The indifferent Rawalpindi weather could spoil the second BAN vs PAK Test match. Bad light and rain put a halt to Bangladesh’s strong charge (43/0) towards the target of 185 on day four, after fast bowlers Hasan Mahmud (5/43) and Nahid Rana (4/44) blew Pakistan’s batting lineup away for 172.
The Tigers need 143 runs with all ten wickets in hand heading into day five to seal a 2-0 series win. However, rain could play a factor on the final day. Here is a look at the Rawalpindi weather forecast.
PAK vs BAN 2nd Test: Will the Rawalpindi weather allow for a result?
Reliable weather app AccuWeather forecasts “a morning thunderstorm in spots; otherwise, humid with with increasing amounts of sun.”
2.9mm of rain is expected to fall during the day. AccuWeather predicts all will fall in the morning. According to the hourly forecast, there is a chance of thunderstorms during the night as well as 11am.
However, the hope is it doesn’t rain too much to affect the outfield. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium’s questionable drainage has been a key topic of discussion this series, especially after day one of the first Test was delayed by hours even when the sun was shining.
From 1pm onwards on Tuesday, the chances of precipitation fall below 25%. In fact, mostly sunny conditions are forecast in the afternoon.
Given the form of Zakir Hasan (31 off 23 balls) and how flat Pakistan looked on the field, Bangladesh will be hoping for at least a session of play to try and knock off the runs they need. Of course, they will win the series even if rain has the final say, but a 2-0 triumph and World Test Championship points would be a nice icing on the cake.
Bangladesh have only won a single away Test series (2+ matches) in their history. This was against a depleted West Indies in 2009. Pakistan, on the other hand, are searching for their first win in a home Test since August 2021.
Lord’s, the home of cricket, painted a bit of a sorry picture on the fourth day of the England-Sri Lanka, with low crowds the big talking point on a day of glorious sunshine in London.
The hosts produced a dominant performance, headlined by twin centuries to the great Joe Root and Gus Atkinson’s incredible all-round performance. However, the push for victory on day four was played in front of a plethora of empty seats, with an estimated crowd figure of just 9,000 according to ESPNcricinfo.
“It was kind of weird,” said stand-in captain Ollie Pope. “A few of us have been strolling in each day, and we were like, ‘Jeez, it seems quiet today.'”
“I’m not sure if people expected the game to be done by day four or what… It’s a shame it wasn’t a full house: it was obviously a good day’s play where we had to work hard for those eight wickets.”
According to the BBC’s Henry Moeran, the cheapest adult ticket was £95, or roughly US$125.
They can fill day 1-3 at those high prices, but in this era selling day 4 at that price is not really right. High chance you won’t get a full day’s play.
Fans and pundits have taken to social media to share their views on the decision making of the administrators. Many rightly state that it’s day four and the match can end early, and asking fans to pay such a price will keep them away.
Also, Sri Lanka have largely struggled to be competitive in the second Test.
Ridiculous pricing. Lords is half empty, if not more. Why not do £30 a ticket and have a full house to hopefully watch another series win. Obviously, they don't want to make it accessible for all. #cricket
Good to see people publicly questioning the ticket pricing at lords, scenes like today have been coming because it’s an absolute rip off. The prices for the first three days were mind blowing but to keep it the same for day four is stupidity #ENGvSL
Lords look soulless on day 4 of this test match. £95 for a ticket for today is utter madness. I would expect those prices for an Ashes test match or against India. But not against Sri Lanka. Fans are getting priced out of the game #ENGvSL
Also, there is a lot of competition from other sports. It was a big day of football with Manchester United vs. Liverpool, Newcastle vs. Tottenham and the Old Firm Derby between Rangers and Celtic encouraging fans to either watch at home or at a pub. The Italian Grand Prix is also on currently.
Old Firm Newcastle vs Spurs United vs Liverpool Italian Grand Prix
All sat at home with a beer
Or watch an inevitable result against a sub part team for £80
Speaking on BBC Test Match Special, Jonathan Agnew said “there’s no point people banging on about Test cricket and how wonderful it is when this is the scene. If the Home of Cricket on a day like this is virtually deserted, then what’s the message?”
England sealed 2-0 series lead after winning by 190 runs. With victory, the hosts will keep their hopes alive of an appearance in next year’s World Test Championship Final.
The BBL 2024/25 draft has come and gone, with the eight teams confirming their overseas picks for the upcoming season. Brisbane Heat are the defending champions, but they’ll be sure to face stiff competition from a number of teams who would have felt they had a good draft.
Here is a look at the player movements ahead of the 14th season of the BBL.
BBL 2024/25 draft: The player movements for each team
Melbourne Stars: Ben Duckett, Tom Curran, Usama Mir
The Melbourne Stars, still seeking their first title, picked up England star Ben Duckett in round 1. Duckett brings immense T20 experience, with 3,000 career runs in the Vitality Blast alone at an average of 32.25 and strike rate of 140.25.
Their other pickups were England all-rounder Tom Curran (pre-signed) and Pakistan legspinner Usama Mir. Curran has been a consistent performer in the BBL over the years, with 51 wickets in 36 matches along with 359 runs at a strike rate of 143.60. Usama Mir could also prove to be a handy pickup after impressing for the Stars last season (5 matches, 5 wickets, econ. 6.64).
BBL 2024/25 draft: Tom Curran has been a strong performer in the Big Bash League.
Melbourne Renegades: Laurie Evans, Jacob Bethell, Tim Seifert
Jacob Bethell is a 20-year-old left-handed batsman from England. So far, he’s struck 731 runs in 39 T20 innings at an average of 23.58 and strike rate of 138.18.
Bethell has batted in a range of positions from opener to number seven in his T20 career. It will be interesting to see where the Renegades play him this season.
The Renegades have also picked up the experienced Laurie Evans of England in a huge first round pick, as well as Tim Seifert of New Zealand (pre-signed). Both can contribute to the Renegades’ quest for a second playoffs’ appearance since 2018/19.
Sydney Thunder: Lockie Ferguson, Sam Billings, Sherfane Rutherford
Sydney Thunder have bolstered their middle order with England’s Sam Billings (pre-signed) and West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford. This is an exciting proposition with David Warner set to play the full season at the top.
Sydney Thunder also picked up New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson in an excellent first round pick. Pace bowling has been their achilles heel in recent years, so Ferguson can be a strong addition.
Hobart Hurricanes: Shai Hope, Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain
The Hurricanes are looking for batting stability after a few disappointing seasons. Shai Hope is their hope to achieve that.
Chris Jordan (pre-signed) and Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain are their other two picks. Rishad was superb in the 2024 T20 World Cup, and he can be a handful in Australian conditions with his height. In fact, the Hurricanes have solid spin options with Nikhil Chaudhary, Paddy Dooley and Peter Hatzoglou already in their ranks.
Adelaide Strikers: Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Fabian Allen
Fans believe Adelaide Strikers had the strongest BBL 2024/25 Draft. First, they retained Jamie Overton. The all-rounder made a strong impact last season, and they will be hoping for the same.
The Strikers have also picked up England batsman Ollie Pope (pre-signed) and West Indies spinner Fabian Allen. Allen can also be a very handy power hitter down the order.
Brisbane Heat: Colin Munro, Paul Walter, Tom Alsop
Champions Brisbane Heat have retained New Zealand’s Colin Munro and England’s Paul Walter. Munro has been a consistent performer in the BBL, while Walter was outstanding with the ball in the Heat’s triumph last season.
Heat also picked up England keeper-batsman Tom Alsop in the final round. He has 77 matches of T20 experience, notching up 1,714 runs at an average of 27.64 and strike rate of 130.44.
Perth Scorchers: Finn Allen, Matthew Hurst, Keaton Jennings
Perth Scorchers are strong contenders for the title once again due to their strong core. They have added the dynamic Finn Allen (pre-signed) to their superb batting lineup. Keaton Jennings was picked up in the final round of the draft and can contribute throughout the season.
In the third round, Scorchers picked up Matthew Hurst. He is a keeper-batsman that can offer depth when needed. In 17 T20s, he has scored 371 runs at an average of 26.50 and strike rate of 142.14.
Sydney Sixers: James Vince, Akeal Hosein, Jafer Chohan
Three-time champions Sydney Sixers retained one of their finest players in James Vince. In 67 matches for the franchise, Vince scored 1,785 runs at an average of 31.32 and strike rate of 130.48.
The Sixers picked up West Indian Akeal Hosein in round two. The left-arm spinner can be a huge asset in the powerplay, especially at the SCG and grounds like Marvel Stadium and Sydney Showground where spin often plays a role.
Jafer Chohan was the Sixers’ final pick. He is a legspin bowler from England, who has picked up 22 wickets in 21 T20 innings at an average of 23.18 and economy of 7.86.
The Rawalpindi weather was not kind on day one of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Heavy rain overnight, followed by plenty more in the morning, resulted in a very damp outfield. Play was called off for the rest of the day soon after the first sesson was washed out.
The drainage at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will come under the spotlight in the coming days. A wet outfield delayed more than half of day one of the first Test, even with sunshine. For there to be enough play in the remainder of this match, rain must stay away for long enough so the outfield can be safe enough for play.
AccuWeather forecasts better weather in Rawalpindi in the afternoon, but it's difficult to see any cricket being played today with the questionable drainage at the ground.#PAKvBANpic.twitter.com/dBpp2X8cZA
Pakistan would be desperate to get out and play after the humbling defeat in the first Test. Bangladesh are riding high on confidence. Here is a look at the weather forecast for the remaining four days.
PAK vs BAN 2nd Test: Rawalpindi weather forecast for remaining 4 days
According to AccuWeather, conditions look much more promising over the weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday are forecast to have plenty of sunshine with a top temperature of 35 degrees on both days.
The Rawalpindi pitch is in the spotlight after it played very well for the batters for the majority of the first Test. However, such hot conditions will dry out the pitch in the second match, which can bring the spinners into the game and give both sides hope of forcing a result.
Monday (day four) sees a chance of thunderstorms. AccuWeather forecasts up to 5mm to fall during the day, across both morning and afternoon. Tuesday (day five) has a similar forecast with a chance of thunderstorms in the morning.
Joe Root continues to plunder the runs, with his latest effort a sublime 143 at Lord’s that marked his 33rd Test hundred. In the process, he went level with Sir Alastair Cook for the most hundreds by England in Tests.
The hosts found themselves in early trouble due to ill-disciplined strokeplay, particularly from Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett. However, Root went about his business as usual and was looking largely untroubled except for a close LBW shout against Lahiru Kumara at 67/2 and a nervous 12 balls on 99.
Fittingly, Root brought up his landmark century with a trademark dab down to third man. It was an important innings that gave England the initiative after losing regular wickets throughout the day, with Gus Atkinson (71*) putting the exclamation mark.
“You are inevitable” – Reactions to Joe Root’s 33rd Test hundred
Four years ago, Joe Root had 17 Test hundreds. He had no problem reaching 50 even then, but his conversion rate was the issue.
England’s premier batsman has had no such issues since.
Since the start of 2021, Root has struck 16 centuries in 48 Tests to go top among the ‘Fab 4’ also featuring Steve Smith (32), Kane Williamson (32) and Virat Kohli (29). Yes, Root plays more matches, but his achievements cannot be taken lightly.
After his latest ton, there is a growing feeling he could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 15,921 runs. Root, 33, is 3,647 runs behind and looks to have plenty of years ahead of him.
Joe Root’s statistics should have an asterisk next to them to denote that he had almost no cover from the openers during the entirety of his career.
In the last 5 years, Joe Root has scored 5,315* runs in 61 Tests, averaging 54—the only one in England's Top 5 run getters in this period with an average over 40…
His consistency is as reliable as morning coffee… In a game of ups & downs, Joe Root is the straight line… pic.twitter.com/VJkjTvshId
💯 Thirty-three Test hundreds ⬆️ Joint most England Test centuries 🌍 The world's top-ranked men's Test batter 👀 Closing in on the most Test runs for England
If Joe Root does pass Sachin before he retires test cricket will have an extended shelf life at least until the next Indian phenomenon #Root#Tendulkar#ENGvSL
The most Test centuries ever scored by an Englishman alongside Sir Alastair Cook 🐐 pic.twitter.com/isHnE4lSo5
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) August 29, 2024
8th test 100 for Root under Baz – Stokes regime whilst average 58. Still remember the insane amount of trolling that had followed when he failed in Pakistan attempting the reverse scoop twice ! "Bazball destroyed Root apparently"
After day one where England finisehed 358/7, Joe Root paid tribute to the late Graham Thorpe. “I’ve been very lucky to work with a lot of people, whether it be senior players, coaches, mentors and Thorpey was one of those people that offered me so much,” Root said.
“It was nice to be able to think of him in that moment. He’s someone that I’m going to sorely miss. He put a lot into my game, into my career, and without his help, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Talented Australian batsman Will Pucovski will retire from all cricket at the age of just 26. According to a report by Nine News‘ Tom Morris, Pucovski has been forced to retire following a string of concussions.
Earlier this year, it was reported that an independent panel of experts would meet with Pucovski to discuss his future after his latest concussion in March. The panel has recommended he no longer plays cricket.
Speaking on Nine News, Morris said “My understanding is that an independent panel of experts recommended Pucovski retire three months ago, and all that’s left is for Cricket Victoria and his team to formalise that contractually.
“The news doesn’t come as a surprise to teammates of Pucovski who haven’t seen him at training all pre-season. In fact, he’s been travelling overseas.”
At the age of 26, Will Pucovski’s professional cricket career is sadly over following a recommendation from a panel of experts. His last concussion was in March.
Pucovski has starred for Victoria, notably scoring consecutive double centuries in 2020. Soon after, he made his debut for Australia against India in January 2021, where he scored 62 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). He was then ruled out for six months after suffering a shoulder injury.
Pucovski will finish with 2,350 First Class runs at an average of 45.19 and a case of ‘what could have been’ at Test level. He was touted as a long-term opener for Australia, and he could have easily been the player to replace the now-retired David Warner.
However, health comes first. Pucovski’s retirement comes as no surprise. He has suffered 12 concussions, with six coming since 2018. The latest – against Tasmania in March – saw symptoms linger for up to six weeks.
One can hope Pucovski remains involved in cricket. He has made a strong impression as a commentator in the Big Bash League (BBL) for Channel 7.
We at CricBlog wish Pucovski all the very best for the future.
Jay Shah was elected unopposed as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The current BCCI secretary will be the youngest ICC chair at 36 years of age by the time he starts.
Shah will begin the role on December 1, replacing Greg Barclay. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the board of directors nominated Shah only for the role. An election would have taken place more than one candidate was nominated.
“I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council. I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalise cricket,” Shah said in an ICC statement.
However, not all fans share those views. Many believe Shah’s appointment as ICC chair will only see India get stronger at the expense of cricket’s growth on a global stage.
Share out ICC revenue more equally, but we all know that's not going to happen! https://t.co/5C4aVuMi9y
There will ne no HYBRID MODEL for Champions Trophy 2025 under ICC chairmanship of Jay Shah! ICC tournament will either be played in Pakistan or completely outside Pakistan! #CT25
“collusion in Shah’s ascendancy shows this to be the most supine and captive board in ICC’s history, a bunch of utterly craven enablers, and that includes the representatives from Australia and England” https://t.co/EP04Y6REUv
International cricket will not survive unless the BCCI, ECB and CA are willing to share the revenue more equally with the other boards. Without other teams to provide competitive games, the public will soon lose interest in the Big 3 playing each other over and over
Really does feel like we’re on a slow March to a 6 month IPL and the other six months being taken up by their ‘supplement’ teams or whatever https://t.co/DvU9mvXJRS
From a personal perspective, I think it’s important to judge Shah properly once in the role. While there were downpoints in his tenure as BCCI secretary – such as the mismanagement of the 2023 ODI World Cup – there have been excellent developments under Shah’s watch that provide hope he can propel cricket forward.
For starters, Shah is an advocate for Test cricket. “While the T20 is a naturally exciting format, it is equally important that Test cricket remains a priority for everyone as it forms the bedrock of our game,” he said. “We must see to it that cricketers are driven to longer format and our efforts will be channelised towards this goal.”
Outside of Test cricket, Shah has helped cricket’s entry into the 2028 LA Olympics. This would have not been possible without the backing of the BCCI, who have previously resisted joining the Olympics. The games can help facilitate the introduction of cricket to millions of new fans around the globe.
“I’m pleased to announce BCCI’s first step towards tackling discrimination. We are implementing a pay equity policy for our contracted women cricketers. The match fee for both Men and Women Cricketers will be the same as we move into a new era of gender equality in Indian Cricket,” Shah tweeted in 2022.
He has 100% made positive changes in BCCI. I know some people don’t like the power and influence that BCCI have over the ICC and can understand their concern on what this change could bring. But I go on results, lets judge on what he does.
You can troll Jay Shah no matter how much u want but the fact is he's today stands ahead of Jagmohan Dalmia as the best BCCI administrator ever. – He stood behind #RohitSharma𓃵 after World Cup loss and gave full moral support to his team
All you need to get elected unopposed as ICC chairman is sharp administration skills which Jay Shah has got in abundance which he has proven and he is only 36. No need of him to be a former great batsman , bowler , fielder or wicket keeper 🙏 https://t.co/9DhsuXKjWr
> Introduced WPL > Increased salary of Chief selector > Conducted IPL twice during peak Covid > A new NCA is almost complete in Bengaluru > Implemented pay equity policy for both Men and Women Cricketers > Brought main focus on both domestic… pic.twitter.com/P9iLpArVdm
Former Australia coach and opening batsman Justin Langer believes Steve Smith must bat at number four in the 2024/25 Border Gavaskar Trophy. The move to shift Smith to opener didn’t work too well last season, with the great batsman averaging 28.50 in his eight innings in the role. This is bolstered by a standout 91* against West Indies at the Gabba in January.
Even after retirement, Langer and Matthew Hayden see eye to eye. Last week, Hayden said moving Smith to opener is “crazy” and that he needs to go back to number four.
Justin Langer believes Steve Smith will deliver best at number 4
Speaking on the Cricket et al podcast, Langer said number four is a specialised position. But, because Australia selected Smith as opener last season, they face a conundrum as to who would be left out if they shift the right-hander back down the order.
“He’s the greatest player we’ve had. Great players adapt, they can bat anywhere in the order. For the Australian cricket team, I think he’s best suited to bat number four,” Langer said.
“I think it’s a really specialised position (number four). It’s not that he can’t do it (open the batting). I’d love to see him bat at No.4, but then they have to work out who doesn’t play. My observation was that it was more about trying to get Cameron Green in and Mitch Marsh had taken that (all-rounders’) role, but they wanted to get the best young player into the XI,” he continued.
Earlier this month, Pat Cummins spoke of the benefit of having two all-rounders in the team. This could be a hint that Australia will start the 2024/25 Border Gavaskar Trophy with the same batting lineup.
Check out our thoughts on The CricBlog Podcast about the Steve Smith batting position debate.
England’s Chris Woakes says he wouldn’t shy away from being selected for an overseas Test series. The pace bowler has typically struggled away from home in his career, with a staggering 78.31% of his wickets taken in England.
Woakes has taken 130 wickets in 32 Tests at home at an elite average of 21.52 and strike rate of 42.5. The contrast couldn’t be more stark away from home, with Woakes picking up just 36 wickets in 20 Tests at an average of 51.88 and strike rate of 102.8.
Tests
Wickets
Average
Strike Rate
Home
32
130
21.52
42.5
Away
20
36
51.88
102.8
Chris Woakes’ Test record home and away
Time away from overseas Tests can give fresh look on things – Chris Woakes
However, Woakes believes he still has what it takes to succeed away from home. England have big tours coming up in the next 15 months, with trips to Pakistan and New Zealand this year followed by the Ashes in Australia next year.
“I’ll play for England where I’m picked to play for England. I certainly wouldn’t rule myself out,” Woakes said during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Manchester.
“The selectors will have their plans, but I’m certainly not going to turn down a tour if selected. I haven’t played an away Test for a little while, but that might be a good thing because it can give you a fresh look on things. I wouldn’t shy away from it.”
Woakes’ last overseas tour was Australia in the 2021/22 Ashes. He took just six wickets in three Tests at an average of 55.33. However, if the Australian surfaces have the kind of zip and movement seen during the 2023/24 season against Pakistan and West Indies, Woakes can be an asset in England’s quest for a first series win down under since 2010/11.
Also, what works in Woakes’ favour is his batting. He averages 27.84 in 52 Tests and is closing in on 2,000 runs.
“That’s a bonus, isn’t it? It’s certainly something which I’ve always worked on,” he said. “It’s an extra string in the bow which allows you to potentially be selected ahead of someone else who maybe can’t quite fulfil that role.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) could introduce a dedicated fund to boost Test cricket outside the “big three”. According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the BCCI, CA and ECB are all in favour of the move to make Test cricket more lucrative for players from around the world.
The total fund is expected to be around US$15 million. The minimum standard match fee is reported to be about US$10,000, excluding payments from the boards themselves.
When is the Test cricket fund expected to be introduced?
There is a chance that the fund could be implemented in 2025. For that to happen, the concept needs to be agreed upon before Christmas this year.
Earlier this month, BCCI secretary Jay Shah spoke of his support of the fund. Speaking to journalists at Times of India’s office, Shah, who is the favourite to become the ICC chairman in November, said discussions as underway.
“I am a member of F&CA (Finance and Commercial Affairs) of the ICC,” said Shah, as quoted by Cricbuzz. “I have suggested there should be a dedicated fund for Test cricket. It’s very expensive to host Test matches. If the (ICC) Board approves, we can do that. We’re trying to create a special fund for Test cricket.”
CA chairman Mark Baird is also confident. Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald, Baird said there is momentum behind the Test cricket fund.
“It’s fantastic to see some momentum behind the Test-match fund,” he said. “We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test cricket to be the best of the best. To retain that history and that legacy, which goes alongside the newer forms of white-ball cricket.”
