Junior Digest

Sydney, Dec 6,2020: Shikhar Dhawan brilliant 52 and Hardik Pandya quickfire not out 42 off 22 helped India beat Australia by 6 wickets in the 2nd T20I to take 2-0 lead in the 3-match series here on Sunday.

Australia’s skipper Matthew Wade 58 and Steven Smith 46 took the team to 194/5 in 20 overs while India chasing finished off with 195/4 in 19.4 overs winning the game.

Pandya’s six off Daniel Sams in the last ball of last over took the visitors towards series win.

Mumbai, November 20,2020:: Star India Sports Head Sanjog Gupta is delighted with the success of the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) and said that it was the “biggest ever in terms of viewership, engagement and ad sales.”
“It’s the biggest IPL the nation has seen and the response from fans and advertisers has been stupendous. The record-breaking opening week gave us the ideal start and laid the foundation for a record-breaking season. We are extremely delighted that this season has been the biggest ever in terms of viewership, engagement and ad sales.

From swashbuckling young talent, exciting clashes, to nail-biting double super overs in a single day, the 13th edition of the tournament was nothing short of electrifying. With fans enjoying matches from the comfort of their homes, IPL 2020 has set a viewership record with an overall consumption increase of 23 per cent versus 2019.

Colombo, Nov 20,2020: Star players Chris Gayle and Lasith Malinga will miss the Lanka Premier League following injury and inadequate preparation time.

Gayle has told the Kandy Tuskers franchise that he will not be traveling to Sri Lanka on account of an injury. Lasith Malinga – Sri Lanka’s most recognisable T20 player – has also pulled out a week from the tournament’s start date, citing inadequate preparation time.

The arrival of Andre Russell this week, however, will ensure that the tournament will have at least one global star.

Gayle’s exit had been rumoured for several days, but Malinga’s withdrawal has come as more of a surprise, particularly as he was one of the Galle Gladiators’ marquee players, and was expected to lead that team.

Malinga had not played a competitive match since March, and said that the lack of cricket and training this year had prompted his decision to withdraw.

According to reports, the Sardar Patel stadium is expected to host its first match in March with an exhibition game between an Asia XI and a World XI as the inaugural game.

The stadium will have more than 70 corporate boxes, four dressing rooms, a clubhouse and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Its construction began in January 2017.

It will overtake Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, currently India’s biggest stadium with a capacity of 66,000 — down from 100,000 after a major rebuilding project.

India, the world’s top-ranked Test team, has more than a dozen stadiums capable of holding international cricket matches. .

Kolkata, Nov 18: India’s first-ever Pink ball Test is a few days away and preparations
at Eden Gardens are in full swing to make this event a grand show.
The Test beginning November 22 will be the first-ever Day-Night Test in India. It will be
India’s 540th Test.
Preparations are on in full swing for the match against Bangladesh. The Cricket
Association Of Bengal (CAB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is
also leaving no stones unturned to make the Test match an event to remember.
The presence of Bangladesh Prime Minister Seikh Hasina, State Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee and Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with the legends like
Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman promises to make
the opening day a star studded affair.
As part of the effort, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) in association with
Creocraft is bringing to life vignettes of cricket on the inside walls of the Colosseum.
The walls of Eden will say the story behind every cricketer. It’s going to be a
cricketer’s journey from maidan to the tricolored jersey.

England’s Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler took 15 off Trent Boult’s over before Jofra Archer stepped up to bowl against Martin Guptill and Jimmy Neesham.

With two runs required off the final ball, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler and Jason Roy combined to run out Guptill as he came back for the second.

That meant the host nation won on superior boundary count, sparking wild scenes of celebration at the “home of cricket”.

England, who have often cited a humiliating defeat by New Zealand at the 2015 World Cup as the catalyst for their climb to the top of the one-day international rankings, finally have a World Cup win to go with their three losing appearances in the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals.

Dubai, Nov 20,2020: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the ICC World Test Championship points system will be amended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the new system, Australia has leapfrogged India to claim the top position.

The Board approved a recommendation from the ICC Cricket Committee, headed by Anil Kumble, to change the competition terms for the event to determine how series affected by the global pandemic are accounted for on the points table.

“The unprecedented disruption caused by COVID-19 means, to date, just under half of the World Test Championship matches have been played, with that estimated to rise to more than 85 percent by the end of the competition window,” ICC said in a release.

“Current regulations dictate that matches not completed shall be treated as a draw with points split. The Cricket Committee considered maintaining that status quo or determining the final World Test Championship League standings from matches played.”

“Both the Cricket Committee and Chief Executives Committee supported the approach of ranking teams based on completed matches and points earned as this reflects their performance and doesn’t disadvantage teams that have been unable to compete all of their matches through no fault of their own,” ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said.

“We explored a whole range of options, but our Members felt strongly that we should proceed as planned with the first ever World Test Championship Final in June next year.”

The Board also confirmed that the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will move from its current slot at the end of 2022 to 9-26 February 2023.

Cape Town [South Africa], November 16,2020: South Africa’s Sports Ministry has given a nod to Cricket South Africa (CSA) to go ahead with the upcoming white-ball series against England later this month.
As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, the series between England and South Africa will be played for the sake of the players and the cricket-loving public.
There has been turmoil in Cricket South Africa for a long time now over administrative issues and Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa is closer to intervening in the matters of the board.

There is a strong chance of Mthethwa using the National Sports and Recreation Act to step in at CSA (which could include withdrawing funding and stripping them of their status as a nationally representative body) if the members’ council does not recognise the interim board, ESPNCricinfo reported.
England are due to travel to South Africa later today and upon reaching South Africa, the side will begin a 10-day quarantine. All matches will be played in a bio-secure environment in the Western Cape, with fixtures at both Newlands and Boland Park.
The series is slated to start on November 27 and it will be the first series in South Africa since the country went into lockdown in March. This will also be the first series that the South African men’s team have had for more than seven months.
South Africa are also due to host Sri Lanka, Australia, and Pakistan in the 2020-21 season, and these fixtures may be under threat if the members’ council does not comply with the Sports Minister.
Earlier, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) had asked for the CSA board and executive to step aside while SASCOC conducted an inquiry into CSA’s affairs.

Southampton [UK], Aug 1,2020: The rain-affected second Test between England and Pakistan ended in a draw here on Monday.
With this, the hosts retain their 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series against Pakistan.
Resuming the day 5 from 7/1, England got off to a good start as both the on-field batters, Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley, struck regular boundaries and took the side over the 50-run mark.
Mohammad Abbas handed Pakistan with their first breakthrough of the day as he dismissed Crawley, who played a knock of 53 runs. In his next over, Abbas took the wicket of Sibley (32) as well.
Joe Root and Ollie Pope then took the field but failed to form a decent partnership as the latter was given LBW off Yasir Shah’s delivery. Jos Buttler then came out to bat and England were on 110/4 when the match came to an end.
Earlier on Sunday, the rain had washed out most of the action of the second Test between England and Pakistan.
The play had resumed on time on Day 4, but after one hour of action, rain intervened and there was no play possible after that.
The rain had washed out the entire play on day three of the Test as well. Pakistan had scored 236 runs in their first innings.
The third Test between both teams will commence on August 21.

Melbourne, Nov 18 ,2020: Pace bowler Andrew Tye on Wednesday replaced Kane Richardson in Australia’s ODI and T20I squad for the series against India, starting November 27.

Cricket Australia in a statement on Wednesday said that Richardson withdrew from the squad to be with his wife and their newborn son in Adelaide.

“It was a difficult decision for Kane to make but one which has the complete support of the selectors and the entire playing squad,” national selector Trevor Hohns said.

“Kane wanted to remain in Adelaide with Nyki and their newborn son. We will always support our players and their families; even more so given the challenging environment, we are in. We will miss what he brings to the team but completely understand and support his decision,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Adelaide’s COVID-19 outbreak also led to three extra players being added to the Australian training group in Sydney given the border restrictions imposed by various states.

In addition to Tye, Josh Philippe, who is quarantining after returning from the Indian Premier League, and D’Arcy Short will also train with the group in Sydney before joining their respective Big Bash League franchises.

The first ODI against India at the at the Sydney Cricket Ground on November 27.

Australia ODI & T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey , Pat Cummins (vc), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Daniel Sams, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

DUBAI ,Nov 11,2020: Defending champions Mumbai Indians claimed their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title after romping to a five-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals in Tuesday’s final in Dubai.

Mumbai’s bowlers, led by Trent Boult (3-30), laid the foundation for their comprehensive victory by restricting Delhi to a below-par 156-7.

Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma smashed a breezy 68 and Ishan Kishan made 33 not out as they prevailed with eight balls to spare for their fourth win against Delhi this season.

Playing their maiden IPL final against the tournament’s most successful side, Delhi, coached by Australia great Ricky Ponting, needed a strong start but were reeling at 22-3 instead in the fourth over.

Boult dismissed the in-form Marcus Stoinis with the first delivery while Shikhar Dhawan, the other opener, lost his wicket to off-spinner Jayant Yadav attempting a slog-sweep.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer (65 not out) and Rishabh Pant (56) steadied the innings but Delhi did not get a late flourish and settled for a score which Mumbai chased down easily.

Quinton de Kock fell for 20 and Suryakumar Yadav (19) sacrificed his wicket after a mix-up with Rohit but Mumbai were hardly tested in their chase.

Rohit shrugged off the twin setbacks and smashed four sixes in his rollicking knock before holing out with victory in sight.

Sydney [Australia], November 27,2020: Australia won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the first One Day International (ODI) here at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.
The much-anticipated India’s tour of Australia will get underway as both sides lock horns in the first of the three-match ODI series. India begin their ICC Cricket World Cup Super League campaign as the men in Blue resume international cricket.
The first two games of the ODI series will be played in Sydney with the action shifting to Canberra for the final game.
India last played ODI cricket earlier this year in New Zealand, where they lost all three matches.
Australia Playing XI: Aaron Finch(c), David Warner, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
India Playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini.

MANCHESTER: New Zealand survived Ravindra Jadeja’s late onslaught to stun India by 18 runs in a low-scoring thriller on Wednesday and reach the Cricket World Cup final for the second time in a row.

Twice champions India were reeling at 24-4 in their chase for a modest victory target of 240 in what had appeared to be a lop-sided semi-final.

Jadeja (77) partnered Mahendra Singh Dhoni in a century-plus stand but India were bowled out for 221 in the final over and New Zealand will play hosts England or defending champions Australia in Sunday’s final at Lord’s.

Feb 7,2020:In Cricket, India will face New Zealand in the second ODI of the three-match series at Eden Park in Auckland tomorrow.

The match is scheduled to begin at 7.30 a.m. (IST). India lost the opening ODI despite posting 348-run target. The third and final ODI will be played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on the 11th of this month.

Manchester [UK], Sept 7: Australian batsman Steve Smith on Saturday completed 600 runs in the ongoing Ashes series against England at Old Trafford Stadium here.
Smith achieved the feat with the 11th run in the second innings on the day four of the fourth Test. In the first innings, he played a massive knock of 211 runs after missing out the third Test due to a failed concussion test.
In the second Test, Smith was hit by a bouncer bowled by Jofra Archer and he was later ruled out of the match and the third Test due to delayed concussion.
The 30-year-old scored centuries in both innings of the first Test of the ongoing Ashes and this helped the side in recording a victory.
Smith had a spectacular series so far. He has scored 600 and more runs in a series for the third time. Only Don Bradman is above him as he scored 600-plus runs in a series for six times in his Test career.
At the time of filing this story, Australia were at 63/4 at tea, Smith was batting at 19 while Mathew Wade was unbeaten at 10.

Dec 02,2020:India defeated Australia by 13 runs in the final ODI of the three-match series at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Team India posted a total of 302 runs for the loss of five wickets in 50 overs, after skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat. Hardik Pandya was the highest run-getter, smashing 92 runs off 76 deliveries in an innings comprising of seven boundaries and a six. Ravindra Jadeja was the second top run-scorer, hitting 66 runs off 50 balls with five boundaries and three maximums to his credit. Kohli was dismissed for 63 runs off 78 deliveries. Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer were dismissed cheaply. Ashton Agar was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, accounting for two wickets. During the chase, Aaron Finch was the highest run-getter for the hosts, scoring 75 runs off 82 deliveries. Glenn Maxwell provided quality support, smashing 59 runs off 38 deliveries. However, a fine performance by the Indian bowling attack helped the visitors secure a win and avoid series whitewash. Shardul Thakur was the highest wicket-taker, accounting for three dismissals. Jasprit Bumrah and T Natarajan picked two wickets apiece. Australia clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1.

Trinidad, Aug 15 : Captain Virat Kohli’s 43rd ODI century (114* off 99 ) helped India beat Windies by 6 wickets in the rain-affected third and final match of the three match series and clinch the ODI series 2-0 here at the Queen’s Park Oval.
Chasing a DLS target of 255 runs in 35 overs, India were off to a bad start as they lost the wicket (run out) of Rohit Sharma (10 runs) in the 3rd over on Wednesday.
After Rohit’s wicket, Virat came to bat and had a 66 run partnership with Shikar Dhwan for the second wicket. Shikhar Dhawan scored 36 off 36 before getting out to Fabian Allen.
Rishabh Pant failed with the bat once again as he went for a golden duck.
From there on, Virat Kohli dominated the Windies bowlers and scored his 43rd ODI hundred off 99 balls with 14 fours.
Kohli received excellent support from Shreyas Iyer who continued his good form and played a superb innings of 65 off 41 balls in a 120-run third-wicket partnership.
At the end, India chased down the target 256/4 (32.3) quite comfortably with 15 balls to spare to clinch ODI series 2-0.
Earlier, superb innings by Chris Gayle (72 off 41), Evin Lewis (43 off 29) and Nicholas Pooran’s late cameo 30 off 16 helped Windies post a fighting total of 240-7 in 35 overs.
Virat Kohli was declared ‘Man of the Match’ and ‘Man of the Series’ for his brilliant performance in the whole series.

Dec 02,2020:India captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday became the fastest cricketer to score 12,000 ODI runs, breaking a record held by legendary compatriot Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli reached the milestone during the third and final match against Australia here.

Kohli, who needed 23 runs for the landmark coming into the match, touched the figure in his 242nd innings when he took a single off Sean Abbott in the 13th over of India’s essay. In comparison, it took Tendulkar 300-innings to get there.

The 32-year-old Indian captain was playing in his 251st ODI and averages close to 60 in the format with 43-hundreds and 59 half-centuries. He made his debut in 2008. On Wednesday, he was dismissed for a 78-ball 63, caught behind by Alex Carey after edging a Josh Hazlewood delivery.
Tendulkar scored 18426 runs from 463 ODIs between 1989 and 2012 at an average of 44.83 with the help of 49-hundreds and 96 half-centuries.

Mumbai, Aug 17: The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), led by all-rounder Kapil Dev, on Friday pinned it’s hopes on Ravi Shastri again, extending his tenure till the T20 World Cup in 2021.
Addressing a press conference, after conducting interviews for the coveted post at the BCCI headquarters here, Kapil said, “Number three was Tom Moody, number two was Mike Hesson. Number one is Ravi Shastri as all of you were expecting… (But) It was a very close race.
‘Ravi Shastri, in his presentation, revealed what he did in the last two years, what help he needs in making the team better and how he will improve in the subsequent period’, he added.
Apart from Shastri, former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson, former Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody, Robin Singh and Lalchand Rajput were in the fray.
The three-member panel, comprising Kapil, Anshuman Gaikwad and Shantha Rangaswamy, rated Shastri at No 1, Hesson at No 2 and Moody at No 3.
Former Afghanistan coach Phil Simmons, who was among the six shortlisted candidates, pulled out at the 11th hour, citing personal reasons.
This will be Shastri’s fourth stint with the national team, having served briefly as the Cricket Manager (2007 tour of Bangladesh), Team Director (2014-2016) and head coach (2017-2019).
Team India Captain Virat Kohli had openly backed Shastri’s candidature at the pre-departure media conference before the West Indies tour and it was expected that the former Indian skipper would certainly retain the position.
However, when asked whether the CAC took the opinion of Kohli in the coach selection process, Kapil clearly said that they did not consult Virat, before beginning the process.
‘The opinion of the captain wasn’t taken. Otherwise, we would have had to take the opinions of the entire Indian team. We didn’t consult Virat Kohli, else we would have asked the entire team. We did not ask anyone,” Kapil told the reporters.
Shastri’s contract expired after India’s World Cup campaign, but the BCCI handed him and his support staff, 45-day extension.
During Shastri’s tenure, India became the number one ranked team in the ICC Test rankings and performed exceptionally well in the 2019 World Cup, losing just two games out of the nine matches, including the semi-final.
India have won 13 out of 21 Tests, 43 out of 60 ODIs and 25 T20 Internationals out of 36, on his watch. India’s first Test series victory in Australia, too came under Shastri’s term as head coach of the team.
Shastri has played 80 Test matches and scored 3830 runs. He scored 11 centuries in red-ball cricket and also picked up 151 Test wickets, during his playing days.
In ODI, Shastri played 150 matches, scored 3108 runs and managed to get four centuries. He also took 129 wickets in ODI.

Feb 7,2020: In the Women’s T20 triangular cricket series, England registered comfortable victory by four wickets against India in the fourth match in Melbourne today. Chasing a moderate target of 124 runs, England scored 124 for the loss of six wickets with seven balls to spare.

For India, Rajeshwari Gaikwad scalped three wickets and Radha Yadav took one wicket.

Earlier, Opener Smriti Mandhana top-scored with a 40-ball 45 as India struggled to 123 for six. She smashed seven fours and one maximum blow for a six after opening the innings, while Jemimah Rodrigues with 23 and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur with 14 runs failed to capitalize on their starts.