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Paul Stirling named Ireland’s vice-captain

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Paul Stirling named Ireland’s vice-captain

Paul Stirling named Ireland’s vice-captain | Ireland announce Paul Stirling as their vice-captain across formats

Ireland batsman Paul Stirling has been named as deputy to Andrew Balbirne. Stirling has played a leadership role in Ireland’s team and was the stand-in captain in a few Ireland T20Is last year.

Stirling was thrilled on the offer of new role. “It was fitting to get a call from Bal [Andrew Balbirnie] to ask me to be his vice-captain,” he said according to the press release by Cricket Ireland.

“We’ve played together all the way up from when we were kids so I look forward to helping him shape the way this Irish side moves forward in the coming months and years ahead,” he added.

Balbirne was given the reigns of all the formats as he replaced William Porterfield in the longest format of the game and Gary Wilson as the skipper in T20Is.

“He’s had an excellent start to his captaincy with wins in the Caribbean and the sub-continent, but there is so much on your plate as captain – especially with a younger team than we’ve had in the past. So, I am happy just to be a sounding board to bounce ideas off and help implement any changes in the way Bal wants to take this team forward on and off the field.”

Also read: Will the T20 World Cup go ahead? “Unlikely” and “very, very unlikely”, says CA Chairman

Paul Stirling named Ireland's vice-captain | Ireland announce Paul Stirling as their vice-captain across formats
The experienced Paul Stirling has been named Ireland’s vice-captain.

Balbirne was delighted as his childhood friend was named as his deputy.

“I’ve known Paul since I was about 12 years old when we first played against each other in inter-provincial cricket. We’ve grown up together in our careers as such. We both went to Middlesex at the same time and lived together over in London, so he’s someone I consider a very close mate but also a very valuable person to have in our side from a knowledge point of view. So I didn’t really hesitate when I was thinking about who could be my vice-captain – he stuck out to me straight away.

“I first mentioned the idea to him in the Caribbean and he said he’d love to do it. He’s someone that I’ve always sought advice from when thinking about my batting, so to have him as my right-hand man over the next few years is really exciting and one I’m sure he’s excited for as well.

I think within the Irish squad we have a lot of experienced guys to be able to voice their opinion, but at the end of the day, it is my decision. To have different points of view is great and refreshing, but with someone like Paul, he is someone I’d talk to a lot about the game – it’s exciting for the next phase of the squad we’re bringing through. Even for the young players, to have someone like Paul to have a chat to in the change room or at training, he’s valuable to us both on the field and off.”

The Ireland Cricket team returned to training last week but there is still no certainty on their next cricket match. Although, there are speculations of three-match ODI series against England in July.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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England include Moeen Ali in training camp ahead of WI Series

Sarthak Karkhanis
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England include Moeen Ali in training camp ahead of WI Series

England include Moeen Ali in training camp ahead of WI Series | Moeen Ali included in England 30-man squad for West Indies series

England announced the group of 30 players that will be training ahead of the three-match Test series against West Indies, starting July 8.

The one inclusion, however, which made news was that of Moeen Ali, as the all-rounder was included in the list of players. Ali’s last Test match was against Australia at Edgbaston in 2019, and the off-spinner hasn’t played red-ball cricket since as he was dropped post that game.

Also read: Test cricket is returning, but will the IPL go ahead? 3 reasons why it will

Moeen asked for a break from the longest format, and the ECB did not include him in the squads for any of the Test series this summer. But, Moeen confirmed in April that he is eager to be back in the whites in next year’s Ashes and the team management are waiting to re-include him in the setup.

Moeen Ali named in England 30-man squad | Moeen Ali included in England 30-man squad for West Indies series
Moeen Ali is back in the England red-ball setup

The camp will begin on 23rd June, a fortnight before the first test against the West Indies at the Ageas Bowl. The intra-squad practice match will commence on 1st July, and the squad for the 1st Test will be announced post that game.

Along with the Test regulars, the squad has a group of young players who impressed for the Lions’ last season.

Rory Burns, who was injured after the Protea series is also included. Uncapped players like Dan Lawrence, Ollie Robinson, Matt Parkinson, and James Bracey will be aiming to impress the team management in the practice game.

Also read: We’ll be ready and looking to defend our trophy – Windies coach Simmons

Mo Babat, Performance Director of the ECB said, “As is the case in the current climate, things have progressed quickly, and we are very grateful to counties for allowing us to second their coaches to support our Test preparation. The larger group of players will certainly keep them busy. Involving Glen Chapple, Richard Dawson and Matt Walker adds significant leadership strength to our coaching team, as well as their obvious technical and tactical knowledge. Similarly, Chris Read’s vast experience at the highest level will no doubt add value. Both Glen (Chapple) and Richard (Dawson) were involved in winter Lions activity, so it’s nice for them and the players to build on effective coaching relationships and it’s also a real positive for our domestic game that we can expose a greater number of our coaches to international cricket.”

Squad:

Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Dominic Bess (Somerset), James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Keaton Jennings (Lancashire), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Jamie Overton (Somerset), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Olly Stone (Warwickshire), Amar Virdi (Surrey), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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ECB announces 35.7 million relief package

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ECB announces 35.7 million relief package

ECB announces 35.7 million relief package | England Cricket Board announces relief package for cricket development post COVID-19

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a further support package of GBP 35.7 million for the enhancement of professional and recreational cricket in the country post the coronavirus pandemic. The ECB in March announced an initial interim release package of GBP 61 million.

First Class Counties and the MCC will have GBP 30.22 million on 1st August, through “early release of six months (Aug-Jan) of core payments from the County Partnership distributions to FCCs” and “early release of the remainder of The Hundred payments to FCCs and the MCC,” ECB said.

The County Cricket Boards will get the remaining 5.22 million on 1st August via early release of six months (Aug-Jan) of core payments from the County Partnership distributions to CCBs.

ECB announces 35.7 million relief package | England Cricket Board announces relief package for cricket development post COVID-19
England are looking to carry on from their successful 2019.

“It is the ECB’s responsibility to protect the whole game’s future during the financial uncertainty we face as a sport. We continue to work closely with all levels of the game to understand the challenges that are being presented and to map out a plan for the future. While I am pleased the ECB Board has been able to approve this financial support package for the remainder of this year we are still only at the beginning of addressing the impact of this crisis on cricket,” The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ECB Tom Harrison said.

“We still should not underestimate the significant financial burden that is ahead of us across all levels of the game. We must seek to reduce the cost base across the game, as we face up to the sobering reality of what lies ahead of us. The response we have seen within the game has been reassuring and I know how much a return to the field of play would mean to clubs and players of all ages across England and Wales. It remains our priority to get cricket started again this summer, from the grassroots to the elite level, and we will continue to work with Government to try and do in a way that keeps people safe but that limits the ongoing impact of this crisis on our game,” concluded Harrison.

England cricket’s next assignment is a Test series against West Indies, starting July 8. West Indies coach Phil Simmons is quietly confident that the Windies can do well.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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England will tour Pakistan in the future: Ehsan Mani

Sarthak Karkhanis
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England will tour Pakistan in the future: Ehsan Mani

England will tour Pakistan in the future: Ehsan Mani | PCB chief believes England will tour Pakistan in the future | Cricket in Pakistan

Ehsan Mani, former President of the International Cricket Council (ICC), feels cricket will be back through small and tentative steps post the coronavirus pandemic. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief also believes that England will tour Pakistan for their next home tour.

Mani, one of the names doing the rounds to replace Shashank Manohar as the ICC Chairman, said “I don’t think cricket will come ‘bouncing back’. The impact of COVID-19 and the cycles of the virus are different in different parts of the world. Cricket will be back but it will be through small tentative steps, depending on the country involved,” Mani said in an interview with the Times of India.

The 75-year old believes that this is not a time of trading as Pakistan dont expect anything in return from England after this tour. However, he is hopeful that England will tour Pakistan in the future.

England will tour Pakistan in the future: Ehsan Mani | PCB chief believes England will tour Pakistan in the future | Cricket in Pakistan
Ehsan Mani hopeful England will tour Pakistan in the future

“We look to act in the interest of the game as a whole; this is not time for horse-trading. We have been in discussions with the English Cricket Board (ECB) over the past year. Their chief executive and a board member visited Pakistan last year. The ECB chairman, Colin Graves, is very supportive. We are confident that England will tour Pakistan for our next home series,” added Mani.

“We will just have to wait and see what happens in the next two-three weeks. Swapping with Sri Lanka made sense as the COVID-19 situation is better there than in the rest of the subcontinent. I cannot comment of the unofficial views of unknown people. The BCCI president was at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting and there are no differences of views between us; BCCI is very supportive of cricket in Asia,” as Mani explained the situation surrounding the Asia Cup.

Also read: Pakistan Cricket Board asks Sri Lanka Cricket to host 2020 Asia Cup

“Mr Manohar brought all the members together after the damage inflicted on world cricket by the so called ‘big three’. I am sure that all the ICC members appreciate what he has done in unifying all the ICC members in the interest of the game. I have the highest regard for him”, the PCB chief concluded.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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England Women Cricket Team to start training on 22nd June

Sarthak Karkhanis
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England Women Cricket Team to start training on 22nd June

England Women to start training on 22nd June | When will Women’s cricket return? | England Women Cricket team set to begin training

Two dozen players of the English women’s squad will return to training across six venues in the country, as the camp, based on individual skills, commences on June 22.

The aim of the training is to get match fit for the bilateral series against India and South Africa to be held later this year; most probably in late September.

England was scheduled to play India in late June, but the series got postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The series against the Proteas is scheduled to happen in September, and it is likely that the four WODIs and two T20Is will go ahead. The series against India is also likely to be held in September at the fag end of the English summer.

England Women Cricket Team to start training on 22nd June | When will Women's cricket return? | England Women Cricket team set to begin training
The likes of Nat Sciver can get back to training and further build on their excellent skills.

The training session is all set to begin in bio-secure conditions, similar to what the men’s team had when they restarted their practice in May. The camp will start for individuals, and eventually be allowed to have training in small groups.

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

Training will be hosted by six venues: Emerald Headingley, The Kia Oval, Bristol County Ground, 1st Central County Ground in Hove, Chester Boughton Hall CC in Lancashire and Loughborough, which is where ECB’s national performance centre is held.

“We remain hopeful of playing cricket this summer and it’s exciting for this group of players to be able to return to training. We’ve had great support from the first-class counties with the use of their venues, and we’re grateful to them for that, and hopefully this is one step closer towards England Women returning to the field this summer,” said Jonathan Finch, England Women’s cricket team’s director

Squad:

Tammy Beaumont (Kent/London Spirit), Lauren Bell (Berkshire/Southern Brave), Katherine Brunt (Yorkshire/Trent Rockets), Kate Cross (Lancashire/Manchester Originals), Alice Davidson-Richards (Kent/Northern Superchargers), Freya Davies (Sussex/London Spirit), Sophia Dunkley (Surrey/Southern Brave), Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire/Manchester Originals), Georgia Elwiss (Sussex/Birmingham Phoenix), Katie George (Hampshire/Welsh Fire), Sarah Glenn (Worcestershire/Trent Rockets), Kirstie Gordon (Kent/Birmingham Phoenix), Amy Jones (Warwickshire/Birmingham Phoenix), Heather Knight (Berkshire/London Spirit), Emma Lamb (Lancashire/Manchester Originals), Nat Sciver (Surrey/Trent Rockets), Anya Shrubsole (Berkshire/Southern Brave), Bryony Smith (Surrey/Welsh Fire), Linsey Smith (Sussex/Northern Superchargers), Mady Villiers (Essex/Trent Rockets), Fran Wilson (Kent/Oval Invincibles), Lauren Winfield (Yorkshire/Northern Superchargers), Issy Wong (Warwickshire/Birmingham Phoenix), Danni Wyatt (Sussex/Southern Brave)

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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Asghar Afghan believes Afghanistan can win Asia Cup

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Asghar Afghan believes Afghanistan can win Asia Cup

Asghar Afghan believes Afghanistan can win Asia Cup | Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan says Afghanistan have what it takes to win Asia Cup

Asghar Afghan, captain of the Afghanistan cricket team, is optimistic about Afghanistan’s chances in the upcoming Asia Cup.

Specifically, Asghar is optimistic about the side improving their batting and fielding, to build on their spin bowling arsenal. Afghanistan’s players are taking part in a month-long training camp in Kabul, which commenced on 6th June, to get back into match fitness post the enforced COVID-19 break. The focus of the team is on the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup, although there are clouds over the global tournament’s future.

Also read: T20 World Cup “unrealistic” and “very, very unlikely” – CA chairman

Afghanistan are busy preparing for T20 cricket and Asghar gave details about the same. “We have focused more on T20 players. So if it is possible that we play Asia Cup, T20 World Cup or our bilateral series against Zimbabwe, we should be fully prepared. I hope that we will be fully prepared in the camp for the upcoming competitions.”

“(We are) considering that the Asia Cup or the T20 World Cup is going to be held. For this very reason, we have put on this training camp to be better prepared. Our goal will be to play better cricket in the Asia Cup, because the games are going to be played in Asia, and our spinners are world-famous. That is why we need to work more on our fielding and batting for the Asia Cup and we can hope to reach final or even win the Asia Cup,” the skipper added.

Asghar Afghan believes Afghanistan can win Asia Cup
Asghar Afghan believes the likes of Rashid Khan makes Afghanistan a strong side.

In the absence of coach Lance Klusener, the camp is being held under the supervision of Nowraz Mangal.

“The camp has been very important, because if you look at the last thirty, forty or even fifty years, nothing has happened in the world of cricket that has made the world so complicated. Because of COVID-19 that is (the case) now. That is why the camp was so much needed and in this regard, I would like to thank the coaches who are working during different phases in the training camp with the players on different fields. They tirelessly work from morning till 5pm every day,” said the right hander.

“If games are to be played in the future, we have to be fully prepared. Now that the 24-player training camp has commenced – and although we had planned to do a 35-player camp before COVID-19 but unfortunately the situation is different now – we have to abide by all the rules and regulations from ICC and our own health departments, which means no more than five players can practice at one time,” added Afghan.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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Justin Langer announces Graeme Hick’s departure; casts doubt over Zimbabwe series

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Justin Langer announces Graeme Hick’s departure; casts doubt over Zimbabwe series

Justin Langer announces Graeme Hick’s departure; casts doubt over Zimbabwe series | Justin Langer seeks to reboot in September

Justin Langer, Australia’s head coach, announced the departure of batting Graeme Hick, as part of Cricket Australia’s cost cutting measures amid the financial struggles due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s been a tough few days actually, that’s the truth of it. You couldn’t meet a person with greater integrity than Graeme Hick. It’s a really tough call. It’s nothing he’s done, it’s more the impact of the cost cutting that we’re doing because of the COVID situation. We’ll all have to adapt and again hopefully one of my strengths in the past has been able to adapt to different situations and I’ll have to lead the way. That’s the most important thing about leadership is that you walk the talk,” said Langer.

The exit of Hick will leave a huge void in the Aussie dressing room as the Englishman had been a vital cog in Langer’s coaching setup. His tireless personality in the nets, such as giving throwdowns to middle order mainstays like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, will be missed.

“In terms of high performance, that will be reduced, and we’ll have to get creative. We’ll work it out. We’ll adapt. No one could ever criticise me for not wanting to roll my sleeves up and do some work, so whether as a player or as a coach, we’ll keep rolling our sleeves up. Keep servicing and supporting the players very, very well, like we have in the past and we’ll adapt to it. I’ll be fine and the guys I work with will be fine,” the former opening batsman added.

Justin Langer announces Graeme Hick's departure; casts doubt over Zimbabwe series | Justin Langer seeks to reboot in September
Justin Langer said he found it difficult to tell Graeme Hick the news that he will no longer be batting coach

He emphasized that there would be no reduction in the support to the players representing Australia.

“(It) won’t be to that degree that’s for sure, but we had a pretty good team even when it was like that didn’t we? Now we’ve got to a point where we will certainly have less staff on the road with us but the guys will still get great support, whether it’s remotely as we’ve seen over this COVID period I’m lucky having lived through the Bob Simpson-Errol Alcott reign and the Daryl Foster part time physio reign as a state player, right to the point where we were right up until New Zealand or South Africa a few months ago (with nearly 14 members in the support staff). We’ll be a bit leaner and sharper that’s for sure, but we’ll survive,” said Langer

Doubts over Zimbabwe ODI series in August

The head coach, however, has his doubts over the series against Zimbabwe in August.

“We’ll have to get creative with short tours, short white-ball tours compared to Test tours or longer tours. We’ll have to get creative how we mix and match our available staff – and what our highest priorities are on tours. What I know is we’ll focus on being ready for early September we’ll keep living through that philosophy that we always stay ready – so we don’t have to get ready and we don’t panic when the time comes,” he said.

Also read: Zimbabwe tour of Australia scheduled in Northern Australia in August 2020

Justin Langer announces Graeme Hick's departure; casts doubt over Zimbabwe series | Justin Langer seeks to reboot in September
Justin Langer remains committed to the cause

Cricket Australia has also decided to discontinue the ‘A’ tours. Also, responsibility to prepare the domestic players for the International level will again be delegated to state sides

However, Langer looks at the situation positively.

“I’ve been hearing for a long time: from club cricket, we need to be doing more for club cricket. And from state cricket-land, which I was part of for a long time. Here’s the opportunity right now. In a way, we’re going back to the past a little bit. All the state teams run such professional set-ups – they have the opportunity to service the guys in state-land. The fact all our guys are back training with the states at the moment, that’s a real positive,” he said.

He also added that the team will rise to occasion of playing a big series in spite of playing it behind closed doors. “We’ll all love to be playing in front of full crowds, even when it gets Virat (Kohli) going. Actually, last time we played India, there was big parts of the crowd who were following India. So, that adds to the atmosphere and the entertainment. Will that change how the game is played? Time will tell. When we were little kids, we didn’t play in front of 50,000 people. We’d have our mum and dad in the crowd and maybe our brother and sister watching. And they were probably off on the swings because they were bored about watching their big brother play sport. But mum and dad would be pretty pumped so, we’ll play for the love and that’s one thing that will come out of it. The silver lining. We all love the game of cricket and one of the luxuries and one of the privileges is you play in front of a big crowd,” he said.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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Sreesanth aims to return to Ranji Trophy

Sarthak Karkhanis
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Sreesanth aims to return to Ranji Trophy

Sreesanth aims to return to Ranji Trophy | Sree Sreesanth committed to returning to First Class cricket in India

Tainted Indian pacer Sreesanth aims to return to his state side Kerala and play India’s premiere domestic competition, the Ranji Trophy, this season. Sreesanth’s ban ends in September, and he will be eligible for selection again later this year.

The speedster was banned from all forms of cricket following his arrest in the 2013 spot fixing scandal while playing for the Rajasthan Royals. The pacer was banned for life in 2013, but in August 2019, his ban was reduced to seven years, making him available to play again.

The 37-year old will most likely be a part of Kerala’s probables to play in the domestic season and once cricket practice is allowed post the coronavirus pandemic. But, the fast bowler has to prove his fitness before joining the training camp. Also, there is no clarity over the commencement of India’s domestic season due to COVID-19 situation in the country.

Sreesanth aims to return to Ranji Trophy | Sree Sreesanth committed to returning to First Class cricket in India
The former Test cricketer is keen to make a return to the Ranji Trophy

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) are eager to see the return of the 2011 World Cup winner. “The official announcement will come in September, I am just continuing with my training. Everybody is being supportive from the Secretary to Director General, everybody has been supportive, selectors and coach want me in the team,” Sreesanth was quoted to Asianet news.

“I am just training, let’s see, I am fit and raring to go. You will see me playing, I am just eagerly waiting to go forward. It’s very, very clear I will be in the squad, the official announcement will be in September so I have to follow the rules and do things accordingly,” he added.

Sreesanth’s chances of making a first class return for the South Indian state will be bolstered as Sandeep Warrier, Kerala’s premier pacer, has shifted his base to Tamil Nadu.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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Scotland’s T20 International against Australia cancelled

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Scotland’s T20 International against Australia cancelled

Scotland cancel T20I against Australia | Scotland vs Australia T20 International cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

Scotland cricket have cancelled their one-off T20I against Australia, which was scheduled for June 29, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cancellation comes as bitterly disappointing news for Scotland. 2020 was shaping up to be a big one for Scottish cricket, with T20I matches at home to New Zealand and Australia to act as the best possible preparation for the T20 World Cup.

Now, with the T20 World Cup likely to be postponed, Scotland will have to continue to bide their time, after making excellent progress over the past few years. In 2017, they won their first ever ODI against a Full Member, beating Zimbabwe. In 2018, a memorable win over England saw optimism grow further.

Scotland cancel T20I against Australia | Scotland vs Australia T20 International cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

Also read: T20 World Cup “unrealistic” and “very, very unlikely” – CA chairman

Gus Mackay, CEO of Cricket Scotland, said, “Whilst this is disappointing news for us all in Scotland, we have explored all potential options and concluded that it is no longer possible to play the men’s T20 international against Australia.”

The potential options included postponing the Australia T20I to a later date. However, the costs and logistics for one match were considered unfeasible.

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Cricket set to return to South Africa with 3TeamCricket format experiment

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Cricket set to return to South Africa with 3TeamCricket format experiment

Cricket set to return to South Africa with 3TeamCricket format experiment | How does the South Africa 3TeamCricket tournament work?

Cricket is set to South Africa post the coronavirus pandemic with an all-new format in the form of 3TeamCricket. The match, scheduled for the 27th of June, will be an exhibition match. The 3 teams- Kingfishers, Hawks, and Eagles- will be led by AB De Villiers, Quinton De Kock and Kagiso Rabada respectively in the Solidarity Cup.

However, the tournament is still pending government approval. At the moment, the South African government is allowing training of non-contact sports and matches, but the organisers need to submit a detailed plan which is subject to approval from the country’s sports department.

The money raised from the game will be going to the cricket hardship fund, and help the people in the cricketing fraternity which have suffered due to the enforced break of COVID-19.

According to ESPNCricinfo, Dale Steyn is unavailable due to back niggles. Also, no player will be compelled to participate in the event by Cricket South Africa (CSA).

How 3TeamCricket works:

  • 3 teams of 8 players each compete against each other in a single match of 36 overs.
  • The match will be divided into 2 halves of 18 overs each.
  • Each team bats for 12 overs, facing six overs from each of their opponents’ attacks. Bowlers are allowed to be a maximum of 3 overs. 
  • In the second half of their innings, teams will bat in order of the highest scores made in the first half. If the scores are tied, the order of batting is reversed.
  • After the fall of the 7th wicket, the last batter stays at the crease and can score even number of runs. If a side is seven-down by the end of the first half of their innings, the last batter resumes in the second half.
  • The team scoring the most runs will be awarded Gold Medal and the 2nd best and 3rd best team will be getting Silver and Bronze medal. In case of tie for most runs, there will be a Super Over. If all teams end in a tie, all will be awarded a gold medal.

Also read: Big Bash League considers radical on-field changes to spark competition

While there is an air of excitement surrounding the return of AB De Villiers to Cricket activities in South Africa, the former South african captain made it clear that the future plans of involvement with the South African national team are yet to be decided.

“Decisions about involvement with CSA [Cricket South Africa] over the next 12 months haven’t been decided on yet. That will happen over the next few months once we start playing cricket again. I have had some discussions with ‘Bouch’ [South Africa coach Mark Boucher] and [CSA director of cricket] Graeme [Smith] in the past few months but nothing has been decided yet. It would be silly to have made some decisions in the middle of the lockdown when no one knows where we’re heading with cricket,” the 36-year old said in an online press conference to launch the exhibition match.

“As players we don’t know what to expect [from 3TC], but that makes it really exciting,” De Villiers added as he was excited about the last man standing rule. “As a youngster, I always dreamt of being that last man standing and winning the game for your team. I hope I get the opportunity; to try manipulate the field and play with the bowler’s mind. The gladiatorial feel is going to be fantastic, where you can single-handedly find a way to win the game.”

Also read: 3 reasons why the IPL will go ahead this year

3TeamCricket: AB de Villiers is loved by fans all over the globe.

The idea originated in the minds of Paul Harris; not the left arm spinner who played for South Africa earlier in the decade, but a multi-mullionaire who owns 22 companies while playing a card game.

“It’s as simple as playing cards with my family,” the 69 year-old banker said. “We were in three teams, and suddenly I said, ‘What about cricket?’. I’ve always been intrigued with how to develop the game. How do you actually get teams that perhaps aren’t as competitive as others into playing with the better teams? How do you get clubs and schools that haven’t got the facilities involved and competing at the highest level?

“That was the end of the card game, and off I went and spent hours and hours puzzling it out. Then I phoned these amazing people.”

Supersport has decided to broadcast the match and bear the production value for the same. While Graeme Smith said that CSA is in talks with broadcasters all over the world to telecast it.

“The goal is to have it televised worldwide,” Smith said. “We are in discussion with all of our broadcast partners at the moment. They have been starved of cricket as well.”

Teams:

KG’s Kingfishers: Kagiso Rabada (captain), Faf du Plessis, Chris Morris, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reeza Hendricks, Janneman Malan, Heinrich Klaasen, Glenton Stuurman.

Quinny’s Kites: Quinton de Kock (captain), David Miller, Temba Bavuma, Anrich Nortje, Dwayne Pretorius, Beuran Hendricks, JJ Smuts, Lutho Sipamla.

AB’s Eagles: AB de Villiers (captain), Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Andile, Phehlukwayo, Rassie van der Dussen, Junior Dala, Kyle Verreynne, Sisanda Magala.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

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