Australian team, led by Captain Steve Smith, is keenly focused on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy as they face Sri Lanka in two ODIs. These matches, taking place in Colombo, serve as the final preparation for the tournament starting February 19. Sri Lanka aim to rebuild after missing out on the Champions Trophy.
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South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch had a remarkable start to his Test career, taking a wicket with his first delivery against Pakistan. Bosch dismissed Shan Masood, sparking a top-order collapse that saw Pakistan fall from 36/0 to 56/4. Bosch's debut performance shifted the match in South Africa's favor, adding to the legacy of South African pacers.
South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, playing for Joburg Super Kings, has been sidelined from the SA20 tournament due to a hamstring strain. His absence is a significant loss as he was a potential replacement for injured Anrich Nortje. Coetzee's participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy remains uncertain, adding to South Africa's fast-bowling concerns.
The BCCI has proposed sending two personal chefs on tours to meet the nutritional needs of Indian cricketers, addressing varied diet requirements and the importance of maintaining fitness. This step is due to objections over personal chefs in team hotels. Specific needs and exceptions will be considered.
Shubman Gill's unbeaten 101 guided India to an easy six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy opener. Gill described the knock as one of his most satisfying and acknowledged the importance of staying till the end to secure the victory.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has recommended including young opener Sam Konstas in the playing XI for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Ponting believes Konstas' earlier debut performance against India warrants him valuable experience in the challenging Sri Lankan conditions. He emphasizes investing in Konstas' Test career for future benefits.
Sam Konstas, recently selected for Australia's Test squad, was dismissed for a duck in a Big Bash League match against the Sydney Sixers. It was the first match for Konstas after being named in Australia's Test squad and he was dismissed by Sixers' Akeal Hosein, chopping on a ball back onto his stumps.
Pakistan's Saim Ayub injured his ankle during the second Test against South Africa, who struggled to 72-3 by lunch on Friday. Ryan Rickleton hit a fifty while South Africa's early strong start faltered. Kwena Maphaka made history as South Africa's youngest Test debutant. Pakistan bowlers Abbas and Agha took key wickets.
Dinesh Karthik, replacing Jos Buttler, became the first Indian in SA20, South Africa's top T20 league. After retiring from IPL, Karthik debuted for Paarl Royals, supporting BCCI's rule against active Indian cricketers in foreign leagues. Karthik, with 130 runs in 11 matches, cherished playing with Joe Root and plans to return to SA20.
Sri Lankan cricketer Niroshan Dickwella's three-year suspension for a doping violation has been lifted after a successful appeal. The ICC confirmed that Dickwella presented evidence demonstrating the detected substance was not performance-enhancing and he hadn't consumed any banned substances during the Lanka Premier League.
Kolkata Knight Riders have named former West Indian fast bowler Ottis Gibson as their assistant coach for the upcoming IPL season starting March 22. Gibson joins an experienced coaching team, including Dwayne Bravo as mentor, head coach Chandrakant Pandit, and other notable staff members, enhancing KKR's coaching lineup.