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He played a total of 29 Tests and also represented the country in hockey at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics

ESPNcricinfo staff20-May-2023Brian Booth, the former Australia Test captain, has died at the age of 89.A middle-order batter and a part-time offspinner, Booth played a total of 29 Tests, scoring 1773 runs and taking three wickets. He also represented Australia in hockey at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics before he earned his Test cap on the 1961 Ashes tour as a 27-year-old. In an interview with The Cricket Monthly in 2013, Booth had said that “he was fortunate to be able to play two sports.”He waited for 16 months to play a Test at home, and when the time arrived, he notched up 112 and 19 not out against England in Brisbane in December, 1962. He followed it up with a second hundred in the next Test in Melbourne.He is best remembered for his two hundreds against South Africa – 169 in the first Test in Brisbane and 102 not out in the fifth Test in Sydney.In 1965, on the tour of the Caribbean, Booth scored a century against high-quality pacers such as Charlie Griffith and Wes Hall, and shared a 220-run stand with Bob Cowper (143) for the third wicket in a drawn match in Trinidad. He had mentioned in the same interview that “Charlie Griffith and Wes Hall were the fastest pair I faced. They were always pretty fiery and they let us have it in ’65 in the West Indies.” He went on to add that to make a hundred against West Indies “gave me immense satisfaction.””Brian was immensely respected and admired throughout the cricketing community and beyond and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Judy and their family and friends,” Nick Hockley, CA CEO, said.”Less than 50 players have captained the Australian men’s Test team and Brian’s name is included on a list that features many of the game’s greats. He has had an extraordinary life and will be sadly missed. His contribution to cricket continues to be an inspiration and will always be remembered.”Representing New South Wales at the domestic level, he scored a total of 5577 runs in 93 first-class matches, including 11 hundreds.Lee Germon, Cricket NSW CEO, said: “Brian’s record on the playing field and as a leader are well documented and the fact he was able to captain Australia and NSW in cricket, as well as play hockey for Australia at a home Olympics, shows just how special he was as an athlete.”But that is just a part of who Brian was and it was his respectful, courteous and friendly manner off the field that will endure in the memories of all that he came into contact with.”Booth is survived by his wife Judy and four daughters.

England fast bowler faces another prolonged spell on the sidelines

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jul-2023Lancashire have confirmed that Saqib Mahmood has been diagnosed with a recurrence of the back stress fracture that sidelined him for much of 2022.Mahmood has only played five games this summer and, as revealed by ESPNcricinfo, was sent for a specialist consultation amid concerns he could miss the rest of the season.No timeline has been put on his return and he will undergo rehabilitation under the guidance of Lancashire and the ECB, with whom he has an pace-bowling development contract.Mahmood, 26, has been capped in all three formats for England, most recently playing in the ODI series in Bangladesh in March. He made his Test debut on the 2021-22 tour of the West Indies, but was diagnosed with a lumbar stress fracture shortly after returning from the Caribbean.As well as being ruled out of action for Lancashire, Mahmood will also miss the Hundred, for which he was part of Oval Invincibles’ squad. Surrey allrounder Tom Lawes is set to be brought in by Invincibles as an injury replacement.

Tournament to run from October 5 to November 19; semi-finals on November 15 and 16 in Mumbai and Kolkata, final in Ahmedabad

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2023The 2023 men’s ODI World Cup will begin on October 5 in Ahmedabad, and matches will be held across ten venues, and culminate in the final – also in Ahmedabad – on November 19. The semi-finals will be held in Mumbai and Kolkata on November 15 and 16.The 45 league matches and the three knockouts will be played in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Pune over a span of 46 days. The two semi-finals and the final will all have reserve days. There are six day league matches in the tournament, which will start at 10:30 am IST. All other matches will be day-night games starting at 2:00 pm IST.The ICC has confirmed that if India qualify for the semi-finals, that game will be held in Mumbai, unless their opposition is Pakistan, in which case the game will be played in Kolkata.Related

• Pakistan agree to World Cup schedule change, to play India on October 14

• World Cup schedule will undergo changes, confirms Jay Shah

• PCB writes to Pakistan government for travel clearance for ODI World Cup

• Travelling fans left in the lurch by delay

• Pakistan to play nine World Cup league matches at only five venues

The long-awaited, and much-delayed, World Cup schedule was finally released by the ICC and BCCI at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday, just 100 days before the start of the tournament. In comparison, the fixtures for the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales and the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand were released more than 12 months in advance.The format will be the same as it was in 2019, with ten teams playing each other once in the league phase and the top four qualifying for the semi-finals. India qualified for the event as hosts, while Afghanistan, Australia, England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa made it by finishing in the top eight of the 2020-2023 World Cup Super League. The remaining two teams will be identified at the ongoing World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe, which is being contested by Sri Lanka, West Indies, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands, Oman, Scotland, UAE, USA and Zimbabwe.Before the tournament begins, the teams will play warm-ups in Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati between September 29 and October 3.

India to play at nine of the ten venues in league stage, Pakistan in five

The 2023 World Cup begins with a rematch between the 2019 finalists – New Zealand taking on England – while hosts India open their campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.India then play Afghanistan in Delhi on October 11; Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 15; Bangladesh in Pune on October 19; New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22; England in Lucknow on October 29; a qualifier in Mumbai on November 2; South Africa in Kolkata on November 5; and another qualifier in Bengaluru on November 11, which is the penultimate day of the league stage. India travel the most among the ten teams, playing at nine of the ten venues during the league phase. Their warm-up games are against England in Guwahati on September 30 and against a qualifier in Thiruvananthapuram on October 3.While most other teams play their nine league matches across most of the ten venues – Australia, for example, are playing at eight venues – Pakistan are playing in only five cities: Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata. The league phase concludes on November 12, with England playing Pakistan in Kolkata and Australia taking on Bangladesh in Pune.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

After the tournament opener against England, New Zealand play three matches in the south of India – against a qualifier in Hyderabad on October 9, Bangladesh in Chennai on October 14, and Afghanistan in Chennai on October 18 – before travelling far north to play two matches in Dharamsala, against India on October 22 and Australia on October 28. Their last three league matches are against South Africa in Pune on November 1; Pakistan in Bengaluru on November 4; and the other qualifier in Bengaluru on November 9. New Zealand’s warm-up games are against Pakistan in Hyderabad on September 29 and South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram on October 2.South Africa begin their campaign in the north of India, playing a qualifier in Delhi on October 8, and then play Australia in Lucknow on October 13, and the other qualifier in Dharamsala on October 17. They then travel west to Mumbai to play England on October 21 and Bangladesh on October 24, after which they head south to take on Pakistan in Chennai on October 27. Their last three league games are against New Zealand in Pune (western India) on November 1, against India in Kolkata (eastern India) on November 5, and against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad (western India) on November 10. South Africa’s first warm-up game is against Afghanistan in Thiruvananthapuram on September 29 before playing New Zealand at the same venue on October 2.Bangladesh’s World Cup starts with two games in Dharamsala – against Afghanistan on October 7 and England on October 10. They then play New Zealand in Bangalore on October 14, India in Pune on October 19, South Africa in Mumbai on October 24, before heading east to Kolkata to play a qualifier on October 28 and Pakistan on October 31. Their last two league games are against the other qualifier in Delhi on November 6, and against Australia in Pune on November 12. Bangladesh’s warm-ups are in Guwahati, against a qualifier on September 29 and England on October 2.At their third successive World Cup, Afghanistan start against Bangladesh in Dharamsala on October 7, and stay on it north India to play India and England in Delhi on October 11 and 14, then go south to play New Zealand and Pakistan in Chennai on October 18 and 23, before travelling to Pune to play a qualifier on October 30. Their last three league games are against the other qualifier in Lucknow on November 3, Australia in Mumbai on November 7 and South Africa in Ahmedabad on November 10. Afghanistan’s warm-ups are against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram on September 29 and a qualifier on October 3 in Guwahati.

England coach asked the allrounder if he would play the India series in early 2024

Matt Roller02-Aug-2023England coach Brendon McCullum asked Moeen Ali if he would consider playing the five-match series in India in early 2024 during their win at The Oval but was told: “That’s me done”.Moeen retired from Test cricket in September 2021 but made himself available for the Ashes after Jack Leach was diagnosed with a stress fracture. Ben Stokes, England’s captain, sent him a text saying, “Ashes?” and Moeen could not resist the temptation to return, but insisted after the fifth Test: “If Stokesy messages me again, I’m going to delete it.”He joked that confirmation of the venues for England’s tour to India – with none of the five Tests due to be held in the bigger cities in the country – had played a part in him recommitting to his retirement, but said that Stokes and McCullum had been fully aware that he never intended to play beyond this summer.”They knew from the start,” Moeen said, laughing. “Especially when those India venues came out! Baz asked me again when I had my day off on the second day. I said no. I’m not going [to India]. There’s no way I’m going. That’s me done. It’s nice to finish like this and be part of an amazing day.”Related

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Moeen suffered a groin strain while batting on the first day of the fifth Test and did not field in Australia’s first innings, but returned to bowl 23 overs in their second, taking 3 for 76 as England squared the series with a 49-run win on the final day.”Test cricket is the best cricket,” Moeen said. “I wish I could rewind time. Although my career has been a bit up and down, I wouldn’t change it. I’ve loved it. I would have regretted it later in life. It was quite daunting, because I’ve never done well against Australia.”I still don’t believe I’ve done that well, but it was great to finish like this. It was daunting, but I had nothing to lose, it was a free hit. I had a call from Baz and Stokesy, I felt like I was bowling alright, but the finger was the only issue. I wasn’t worried about the bowling.”Moeen said his groin strain was “real sore” when he initially pulled the muscle, and it remains to be seen how much of a part he plays in the Hundred over the next four weeks, when he is due to captain Birmingham Phoenix.”It’s something called an adductor. I’d never heard of it before,” he explained. “It’s only when I’m running. It’s great actually, because you can get away with being rubbish in the field. Guys are moving their positions for me to go into the easiest positions.”Apparently it settles down quick. Not bowling in the first innings and having a day off allowed me to bowl today. It was real sore at first and I was quite sore [on Monday]. It crossed my mind that I might not be able to bowl, but I knew it was my last day in Test cricket.”

Alice Capsey hails “exciting young squad” after teenage trio help to seal victory in first T20I

Alan Gardner01-Sep-2023Never mind the persistent drizzle and autumnal chill, it was all about teenage kicks for England at the start of their T20I series with Sri Lanka in Hove. Alice Capsey, who turned 19 a few weeks ago, produced the star turn with her second international fifty, while Freya Kemp, 18, twinkled in her batting cameo – but perhaps the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Mahika Gaur, the 17-year-old debutant who claimed her first England wicket with her final ball of the night.Capsey has been an England player for just over a year – it feels like she has been around much longer, having shot to prominence as a 16-year-old during the inaugural edition of the Hundred – but she took on the role of senior pro in an experimental batting order that saw Maia Bouchier open for the first time in her international career and Kemp, playing as a specialist batter as she continues her recovery from a back stress fracture, at No. 4.This series, which sees England missing the likes of Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone either for rest or through injury, had been billed by captain Heather Knight as a chance for the youngsters to push their case. And while it was the familiar face of Danni Wyatt who set the tone with the bat, before victory was closed out by Kate Cross – the experienced seamer playing her first T20I in almost four years – much of what took place in between justified the faith shown by Knight and head coach, Jon Lewis.”It’s a young squad but a really exciting squad,” Capsey said. “You look at Mahika coming in and making a difference and you’ve got players like Bess Heath and Issy Wong on the sidelines who are extraordinary cricketers who can change the game just like that so yeah, it’s nice to obviously be in the XI and but you’ve always got people coming up behind you and putting pressure on you which is which is great for the women’s game and English cricket.”Obviously we’re missing a few big names out of our squad, just getting rested. It’s nice for players who have performed in regional cricket to come and get their opportunity to be a part of the England environment to see what it’s about and I guess be exposed to international cricket so that when they do get their opportunity and, if in the future they become a permanent part of the side, then they know what it’s like to be a part of the squad and they’re already integrated, which is brilliant. They’ve fitted in so well with our squad so it’s been really nice to have them about.”For Gaur, who is actually an old salt by some measures, having made her international debut for UAE at the age of 12, this threatened to be a tricky introduction. With the toss delayed by an hour due to the weather, she was presented with her cap by Cross and then had to wait to get involved with the action after Sri Lanka chose to bowl in a shortened, 17-over game.Related

• Knight: Sri Lanka series marks start of new World Cup cycle

• Capsey, Gaur shine in the wet to help England clinch rain-affected win

England’s aggression meant the visitors were staring down the barrel of a record run-chase when Gaur took the new ball. With rain in the air again, her first delivery swung down the leg side for wides but she quickly hit her straps, twice appealing for lbw decisions and prompting a review for caught behind down the leg side. Then, one ball into her second over, the players went off – and a subsequent rejig of the requirements meant when she walked back out 45 minutes later, Sri Lanka were suddenly in the game needing 45 off 17 with all ten wickets standing.The assault duly came, as Chamari Athapaththu launched the third ball back after the resumption for six. But Gaur put her 6ft 3in frame to good use with a well-directed short ball and then found the edge of the Sri Lanka captain’s bat to cap her maiden England appearance (and 20th T20I overall) with a wicket.”I think her previous ball, her bouncer was superb,” Capsey said. “I think that really set up the wicket and yeah, obviously her first England wicket, you can’t go past that. It’s an incredible achievement and no one can take that away from her.”We’ve all got along with her really well. She’s fitted in perfectly, she’s just a really good human. She’s just someone who doesn’t take too much fuss. She gets on with it, she works really hard and I’m not surprised how well she went out there and bowled today. It was probably a different role to what she was expecting, having to go to her death overs pretty quickly but she took that role on really well and it shows her character.”We all just told her to really go out there and express herself, she doesn’t need to change, she’s been bowling so well in the regional cricket and in the Hundred cricket on the platform as well. I think the messaging was pretty much ‘go out there and do what you do, we’re all backing you’. Whenever you step on to that cricket pitch, you’ve got everyone behind you and just enjoy it.”

There was no Pakistani fan or media presence for their opening game against Netherlands in Hyderabad

PTI07-Oct-2023The BCCI is working hard on procuring visas for the Pakistani journalists waiting to travel to India for the World Cup, the ICC said after the PCB expressed its disappointment again over the delay in visa clearance for Pakistani fans and media.Around 60 Pakistani journalists are expected to make the trip for the World Cup. Pakistan had plenty of local support for their World Cup opener against Netherlands in Hyderabad on Friday but no member of their media contingent or fan was present.Karachi-born Mohammad Bashir, who is a US citizen, was seen rooting for Pakistan in the stands.”This (visa) is an obligation of our host (BCCI) and they are working hard on it with our full support. Every effort is being made to get this sorted,” an ICC spokesperson told PTI.Related

• Rizwan at his jovial best after Pakistan beat Netherlands

• Pakistan go Saud to find middle-order fix

With a large number of fans expected to travel across the border, the PCB is hoping the visas will come through before the game between India and Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 14.”We have been reminding ICC about their obligations and members’ agreement on issuing visas for fans and journalists for the last three years and continue to raise concerns with all relevant authorities,” a PCB spokesperson said. “PCB is disappointed to see that Pakistani journalists and fans are facing uncertainty about obtaining an Indian visa to cover Pakistan’s opening game in the ICC World Cup. We understand the significant role that journalists and passionate fans play in enhancing the spirit and atmosphere of sports events.”Their presence not only adds vibrancy to the stadium but also contributes to the global coverage and appreciation of the game. We hope to see their presence soon.”It is to be noted that a visa application from a Pakistan passport holder needs to be vetted by multiple Indian ministries including home, external affairs and sports as the country is on India’s prior reference category (PRC) list.

Bangladesh are playing an ODI against India in India for the first time since 1998

Mohammad Isam18-Oct-20235:31

Bond: India could turn up 80% and still be good enough to win

Big Picture: Can Bangladesh spring a surprise?

The defending champions have been upset by Afghanistan. Australia haven’t looked like Australia of World Cups past. Pakistan seem lacking too. And the South African juggernaut fell apart against Netherlands. Of all the pre-tournament favourites, only India and New Zealand have played like favourites. The latter have made it four wins in four, and now India are looking to do the same, against Bangladesh in Pune.Bangladesh may have a favourable 3-1 ODI record against India in the last 12 months – most recently winning their Super Four encounter in the Asia Cup last month – but beating India in India is easier said than done.The hosts have played with plenty of main-character energy in their first three fixtures, scoring convincing victories against Australia, Afghanistan and Pakistan. They were tested to varying degrees in all those games – reduced to 2 for 3 in the chase against Australia; Afghanistan setting a target of 273; and Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan building a solid platform – but in the end it wasn’t even close.India’s outstanding bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, has taken 28 out of a possible 30 wickets so far, while they have lost only nine wickets in three chases and never more than four in a game. Rohit Sharma’s ultra-aggressive approach has been the highlight of their batting performances and he’s got another batting-friendly surface waiting for him in Pune.Related

• Chandika Hathurusinghe hoping World Cup upsets inspire Bangladesh against 'scary' India

• Rohit Sharma's bold new batting template has changed his ODI game – and India's

Bangladesh’s only win against India in the ODI World Cup was 16 years ago – in Trinidad in 2007. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim were just starting their careers then, and they have played India three times on the biggest stage since, losing quite convincingly on each occasion.This Bangladesh squad has enough experience and young talent in their ranks to stretch India, but their current form isn’t promising. Mushfiqur has scored two fifties in three matches so far but the rest have struggled with consistency. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das had one good knock each. Rookie Tanzid Hasan hasn’t had much impact. Towhid Hridoy, who scored 500 runs before the World Cup this year, is batting lower than his usual No. 5 position. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also hasn’t been effective.Shakib suffered a quadriceps injury last week but could play – as per their coach, Bangladesh are awaiting results of a scan done on match eve before taking the final decision.* With Bangladesh looking to lengthen their batting by having Mahmudullah at No. 8, Mahedi Hasan and Nasum Ahmed, both of whom played a part in the Asia Cup win against India, are unlikely to make the XI.Whether Bangladesh runs India close or not could come down to how their fast bowlers fare. Mustafizur Rahman aside, the others have been off-colour. Shoriful Islam has been expensive at times and Taskin Ahmed is not the force he was earlier this year. If these three, or Hasan Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan, can fire it will give Bangladesh a stronger foothold in the contest.Kuldeep Yadav took eight wickets in a Test the last time he played Bangladesh•AFP/Getty Images

Form guide

India WWWLW (last five ODIs, most recent first)Bangladesh LLWLL

In the spotlight: Kuldeep Yadav and Najmul Hossain Shanto

Kuldeep Yadav has five wickets from three games and his economy of 3.9 in 30 overs is testament to the control he’s offered during the middle overs. He revealed recently that increasing his pace has allowed him to bowl better in the last 12 months. Bangladesh’s most recent memory of Kuldeep is his eight-wicket haul in the Chattogram Test late last year – India will be hoping for more of the same from him.After his unbeaten fifty against Afghanistan, Najmul Hossain Shanto‘s low scores against England and New Zealand have had an impact on Bangladesh’s top-order returns. His free-flowing batting has been a huge boost to Bangladesh in 2023 and they desperately need him back among the runs.

Team news: Bangladesh to gamble with extra bowler?

India are unlikely to change their winning combination. The small ground dimensions and flat pitch could mean that Shardul Thakur is likely to keep his spot ahead of R Ashwin.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 KL Rahul (wk), 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Jasprit Bumrah, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Mohammed SirajIf Bangladesh can play Shakib, they will. They could be tempted to promote Mehidy Hasan Miraz to open with Litton and Mushfiqur could also bat higher in the order. The question is whether Bangladesh will look to strengthen their bowling by sacrificing some batting depth.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Litton Das, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 5 Towhid Hridoy, 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8 Mahmudullah, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Shoriful Islam, 11 Mustafizur Rahman

Pitch and conditions: High scores in Pune?

Since 2017, teams batting first have posted 300-plus totals in three out of five ODIs in Pune, though this will be the first international at this venue in nine months. There was some drizzle on the eve of the match but the forecast is for sunshine on match day.

Stats and trivia: A 25-year wait ends

• This is Bangladesh’s first ODI against India in India in 25 years. From those who played their previous ODI against India at the Wankhede in 1998, Minhajul Abedin is the current chief selector, Khaled Mahmud is the team director, and Athar Ali Khan is a TV commentator.
• Virat Kohli has an average 67.25 and strike rate of 101.25 in 15 ODIs against Bangladesh, with four centuries.
• Shakib, Taskin and Mustafizur all have five-wicket hauls against India in ODIs.

Quotes

“He had a good batting session yesterday. He did a bit of running between the wickets as well. We are waiting for the result of the scan we did today. We haven’t tried his bowling yet. We will assess him tomorrow morning, and make a decision. If he is not ready to play, we won’t risk it. If he is ready, there’s a chance of him playing tomorrow.”

“When you enter a World Cup, every team will pose you a challenge. So, from our perspective, I don’t think we’ll take anyone lightly.”

Earlier, Scott Edwards dragged Netherlands out of trouble yet again with a half-century

Madushka Balasuriya28-Oct-20231:38

Pujara: Netherlands are a ‘unit’, Bangladesh are not

Scott Edwards once more dragged his team from the abyss, but it was the bowlers who led the victory charge as the Netherlands held firm in their defence of a middling total of 229 to record an emphatic 87-run win over Bangladesh. The result sees Bangladesh all but eliminated from the semi-final contention, while the Dutch have yet another famous victory to add to their collection – one that, aside from its impact on this tournament, in the grand scheme of cricket as a sport in the Netherlands will be yet another rung on an ever more impressive ladder of growth.The victory was arguably made sweeter by virtue of it coming in Kolkata, where Bangladesh had support as close to home backing as they are likely to get this World Cup, with the short flight in from Dhaka offering many fans easy access.But in the end, it would be a journey ending in frustration – many were seen leaving the stadium early – as a well-drilled Dutch outfit trumped their much more experienced counterparts in nearly all facets of the game.Related

• BCB chief asks players to be 'courageous' in aftermath of Netherlands loss

This was primarily a victory built on the now customary rearguard heroics of captain Edwards – his entire clan in attendance at the stadium to cheer him on – as he stitched together his second fifty of the tournament, an 89-ball 68.What will particularly hurt Bangladesh is that they could have seen the back of him before he even got going – twice dropped on zero – but that in a microcosm was the difference between the two sides. While both teams struggled with the bat, the Dutch persevered to get to a fighting total, and while both sets of bowlers kept things tight to create chances through pressure, it was the Dutch who capitalised on them with ferocity; Bangladesh, on the other hand, were left to rue their missed opportunities.Such fortune though would be for nought without proper backing and, like they had done so impressively against South Africa, the bowlers and fielders once more ensured that their skipper’s efforts did not go in vain.Scott Edwards brought up his second fifty in this World Cup•AFP/Getty Images

Paul van Meekeren was excellent picking up figures of 4 for 23, including that of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim; Bas de Leede, fresh off his World Cup record hounding at the hands of Australia, took out the only two Bangladesh batters who threatened the Dutch total – Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahmudullah, for 35 and 20, respectively; and then there was the ever reliable Aryan Dutt, who despite picking up just one wicket was wily as ever, starting off the Dutch defence by dismissing Litton Das, reeling of two consecutive maidens inside the first powerplay, and generally affording the batters with rarely a moment’s rest with his guile and variation.In the face of this Dutch exuberance, Bangladesh floundered in their chase, unable to match their opponents’ energy. They lost wickets at regular intervals, unable to string together partnerships of any reasonable length – 38 was their highest – as a middling chase fast became a daunting and, eventually, impossible one.That hardly seemed the case midway through the Dutch innings, though, when having won the toss and elected to bat, they suffered yet another top-order collapse. Only a late surge at the death where they scored 74 in the last ten overs, including 36 in the final three, got them to their eventually winning total.That Bangladesh were able to keep them to 229 even after that was a testament to the work put in by their bowlers. The early damage had been caused by Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, who picked up openers Vikramjit Singh and Max O’Dowd inside the first three overs to leave the Dutch reeling at 4 for 2.While there was a brief counter courtesy Wesley Barresi, his run-a-ball 41 was the only instance of a Netherlands batter showing any degree of dominance over a disciplined Bangladeshi attack. In fact, Netherlands would have to wait until the penultimate over of the innings to register their first six.Mustafizur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan and Co had reduced Netherlands to 194 for 8 at one stage•Associated Press

But another pair of wickets once more set Netherlands back as the two set batters, Barresi and Colin Ackermann, fell in quick succession to Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib, respectively. It was at that point the spinners began their slow strangle, as none of Shakib, Mehidy or Mahedi Hasan conceded more than four an over across the middle overs. Indeed, it was only in the final over of the innings that Netherlands showed any sort of aggression against spin, taking Mahedi for 17.And so it was that Edwards was once more tasked to patch his side up, first with de Leede and then Sybrand Engelbrecht. With de Leede, he scrounged 44 off 74, and with Engelbrecht, a slightly quicker 78 off 105.Throughout those stands there was hardly a highlight that could be extracted or stroke played in anger, with the intent simply to knock it around and bat as deep as possible. An understandable endeavour considering Edwards had entered the fray with his side on a perilous 63 for 3, which soon became 63 for 4.But when he departed 30 overs later, he had dragged them to a slightly more respectable 185 for 6, before the late hitting took them to a fighting total.At the time that seemed below par, especially with many expecting the surface to favour the batters. However, with the ball starting to stick in the pitch and take some turn, it was Netherlands who adapted better and showed the wherewithal to come through victorious in the end.

The two Melbourne teams finished in the bottom two positions on the points table

AAP25-Nov-2023Wet weather brought an end to drab WBBL campaigns from both Melbourne sides in Stars’ rain-affected derby win at the MCG on Saturday night.Annabel Sutherland top-scored as Stars were bowled out for 118, and Kim Garth’s early wickets in Renegades’ run chase gave Stars, the hosts for the game, the upper hand.Garth reduced Renegades to 12 for 2 inside three overs before rain temporarily forced players off the field and sent most fans in a crowd of 5933 heading for cover. Play returned for only another nine balls as Hayley Matthews (17 not out off ten balls) tried valiantly to put Renegades in front on the DLS chart.But Renegades’ 27 for 2 from 5.3 overs was still eight runs short of a par score when rain ended the match for good.The result left Stars (six wins in 14 games) and Renegades (two wins in 14) filling the bottom two places on the table. It was Stars’ fourth win from their last five matches, giving them an idea of what might have been had they started the season in better form.That’s that – the umpires break the news to the two captains•Getty Images

Garth, who returned figures of 2 for 2 in her two overs, dismissed Renegades openers Tammy Beaumont and Emma de Broughe within three balls in the third over of the innings after stand-in captain Sutherland (36) lifted Stars to a respectable total batting first.Sutherland smacked six boundaries in her 36 off 28 balls and put on a club-record fourth-wicket stand of 45 with Tess Flintoff (22 off 23 balls).Both Sutherland and de Broughe were out caught off Harmanpreet Kaur, who returned 2 for 13. Matthews (2 for 20), Georgia Prestwidge (2 for 27) and Georgia Wareham (2 for 18) were the other main wicket-takers.The rain-affected match was a disappointing end to former Australian international Jess Duffin’s professional career after the cross-code athlete announced her retirement before the match. Duffin didn’t bat or bowl but claimed he catch that dismissed Alice Capsey for a second-ball duck off Georgia Prestwidge’s bowling.Stars were again without regular captain Meg Lanning, who sat out the final three games of the season for personal reasons. Lanning announced her retirement from international cricket earlier this month, saying she had lost the hunger to perform at the international level.

The allrounder won’t feature in T20Is against West Indies or New Zealand due to a focus on red-ball cricket this month

Andrew McGlashan09-Feb-20240:56

Is Smith in? Finch names his T20 World Cup starting XI

Cameron Green remains firmly in the thoughts of Australia’s selectors for the T20 World Cup with the upcoming IPL to play a role in how they put together the final squad ahead of the tournament in June.Green has been left out of the two T20I series against West Indies and New Zealand to prioritise red-ball preparation for the Tests against the latter – which will include a Sheffield Shield outing for Western Australia against Tasmania next week – but he could yet feature in the World Cup.He will return to IPL in late March, where he has been traded to Royal Challengers Bangalore from Mumbai Indians, and performances in that competition could still sway the selectors.Related

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“Yeah, very firmly,” national selector George Bailey said when asked if Green was still in the frame. “We know he’s going to go to the IPL and getting a big batch of T20 cricket in. It’s a constant conversation with multi-format players, working out the priority at any given time, and making sure they get what they need but he’s certainly one whose name I think, as we are finalising that 15 for the World Cup, will be firmly in the mix.”Green made his mark at the top of the order in T20Is shortly before the previous World Cup in 2022 when he hammered two rapid half-centuries against India. He was then elevated into Australia’s squad when Josh Inglis was injured although only played once in that tournament, in the final match against Afghanistan.He did not feature in any of Australia’s eight T20Is last year with the priority given to Tests and ODIs. Green endured a challenging 2023 across formats after his first IPL stint, struggling for runs in Tests before losing his place at the end of the Ashes and only having a bit-part role in ODIs which included suffering a concussion against South Africa when he’d been earmarked for a run at No. 4.He has since returned to the Test side in a new role at No. 4 amid the post-David Warner batting reshuffle, which has seen Steven Smith move to open. Three innings against West Indies brought a top score of 42 and he’ll get another chance in that position against New Zealand with selectors happy to play the long game.”There’s a skill set there that’s unbelievable across all three formats,” Bailey said. “[We’re] really confident that just continuing to expose him he’ll get better and better and learn more about his game.”But like any player, I don’t think it’s going to be a straight line – there’ll be fluctuations throughout, as there always is. His last two years have been a whirlwind, I imagine, at different times. He’s travelled with the team basically non-stop.Cameron Green made a half-century in the ODI series against West Indies•Cricket Australia/Getty Images

“It’s a challenge that all those players do go through, but I guess when you are younger and you get exposed to that, it can be tough. But I’m sure if you ask Cam he wouldn’t have it any other way.”Like for Green, the IPL could play a part in who takes the final pace-bowling slot in the T20 World Cup squad although Nathan Ellis’ skills at the death currently have him at the head of the queue, meaning T20 player of the year Jason Behrendorff has a challenge to get in with Sean Abbott also likely to be squeezed out.Behrendorff will face West Indies but is not part of the New Zealand tour. Ellis was due to feature in both but has been withdrawn from the West Indies games as he continues to recover from a rib injury sustained late in the BBL. Behrendorff has an IPL deal with Mumbai Indians while Ellis is with Punjab Kings. Spencer Johnson, who was one of the big-money signings at the auction, will feature for Gujarat Titans.Behrendorff has developed his death bowling to the extent that he was Australia’s second-most economical bowler in that phase last year, behind Ben Dwarshuis who played just two games, conceding 8.51, while Ellis went for 10.90 although he did send down more than double the number of deliveries.”It’s not necessarily who’s in front, it’s more the roles you are looking for them to fill,” Bailey said. “Working through the what ifs and what skillsets you want to prioritise if something happens to another player, where you’ve got cover and what you need to make sure you have access to.”Nathan’s skills at the death are fantastic, think we have some great new-ball bowlers there. Can’t fault the work that Jason Behrendorff’s done over the past 12-18 months and his ability to add to his game…the ability to be able to now bowl through the middle and at the death is really impressive so he’s another one who is really putting their hand up.”Again, it’s just trying to get that balance of how we can get some information through these next six games and which guys will be getting an opportunity in India in the IPL which we’ll obviously be watching really closely.”