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Pakistan tour of England under microscope after 10 players test positive to COVID-19

Pakistan tour of England under microscope after 10 players test positive to COVID-19 | Mohammad Hafeez and 9 others test positive | 10 Pakistan players test positive to COVID-19

Pakistan’s tour of England, scheduled to begin on July 30, has been thrown into chaos.

An additional seven players, plus one support staff member, have tested positive to COVID-19 in the past 24-48 hours, after Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Haider Ali. The seven new players to test positive are Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Hasnain and Fakhar Zaman.

Ashley Giles, managing director of England men’s cricket, says that the positive tests are a concern.

“It is a concern,” Giles said. “Obviously I’m most concerned about those players who tested positive and their welfare.”

Also read: New Zealand tour of Bangladesh postponed due to coronavirus

However, Giles was optimistic about the tour going ahead as scheduled, given the time between now and the and start of the Test series on July 28.

“At the moment, I don’t think the series is in doubt. We are far enough away from the start of the Test series to not worry about that too much at the moment. There are some more test results coming out later from the rest of the group so we will see what those say, but we are still hopefully that the Pakistan team will be arriving in the country fairly soon.”

Ashley Giles speaking

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan also maintained optimism about the tour, as most red-ball players, bar Mohammad Rizwan have tested negative.

“The tour to England is very much on track and the side will depart as per schedule on 28 June,” Wasim Khan said. “Fortunately, all the first-choice red-ball squad, barring Mohammad Rizwan, are negative, which means they can start training and practicing immediately after they have been tested and given the all clear when they arrive in England.”

Also read: T20 World Cup “unrealistic” and “very, very unlikely” this year – CA Chairman

In regards to plans, all those who tested negative will be tested again before boarding a chartered flight from Lahore to Manchester on June 28. Upon arrival in England, all squad members will be tested again, before starting preparations for the Test series.

For those who have tested positive, a tour of England is still possible.

“As regards the players who have tested positive, we will continue to monitor and support them, including conducting antibody tests. And, as soon as they test negative, they will be flown to join the squad in England. At the moment, they have been advised to go into self-isolation so that they not only recover quickly but also prevent their other family members from being infected,” said the PCB CEO.

This news comes after PCB director of medicine, Dr Sohail Saleem, stated that the tour is a “big risk”. Now, the situation will be monitored even more closely, as international cricket grasps with the challenges of COVID-19.

Also read:

New Zealand tour of Bangladesh postponed due to COVID-19

New Zealand’s tour of Bangladesh, comprising of two Tests in August as part of the World Test Championship, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although international cricket is taking its first steps to recovery after it came to a standstill in March, creating a bio-secure environment in Bangladesh is a challenge. The Shere Bangla Stadium in Mirpur is located in a virus “red zone”. Also, the number of cases has crossed 100,000 in Bangladesh, and given the dense population, staging international cricket there is a risky proposition.

New Zealand tour of Bangladesh postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic
New Zealand tour of Bangladesh has been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic

BCB’s chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said that the health of the players is paramount, which led to the decision.

“In the present COVID-19 pandemic scenario, hosting a full cricket series in August 2020 will be a challenge in terms of preparations and we cannot take chances with the safety and health of players, support staff and related stakeholders,” Chowdhury said.

“Under these circumstances, the BCB and NZC have felt that the best way forward would be to defer the series. We realise that this will be hugely disappointing for the players and officials of both teams, not to mention the fans of the two nations but I must thank NZC for its understanding and for recognising the rationale behind such a decision.”

This news comes as three players, including legend Mashrafe Mortaza, have tested positive to COVID-19. This is Bangladesh’s fourth postponed assignment since the pandemic broke out, including hosting Australia this month (June).

Bangladesh and New Zealand have had some Test competitive battles in Bangladesh. Shakib Al Hasan and Daniel Vettori went toe-to-toe in Chittagong in 2008, before Bangladesh held New Zealand to a 0-0 draw in 2013.

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Pakistan tour of England “a big risk” after three players test positive to COVID-19

Pakistan tour of England in doubt as three players test positive to COVID-19 | Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Haider Ali test positive to COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to run rife throughout the globe, cricket, by its international nature, must always be alert to the dangers.

That is the case for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director of sports medicine, Dr Sohail Saleem, who has labelled Pakistan’s tour of England as “a big risk”. Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Haider Ali all tested positive to COVID-19 in the past 48 hours, which has led to comprehensive measures to ensure the risk is minimised as much as possible.

“We can’t really say it’s not a risk”, said Dr Saleem.

“We are trying to build a new normal, redefining etiquette – respiratory marks, hand washing… It is a combination of many thing to make sure that we are keeping safe or reducing the risk factor to the minimum.”

Saleem then went on to point out the positives of cricket. “Cricket isn’t a contact sport. The only source (of contact) is the cricket ball. Two different analyses confirmed that the chances of transmitting the virus through sweat are less, while you cannot use saliva at all.”

Pakistan tour of England in doubt as three players test positive to COVID-19 | Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Haider Ali test positive to COVID-19
Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Haider Ali have tested positive to COVID-19

COVID-19 testing for Pakistan’s players and support staff

Pakistan players and support staff will need to undergo three rounds of COVID-19 testing before departing for the England tour, which begins in August. Once in England, all members of the touring party will be tested every five days.

The bio-secure environment, which will be in place for the upcoming England vs West Indies series, does provide some peace-of-mind that players and support staff will remain safe.

“Going forward, everyone will eventually have to adapt to the new procedures”, said Saleem. “I am told the West Indies team were also uncertain at the start, but the moment they got in the routine with training, they were fine.”

Pakistan tour of England in doubt as three players test positive to COVID-19 | Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Haider Ali test positive to COVID-19

Pakistan COVID-19 testing details

  • 28 players and 12 support staff were tested for COVID-19 between Sunday and Monday (except for Shoaib Malik, who will be travelling at a later date).
  • All who have tested negative will remain in isolation in a five-star hotel in Lahore. Those tested positive will also be in isolation, but with medical assistance.
  • Second round of testing on June 25. Those testing negative will board a chartered flight from Lahore to Manchester. Those who test positive can still join the squad, provided they fully recover 14 days later.
  • All squad members will be tested on arrival to England, and then every five days.

These are unprecedented circumstances. However, the resumption of sport, including the English Premier League, is cause for optimism.

“We have been monitoring the football in Europe, baseball in South Korea and now even the English Premier League has also started. So this is a big step for the resumption of cricket. People have been confined at home for over three months, the level of anxiety is increasing. Sport at least provides entertainment and can reduce anxiety. Like doctors fighting on the frontline, these sportsmen in a way are also serving the people”, said Saleem.

Pakistan’s tour of England, which contains three Tests and three T20Is, begins on July 30.

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“Kohli keeps on getting better and better”: Steve Smith

“Kohli keeps on getting better and better”: Steve Smith | Steve Smith full of praise for Indian skipper Virat Kohli

Steve Smith, who many believe is the best Test batsman since Bradman, was full of praise for Indian captain Virat Kohli.

Smith, speaking on Star Sports Cricket Connected, has referenced to Kohli as a “terrific guy”, even though emotions can spill on the cricket field.

“I’ve known Virat for a long time; you know even since 2007 I reckon, he went up to the academy in Brisbane. I actually wasn’t part of the intake then, but I was up there doing a bit of bowling and stuff, and he was there,” Smith said.

“We’ve had some nice chats off the field. We’ve also had a couple of run-ins in the early days on the field. Those things happen when you’re playing for your team; your emotions sometimes can get out of control.

But, you know, he’s a terrific guy. As I said, he’s done terrific things with India as an ambassador of the game. He’s getting better and better, which is the scary thing.”

"Kohli keeps on getting better and better": Steve Smith | Steve Smith full of praise for Indian skipper Virat Kohli
Steve Smith admires the things Virat Kohli has achieved

Smith’s comments come as excitement builds a few months out from the huge Australia-India Test series later this year.

The Australian star was full of praise for the Indian attack, claiming that this series has the potential to be an all-time great series.

“I’m so excited”, said Smith. “It’s got the potential to be one of the all-time great series, really.”

Also read: Steve Smith full of praise for the Indian bowling attack

Australia vs India Border-Gavaskar Test series 2020/21 schedule:

The Test series kicks off on December 3rd at fortress Gabba, where Australia have not lost a Test since 1988.

1st Test: December 3-7, Gabba, Brisbane

2nd Test: December 11-15, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)

3rd Test: December 26-30, MCG, Melbourne

4th Test: January 3-7, SCG, Sydney

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Steve Smith: Australia vs India could be an all-time great series

Steve Smith: Australia vs India could be an all-time great series | Steve Smith excited about Australia vs India Test series last year

Steve Smith, the world’s top-ranked Test batsman, said that the Australia vs India series has the potential to be an all-time great series.

“I’m so excited”, said Smith, speaking on Star Sports Cricket Connected along with Indian legend VVS Laxman. “It’s got the potential to be one of the all-time great series, really.”

Steve Smith was full of praise when asked about India’s pace revolution, including when India were last in Australia.

“You see guys like Jasprit Bumrah, who’s just come on in leaps and bounds, and is an incredible bowler. I think Mohammed Shami has just got better and better. Ishant Sharma; just you know the experience that he’s had, and plenty of other Indian bowlers who could probably just as well get over here, to go with some quality spinners in both lineups.”

Also read: India’s bowling attack is the best in the world – Mohammed Shami

Smith mirrored VVS Laxman, who said that this series won’t only be about the batting, as has been the case in the past.

“It’s definitely going to be an entertaining and exciting series”, said Laxman. “And, it’s not only about the batting. We focus too much about the batting. But, both the sides have got amazing talent in the bowling department. Both the sides have got world class fast bowlers, so it’s going to be really exciting.”

Steve Smith: Australia vs India could be an all-time great series | Steve Smith excited about Australia vs India Test series last year
Steve Smith had an incredible Ashes 2019 campaign

Australia aim for revenge

India currently hold the Border-Gavaskar trophy, after a historic 2-1 series win in Australia in 2018/19. However, with David Warner, Steve Smith and now the much-improved Marnus Labuschagne in the side, Australia will be confident of regaining the trophy against a quality Indian side.

However, Indian captain Virat Kohli is ready for the challenge. Speaking in January, Kohli was confident about his team being able to do well in the blockbuster series.

“Whether it is the Gabba or Perth, it doesn’t matter to us,” Kohli said.

“We have the skillsets as a team to compete against anyone in the world anywhere, whether it is white ball, pink ball or red ball.

“We are absolutely up for it.”

Cricket Australia have confirmed the Test schedule for the upcoming 2020/21 season, which includes a Day/Night Test among four blockbuster Tests against India.

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Ellyse Perry willing to miss start of season to fully recover from injury

Ellyse Perry willing to miss start of season to fully recover from injury | Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry willing to take as much time as possible to recover from hamstring injury

Ellyse Perry, Australia’s star all-rounder, is willing to miss the start of Australia’s home season if it means getting her hamstring in the best shape possible.

Perry seriously injured her hamstring during the T20 World Cup earlier this year, resulting in heartbreak as she missed Australia’s triumphant Semi Final and Final.

She is on track to be fit for Australia’s series against New Zealand in late September. However, Perry is looking at the bigger picture with nine weeks remaining in her recovery from hamstring surgery.

Also read: England Women to begin training on 22 June

“From a timeframe point of view, it’d be lovely to be fit for the New Zealand series and available for selection,” Perry said.

“I think at this stage it’s tracking that way, but there’s a little bit to go. It’s a nice goal to have. Coming back from injury, there’s a really clear distinction in my mind between being fit to play and fit to perform.”

Ellyse Perry willing to miss start of season to fully recover from injury | Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry willing to take as much time as possible to recover from hamstring injury
Ellyse Perry is crucial to Australia’s ODI World Cup campaign in 2021

Selector Shawn Flegler and skipper Meg Lanning are on the same page, stating their desire to take care regarding Perry’s return, as the Women’s ODI World Cup is scheduled for early 2021 in New Zealand.

Flegler in particular believes that whoever should be chosen to replace her will have a great opportunity to impress. Allrounders Tahlia McGrath and Annabel Sutherland were both awarded national contracts for the first time, and are highly rated.

“If Pez doesn’t get back in time to play some games for Australia, then Tahlia is certainly an option to either bat in the middle order and also she can bowl through the middle overs as well,” Flegler said in April.

“We see her as a genuine allrounder and we think that with Ellyse having a long-term injury that Tahlia comes into that mix as a bowling allrounder.”

Australia Women’s schedule vs New Zealand, 2020

CommBank Women’s T20 Series v New Zealand

  • 1st T20I: September 27, North Sydney Oval
  • 1st T20I: September 29, North Sydney Oval
  • 1st T20I: October 1, North Sydney Oval

CommBank Women’s ODI Series v New Zealand

  • 1st ODI: October 5, Riverway Stadium, Townsville
  • 2nd ODI: October 7, Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns
  • 3rd ODI: October 10, Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast

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Mashrafe Mortaza tests positive for COVID-19

Mashrafe Mortaza tests positive for COVID-19 | Bangladesh cricket legend Mashrafe Mortaza tests positive to COVID-19

Bangladesh cricket stalwart, Mashrafe Mortaza, tested positive for Coronavirus on Saturday. His brother Morsalin Mortaza told Cricbuzz after the former captain had high fever and was tested on Friday.

Mortaza was engaged in humanitarian activities to help the needy and even did a lot of charity for his native place, Narayanganj, which is one of the worst-hit areas of Bangladesh.

“My brother has had a fever for two days. He did the test last night. Today came the test positive. He is at home in isolation,” Mashrafe’s brother told Cricbuzz.

Mashrafe is one of the legends of Bangladesh cricket. He took over as captain of the limited overs sides back in 2014; a time where Bangladesh were struggling. He then led them to the Quarter Finals of the 2015 World Cup, as well as ODI series wins against Pakistan, India and South Africa, before leading the Tigers to the Semi Final of the 2017 Champions Trophy.

Also read: Scotland cancel Australia T20I due to COVID-19

Mashrafe Mortaza tests positive for COVID-19 | Bangladesh cricket legend Mashrafe Mortaza tests positive to COVID-19
Mashrafe Mortaza’s social media post

Other Bangladesh cricketers, both past and present, have also contracted the virus. Former opener Nafees Iqbal, who represented Bangladesh in 27 internationals, has tested positive but remains in good spirits. “I had the first symptom ten days ago. I had a fever and had aches and pains in the body but had recovered by the third day. But I still took the COVID-19 test just to be sure and the result came back positive. I am doing fine at the moment,” he added.

Left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam has also tested positive, and will remain in isolation. In addition to the Bangladeshi cricketers, Shahid Afridi announced last week that he tested positive for the virus. Overall, sixcricketers, including the Bangladesh players, have been tested positive for coronavirus.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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BCCI to review IPL sponsorship deals

BCCI to review IPL sponsorship deals | BCCI calls for meeting to discuss IPL sponsorship deals | BCCI to review deals ahead of possible IPL 2020

The Governing Council of the Indian Premier League has called for a meeting next week to review the various sponsorship deals of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the ongoing tension along the LAC between India and China, the BCCI will decide whether to honour contracts or invoke the exit clause with the Chinese sponsors, VIVO, which are the title sponsors of the IPL.

The official handle of the IPL, tweeted on Friday. “Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL’s various sponsorship deals,” the tweet said.

The mobile company pays 440 crores per year to the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and the deal, which was renewed in 2018, ends in 2022.

IPL sponsorship deal review

Also read: 3 reasons why the IPL will go ahead in 2020

Earlier, the BCCI treasurer, Arun Dhumal told PTI, that Chinese sponsorships helps the Indian economy and not the other way.

“When we are allowing Chinese companies to sell their products in India, whatever money they are taking from Indian consumers, they are paying part of it to the BCCI (as brand promotion) and the board is paying 42 per cent tax on that money to the Indian government. So, that is supporting India’s cause and not China’s,” the administrator said.

The news comes as the BCCI and IPL remain committed to staging the IPL this year, even if it means it goes ahead outside India.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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Who is the currently best all-rounder in Test cricket?

Who is the currently best all-rounder in Test cricket? | Who is the best all-rounder? | Test cricket analysis: Who is the best?

“Cut Away. Cut Away for four. What an innings. What a player. Take a bow, Ben Stokes. The Ashes well and truly alive because of one cricketer. And that cricketer is Benjamin Stokes.”

Sound familiar? Such was the commentary of Nasser Hussain, that Ben Stokes’s heroics at Headingley remains forever etched in our minds.

However, most people have probably forgotten that Ben Stokes was also England’s best bowler in Australia’s second innings – with 3-56, from nearly 25 overs. It was his all-round heroics that had earned England an unlikely victory at Headingley.

So, now that we’ve established how important an all-rounder is in cricket, we must ask – who is currently the best all-rounder in Test cricket?

In this article, we will rank the five all-rounders in discussion using three metrics and compare who excels at each metric and who excels overall.

A Test of Character

Statistically, below are the greatest all-rounders using the ICC Top 20 Test Rankings (Min 40 Tests)

Measure 1 – Differences in Batting and Bowling Averages

All RounderBatting AverageBowling AverageDifference in Averages
Jadeja (Rank 1)35.2624.6210.64
Shakib (Rank 2)39.4031.128.28
Holder (Rank 3)32.7226.376.35
Stokes (Rank 4)36.5432.683.86
Ashwin (Rank 5)28.1025.432.67

Using only measure 1, Ravindra Jadeja is statistically the greatest all-rounder. The difference between his batting and bowling average is 10.64. This is greater than any other player who features in ICC’s top 20 rankings for all-rounders and has played more than 40 tests.

However, impact away from home and man of the match performances must also be considered highly. This brings us on to measures two and three.

Measure 2 – Difference Between Home and Away averages

All RounderBowl Avg Away – Bowl Avg HomeBat Avg Away – Bat Avg HomeThe overall difference
Stokes (Rank 1)+4.01+1.01+5.02
Shakib (Rank 2)-0.14-1.48    -1.62    
Ashwin (Rank 3)-8.64                -1.85-10.49
Jadeja (Rank 4)-13.57              -8.82-22.39
Holder (Rank 5)-19.63              -10.64-30.27

The most significant stat above is that Ben Stokes is the only player with a positive overall difference. His figures away from home are better than at home (both figures are still very respectable).

All four other all-rounders perform worse away from home than at home. Apart from Shakib, the difference is huge in batting and bowling averages.

Players such as Jadeja and Holder struggle with the ball away from home – their bowling averages rise by 13.57 and 19.63 respectively outside their own country.

Who is the currently best all-rounder in Test cricket? | Who is the best all-rounder? | Test cricket analysis: Who is the best?
Who is the best all-rounder in Test cricket? Ben Stokes has been outstanding in recent years.

Measure 3- (Number of MOTM Awards/ Number of games played) *100

PlayerMOTM AwardsNumber of Matches% of matches player was MOTM
Stokes (#1)86312.7%
Jadeja (#2)64912.2%
Shakib (#3)65610.7%
Holder (#4)44010%
Ashwin (#5)7719.9%    

Despite playing the most games, Ashwin does not have the most man of the match awards. He has the worst percentage of matches where he was the player of the match.

Ben Stokes again leads the way in this category. He has an exceptional MOTM % of 12.7. Since his debut, he has been awarded the player of the match once in eight games on average.

His impact is greater than the other four all-rounders on this list. Jadeja is second on the list but none of his MOTM awards came outside Asia. Stokes suffers in this category as well, as his only MOTM award outside of South Africa, England, Australia or New Zealand was in Bangladesh.

This is an area in which players have struggled, with Test and series wins in foreign conditions becoming rare.

Conclusion and Verdict

Ben Stokes is the greatest all-rounder in Test matches currently.

His impact and match-winning performances are far greater than any other player on this list when playing abroad. He is the only player on this list who performs to the same standard in foreign conditions as he does at home.

At times, his foreign performances even exceed home statistics; 258 not out in Cape Town and a man of the match award in Bangladesh being prime examples.

Jadeja has the best statistics overall, but they are skewed towards performances in India. He is possibly the best asset in Asia, along with Ashwin. Shakib has very good statistics both home and away, given the strength of his team outside Bangladesh.

Overall, the tenacity and sheer force of nature of Ben Stokes make him both statistically and impact-wise the best all-rounder in test matches.

Written by Varun Desai. Follow Varun on Twitter today.

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India’s pace-bowling attack is the best in the world: Shami

India’s pace-bowling attack is the best in the world: Shami | Mohammed Shami believes India have the best bowling attack in the world

Mohammed Shami believes that India’s current fast bowling unit is one of the best in cricket’s history as there was no team with five fast bowlers “as a package”.

Also, the speedster spoke about his heroics in the 2nd innings; namely, his nickname “2nd innings Shami” in an interview with Deep Dasgupta for ESPNCricInfo.

“You and everyone else in the world will agree to this – that no team has ever had five fast bowlers together as a package. Not just now, in the history of cricket, this might be the best fast-bowling unit in the world,” Shami said. India’s fast bowling core consists of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar alongside Mohammad Shami.

Also read: OPINION – which team has the best bowling attack in the world?

India's pace-bowling attack is the best in the world: Shami | Mohammed Shami believes India have the best bowling attack in the world
Mohammed Shami has a superb record in the second innings.

While speaking about his personal record in the 2nd innings, the Bengal pacer said that he steps up when everyone else is tired.

“I’m not sure, it just happens. I use the game very smartly in the second innings. Like in the recent match we played in Vizag (against South Africa) where I got a five-for, the pitch was pretty dead and wasn’t offering any bounce. You need to use the available conditions smartly. I am usually pumped up in the second innings when everyone else is tired. Everyone has spent three days on the field. Diesel engines take time to pick up compared to petrol ones. I wait patiently for everyone to tire out. You have five days in a Test match. Once everyone is tired, I step up.”

Shami’s wickets tally is almost similar with 88 and 92 wickets in the 1st and 2nd innings of a Test match. But his average drops significantly from 32 in the 1st innings to 21 in the 2nd.

“Once the set batsman is dismissed, I go for the kill as a bowler. That’s why it seems like I bowl in two different ways. The ‘second-innings Shami’ label – that has been created by you guys (the media).”

Also read: 3 reasons why the IPL will go ahead in 2020

He also opened up about Virat Kohli and said that the captain doesn’t decide on choosing the new ball bowler and leaves it upto the fast bowler to decide among themselves.

“We surround Virat Kohli and ask him to make the decision. But he normally says, ‘don’t get me involved in all this; you decide among yourselves, I don’t have an issue.’ That is the kind of fun we have in our team meetings. I let the other two start. I have no objection to bowling with a semi-new ball.”

The 29-year old said that a wicket motivates the bowler resulting an increase in the speed.

“As soon as we get a wicket, you increase your pace by about 8kph. This difference in speed is pretty visible. If the bowler was bowling at around 140kph earlier, after picking up a wicket he gets his rhythm back, picks up the pace and the same ball is now delivered at 145kph.”

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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