The Irish batters remained disciplined and played with confidence, gradually chipping away at the target.McBrine's all-round performance was crucial for Ireland. In addition to his half-century, he also claimed four wickets in Zimbabwe's second innings, including the key wicket of Craig Ervine.Zimbabwe's batting had been led by Tadiwanashe Marumani's 74 in the first innings and Ryan Burl's 57 in the second. However, Ireland's bowlers, led by McBrine and Mark Adair, kept the Zimbabwean batsmen in check.Ireland's victory is a testament to their resilience and determination. After a disappointing start to the Test, they fought back admirably to secure a memorable win.