Tim Southee, New Zealand's second-highest Test wicket-taker and all-time top wicket-taker across formats, retired after a 16-year career. The 36-year-old concluded his Test journey with 391 wickets, just shy of the 400 mark. His final match was a victory against England at his home ground, Seddon Park.
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Shakib Al Hasan has been banned from bowling in domestic and international cricket after failing a second test of his bowling action. Despite this setback, he remains eligible to play as a batsman. Shakib is still in the running for a spot in Bangladesh's Champions Trophy team set to compete against India on February 20.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri anticipates Rohit Sharma will retire from Test cricket after being dropped from the fifth Testbum against Australia. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah claimed at the toss that Rohit opted to sit out for the benefit of the team. Rohit has struggled this series and hasn't performed well since missing the first Test.
Karnataka cricketers Prasidh Krishna and Devdutt Padikkal, along with Tamil Nadu's Washington Sundar, will join the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout matches following their Border-Gavaskar Trophy involvement. KL Rahul opted for a break, while decisions on his Ranji Trophy participation will be made later.
Washington Sundar praised Nitish Kumar Reddy's impressive maiden century in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Reddy's composed 100 off 171 balls helped India avoid a follow-on and featured a popular celebration tribute. Sundar highlighted the team's clarity on their responsibilities and commended Reddy's skill and temperament during the crucial 127-run partnership.
Ryan Rickelton, South Africa's wicketkeeper-batter, scored his first ODI century in the ICC Champions Trophy, leading to a win against Afghanistan. Despite his satisfaction, he expressed regret about his dismissal and acknowledged areas of improvement. Rickelton's performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award, placing him in the company of notable South African century-makers in ICC tournaments.
England's Test captain Ben Stokes will miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy and the subsequent Test series due to a torn left hamstring. The injury, sustained during the third Test against New Zealand, requires surgery in January, sidelining him for three months. Stokes remains optimistic despite the setback, expressing his resolve to return stronger.
The South African cricket team arrives in Lahore, Pakistan for an ODI tri-series with New Zealand and Pakistan. Led by Temba Bavuma, the team includes Gerald Coetzee back from injury and six uncapped players. The tri-series serves as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy beginning February 19. Matches start on February 8 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Australia defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs in Galle, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Matthew Kuhnemann's career-best 9-149 and support from Nathan Lyon were instrumental in Australia's win. Sri Lanka's first innings ended at 165, and they collapsed in the second session despite Dinesh Chandimal's efforts.
Rohit Sharma's batting struggles continued in the Brisbane Test, dismissed for just 10 runs. His move to the middle order, accommodating KL Rahul's return as opener, has added to his difficulties, according to teammate Cheteshwar Pujara. Rohit's recent scores reflect his struggles, aggregating low totals in previous series against New Zealand and Bangladesh.
Pakistan's batting coach Mohammad Yousuf has withdrawn from the New Zealand tour because of his daughter's illness. No replacement will be named. The squad departs for New Zealand on Wednesday. Following Pakistan's Champions Trophy campaign, Yousuf was appointed for the series including T20Is and ODIs. PCB will advertise for a permanent head coach after the tour.