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.”
Spencer Johnson, one of the dream debut ever…..!!!!
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.
Spencer Johnson showed a lot of promise in his debut season for Brisbane Heat, but didn’t pick a lot of wickets. But anyone who saw him bowl knew he is special.
Australia fast-tracked him, and even looking at him as a three format player.
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.
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.
Cricket News: Will Pakistan play World Cup matches in India? | Pakistan government provide statement on Cricket World Cup
The Pakistan national government has granted permission to the men’s cricket team to participate in the ICC ODI World Cup that will be held in India in October-November this year.
“Pakistan has deep concerns about the security of its cricket team. We are conveying these concerns to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Indian authorities. We expect that the full safety and security of the Pakistan Cricket Team will be ensured during its visit to India,” a statement from the Pakistani foreign ministry read.
They added, “Pakistan has consistently maintained that sports should not be mixed with politics. It has, therefore, decided to send its cricket team to India to participate in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.”
Pakistan government provides green light for team to play in India
Earlier, sources from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had said that they would be sending delegates to assess security at the venues where their team will be playing matches in the World Cup. However, a decision on the same has not been taken yet, Cricbuzz reports.
The PCB has conveyed its decision with regards to the clearance given to the national team to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ICC. The foreign ministry added that it believes that the country’s bilateral ties with India should not stand in the way of the team’s commitments in the international sports competitions.
“Pakistan’s decision shows its constructive and responsible approach vis-a-vis India’s intransigent attitude, as the latter had refused to send its Cricket Team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup,” they further mentioned.
There was a major impasse with the venue for the 2023 Asia Cup, with India insisting that they would not go to Pakistan for the tournament. Eventually, a compromise was reached with the Men in Blue playing their games in Sri Lanka with the initial few matches of the competition taking place in Pakistan.
Cricket News: Mitch Marsh named as new Australia T20 captain | Mitchell Marsh unveiled as new Australia T20I captain
In a huge show of confidence, talented all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been named Australia’s new T20I captain. Marsh will replace Aaron Finch, who retired from international cricket in February 2023.
The next World Cup is under a year away, to be played in the West Indies and United States of America (USA). Australia’s preparation for that tournament is set to begin later this month, with a three-match T20I series away in South Africa starting in Durban on August 30.
Given the number of stars the Proteas possess in the T20 format, the series represents a baptism of fire of sorts for Marsh.
Australia’s new T20 captain: selectors show faith in Mitchell Marsh
Marsh has captaincy experience under his belt. He took over from Adam Voges as Western Australia (WA) captain back in 2017, where he enjoyed immediate success. He guided WA to the One-Day Cup title that season and also won the Laurie Sawle Medal, which is awarded to the best and fairest WA male cricketer.
It will be interesting to see how captaincy at international level impacts Marsh. Should it elevate his game further, Australia will be well-placed given his all-round talent.
Marsh has already helped the team win a T20 World Cup title. Back in 2021, he starred in the Final, smashing 77* off 50 balls to make a mockery of New Zealand’s 172. He was named man of the match.
Also, Marsh, who previously declined the role of full-time ODI captain, may lead the team in the three-match series in South Africa due to Pat Cummins’ injury worry. Cummins suffered a fractured wrist in the final Ashes Test, and may be given extra time to recover ahead of the World Cup in India.
Australia name T20I squad for South Africa series
Australia have announced their T20 squad for the South Africa series. There are new faces, with Spencer Johnson, Aaron Hardie and Matt Short all included.
The three matches will be played on August 30, September 1 and September 3. All matches are to be held at Kingsmead, Durban.
Some fresh faces will be on the plane for three T20s against South Africa at the end of this month!
Cricket Opinion: Test cricket needs more than the Ashes to survive | Why the Ashes is not enough to protect Test cricket
The 2023 Ashes, the best of its kind since the memorable 2005 edition, had millions talking about Test cricket. If you weren’t glued to every ball, you were missing out. Australia fired the first two shots, before England made a roaring fightback to level a gripping series.
The consensus among some is such a duel gives Test cricket a shot in the arm; a lifeline to “save” the format. After all, any exposure that Test cricket can get it is just what it needs, right?
Not quite. The debate around Test cricket’s future goes deeper than a classic battle between two of the “big three”. There is so much more involved, with Test cricket’s landscape looking particularly bleak.
The Test cricket landscapelooks worrying
Test cricket looks quite healthy in England, India and Australia. However what about the rest? What does Test cricket mean to them, and more importantly, is there a desire to develop young talent with red-ball cricket in mind given there is such an unequal distribution of funds? Where do these nations see Test cricket in the next five to ten years given the format isn’t as profitable?
At the same time as England and Australia went head-to-head for the coveted urn, West Indies and India took part in a two-match Test series that was so low-key you’d be forgiven if you didn’t know it was on.
Predictably, India dominated, highlighting the landscape that theatens Test cricket’s future. Currently, Test cricket is profitable for the big three, with other nations needing to turn elsewhere for a boost in their finances.
The likes of Cricket South Africa (CSA), who less than a decade ago fielded one of the most decorated Test teams of the modern era, are criticised by some for not scheduling in more Tests. In fact, they are set to play only two-match series during the entire World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
However, can you blame them? A board’s financial survival is their perogative. There are wages to pay and staff need to put food on the table. If T20 cricket helps achieve those goals, who are we to criticise boards who make the necessary moves to ensure their survival?
SA20 turned a profit in its inaugural season.
T20 leagues vs Test cricket
T20 is the money-maker. Test cricket is expensive to host and does not attract big crowds all around the world given work and other commitments. Couple this with an unequal distribution of funds, and you get the idea.
Also, the shorter format caters to the need for instant gratification that has taken the world by storm over the past two decades.
This may not sound nice to the traditionalists (of which I am one), but these are the cold, hard facts.
CSA, cash-striken over the years, has hedged its financial future on SA20, which turned a profit in its inaugural season in 2023. Ahead of its second season, the Proteas have been working behind the scenes to reschedule their two-match Test series against New Zealand in February 2024, which clashes with the business end of the SA20 season. The Black Caps have not agreed, which puts the Proteas in a pickle.
According to reports, CSA will likely prioritise SA20, as they did when they forfeited a three-match ODI series in Australia that could have put their spot in this year’s World Cup in jeopardy. CEO Pholetski Moseki is on record to say “the SA20 is too important”, which is totally understandable given the investors, namely IPL franchise owners, want a return. To maximise that return, the best South African players need to be available.
The hope, especially for the purists, is that South Africa invest their SA20 revenue into their first-class system, which has undergone a major revamp itself in recent times.
Of course, South Africa aren’t the only ones in a position where white-ball cricket is key for survival. Former Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron previously said that Test cricket in the Caribbean does not turn a profit unless it’s against the big three.
“I dare say the West Indies need to be invited to these geographies to play because a Test match in the West Indies today is a dead-rubber unless it’s against India, England or Australia where we get revenues from television,” Cameron said.
“That is not anybody’s doing or my doing, its Generation Z. They don’t want to take five days to consume the game, it’s not Dave Cameron or the ICC, it is what the demand has been and that’s the reason why T20 has flourished,” he added.
So, while Australian coach Andrew McDonald’s call for no more two-match series sounds good, how feasible is it for nations around the world where revenue is an issue?
No kit sponsors, almost empty stadiums, no big broadcasters, no ads between overs: and all this when you are playing a team like #TeamIndia at your home…
With a different T20 league nearly every month, not only can players earn lucrative amounts, but there are minimal opportunities to hone their red-ball skills.
West Indies’ Alzarri Joseph is an example. Joseph, tall, rangy and quick, has previously spoken of his love for Test cricket, which should mean good news for the Windies who are longing for a return to their glory days. However, as of August 2023, Joseph has bowled a tick over 10,000 deliveries in First Class cricket, with white-ball catching up very quickly already at 9,234.
So, along with the revenue issue, skill is another. If players aren’t spending time on their techniques for the red-ball game, the product suffers further.
Sri Lanka are an example. In good news, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) earned record net profits in 2022, with international cricket a key driver. However, the Lions seem to float in and out of the conversation in Test cricket, with good performances often mixed in with the ugly.
Their latest effort was a shambolic 2-0 home series loss to Pakistan, where they lost the second Test by an innings and 222 runs. Since the start of 2022, they have won just five of 13 Tests, with two coming against Ireland who, before 2023, hadn’t played a Test since 2019.
Now, it’s not as if the Sri Lankan players have the opportunity to review their performances. Instead, attention quickly turned to the Lankan Premier League (LPL), with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to come for some, soon followed by the ODI World Cup.
Pakistan were far too strong for Sri Lanka in their 2023 tour.
What’s the solution?
It’s time for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to stand up. The ICC can be a toothless tiger, given action needed to be taken many years before now. Making an effort to keep Test cricket alive should be one of the top agenda items at the ICC given its tradition, and that strong techniques are important for young players who even have aspirations of starring in white-ball cricket.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said the ICC needs to put a global fund in place to help make Test cricket more attractive financially for players.
“Their payment system in the Caribbean compared to some of the franchise leagues, it doesn’t match up,” Ponting said. “And Sri Lanka will be the same and Bangladesh will be the same.”
“There is a role to play for the ICC here – make the payments a bit more even across international Test cricket to attract players from these different countries who want to play for their country.”
Whether it’s global funds, international windows, limits on T20 league matches or other solution(s), it’s time the ICC acts as the catalyst for change rather than meander along and allow the boards to do as they please.
If things stay the way they are, it is entirely possible that Test cricket will be played its own little bubble with no more than five or six teams participating. Maybe even less. If we get to that stage, how long will it be before fans get bored of the same few teams playing each other all the time?
IND vs WI 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs WI 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Guyana Pitch Report
The West Indies surprised one and all by their exceptional bowling performance while defending a modest total of 150. They won the game by four runs in a close encounter to take an early lead in the series. While the batters failed to put on a collective show, the bowlers, apart from Alzarri Joseph, bowled well in tandem.
Meanwhile, this defeat must have been an eye-opener for India, who were firm favourites to win the contest. The batters lost their wickets at the wrong time, which derailed their chase. However, the team management would be pleased with the bowling show.
IND vs WI 2nd T20 Possible Playing XIs
The West Indies are likely to retain the XI that took them to victory in the first rubber.
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 might give the same players another go despite losing the previous one.
IND vs WI 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction – Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
West Indies:
Kyle Mayers has been in terrible form of late. However, he is a dangerous player who can unleash his beast mode anytime. His bowling is a bonus. Mayers will be eager to bounce back strongly.
Brandon King looked in fine touch in the previous match. He has 430 runs at an average of 43 and a strike rate of 149.82 at Guyana in T20s. King will look to extend his record.
Nicholas Pooran has been in fabulous form with the willow this year. In the last match, the southpaw made 41 runs with the help of two boundaries and as many sixes, soon after his brilliant 137 in the MLC 2023 Final.
Shimron Hetmyer failed to make a mark in the last game. However, his batting prowess in the T20 format is known by one and all. A good knock might just be around the corner.
Jason Holder won Man of the Match award in the previous rubber for his brilliant bowling display in the last game. He snared two wickets while conceding only 19 runs. He can also contribute with the willow.
Obed McCoy has 11 wickets at an average of 18.36 and a strike rate of 12 against India in T20Is. In the last game, he took two wickets as well.
India:
Shubman Gill had a rare T20 failure last game. However, his form in the shorter format has been exceptional. Expect a fine knock again.
Suryakumar Yadav has scored 263 runs at an average of 37.57 and a strike rate of 168.58 against the West Indies in T20Is. He has a balls-per-boundary ratio of 4.10 against them.
Tilak Varma showcased his supreme talent on his debut in the previous game. He smashed 39 runs with the help of two boundaries and three maximums.
Hardik Pandya is one of the best all-rounders in the white-ball format at the moment. However, his batting form has been an issue in T20Is lately. Pandya will look to improve on that aspect. His bowling will also fetch a few points.
Arshdeep Singh has nine wickets at a strike rate of 14.11 and an economy rate of 6.80 against the West Indies. He will look to add more to his tally.
Yuzvendra Chahal bowled brilliantly in his first game of the tour, picking up two wickets in three overs. He is a quality T20I bowler and will hope to continue the fine work.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head in T20Is: Matches 26, India 17, West Indies 8, NR 1.
Hardik Pandya vs Jason Holder in T20s: 31 runs, 28 balls, 110.71 SR & 4 dismissals. Holder also dismissed the Indian captain in the last game.
Nicholas Pooran in T20s at Guyana: 432 runs, 54 avg, 175.60 SR & 5 fifties.
Jason Holder vs Axar Patel in T20s: 12 runs, 15 balls, 80 SR & 3 dismissals.
Kuldeep Yadav needs 3 more wickets to complete 50 T20I wickets.
Providence Stadium, Guyana, Pitch Report and Weather
The average first innings score at Providence Stadium in the last three years is 156. The pacers have scalped only 48.09% of the wickets, meaning the spinners will have a huge say.
The temperature will be around 30°C, with some chances of rain.
IND vs WI 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today Match 6 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:
Option 2:
IND vs WI 2nd T20 Match Prediction – Who will win?
The West Indies surprised one and all with their superior bowling show. However, India are a strong unit and will be raring to bounce back. India to 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.
Cricket News: Dukes to launch investigation into Ashes ball swap | Dukes to investigate ball swap in 5th Test at The Oval
The owner of Dukes ball is set to launch an investigation into the ball replacement saga that rocked the final day of the Ashes.
Australia were going strong at 135/0 after 37 overs before the home side got a ball change after repeated requests. The umpires brought in a fresh set of balls and handpicked a visibly shinier one that led to a sudden change in England’s fortunes. England eventually won by 49 runs.
The move attracted backlash from Ricky Ponting, and Australian opener Usman Khawaja criticised the decision of the on-field umpires.
Dukes owner Dilip Jajodia to investigate ball change during fifth Ashes Test at The Oval
“Every ball we produce for the specific season has got a date stamp on it. It would have 2023 marked on it. We supply balls to the ground. These balls are not controlled by the ECB or the ICC, it’s controlled by the ground authority. So on this particular occasion (at The Oval) the balls would be done by Surrey,” Dukes’ owner Dilip Jajodia was quoted in a report by News Corp.
He added, “Surrey get the supply of balls from us before the season starts and then they start knocking them in, getting them into wear and tear if you like and in my view, they’re probably not doing it that accurately.”
There is speculation that the “new” ball was similar to the Dukes’ batch of 2018-19, which heavily assisted pacers. Jajodia said it is possible officials put the ball with a different date among the ones to be used for the 2023 series.
He asserted that he will be personally investigating the issue as allegations against the ball personally affect him. Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) refused from commenting on the calls taken by match officials during the course of the game.
Cricket Opinion: How will Jasprit Bumrah’s comeback help team India? | Jasprit Bumrah set to return for India in August 2023
Jasprit Bumrah, the skilled fast bowler, has been facing setbacks since September 2022 due to persistent back problems.
His absence during critical series and matches like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and WTC final, along with IPL 2023 with the Mumbai Indians, has raised concerns about his readiness for the upcoming ODI World Cup.
This article highlights the significance of Bumrah’s form and health on India’s chances in the Asia Cup and ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Jasprit Bumrah: Natural wicket-taker
With his wealth of experience and exceptional skills, Jasprit Bumrah naturally assumes the mantle of leading the pace attack. His ability to deliver crucial performances in different phases of the game, especially during the death overs, could give Team India a vital advantage in closely contested matches.
Furthermore, Bumrah’s unique and unorthodox bowling style makes him one of the most potent wicket-takers in world cricket. His knack for breaking partnerships and taking crucial wickets can apply immense pressure on opposing teams, helping Team India dominate games or turn them in their favour.
A crucial aspect of Bumrah’s contribution is his death bowling prowess, a skill that holds significant value in limited-overs cricket, which will be particularly crucial in the cut-throat nature of the upcoming World Cup. His precision with yorkers and slower deliveries could prove instrumental in restricting the opposition’s scoring rate during the final overs of crucial encounters.
India are ready to welcome Jasprit Bumrah back with open arms.
Jasprit Bumrah’s unwavering dedication and commitment to the game led him to invest everything he had, be it his time, effort, or dreams. As a result of his relentless hard work and determination, he achieved remarkable success on the cricketing field. His exceptional performances and achievements have earned him immense respect and admiration from fans and fellow players alike.
The BCCI, the team captain, the coach, and everyone involved are closely monitoring Bumrah’s health situation. While they understand the immense impact he has on the team’s performance, they also grapple with concerns about worst-case scenarios.
How crucial will Bumrah be for India in the ODI World Cup?
A fit and effective Jasprit Bumrah could be the determining factor between India’s performance being merely decent or exceptionally brilliant. His unique skill set, adaptability, and experience make him an indispensable component of the Indian cricketing machine. If Bumrah performs at his best, India could legitimately hope to claim the prestigious trophy once more, thus breaking their ten-year ICC trophy drought.
In conclusion, India’s aspirations of winning the Asia Cup and ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 heavily hinge on Bumrah’s top-notch performance. If he is at his prime, Team India’s prospects look promising indeed.
Cricket News: 2-2 was a great result – Brendon McCullum | Brendon McCullum reviews the 2023 Ashes series
England head coach Brendon McCullum is pleased with the final 2023 Ashes result after the home side salvaged a 2-2 draw after losing the first couple of games at Edgbaston and Lord’s.
The Three Lions came within touching distance of levelling the series in the fourth game at Old Trafford before only one session was possible across the final two days. However, the Kiwi was satisfied with the eventual outcome of a tightly-contested battle for the urn, which was retained by Australia on account of having won the previous Ashes in 2021-22.
“The whole last two months has been an awesome ride, we went two-nil down in the series, which put us under a little bit of pressure, but to respond the way we did, I was proud of all the boys and the way the skipper (Ben Stokes) was able to hold the fort for everyone when were under pressure,” McCullum said whilst speaking on the SENZ Breakfast show.
“In the end, 2-2 was a great result and we were pleased with what we were able to serve up, particularly in the latter part of the series.”
We blocked out external noise well – Brendon McCullum
McCullum laid a lot of importance on being on the same page as Stokes and blocking any external noise that could disrupt the rhythm or their momentum. He maintained that both his and Stokes’ thought process aligned even after the defeats in the first two matches. Interestingly, he mentioned that their confidence levels boosted after realising that they could go toe-to-toe with Australia, especially after the visitors were close to gaining an unassailable lead in the third encounter.
The post-series #Ashes fallout continues as Brendon McCullum attempts to clarify his views on Pat Cummins, captaincy and THAT Lord's stumping pic.twitter.com/Q7WqQkw85D
“From our side of things, we were just trying to make sure our messaging was consistent with what we started out with. The skipper and I are very aligned with how we like to go about things and that didn’t change right throughout. But I think if anything, our confidence levels rose knowing that we were capable of going toe-to-toe with Australia,” McCullum quipped.
The former New Zealand captain maintained that the English team separated themselves from any external noise as they went about doing their business during the series. He clarified that the squad and support staff were best-placed to assess the rights and wrongs, and hence they backed the team to get things in order after disappointing losses in the opening two Tests.
“Any messaging should come from within, rather than from those on the outside. We get the benefit of watching these guys work day in and day out – therefore, if they want any feedback we’re in the best place to give it,” McCullum signed off.
Cricket News: Will KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer make it to India’s World Cup squad? | KL Rahul & Shreyas Iyer injury update
Indian batsmen KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer might not make it to the Asia Cup 2023 squad, as per recent reports. The two batsmen had recently shared updates on their fitness progress on social media but they will not have recovered enough to be considered in the continental championship that will be jointly held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 29.
Rahul, however, can possibly find a spot in the three-match One Day International (ODI) bilateral series against Australia prior to the World Cup. He has began wicket-keeping.
However, Iyer could even end up missing the bus to the showpiece tournament set to be conducted in India from October 5.
“It is unlikely that both Rahul and Shreyas would be match fit for 50-over cricket and that too in humid conditions in Sri Lanka. But BCCI medical team feels that Rahul can at least get fit before the three-match series against Australia before the World Cup,” a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was quoted in a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI).
The source added, “In case of Iyer, he has also started skills training but World Cup for him will be touch and go if Indian management thinks of putting a 100 percent fit Iyer back on the park. T20 is an easier vehicle for comeback unlike 50-over cricket. We are keeping fingers crossed.”
Iyer and Rahul’s returns are keenly awaited given that they occupy the crucial No. 4 and No. 5 spots respectively in the ODI setup. Iyer averages 47.35 in the slot whereas Rahul has an average of 53 in the number five position.
The team experimented with other alternatives like Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, and Suryakumar Yadav in the middle-order in the absence of the aforementioned duo in the recent ODI series against West Indies. However, there are still questions.
