Author: WebDesk

South Africa have picked Jason Smith and Tony de Zorzi over Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton in their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7. The team will be led by Aiden Markram. Kagiso Rabada has been recalled after missing the T20Is against India. The veteran pacer proved his fitness by playing in the last couple of SA20 matches. Rabada, along with Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, will spearhead the fast-bowling attack, which also features the inexperienced Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch. Smith has earned a surprise call-up following a blistering 41 off just…

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) pitch curator Adam Lewis has downplayed concerns regarding the nature of the pitch being prepared for the upcoming fifth Ashes Test, which begins on January 4. Two of the four Tests played in the Ashes series concluded within the first two days. The pitch curators in Perth and Melbourne faced significant criticism for preparing surfaces that resulted in short matches. In the most recent Ashes Test at the MCG, a total of 36 wickets fell inside two days, placing the SCG pitch under the spotlight. Ahead of the Ashes finale, pictures of the SCG pitch…

Seamer Matthew Potts is all set to play in the upcoming fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) after being named alongside Shoaib Bashir in England’s XII on January 2. Gus Atkinson is the only omission from the team that secured victory in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, having been sidelined by a hamstring injury. Potts, who has taken 36 wickets at an average of 29.44, is most likely to play his 11th Test, having last featured in December 2024. Historically, the SCG has offered assistance to spinners, which is why England have kept their…

The Eden Gardens pitch, where the match between India and South Africa finished inside three days, has officially been rated ‘satisfactory’ by the International Cricket Council (ICC). In November, Eden Gardens hosted the first Test of the two-match series, which was won by South Africa. The pitch drew considerable criticism from different corners of the world. Variable bounce and sharp turn were the defining characteristics of the Eden surface. Despite all the discussion surrounding the nature of the wicket and the early end to the match, the pitch has avoided demerit points. According to the ICC, ‘satisfactory’ is the second…

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the remainder of the Big Bash League (BBL) season due to a knee injury. Brisbane Heat confirmed that, after consultation with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the pacer has decided to return to Pakistan, where he will undergo rehabilitation. “After consulting with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical staff during the past 24 hours, it was agreed that Afridi would cut short his Big Bash League stint to return home for further treatment ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup,” said a statement from Brisbane Heat. The left-arm pacer picked…

Jamie Smith and Saqib Mahmood have been left out of England’s provisional squad for the T20 World Cup, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. Recovering from an injury that ruled him out of the last two Ashes Tests, Jofra Archer is included in the 15-man squad, along with Josh Tongue, who has been recalled after his sensational five-wicket haul in the Boxing Day Test a few days ago. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) made the announcement alongside the naming of England’s T20I and ODI squads for next month’s white-ball tour of Sri…

England batter Jacob Bethell likes batting at number three but admits he has to prove himself in order to make the position his own in the near future. Bethell replaced Ollie Pope at number three for the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Although he failed in the first innings, getting out for a single-digit score, Bethell roared back in the second innings by top-scoring for his team in the fourth-innings run chase. His quickfire 40 helped England chase 175 to beat Australia by four wickets, ending an 18-match winless run Down Under. The 22-year-old gave a…

Australia batter Tim David has been ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing Big Bash League season due to a hamstring injury after scans confirmed a Grade 2 strain. David injured his right hamstring while taking a single during the group match between the Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers on Friday, which the Hurricanes won by four wickets. The 29-year-old was clearly in pain when he retired hurt on 42 off 28 balls. On the advice of the medical staff, he was taken off the field. The big-hitting David is “tracking to be available” for the T20 World Cup,…

New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing an end to an 18-year career at the age of 35. For the Black Caps, Bracewell played 28 Tests, 21 ODIs and 20 T20Is after making his debut in 2011. His last international appearance came in 2023, in Wellington, against Sri Lanka in a Test match. Michael Bracewell, Doug’s cousin, was also part of the team. The right-arm seamer claimed 120 wickets across formats in 90 appearances. One of the highlights of his international career came when he took 9/60 to lead New Zealand to…

South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje remains optimistic about his selection for the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. Cricket South Africa (CSA) is expected to announce the squad next week. Ahead of the announcement, Nortje made a strong case for inclusion with a sensational return of 4/13 for Sunrisers Eastern Cape against the Paarl Royals. These were his best figures since last year’s T20 World Cup. The 32-year-old speedster noted that the past two months have been ideal in his build-up to a return to the international scene. “Hopefully I get selected, but for now it’s just about…