Cricket

England all-rounder Moeen Ali is set to make his Caribbean Premier League (CPL) debut with defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors, replacing Pakistan opener Saim Ayub. Ayub's absence is a significant blow for the Warriors, as he was their breakout star in their title-winning campaign last season.Moeen's availability is subject to Birmingham Bears' progress in the T20 Blast in the UK. If the Bears reach the Finals Day on September 14, Moeen will join the Warriors later in the tournament. Until then, New Zealand opener Tim Robinson will serve as his temporary replacement.Robinson is a hard-hitting batsman who has impressed in the Super Smash and made his T20I debut for New Zealand. He will provide the Warriors with an explosive option at the top of the order.Even after Moeen arrives, Robinson will remain with the squad, filling in for Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who will leave for international duty after the Barbados leg of the CPL. Gurbaz will return for the last leg in Guyana.In Ayub's absence, the Warriors have experimented with Gudakesh Motie and Kevin Sinclair as openers. However, the signings of Moeen and Robinson give them the option of using proper batters at the top.The Warriors have made a strong start to their title defense, winning both their games so far. Moeen's arrival will further bolster their squad and make them one of the favorites to retain their title.

New Zealand's next generation of cricketers is honing their skills in Chennai, India, under the guidance of former New Zealand A coach Sriram Krishnamurthy. Dean Foxcroft, Tim Robinson, and Mitch Hay, three of New Zealand's brightest young talents, are spending two weeks at the Super Kings Academy, learning to counter local spinners on black- and red-soil pitches.Foxcroft, 26, and Robinson, 22, have already played for New Zealand, while Hay, 23, is on the fringes of national selection. With New Zealand scheduled to play Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and India in the subcontinent over the next four months, this is an ideal opportunity for the trio to prepare for the challenges ahead.Hay, who averages over 46 in first-class cricket, admits that sweeping spin isn't his natural strength. However, he is eager to learn from Krishnamurthy and the Super Kings coaches. "It's been a good challenge to learn some different shots and different strategies on wickets that are spinning a lot more than at home," he said.Robinson, who has a strike rate of almost 150 in T20s, has also picked up valuable tips. "I think for the sweep, I like to get outside the line of the ball and try not to get in front of the stumps," he said. "It's something that we all are trying to develop, and it's about using the right tools on the right wicket at the right time."Foxcroft, who has won the PSL with Lahore Qalandars, is also working on his all-round skills. "I want to be the No.1 allrounder, [and contribute] in both departments," he said. "Hopefully, I can get a five-for and a Test hundred or whatever, but I want to keep developing [the bowling] and get better at it at every training."With Kane Williamson giving up his New Zealand central contract and a number of other players ageing, Foxcroft, Robinson, and Hay are likely to get their opportunities in the next few months. Their experience in Chennai will undoubtedly benefit them as they prepare to represent New Zealand on the international stage.