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Watch: Glenn Maxwell trains alongside his Victorian teammates ahead of international return & Aussie return

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan
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Watch: Glenn Maxwell trains alongside his Victorian teammates ahead of international return & Aussie return

Glenn Maxwell wasn’t really at his best during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA. Other than a brilliant half-century against Afghanistan, he didn’t have much to show. Moreover, his form in the Indian Premier League 2024 was disappointing, certainly according to his standards.

Having said that, the last 12-odd months have been very memorable for the destructive all-rounder. Maxwell was one of the major reasons behind Australia winning the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. His double hundred against Afghanistan was hailed as one of the greatest knocks in the history of the game.

As far as 2024 is concerned, the Victorian scored his fifth T20I century against the West Indies earlier this year. Maxwell will soon feature for Australia in the five-match ODI series in England.

Glenn Maxwell trains with Victoria ahead of England ODIs

Prior to his return to international cricket after nearly three months, Maxwell was seen training alongside the Victorian team at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, on Monday. Victoria play their first game against Tasmania on September 23 at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.

Hence, the entire Victorian squad was seen training ahead of the Australian summer. Maxwell decided to join his state teammates before heading off to England, and was seen doing the regular drills alongside the likes of Peter Handscomb, Peter Siddle, Todd Murphy, Marcus Harris, and Scott Boland among others.

In these exclusive images and videos by Arvind Kalyana Krishnan, Maxwell warmed up with the rest of the Victorian players before a net session.

Prior to training, Arvind Kalyana Krishnan had the pleasure of meeting Maxwell. When he wished him the best of luck for the upcoming cricket summer and his return to international cricket, the 35-year-old replied by saying “Thanks mate, yeah, looking forward to it too”.

The confidence and body language indicated the dynamic all-rounder was rearing to get on the field, and get back to the groove. Below is the image he took with Arvind.

Cricket News: Glenn Maxwell trains with Victoria ahead of the cricket season where he will join the Australia squad for the ODIs in England.
Glenn Maxwell training with Victoria.

Lastly, Melbourne’s cult hero Scott Boland was seen sweating it out. Although Australia’s pace trio, i.e., Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, are expected to start in the XI during the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, Boland could have an outside chance of making it to the XI in case either of them are rested for a Test or two during the series.

As far as the domestic season is concerned, Victoria finished third in the Sheffield Shield 2023/24 and Marsh One-Day Cup 2023/24 and failed to make it to the final of both tournaments. Thus, the Peter Handscomb-led side is aiming to get things right, and win a title or two this time around.

Cricket News: Glenn Maxwell trains with Victoria ahead of the cricket season where he will join the Australia squad for the ODIs in England.

AFG vs NZ: Has an entire Test match ever been washed out/abandoned due to rain?

Charbel Coorey
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AFG vs NZ: Has an entire Test match ever been washed out/abandoned due to rain?

The Afghanistan–New Zealand Test at Greater Noida Sports Complex will make history if the fifth day is washed out. Since 1877, only seven times has an entire Test match been abandoned due to rain, with the latest being New Zealand vs India in Dunedin way back in 1998.

The disappointing aspect of the Afghanistan-New Zealand match is that there was fine weather during days one and two. However, poor drainage and facilities meant the outfield couldn’t dry in time, leading to farcical scenes including electrical fans and taking turf from the practice area to replace wet patches on the ground itself.

Test matches washed out/abandoned without a ball bowled (including fog)

TeamsLocationYearTest no.
Australia vs. EnglandManchester189034
Australia vs. EnglandManchester1938264
Australia vs. EnglandMelbourne1970/71675
New Zealand vs. PakistanDunedin19891,113
England vs. West IndiesGuyana19901,140
Pakistan vs. ZimbabweFaisalabad19981,434a
New Zealand vs. IndiaDunedin19981,434b

The 1970/71 washout between Australia and England was significant. After the first three days were abandoned, it was decided that a one-day match would be played on 5th January, 1971. It was the first One Day International (ODI) in history.

Other abandonded Tests also turned into one-day games, including New Zealand vs. Pakistan in 1989, England vs. West Indies in 1990 and New Zealand vs India in 1998.

But, no Test has ever been abandoned only due to rain in Asia. The Pakistan-Zimbabwe Test at Faislabad in 1998 was abandoned due to fog as well as rain. Afghanistan vs New Zealand is set to be the first.

Next up for New Zealand is a trip to Sri Lanka for two Tests in Galle. The Black Caps then travel to India for three Tests. How Tim Southee’s team fare in these five matches will decide their fate in the 2023-25 World Test Championship.

Afghanistan will embark on a three-match ODI series against South Africa starting on September 18 in Sharjah.

Steve Smith won’t open in the Border Gavaskar Trophy – report

Charbel Coorey
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Steve Smith won’t open in the Border Gavaskar Trophy – report

Steve Smith will not open in the 2024/25 Border Gavaskar Trophy according to journalist Robert Craddock.

Smith moved to the opening position following David Warner’s retirement in January 2024. The move did not pay off, with Smith averaging just 28.50 in eight innings, bumped up by his excellent 91* against the Shamar Joseph-inspired West Indies at the Gabba.

Speaking on Sport Entertainment Network’s SEN Whateley program, Craddock was adamant Steve Smith would move back to the middle order with Travis Head a leading contender to open.

“I’m particularly taken by Head’s form because Steve Smith isn’t going to stay opening the batting in the Test series, it just won’t happen,” he said.

“They have minimal options, but Head is at the front line of that queue even though he doesn’t really want to be. I don’t think he sees himself as an opening bat in Test cricket.

“But I think if he does accept the position – and so he should because the team should come first – to open the batting with Usman Khawaja, I think he brings credit points with him.”

Steve Smith won’t open and that’s not just a personal opinion – Craddock

Craddock said it’s not just his personal opinion that Smith won’t open the batting. Those within the Australian cricket circle holds similar views. The belief is both Smith’s inside and outside edges are under threat when opening as opposed to batting at four.

“I just can’t hear a solitary voice pushing for him and I put my hand in the air, I thought it was a good idea,” said Craddock.

“But a lot of technicians who are smarter than I am thought it’d be the little things, like when he’s batting at four, he’s only got to really worry about the ball beating the outside edge.

“When he’s opening and the ball is swinging, then it can beat the inside edge and that’s where that accross-the-crease LBW comes into play.”

Australia are seeking to end a Border Gavaskar Trophy drought dating back to 2014/15. They have lost four series in a row against India – including two at home – and the opening position is one they need to get right against a strong attack that is likely to feature Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.

“I just don’t think it (Smith opening) is going to happen,” Craddock continued. “And every person who I run into around the place in cricket over the last few weeks doesn’t think it’s going to happen, and probably nor should it.”

Legends including Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer have also expressed their desire to see Smith move back to number four. Australia are expected to make a decision after the white-ball series in England.

“That’s the question on everyone’s lips, isn’t it?” said coach Andrew McDonald. “While we’ve got an eye to it, we haven’t made any firm decisions around that one.”

The first Test against India kicks off on November 22 in Perth.

ENG vs SL 3rd Test reactions: Nissanka century as Bazball criticised

Charbel Coorey
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ENG vs SL 3rd Test reactions: Nissanka century as Bazball criticised

ENG vs SL 3rd Test reactions: Sri Lanka won their fourth Test on English soil after a thumping eight-wicket victory at The Oval. Pathum Nissanka led the way with a superb 127* off 124, sealing a clinical run chase of 219 after England shot themselves in the foot in the second innings.

It was Nissanka’s second Test century. He sent a reminder to the Sri Lankan selectors of his abundant talent, with beautiful drives, precise cuts and dominant pull shots the features of his magnificent knock.

England, despite the series win, would be disappointed as their World Test Championship (WTC) Final hopes have taken a huge hit. After taking a 62-run lead, they crumbled to 156 in just 34 overs in their second innings, with Jamie Smith’s 67 saving the hosts from further embarrassment.

ENG vs SL 3rd Test reactions: Bad side of Bazball as Sri Lanka seal big win

The run chase of 219 could have been tricky given Sri Lanka’s batting issues this series. However, they did it with ease. After Dimuth Karunaratne was dismissed in the seventh over for eight, England rarely had a look in other than Shoaib Bashir’s excellent catch out of nowhere to dismiss Kusal Mendis.

Reactions to Nissanka and Sri Lanka victory

Here are some of the reactions to Sri Lanka’s win and Nissanka’s superb 127* off 124 balls.

England criticised for throwing match away

“England just didn’t quite respect Test cricket,” said Michael Vaughan on BBC Test Match Special. Fans echoed those thoughts as England’s frenetic second innings performance cost them dearly.

England will now turn their attention to three T20Is and five ODIs against Australia. Sri Lanka will now travel home for two Tests against New Zealand in Galle starting on September 18.

Paul Collingwood likens Jamie Smith’s impact to that of Adam Gilchrist

Charbel Coorey
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Paul Collingwood likens Jamie Smith’s impact to that of Adam Gilchrist

England assistant coach Paul Collingwood has heaped praise on Jamie Smith after his latest half-century. The keeper-batsman saved England from total embarrassment on day three of the third Test against Sri Lanka, hitting 67 off 50 balls during which the team had crumbled to 82/7 after taking a 62-run lead.

In the press conference, Collingwood spoke of Smith’s ability to bat with the lower order and heap pressure on opponents.

“It’s exciting when he comes in, isn’t it? He seems very composed,” Collingwood said. “But I think the amazing thing of watching a guy who reads situations so well and to be able to bat with the lower order in the manner that he does. To have that power… it’s going to put a lot of teams under pressure when you’ve got those skills and the power that he has.”

Smith’s first 15 runs came off 31 balls. His next 52 came off just 19 balls in a remarkable acceleration.

Jamie Smith has similar effect to bowling attacks like Adam Gilchrist – Paul Collingwood

In a huge compliment, Collingwood likened Smith’s game to what the great Adam Gilchrist used to do for Australia. In six Tests, Smith has scored 487 runs at an average of 48.70 and strike rate of 74.12. This includes three fifties and a century.

“Seeing everybody in the crowd just wanting and willing that partnership [with Olly Stone] to carry on,” Collingwood said. “He’s certainly an entertainer. You go back to the days of when Gilchrist used to come in at seven for Australia… it sucks the life out of you as an opposition when someone has the ability to do something like it.”

“Certainly in his [Smith’s] short Test career so far, he’s shown some great skills.”

However, England are still on the backfoot despite Smith’s innings. Sri Lanka finished day three on 94/1, just 125 runs away from victory. The Lions exposed England’s frenetic second innings, where it was almost a shot-a-ball as Ollie Pope’s team failed to seize the advantage.

England will still go on to win the series regardless of the result, but their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) Final will be all but over if they don’t pull off a remarkable win on day four.

“Test cricket rules are a farce” – Fans slam lack of common sense in England vs Sri Lanka

Charbel Coorey
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“Test cricket rules are a farce” – Fans slam lack of common sense in England vs Sri Lanka

Test cricket’s rules and lack of common sense has left fans frustrated during the third match between England and Sri Lanka at The Oval.

The first day saw just 44.1 overs sent down due to bad light. Play was halted for three hours during the day even though there was barely a drizzle. After the resumption, play continued until just before 6:30pm before a chorus of boos rung out when stumps were called due to light once again.

Day two was arguably more farcical when it comes to Test cricket’s lack of flexibility. England were bowled out for 321, just minutes before lunch. Instead of taking lunch at that moment, it was decided that Sri Lanka would face one over. So, there was a ten-minute innings break, one over and then a further 40-minute break for lunch.

But, the best was yet to come. In the seventh over of Sri Lanka’s innings, the umpires decided that the light had deteriorated too much for a pace bowler to be bowling. Chris Woakes, in the middle of his over, had to turn to offspin. The umpires took another reading after Woakes’ tweakers, concluding the light got brighter in the space of a few deliveries. Gus Atkinson was allowed to bowl the next over.

Fans slam Test cricket’s archaic rules

Fans have been vocal of Test cricket’s stubborn rules and customs. “This Test is becoming a joke. Pace bowler Woakes is now forced to bowl spin because apparently the light has gotten two bad 2 balls into an over,” one fan posted on X.

Fans and pundits offer solutions to bad light issue in Test cricket

Fans have called for a pink ball of similar condition to be used if light is considered too dark for a red ball. Test cricket is continuing to fight against the meteoric rise of short-form cricket, so any positive changes to the rules to allow for more play can only be a positive.

Yes, there is the argument that conditions can change drastically with a pink ball under floodlights. However, that can add a different and interesting element to the contest. Also, most importantly, play is better than no play. Fans, spectators, broadcasters and sponsors would agree.

What is Kane Williamson’s Test record in Asia?

Charbel Coorey
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What is Kane Williamson’s Test record in Asia?

The next two months represent a huge period for Kane Williamson and New Zealand. The Black Caps will embark on six Tests, starting with Afghanistan, followed by two Tests in Sri Lanka and three in India.

Williamson’s record in India and Sri Lanka is a chink in his armour when it comes to where he sits among the ‘Fab 4’. The classy right-hander averages 33.53 in eight Tests in India and 26.71 in four Tests in Sri Lanka, and he will sure to be tested once again.

Overall in Asia, Williamson averages 48.85 in 24 Tests, excluding 647 runs at 64.70 in the UAE. An unbeaten double century in Pakistan and 389 runs in four Tests in Bangladesh bumps the average significantly. However, Williamson himself knows the importance of adjusting quickly when coming up against quality spinners in India and Sri Lanka.

“I think it’s absolutely about trying to adjust your game,” he said leading up to the Afghanistan Test, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “Because we’re not here consistently in this format. We go through quite long intervals of not playing here. So you know it is trying to sort of familiarise yourself again and for us, our last Test match was sort of six or eight months ago. So you know, as a team it’s really connecting with that again as a red-ball group and looking to apply our skills, our plans as well as we can.”

Kane Williamson seeking to improve on record in Asia, especially India and Sri Lanka

CountryInningsRunsAverage
Bangladesh738955.57
India1550333.53
Pakistan3277138.50
Sri Lanka718726.71
Kane Williamson in Asia

Williamson averages 31.36 across 22 innings in India and Sri Lanka. He’s crossed 50 just five times including two centuries, one of which came on debut in India in 2010.

The addition of Sri Lanka legend Rangana Herath to the New Zealand coaching staff can work wonders. Williamson will come against left-arm spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Prabath Jayasuriya. Herath can be priceless in providing tips to tackle the threat those three bowlers will provide.

If New Zealand are to win in Asia, they need Williamson to lead the way. The Black Caps are still a chance of reaching the World Test Championship Final, but must perform well in Sri Lanka and India to do so.

Who is Josh Hull? 6ft 7in left-arm seamer to make Test debut for England

Charbel Coorey
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Who is Josh Hull? 6ft 7in left-arm seamer to make Test debut for England

England have sprung a surprise, selecting 20-year-old Josh Hull for the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval. Hull, who stands at 6ft 7in, offers a point of difference with not only his height but left-arm angle.

Hull plays for Leicestershire in the County Championship. He yet to crack it at First Class level, taking just 16 wickets in ten matches at a huge average of 62.75. He also has just nine List A games (17 wickets) and 21 T20s (24 wickets) to his name.

However, England see him as a future prospect, especially after his heroics in the 2023 Metro Bank Cup Final. At the start of the English summer, men’s cricket team director Rob Key pinpointed Hull as one to watch. He impressed for England Lions against Sri Lanka in a tour match last month, taking five wickets in the game.

Hull caught the attention of Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne. “He gets some bounce and he got some swing movement,” he said. “In that [ENG Lions vs SL] match, he didn’t get much seam movement, but in the second innings he bowled really well with the new ball. He has a good future.”

Josh Hull: 20 year old backed to make strong impression

Born on August 20, 2004 in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, Hull has only just left his teenage years. In addition to featuring for the Lions, Hull has also played for the Young Lions in their Invitational XI three-day match against Sri Lanka U19s in August 2022.

“He’s very confident in himself, but quietly,” said Hull’s former coach Dean Headley speaking to Sky Sports. “It’s quite amazing really, because he wasn’t playing much underage cricket until U18. Northampton overlooked him and he got a move to Leicester and signed his professional contract.”

England coach Brendon McCullum was very bullish about the selection. He described it as one that is not a huge gamble despite the numbers.

“Josh Hull? Six foot heeps, bowls left-arm, ranges in pace from 80 to 90 miles an hour,” he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “Swings it, not too dissimilar to the likes of Jimmy Anderson. He’s 20 years of age, good farming stock. It’s not a huge gamble, is it?”

Stand-in captain Ollie Pope also backed the decision to pick Hull. He believes a point of difference is important as England look to develop their attack.

“When you have a point of difference, being a batter myself, I know the impact it can have,” said Pope, as quoted by Daily Mail. “Left-handers can create some pretty good footmarks for off-spinners, too. He’s obviously so young. He could have two good games and I’m sure his [First Class] numbers would look completely different. But seeing his point of difference is a credit to selectors.”

Hull has also been selected for the ODI and T20I squads against Australia. The first T20I against the old enemy begins on Wednesday, September 11 in Southampton.

Australia possible playing XI for 1st T20I vs Scotland

Charbel Coorey
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Australia possible playing XI for 1st T20I vs Scotland

Australia are back in action for the first time since the T20 World Cup. They take on Scotland in three T20Is in Edinburgh before travelling to England for three T20Is and five ODIs.

There are new faces in the Australian squad. Jake Fraser-McGurk is set to replace the recently-retired David Warner, while young gun Cooper Connolly was also selected.

Australia possible playing XI for 1st T20I against Scotland at Edinburgh

1. Travis Head, 2. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 3. Mitchell Marsh (c), 4. Cameron Green, 5. Josh Inglis (wk), 6. Marcus Stoinis/Cooper Connolly, 7. Tim David, 8. Xavier Bartlett, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Riley Meredith

With Pat Cummins (rested), Mitchell Starc (rested) and Josh Hazlewood (injured) all unavailable, Nathan Ellis will lead the attack.

“This was one of the series that I had earmarked for a long period of time knowing the schedule and the demand it would have on a lot of the guys,” Ellis told cricket.com.au.

“Any time I get the Aussie jersey on I’m pumped, so the longer I can keep wearing it the better.”

Australia have other options for the pace attack in the possible XI against Scotland. Xavier Bartlett was excellent against West Indies last summer. Sean Abbott is the other experienced option, but Australia could go with Riley Meredith given he’s picked just for the Scotland games.

Also, it will be interesting to see whether Australia go for experienced options in the middle order or hand Connolly a debut. If he does play, it could be over Marcus Stoinis or Tim David. This is a good opportunity to give the youngster a chance.

The first match will be just the second time Australia and Scotland meet in a T20I. They played in the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Scotland nearly pulled off a win, which would have seen them progress to the next stage.

Australia squad for T20Is against Scotland: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood (England games only), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Riley Meredith (Scotland games only), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

PAK vs BAN 2nd Test reactions: Bangladesh seal historic series win over Pakistan

Charbel Coorey
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PAK vs BAN 2nd Test reactions: Bangladesh seal historic series win over Pakistan

PAK vs BAN 2nd Test reactions: Bangladesh have sealed a magnificent, historic 2-0 series win over Pakistan after a six-wicket victory in the second Test at Rawalpindi. Chasing 185, the Tigers were largely untroubled as they strung together one partnership after another to keep Pakistan at bay.

This truly is Bangladesh’s greatest triumph in Test cricket. Yes, home wins over the likes of England and Australia in the mid-2010s were fantastic moments, but to come back and win from the positions they were in during this series is testament to their improvement in this format.

On day three, Bangladesh were in dire straits at 26/6 in pursuit of Pakistan’s 274. Litton Das’ magnificent hundred and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s superb all-round show in the first innings put the Tigers, incredibly, to within just 12 of the hosts after the first innings.

From there, Bangladesh dominated. Hasan Mahmud (5/43) and the express Nahid Rana (4/44) ripped through the Pakistani lineup, marking the first time in history that pacers took all ten wickets for Bangladesh in an innings. From there, the visitors were always in the driving seat.

In the end, Shakib Al Hasan, their greatest ever cricketer, hit the winning runs to extend Pakistan’s winless streak at home. “Fantastic series win. This will give joy to people back home in Bangladesh,” said a proud Athar Ali Khan on commentary.

PAK vs BAN 2nd Test reactions: Bangladesh seal first away series win (2+ matches) since 2009

Praise for Bangladesh, particularly their persistence and fast bowling

Bangladesh were praised for the superb performance once again. Next up is a massive challenge in India, but fans give them a chance given they will enter the series full of confidence.

Pakistan’s struggles continue – team criticised

Pakistan had their moments but couldn’t capitalise. The bowlers couldn’t drive home the advantage in the first innings, and the batting was awful in the second innings.

Also, Shan Masood’s captaincy came for criticism, including when he didn’t have a third slip in place in the first session of day five when Pakistan needed wickets. Babar Azam is also in the spotlight given he is the senior batsman of the team.

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