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Pakistan Cricket Board slammed for leaving out Imran Khan from Independence Day tribute video

Tarkesh Jha
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Pakistan Cricket Board slammed for leaving out Imran Khan from Independence Day tribute video

Cricket News: Pakistan Cricket Board slammed for leaving out Imran Khan from Independence Day tribute video | Reactions to PCB video

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has left former captain Imran Khan out of a complementary video celebrating 76 years of the country’s independence. The video features several cricketing stars from the nation, ever since they debuted on the international stage in 1952.

However, Khan, who led Pakistan to their only ever ICC Men’s ODI World Cup victory, back in 1992, does not appear in the clip except for less than a second at 0:33 in what appears to be an editing error more than anything else.

This move by the PCB has earned them the wrath of cricket fans across the country. Khan ventured into politics after hanging up his boots from the sport, forming a political party named the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He became the Prime Minister (PM) of the country in 2018 but was dismissed from office courtesy of a no-confidence motion brought about by the National Assembly last year.

#ShameOnPCB Trends on Twitter after Imran Khan left out of Pakistan Cricket history video

Pakistan fans were unimpressed. Many supporters took to social media to voice their displeasure at how one of the country’s greatest cricketers has been treated.

“They are not showing him [Imran Khan] in cricket history of Pakistan but it is sure when history of PAKISTAN will be written his name will be written in golden words. He will be remembered as hero, inspiration for millions and a great leader #ShameonPCB,” one fan wrote.

“Missing him! Imran Khan, the cricketer and captain in Pakistan is unprecedented. I hope this video is taken down by the PCB, edited and uploaded once again. Pakistan Zindabad,” wrote another.

Below are some reactions from Pakistan fans to the video, which has been viewed over five million times.

It has been a rocky ride for Imran Khan, having been charged with corruption and most recently sentenced to prison for incorrectly declaring details of presents received from foreign dignitaries during his tenure at the PM office. There was a change in the top leadership of the PCB after the change in government as well.

The latest court verdict on Khan coupled with the current senior echelons of the cricket board are attributed to be the key reasons behind this controversial decision on social media.

IND vs WI 5th T20 Twitter reactions: West Indies beat India 3-2

Charbel Coorey
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IND vs WI 5th T20 Twitter reactions: West Indies beat India 3-2

Cricket News: IND vs WI 5th T20 Twitter reactions: West Indies beat India 3-2 | Reactions to West Indies beating India 3-2

After months of challenges and difficulties, West Indies can now savour a happy moment after beating the more fancied India in the five-match series decider.

Led by a disciplined bowling display where only Alzarri Joseph leaked runs, the hosts restricted India to a manageable 165 despite the threat of another Suryakumar Yadav half-century. Romario Shepherd was the star with 4/37, after Akeal Hosein made inroads in the powerplay to force the visitors into an early rebuild.

After Kyle Mayers’ early dismissal, it was all West Indies. Player of the series Nicholas Pooran shifted the momentum within the first three overs, hitting 18 off his first seven balls. Brandon King (85* off 55 balls) then took over, with the Indian attack bereft of answers.

Yuzvendra Chahal was very expensive (0/51), while Axar Patel bowled just the one over. This, along with Hardik Pandya’s struggle with the bat and persistence with opening the bowling, raises more concerns about India’s white-ball credentials with two World Cups to come in the next year.

Reactions to IND vs WI 5th T20 – Windies seal the series 3-2

Windies fans were jubilant. India supporters questioned key decisions and tactics.

Here are some of the reactions to the fifth and final T20.

Next up for India is a three-match T20I series in Ireland that starts on Friday. Then, the Asia Cup, which begins August 30.

West Indies’ cricketers will embark on the next Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign, which kicks off this week.

Red card in cricket? CPL takes big steps to combat slow over rates

Charbel Coorey
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Red card in cricket? CPL takes big steps to combat slow over rates

Cricket News: Red card in cricket? CPL takes big steps to combat slow over rates | CPL introduces new rules for slow over rates

The upcoming men’s and women’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will see new and significant penalities for slow over rates. This includes a “red card” system, whereby the fielding team, if behind schedule at the start of the 20th over, needs to remove a player from the field of play.

CPL tournament operations director Michael Hall said the changes are vital to ensure that T20 matches don’t drag on.

“We have been disappointed that our T20 games have been getting longer and longer each year, and we want to do what we can to arrest this trend,” he said in a statement.

“It is the duty of those involved in cricket to ensure that the game keeps moving and we have sensitised both the franchises and our match officials to this duty ahead of the tournament. Our hope is that these in-game penalties are not needed, but we believe they are proportionate and necessary.”

CPL slow over rate penalties – red card system introduced

Fielding teams need to be on the move from the get go. Penalties will kick in from the 18th over. If the fielding side is behind the over rate at:

  • 18th over: one additional player must enter the fielding circle (total of five players inside the circle)
  • 19th over, two additional fielders must enter the fielding circle (total of six inside the circle)
  • 20th over: teams will lose a player from the field and have six inside the fielding circle. This player will be selected by the captain.

With these penalties, fielding teams who are behind on the over rate can concede a significant amount of runs in the death overs.

However, what about the batting team? Can they be penalised? Yes. Batting teams, after a first and final warning by the umpires, will be handed a five-run penalty for each instance of time-wasting thereafter.

How long should each innings be?

According to the CPL statement, each innings should last for 85 minutes.

  • 17th over must be completed by 72 minutes and 15 seconds;
  • 18th by 76 minutes and 30 seconds;
  • and the 19th by 80 minutes and 45 seconds, before the last over ends within 85 minutes.

The statement read, “Over rates will be monitored by the third umpire and communicated to the captains via on-field umpires at the end of every over, as well as to the crowd and TV audience, with graphics showing how far they are behind (or ahead of) the over rate.”

“Dispensations will be given for injuries, DRS and time-wasting by batting side where appropriate.”

The men’s CPL begins on August 17. Jamaica Tallawahs will take on St Lucia Kings. The women’s CPL will begin on August 31, with Barbados Royals and Guyana Amazon Warriors kicking off the tournament.

Who should replace David Warner as Australia Test opener?

Charbel Coorey
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Who should replace David Warner as Australia Test opener?

Opinion: A look at who should replace David Warner as Australia Test opener | Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris or Matt Renshaw?

David Warner fought hard in the recent Ashes series, scoring 285 runs at an average of 28.50. That those numbers are better than what many expected paints quite the picture, confirming the opener’s tough fight in Test cricket in recent years.

Warner has already indicated the three-match series against Pakistan will be his last, with a desire to finish up at the SCG, his home ground. Given his contribution – 8,487 Test runs to be precise – there is every chance the selectors give him the opportunity to finish on his terms.

However, what happens afterwards? Australia have a two-match series at home against West Indies before two Tests in New Zealand – the first time the Australians will play a Test across the Tasman since 2016. One of three candidates – namely Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw – is likely to replace Warner, but who should it be?

A look at the three leading candidates to replace David Warner as Australia Test opener

Marcus Harris

Marcus Harris’ solid First-Class record – 10,012 runs at an average touching 40 – means he is often in the conversation when it comes to opening the batting in Test cricket. He enjoyed a strong finish to the first-half of the 2023 County season, hitting 52 and 122* for Gloucestershire against Durham to send a reminder to the selectors.

The key question is whether the thinktank be willing to hand Harris another chance. The left-hander has flattered to deceive so far at Test level, averaging just 25.29 with three half-centuries in 14 Tests to date. Out of his 24 dismissals, 18 have been caught, with stronger attacks targeting his tendency to fiddle at deliveries in the offstump channel.

In Harris’ defence, however, is the opposition he has encountered. 12 of his 14 Tests have come against England and India, two of the strongest attacks in Test cricket. Should he have a strong start the 2023/24 Sheffield Shield season, a series against struggling West Indies might be the catalyst that springs Harris into runs at Test level.

Cameron Bancroft

Bancroft had a magnificent 2022/23 Shield season, hitting a competition-high 945 runs at an average of 59.06. This included four centuries.

The opener’s form was instrumental in Western Australia winning the title. While it didn’t win him a place on the plane to the UK for the Ashes, Bancroft has been selected for Australia A for their two-match series against New Zealand A starting on August 28.

Should he deliver in those matches, he will be difficult to ignore.

However, does Bancroft have the technique to be prolific at Test level? His thirst for runs and hunger to bat long periods is a big strength, but quality Test attacks will look to square the opener up. It is a common occurrence that his right shoulder ends up facing the bowler, with early-match movement in New Zealand in particular a threat.

Cameron Bancroft does tend to square up often.

Matt Renshaw

Is this Matt Renshaw’s time? The left-hander made a promising start to his Test career in 2016 before he was dropped, which also led to a drop in confidence at domestic level. Add to that the work he put in to improve in white-ball cricket, and it was clear that Renshaw couldn’t quite get the balance right between formats.

However, the last year has been cause for optimism. He struck 200* in the 2022/23 Sheffield Shield season, followed by two centuries in as many matches for Australia A in New Zealand in April. Sandwiched between those two achievements was a wretched two Tests in India, but throwing him in the middle order against world-class spinners was unfair by the Australian thinktank.

Despite that, whether he will get the nod over either Harris or Bancroft remains to be seen. While Renshaw is also susceptible outside offstump, he arguably has the highest ceiling at Test level out of the three, particularly if he has the trust of the selectors.

But, Bancroft’s excellent Shield season last time out and the selectors’ belief in Harris could win either a spot. Time will tell, but a big decision awaits given you’d want to give the selected opener a long run in the role.

List of players in the BBL 2023 draft

Charbel Coorey
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List of players in the BBL 2023 draft

Cricket News: List of players in the BBL 2023 draft | Which players are in the draft for the BBL 2023/24 season?

Six established T20 stars have put their names forward for the BBL 2023 draft, to be held on September 3.

Faf du Plessis, Laurie Evans, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Nicholas Pooran and Rilee Rossouw are the first players to nominate for the upcoming draft. While all are unlikely to feature for the entire tournament given the packed international and T20 league calendar at the turn of the New Year, all six can light up the BBL with their power, experience and sheer ability.

However, international players are likely to be available for a higher proportion of the competition given BBL 13 will be cut down to 44 matches.

Six established T20 stars nominated in BBL 2023 draft

Pooran is enjoying a superb 2023. The West Indian recently smashed a memorable 137 off just 55 balls in the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC) final. He has also played well in the T20 series against India, so any BBL team will be better with Pooran’s services.

Melbourne Stars will have first pick in the draft, and could go for Pooran who played for the franchise back in BBL 10.

Alex Hales, who recently retired from international cricket, is likely to be available until the backend of the season until season two of ILT20 begins. Hales has plenty of BBL experience, with 69 caps and 2,102 runs to his name. He strikes at 150.14 and will be hot property for the upcoming season.

Faf du Plessis’ experience can be invaluable. He scored 163 runs at a strike rate of 153.77 for Perth Scorchers last season.

Rilee Rossouw adds plenty of power to the middle order, as does Laurie Evans, who played a key role in Perth Scorchers’ 2022 title triumph. Evans is back in action after his contract was torn up following a positive anti-doping test shortly before the 2022/23 BBL season. However, he has a hearing later this year, so his availability is in the air.

Colin Munro has also played a key role for Scorchers, part of a BBL career that has yielded 1,138 runs at an average of 33.47 and strike rate of 132.33.

Four salary bands for the BBL draft

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Cricket Australia and the players’ union has resulted in a higher payment pool for BBL clubs. The figure is now at $3m, while Platinum level players will earn $420,000; a 23.5% increase on last year.

  • Platinum: $420,000
  • Gold: $300,000
  • Silver: $200,000
  • Bronze: $100,000

Fans criticise BCCI for ODI World Cup planning

Charbel Coorey
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Fans criticise BCCI for ODI World Cup planning

Cricket News: Fans criticise BCCI for ODI World Cup planning | BCCI criticised for lack of clarity around World Cup schedule

The 2023 ODI World Cup fixtures were finally confirmed this week, less than two months before the showpiece tournament is scheduled to begin.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come in for criticism for confirming the fixtures so close to the event. After the draft schedule was released, boards wrote to the BCCI requesting adjustments because the original fixtures had a number of logistical and travel challenges.

Earlier this month, Geoff Lemon and Adam Collins of The Final Word Podcast didn’t miss in their assessment of the BCCI’s planning for the big tournament.

“BCCI must be the most incompetent major sports body in the world. It’s pretty hard to make the argument otherwise, just purely on the practical grounds we’re laying here,” said Lemon.

“There is World Cup in under three months that still doesn’t have a reliable fixture. You can’t book to go to games because they might change to another city and date entirely.”

“I don’t think the BCCI are evil. They are just really bad at doing stuff.”

2023 ODI World Cup: Fans criticise BCCI for their planning

The uncertainty around dates and locations has made it challenging for fans to organise tickets and any required travel and accommodation for World Cup matches. Supporters have accused the BCCI for not putting the fans first, but such is India’s passion for cricket, we can expect many of the matches to be sold out.

There have been claims that the board cares most about the Indian Premier League (IPL), with international cricket not at the forefront of the BCCI’s mind any longer. However, there was also mismanagement and ticketing chaos during the recent IPL season. Fans alleged there was a huge rush to collect physical tickets for the final, which saw what supporters described as a “stampede”.

“It’s pleasing to see the Indians in the comments concurring with what is being said in the video. The schedule, the arrangements in absolute shambles. If there is one cricket board which doesn’t care about its fans it’s the BCCI. It also happens to be the richest board, what a shame!” one fan wrote.

Another fan said, “Expecting fans from all the over the world to come in for a global event, with the schedule confirmed just 2 months before the start of the event is highly optimistic, to put it very mildly. A missed opportunity for Indian tourism, thanks to the incompetence of the BCCI.”

Below are some of the reactions from fans over the past few weeks.

The World Cup will begin with a rematch of the 2019 Final on October 5. England will take on New Zealand at Ahmedabad, before hosts India begin their campaign in a blockbuster against Australia at Chennai on 8 October.

The final will be played at Ahmedabad on November 19.

IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Darpan Jain
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IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Cricket News: IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Lauderhill Pitch Report

After some exciting cricket in all formats, the carnival now moves to Florida in the United States. The fourth and fifth games of the series will be played on back-to-back days at the same venue.

West Indies suffered a 7-wicket defeat in the previous game at Guyana, as India kept the series alive with two games to go. The hosts played well in patches but failed to win the key moments, which cost them the game. They will hope for a collective performance from every player in a bid to seal the series.

Meanwhile, India will hope for a similar performance for the rest of the series. However, there are some concerns in all departments. Shubman Gill’s form hasn’t inspired any confidence, and the bowlers have also conceded too many runs at times. It’s a young team, which is still in the learning phase, and the team management would want them to learn quickly as the Men in Blue prepare for the World Cup next year.

IND vs WI 4th T20 Possible Playing XIs

Jason Holder, who missed the previous game due to a niggle, might return to the XI.

West Indies: 1. Brandon King, 2. Kyle Mayers, 3. Johnson Charles, 4. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Rovman Powell (c), 7. Jason Holder, 8. Romario Shepherd, 9. Akeal Hosein, 10. Obed McCoy, 11. Alzarri Joseph

India are likely to retain the same XI.

India: 1. Shubman Gill, 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3. Suryakumar Yadav, 4. Tilak Varma, 5. Sanju Samson (wk), 6. Hardik Pandya (c), 7. Axar Patel, 8. Kuldeep Yadav, 9. Arshdeep Singh, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Mukesh Kumar

IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction – Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

West Indies:

  • Kyle Mayers has looked in good touch in the last two games and will look to score big. The track in Florida has generally been good for the batters, and Mayers will look to exploit it. His bowling can also fetch a few fantasy points.
  • Brandon King scored 42 runs in the previous game. He will have the advantage of batting in the powerplay and can cause serious damage early on.
  • Nicholas Pooran has 128 runs at a strike rate of 148.84 in three innings this series. The southpaw has looked at his threatening best this series and will look to make the most of the good batting conditions. On his day, Pooran can race away with the game single-handedly, as he did in the recent MLC 2023 Final.
  • Rovman Powell has been among the consistent run-scores in this series. In the three games, he has 109 runs at a fine strike rate of 155.71 so far. He is a proven pace-hitter and will hope to continue the good run.
  • Akeal Hosein has bowled reasonably well in this series and can trouble the Indian batters with his variations again. He can also bat well if required.
  • Alzarri Joseph snared two crucial wickets and conceded only 25 runs. He has the pace and can stifle the Indian batters with his hard lengths. He will also bowl in the slog overs, which increases the chances of taking wickets.
  • Shubman Gill vs Alzarri Joseph in T20s: 6 runs, 10 balls & 2 dismissals.
  • Obed McCoy has 12 wickets at a strike rate of 14 against India in T20Is. He has got several variations in his armour and can deceive the Indian batters.

India:

  • Shubman Gill has not had a great time on the Caribbean shores on this tour. However, his quality and skillsets are never in doubt. Gill will hope for a better show in the US.
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal didn’t have a great debut game, as he was dismissed for 1. However, Yashasvi’s form has been good. He is coming on the back of a marvellous IPL and debut Test series.
  • Suryakumar Yadav showed what he is capable of in the previous game. He made 83 runs off just 44 balls, including 10 fours and four maximums. Suryakumar is known for his insane consistency in this format and another ‘Surya Show’ can be expected.
  • Tilak Varma is the highest run-scorer of the series, with 139 runs at an average of 69.50 and a strike rate of 139. Tilak has looked fluent every time he has come in to bat.
  • Hardik Pandya can provide points with both bat and ball. While he has not been at his very best, Hardik is still an asset for any team.
  • Kuldeep Yadav has 15 wickets at an average of 12.26 and a strike rate of 11.20 against the West Indies. He has four wickets in two innings this series.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-Head in T20Is: Played 28, West Indies 9, India 18 & 1 NR.
  • Kyle Mayers vs Yuzvendra Chahal in T20Is: 10 runs, 11 balls, 90.90 SR & 3 dismissals.
  • Kyle Mayers vs Axar Patel in T20s: 37 runs, 22 balls, 168.18 SR & 3 dismissals.
  • Nicholas Pooran vs Kuldeep Yadav in T20s: 41 runs, 42 balls, 97.61 SR & 3 dismissals.
  • Shimron Hetmyer vs Yuzvendra Chahal in T20s: 28 runs, 28 balls, 100 SR & 3 dismissals.
  • Jason Holder vs Axar Patel in T20s: 12 runs, 15 balls, 80 SR & 3 dismissals.
  • Hardik Pandya vs Jason Holder in T20s: 33 runs, 30 balls, 110 SR & 4 dismissals.

 Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score at this venue in the last three years has been 179. The pacers have snared 52.63% of the wickets. The spinners will also have a say at some point in the game.

The temperature is expected to be around 32°C, with no chance of rain.

IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction Today Match 12 August 2023

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Cricket News: IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Lauderhill Pitch Report
IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction 2023

Option 2:

Cricket News: IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Lauderhill Pitch Report
IND vs WI 4th T20 Dream11 Prediction 2023

IND vs WI 4th T20 Match Prediction – Who will win?

Both – India and the West Indies have quality players, which will form a mouth-watering contest. However, India are slight favourites and might win the game.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

Eoin Morgan predicts 4 semi-finalists for 2023 ODI WC

Tarkesh Jha
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Eoin Morgan predicts 4 semi-finalists for 2023 ODI WC

Cricket News: Eoin Morgan predicts 4 semi-finalists for 2023 ODI WC | Eoin Morgan shares his 2023 ODI WC semi-finalists

Former England skipper Eoin Morgan, who lifted the last ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2019, has predicted his four semi-finalists for the upcoming edition of the tournament that will be held in India from October 5-November 19.

“When it comes to the business end of the tournament, I have no doubt England will be there, I have no doubt India will be there. And other teams I would probably see potentially lifting the trophy are Australia and Pakistan, two very strong teams,” Morgan said.

Out of these teams, England, Australia, and India had made it to the last-four in the ODI World Cup in 2019 as well. England had squared off against Australia and beat them by eight wickets in Edgbaston. India fell short to New Zealand in a thrilling semi-final.

New Zealand likely to miss out according to Eoin Morgan

One notable absentee from Morgan’s list is New Zealand, who have qualified to the semi-finals in each of the last four editions. Moreover, the Kiwis have finished runners-up in both 2015 and 2019.

However, this time around they are dealing with a major jolt with the likely absence of skipper Kane Williamson.

Having suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the opening fixture of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), Williamson is racing against time to be fit in time for the World Cup. He is travelling with the squad in the meanwhile and could be a last-minute addition to the final group.

Wicket-keeper Tom Latham is leading the side in Williamson’s absence.

Also, Pakistan in place of New Zealand is a solid pick considering they are better-suited to excel in sub-continental conditions. The Babar Azam-led side made it to the final of the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup last year in Australia and they had narrowly missed out on making it to the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup in England.

Who is Spencer Johnson? Fast bowler lights up The Hundred

Charbel Coorey
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Who is Spencer Johnson? Fast bowler lights up The Hundred

Cricket News: Who is Spencer Johnson? Fast bowler lights up The Hundred | Spencer Johnson took 3/1 in 20 balls in The Hundred

Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson enjoyed a dream debut in The Hundred, taking remarkable figures of 3/1 in 20 balls. It was a spell deemed “unplayable”, with the tall left-armer moving the ball both ways on a perfect length at 90mph.

Johnson’s exploits at The Oval have well and truly put him on the map. Having just landed in the UK for the very first time after playing in Global T20 Canada final, Johnson had just the one indoor session before taking the new ball for Oval Invincibles against stars Jos Buttler and Phil Salt.

Salt in particular had very little idea, getting beaten on both inside and edge numerous times against a bowler who displayed tremendous control.

Johnson’s 3/1 is the most economical spell in the history of The Hundred so far. Also, it is the fifth-most economical spell in all T20 cricket worldwide. Heinrich Klaasen picked up the man-of-the-match award for his 60 off 27 balls, but the in-form batsman said “credit must go to Spence – I don’t know why he’s not standing here.”

Who is Spencer Johnson?

Born in Adelaide, Johnson has made a name for himself in January 2023 after making his List A debut for South Australia way back in 2017. There was a chance he’d never get the opportunity to make his return or realise his potential due to a recurring stress fracture in his foot that led to three years out of the game.

Eventually, South Australia decided to end his contract after such a long period. Johnson then spent nine months of the year working as a local greenskeeper in Adelaide.

In 2022, Johnson was re-signed by South Australia when he regained his fitness. However, his deal with Adelaide Strikers was set to end, so he moved to Queensland to play club cricket.

On fun fact is that Johnson is a friend of Marnus Labuschagne. He played for Labuschagne’s club Redlands, where his bowling attracted the interest of Brisbane Heat.

Now 27, Johnson made an immediate impact for the Heat in the last Big Bash League (BBL) season, bowling remarkably well in the death overs in particular to help guide the franchise towards the final. The 2022/23 season was the first time viewers witnessed him in a professional T20 match, and were immediately impressed with his speeds touching 145km/h.

He didn’t take the big wickets, but his exploits in the crunch overs have earnt him a spot in Australia’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa. In 80 deliveries between overs 16 and 20 in BBL 12, Johnson conceded just 101 runs and took six wickets, with his yorkers and change-up deliveries a key feature of his bowling.

Johnson also made his First Class debut this year, back in February against Victoria. He took 6/87 in the second innings, part of 20 wickets overall in four matches. This includes a remarkable 7/47 in 23 overs in just his second match, against Queensland.

With the tall left-armer bowling beautifully, there is every chance that he makes up for so much lost time. Australia’s T20I series in South Africa begins on August 30, and with the visitors resting a number of players post-Ashes, it is likely Johnson will don the green and gold for the very first time.

Layoff will help Jasprit Bumrah – Glenn McGrath

Tarkesh Jha
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Layoff will help Jasprit Bumrah – Glenn McGrath

Cricket News: Layoff will help Jasprit Bumrah – Glenn McGrath | Glenn McGrath shares his thoughts on Jasprit Bumrah

Legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath has said that the injury layoff will help Jasprit Bumrah recover strength and come back stronger for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup this year.

Bumrah, who last represented India in the three-match T20I series against Australia in September 2022, has been named captain for the team’s tour to Ireland later this month. McGrath acknowledged that he hasn’t seen Bumrah bowl ever since he rounded off his rehabilitation. However, the 53-year-old hailed the fast bowler’s quality and claimed that he should be delivering at full throttle like he used to do before.

Glenn McGrath backs Jasprit Bumrah to make strong return from injury

“The layoff will help him, I think,” McGrath said. “Fast bowlers need that layoff and time to get the strength back in their bodies. It depends on the work he has done off the field, how his back is and if he has done anything to his action. I think he has been there before and he has achieved it.”

He added, “I haven’t seen him bowl. So, time will tell. Only he knows where he is now. So, I will be watching him keenly to see him get back to where he was. The effort and energy he puts in takes a toll on the body. If he has put enough work on the field, I can’t see a reason why he cannot go back to being where he previously was.”

McGrath mentioned that to stay away from the game for 11 months is a hard task. However, he explained that it only takes a few games to get into the groove after coming back from a lengthy layoff.

Further, he quipped that Bumrah does have those many games in his hand ahead of the World Cup. Post the Ireland series, India will be playing the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka before hosting Australia in a three-match ODI series.

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