Danijones

‘See the ball and hit the ball’: Rilee Rossouw reveals success mantra vs Chennai Super Kings | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Key innings from Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory for Punjab Kings against defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the IPL on Wednesday.Chasing a target of 163, Punjab Kings rode on Bairstow’s 46 and Rossouw’s 43 to reach the target with 13 balls to spare at Chennai’s M Chidambaram Stadium.England’s Bairstow continued his strong form from the previous match, where he scored an unbeaten 108 as Punjab chased down a record IPL target of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.Bairstow and Rossouw, a left-handed South African batsman, stitched a 64-run stand for the second wicket to set up the successful chase.After the Punjab Kings’ win, Rossouw revealed plans he set with Bairstow against the Yellow Brigade.“Got to give credit to the bowlers, 160 on this wicket was chaseable. The way Jonny played today, hopefully, he takes this form forward and gives us the foundation to chase it down,” Rossouw said after the match.“[On plans when he was out there with Bairstow] See the ball and hit the ball, nothing really spoken about as to how many we need, just keeping it simple. [on his dismissal] Unfortunate. It was one of those things, so focussed on hitting the ball and one of those things, I missed out. It’s never over, till it’s over, we have still got the belief in the changeroom, we will focus on our game and not on the others. Hopefully things work out,” Rossouw added.Five-time winners CSK, who have won five and lost five matches in the tournament so far, are fourth in the 10-team table, led by Rajasthan Royals.Punjab Kings are now in seventh place in the points table. With 4 wins in 10 matches, Punjab Kings have 8 points to their name.

Madrid Open 2024: Carlos Alcaraz crashes out in quarters after losing to Andrey Rublev

Danijones6 months ago04 mins

Carlos Alcaraz’s hopes of becoming the first player to win three-straight Madrid Open titles came undone as the second seed fell to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, loss in front of his home crowd to Russian seventh seed Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals on Wednesday. The 20-year-old two-times grand slam champion was not at his best despite taking the opening set in 41 minutes, while Rublev put in a dominant performance to roar back and snap Alcaraz’s 14-match winning streak at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament. It will be Rublev’s first semi-final in Madrid. The 26-year-old was on a four-match losing streak coming into the clay-court event. “Maybe this week is a relief but then next week we go back to the same… so better not to think this way because when you start to think ‘Oh, how good everything is’ that’s what happened at the beginning of the season,” Rublev said. “Then, for six weeks, I wasn’t winning anything. It’s better to not think at all. It’s not bad, it’s not good. It’s just a moment. It happens to everyone, every player has been through these moments. “The most important thing is to keep working and improving and then remember that one week can change anything.” Rublev completely outplayed Alcaraz in the deciding set, racing to a 4-1 lead before he wrapped up his comeback. Rublev will next face the winner of the clash between American 12th seed Taylor Fritz and Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, who play later on Wednesday. Alcaraz focussing on ‘normal forehand’ Alcaraz was the last Spaniard standing after 22-times Grand Slam winner Rafa Nadal exited the tournament following a straight sets defeat to the Czech Republic’s 31st-ranked Jiri Lehecka in the round of 16 on Tuesday. Having successfully defended his Indian Wells title in March and then reached the Miami Open quarter-finals, Alcaraz injured his right forearm during a practice session in Monaco and he continues to struggle with the problem that has derailed the start of his claycourt season. “I have to keep working to recover my normal forehand without thinking about my forearm. Today I thought about it more than yesterday,” Alcaraz told reporters. “I think that in Rome, I will continue to play with it (an arm sleeve) as a precaution. “The balance is positive, but when I go out on court I don’t want to lose. If we look at the overall it has been a very good week.” Published By: sabyasachi chowdhury Published On: May 2, 2024

IPL 2024: PBKS’s Harpreet Brar reveals sucess mantra after CSK heroics, says ‘Bowl dot balls, not think about wickets’

Danijones6 months ago04 mins

PBKS spinner Harpreet Brar revealed his focus on bowling dot balls and not aim only for wickets, after his Player of the Match performance against CSK in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on May 1. Brar played a crucial role in his side’s comfortable win over CSK by 7 wickets in Chepauk, where he bowled a brilliant spell and helped PBKS to restrict the home side to just 163 runs batting first in the match. In the runchase, Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw gave PBKS a good platform start, that allowed Shashank Singh and Sam Curran to get their side home easily. Brar has emerged as one of the more dependable spin options for PBKS in IPL 2024, which has seen the 28-year-old bag 6 wickets in his 10 matches for the side. In the high-value CSK clash, Brar gave his side a major breakthrough at the very startof his spell by dismissing Ajinkya Rahane and in-form Shivam Dube in his very first over of the match. The PBKS spinners, specifically Brar and Rahul Chahar with his, played a major roles in their side extending their winning streak against the defending champions to 5 victories in a row. IPL 2024, CSK vs PBKS: Highlights Speaking at the post-match presentation, Brar reflected on his performance while giving an insight on how he shapes up his bowling skills for the greater good of his side. “It was a good wicket to bowl on. Even Rahul bowled very well. I have been playing for the last six years, and my confidence is also built up. I am playing with a lot of legends. I wanted to bowl on my strengths and the things happened. I don’t think about wickets. My aim is to bowl lots of dot balls in my spell and the dot balls create the chances. When there is spin in the wicket, the bowler’s confidence goes up,” Brar said. IPL 2024 Full Coverage | IPL 2024 Points Table and Standings | 2024 IPL Full Schedule Despite this win, PBKS still find them in a tough scenario, where they will have to win all of their 4 upcoming games if they hope to qualify for the playoffs. However, the winning momentum will surely give the side a major boost in their confidence as they prepare themselves for their upcoming clash against the same opponents in CSK on May 5 in Dharamsala. Published By: Debodinna Chakraborty Published On: May 2, 2024

Former India Stars Back Yashasvi Jaiswal To Be Rohit Sharma’s Opening Partner In T20 World Cup 2024

Danijones6 months ago08 mins

Former India cricketers Irfan Pathan and Mohammad Kaif have backed young Yashasvi Jaiswal to be captain Rohit Sharma’s opening partner for India in the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, to be held in West Indies and USA from June 1. Kohli has been leading run-charts in the IPL 2024 as an opener for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but him opening with Rohit for India in the T20 World Cup could result in teams having left-arm fast-bowler and left-arm spinner match-up. However, Pathan thinks Jaiswal opening with Rohit will help India tackle this match-up in the T20 World Cup. “It’s a question which has been floating around a lot. It should be Yashasvi Jaiswal – as he being a left-hander, what happens is, a team from a bowling point of view, will start with a left-arm spinner and when that happens, you can actually play these two batters. If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli open, as there’s been a lot of talk about it, you can keep them quiet for a certain period of time. “If you do that, the game goes away, especially at the start and this is where a left-handed batter in Yashasvi Jaiswal comes into the picture. He’s aggressive and will take on the threat of left-arm spinner as well. So, I think Yashasvi should open with Rohit Sharma,” said Pathan while replying to an IANS query in the latest episode of ‘Star Sports Press Room’ show. The Rohit-Jaiswal combination though, will also result in Kohli batting at number three, which would mean his struggles against spin in the post power-play phase could resurface. But Kaif believes Kohli’s previous stupendous success for India in ICC tournaments at number three is still a very big factor. “I would see Jaiswal and Rohit opening, as Kohli has to be there at number three. Though he opens in the IPL, Kohli has done well in ICC events at number three. You need someone who has experience at number three and can bat through. With Yashasvi opening and Kohli in the dugout, there will be pressure on the opposition team that Virat is still to come out to bat.” “If he opens and the opposition gets him out, then it will be a big confidence booster for them. Jaiswal will attack from the first ball and Rohit Sharma also attacks in power-play, then it should be this way: Jaiswal, Rohit and Virat Kohli at number three,” he added. Pathan, the Player of the Match in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup final win over Pakistan in Johannesburg, was left disappointed over the non-inclusion of Rinku Singh and Ravi Bishnoi in the 15-member squad. Rinku, an in-form finisher for India in 15 T20I since his debut last year, is placed in the traveling reserves. “I am very disappointed that Rinku Singh is not there. It’s because Rinku Singh was playing a crucial role in finishing the game – he did it for his franchise (Kolkata Knight Riders) last year and when he played for India, he did that role as well.” “Once you have a strike-rate of 170 and have an average close to 60-70, and then not be picked, then you will be very disappointed. Bishnoi, I thought, despite that number six ranking, misses out to a master spinner like Chahal, though he’s got that fielding skill too. So, these were the two things I had in my mind on seeing this team.” At the same time, Pathan reckons India has to play their cricket in feisty fashion if they are to end a more than a decade drought of World Cup victory. “The guys, who have been selected, have to perform when the pressure time comes in. I am not worried about the first half; it’s about when the knockout matches will happen – this is where I want the Indian team to play fearless cricket which in the last two World Cups – 50-over and 20-over in Australia – we missed out on that.” Kaif agreed with Pathan’s views and felt India’s real examination will be to win knockout matches, something which they haven’t been able to do yet. “It’s a very balanced side, but this is not the IPL, where you play 14 league matches and come back to win the trophy even after losing games.” “In the World Cup, you will meet weaker teams in the initial phase of the tournament till you meet teams like Pakistan and England in the semi-finals. You need to win two big matches to win the trophy and are you ready for that big moment? India haven’t done that in the past and that’s the real challenge for Rohit Sharma.” India will begin their Men’s T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. India, the 2007 Men’s T20 World Cup winners, are in Group A alongside Pakistan, Canada and tournament co-hosts USA. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

IPL 2024 Points Table: What Big Win Over Chennai Super Kings Means For Punjab Kings’ Playoff Hopes

Danijones6 months ago05 mins

Punjab Kings kept their IPL 2024 playoff dreams alive with a big seven-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday. It was an important victory for the Sam Curran-led side who now have 8 points from 10 matches and are seventh in the IPL 2024 points table. PBKS will need to win all of their remaining four matches and depend on other results to end up in the Top 4. On the other hand, the defeat means that CSK remain fourth with 10 points from 10 matches. Rajasthan Royals are at the top of the table followed by Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants. Punjab Kings mounted a pragmatic chase to consign Chennai Super Kings to a demoralising seven-wicket defeat at their own den in their IPL 2024 match on Wednesday. Punjab rode on quick 40s by Jonny Bairstow (46, 30b, 7×4, 1×6) and Rilee Rossouw (43, 23b, 5×4, 2×6) to move past Chennai’s modest 162 for seven, which was built around skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s solid 62 (48b, 5×4, 2×6). The win took PBKS to seventh place on the points table with eight points, while CSK stayed on fourth with 10 points. The Super Kings’ defence of 163 faced multiple barricades as their spinners – Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja – were rendered ineffective because of dew and pacer Deepak Chahar walked off the field with a niggle after bowling just two balls. But that should not take the sheen out of PBKS’ effort with the bat on the night. “Very happy. Every time you come to Chennai and take two wins, always a special feeling. Same as last year, we lost a lot of our home games and won away, finding a similar pattern. We are in a position where we need to win all our games, we come up against the same opposition in a few days. I think when you come to Chennai, you now how hot it is and dew is going to settle in.” “Chahar came back and was the best bowler in the 260 game, and he’s bowling with great confidence. He stepped up when I asked him to bowl against MSD in the 19th over. The pace bowlers were going for a bit in the end, and I wanted to try something different. Asked Rilee what he reckoned and took that gamble with spin. We come against the same opposition so we have one up on them.” “It is a new game, new conditions but this win will give us a lot of confidence. I think our bowlers were superb, the spinners and Jonny striking them well, even the way we paced that chase, it was brilliant. Need to build on that confidence,” PBKS skipper Sam Curran said after the match. (With PTI inputs) Topics mentioned in this article

Punjab Kings boost playoff qualification hopes with thumping win over Chennai Super Kings – India TV

Danijones6 months ago04 mins

Image Source : AP Punjab Kings players celebrating during the CSK vs PBKS IPL 2024 game in Chennai on May 1, 2024 Punjab Kings pulled off a dominating seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in the 49th match of the Indian Premier League 2024 on Wednesday. Spinners produced a brilliant performance to restrict Chennai to a 162 total and then an impressive innings from Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw led Punjab to an easy chase with 13 balls remaining at MA Chidambaram Stadium. A win thrusted Punjab Kings to seventh position in the points table with four wins in ten games boosting their chances to secure a playoff qualification. Chennai Super Kings’ inconsistent form continued with their fifth defeat in ten games but the defending champions maintain their fourth place in the standings. After winning the toss, the stand-in skipper Sam Curran elected to bowl first with the same playing eleven. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s CSK were forced to make two major changes with Richard Gleeson and Shadul Thakur coming in for unavailable Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande. Openers Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad gave Chennai a strong start by scorching 64 runs for the first wicket. But Punjab Kings made a stunning comeback in the middle overs with spinner Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar taking two wickets each. Gaikwad continued his red-hot form by top-scoring with 62 runs off 48 balls and also went past Virat Kohli to claim the Orange Cap this season. Gaikwad didn’t get much support from the other end as Punjab bowlers restricted Chennai to a decent total of 162/7 in 20 overs. Debutant veteran Richard Gleeson balanced the game with an early wicket of impact substitute Prabhsimran Singh. But Punjab avoided losing momentum with Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw producing a match-defining 64-run partnership for the second wicket. On his only second delivery in the IPL 2024, Shivam Dube displayed his bowling skills to deny Bairstow his fifty in the tenth over and Shardul Thakur bowled out Rossouw in the 12th over to raise some hopes for Chennai to make a late comeback. But the in-form duo of Sam Curran and Shashank Singh avoided further fall by adding unbeaten 50 runs for the fourth wicket to lead Punjab Kings to an easy seven-wicket win with 13 balls remaining. Harpreet Brar won the Player of the Match award for his two for 17 figures. Chennai Super Kings Playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane (substituted by Sameer Rizvi, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Richard Gleeson, Mustafizur Rahman. Punjab Kings Playing XI: Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran (c), Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh (substituted by Prabhsimran Singh).

IPL-17 | Punjab Kings continues to rule Chennai Super Kings

Danijones6 months ago04 mins

Punjab Kings’s Jonny Bairstow plays a shot during a match against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League 2024 at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 1, 2024. Photo: X/@IPL via ANI Punjab Kings spinners Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar’s miserly spell during the middle overs set the foundation for their side’s seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings at the MAC Stadium on Wednesday. Opting to bowl first, PBKS restricted CSK to just 162 for seven as the spinners squeezed the runs dry without conceding a single boundary. Chasing 163, cameos from Jonny Bairstow 46 (30b, 7×4, 1×6) and Rilee Rossouw (43, 23b, 5×4, 2×6) ensured PBKS got its fifth straight win over the five-time champion. It was not an ideal start when CSK set out to defend the modest total, as Deepak Chahar limped off in pain on his run-up after two balls into the innings. Despite losing Prabhsimran Singh early, Bairstow and Rossouw quickly put the pressure back on the Super Kings bowlers as they added 64 for the second wicket. Rossouw straight drove and pulled Richard Gleeson before finding two more boundaries off Mustafizur Rahman in the next over. The Chennai side’s only chance to stage a fightback was with its spinners, especially in the absence of the in-form Matheesha Pathirana (niggle) and Tushar Deshpande (illness). But Bairstow smashed Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali for four boundaries and a six. Though both missed their half-centuries, Sam Curran and Shashank Singh guided their side home without further trouble. Earlier, Super Kings started strongly and got to 55 for no loss at the end of the PowerPlay. But what followed was a phase of play that is unthinkable in modern-day T20 cricket, as the hosts failed to score a single boundary off the bat for 55 deliveries. Brar (two for 17) and Rahul (one for 13) sent in seven overs during this phase on a two-paced pitch that offered some turn for the tweakers. Left-arm spinner Brar struck twice in the eighth over, slowing it down to have Rahane caught in the deep and then trapped Shivam Dube leg-before. If not for Ruturaj’s grinding knock (62, 48b, 5×4, 2×6), CSK would not have reached the total it did. But with dew settling, it was never going to be enough.

End Of IPL Campaign For India’s 156.7 Kmph Pace Star Mayank Yadav? Report Claims…

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

File photo of Mayank Yadav© AFP Pace sensation Mayank Yadav’s participation in the remainder of the IPL round-robin stage seems doubtful after he sustained a suspected abdominal muscle “tear” during the game against Mumbai Indians, making it his second injury breakdown in past four weeks. However, there is a silver lining for the 21-year-old Delhi man as he is all set to be given a pace bowling contract by the BCCI alongside Umran Malik, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Dayal and Akash Deep. The contract will place Mayank under the supervision of NCA’s Sports Science and Medical team, who will take charge of his injury management and fitness programme from his IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants. “Mayank has a tear but it is more likely a grade 1 tear. It will be cutting it fine but in case LSG qualifies for the play-offs, he might just be able to play the knock-out games. But it is like hoping against hope and right now he is doubtful for the remaining IPL games,” a BCCI source informed PTI on condition of anonymity. Mayank, who burst into the scene with 155 click deliveries and back-to-back ‘Player of the Match’ awards at the start of the IPL, broke down in the third match and was ruled out for four weeks. He made a comeback against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday after passing fitness tests but was forced back into the dugout after bowling 3.1 overs in which he gave away 31 runs. Had Mayank been fit all this while, there was a possibility of him being a left-field selection in the T20 World Cup but right now, handling him with care is the primary job of the Indian cricket establishment. “He will soon be handed a pace bowling contract and once he is in BCCI Pathways structure, his growth will be systematically monitored. “The national selection committee and the Indian team management would like to gradually blood him and ensure that he can maintain peak fitness,” the BCCI source added. Topics mentioned in this article

Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, IPL 2024: Predicted Playing XI Of Both Teams

Danijones6 months ago012 mins

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 49th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday. Having won five games out of nine, CSK are placed third in the IPL 2024 standings. On the other hand, PBKS are currently placed eighth in the IPL 2024 standings with six points on the board after winning three matches out of nine. Ahead of this exciting clash, we look at the predicted XIs of both sides. CSK Predicted XI Ajinkya Rahane In the upcoming match against PBKS, Ajinkya Rahane will open the innings for CSK. Rahane, who has not been able to replicate his IPL 2023 form in the current season, has scored 170 runs in nine matches and will be eager to make a significant score soon. Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain) CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad heads into this match after a magnificent 98-run knock against SRH, showcasing an explosive strike rate of 181.48. Gaikwad will be focused on providing another quick start for his team as he aims to put early pressure on the PBKS bowlers on Wednesday. Daryl Mitchell Daryl Mitchell, known for his ability to strike sixes, will seek to bring stability to CSK’s top order. Despite scoring only 198 runs in eight matches, the Kiwi batter has the potential to make a significant impact and will be keen to make his presence felt in the last few games of the season. Ravindra Jadeja Ravindra Jadeja will look to bolster both the batting and bowling departments for CSK. The accomplished Indian all-rounder has contributed 157 runs in nine matches, boasting an impressive average of 78.50, and has also taken five wickets. Jadeja is expected to make an impact with both bat and ball in the upcoming match. Shivam Dube Shivam Dube is the standout performer for CSK this season. The tall and talented batter scored a quickfire 66 runs off 27 balls against LSG, hitting seven sixes and three boundaries. With a total of 350 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 172.41, Dube will be eager to produce another strong performance against PBKS. MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper) MS Dhoni continues to perform for CSK, consistently defying his age and delighting fans with his batting prowess. Despite spending limited time at the crease, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter has made a significant impact whenever he has batted. With 96 runs in nine matches, Dhoni’s remarkable strike rate of 259.46 makes him a serious threat to the best bowlers in IPL. Moeen Ali Moeen Ali adds balance to the CSK batting lineup. While Moeen has scored 30 runs in his solitary innings, he has been influential with the ball having taken two wickets in four matches. The English all-rounder will look to have a bigger say with bat and ball in the upcoming game. Deepak Chahar Indian fast bowler Deepak Chahar will lead the CSK bowling attack. Chahar has taken five wickets in seven matches, showcasing his skill in generating swing and bowling accurate lengths. Additionally, he can prove useful with the bat and is capable of scoring crucial runs lower down the order when needed. Tushar Deshpande Tushar Deshpande will offer variety to the CSK bowling attack. His knack for bewildering batters with pace variations has earned him 10 wickets in nine matches. Deshpande has also been relatively effective in restricting the opposition, boasting an economy rate of 8.66. Mustafizur Rahman Mustafizur Rahman leads the wicket-taking charts for Chennai in IPL 2024 with 14 scalps in eight matches. The Bangladeshi pacer is a crucial member of the CSK fast-bowling unit and will be keen to regain the Purple Cap by adding to his tally of wickets at Chennai. Matheesha Pathirana Matheesha Pathirana, one of the most lethal bowlers in IPL 2024, will look to make early breakthroughs for CSK in the next match. With an impressive economy rate of 7.68, Pathirana has already claimed 13 wickets in just six matches. He will be eager to bamboozle PBKS batters with his pace bowling skills come Wednesday. Impact Sub Shardul Thakur PBKS Predicted XI Sam Curran Sam Curran has taken on plenty of responsibilities for PBKS this season. Handed captaincy duties in the absence of the injured Shikhar Dhawan, Sam Curran has scored 152 runs this season, including one fifty. He’s also accounted for 12 scalps and is crucial to the PBKS lineup. Prabhsimran Singh In the team’s last match, Prabhsimran Singh scored 54 runs in just 20 balls against KKR, hitting five sixes and four boundaries. He boasts a strike rate of 163.74 in IPL 2024 and will try to add to his 208 runs this season when he faces CSK. Rilee Rossouw Although Rilee Rossouw hasn’t put his best foot forward in IPL 2024 yet, the South African deserves another chance to showcase his ability. A star in T20s, Rossouw has scored more than 8000 runs in the format and boasts a strike rate of 143.02. Jonny Bairstow Jonny Bairstow was on fire against KKR, scoring 108 runs off 48 balls, including nine sixes and eight boundaries. Bairstow’s return to form will provide a significant boost to Punjab’s chances of a win against CSK. Shashank Singh Shashank Singh has been a revelation with PBKS this season. The top-scorer for PBKS in IPL 2024, Shashank has remained not out in five of the nine matches and has made 263 runs with an average of 65.75 and a strike rate of 182.64. His best of 68 not out against KKR helped PBKS to a memorable win in IPL 2024. Jitesh Sharma Wicketkeeper batter Jitesh Sharma will be desperate to get runs quickly after enduring an underwhelming campaign so far. However, he is capable of taking any bowling attack to the cleaners as his IPL strike rate of 151.47 suggests and will be hoping to find some form soon. Ashutosh Sharma A revelation if there ever was one, Ashutosh Sharma has been one…

Australia announce T20 World Cup squad: Mitch Marsh to lead the team, Steve Smith misses selection

Danijones6 months ago04 mins

Australia’s Mitch Marsh. | Photo Credit: SANDEEP SAXENA Mitch Marsh will captain Australia at the Twenty20 World Cup next month, leading a national cricket squad that is missing ex-skipper Steve Smith and up-and-coming batter Jake Fraser-McGurk. Marsh, who is recovering from an injured hamstring, was confirmed as T20 captain on Wednesday after sharing the duties on an interim basis since the retirement last year of Aaron Finch. Smith’s omission for the tournament starting June 1 in the United States and Caribbean means it’ll be the first time since 2012 he’s missed a World Cup in the limited-overs formats. The 34-year-old Smith has signed for the Washington Freedom for the second season of Major League Cricket in the United States which starts July 4, four days after the T20 World Cup concludes. Fraser-McGurk surged into selection calculations on the back of his 233.33 strike rate in the Indian Premier League, but it wasn’t enough to replace Travis Head or the veteran David Warner at the global tournament. Allrounder Marsh will likely bat at No. 3 and Glenn Maxwell at No. 4 in the lineup, with Tim David likely to fill the finisher role further down the order. “The batting options available allow a tailored approach to each venue and opponent,” Australia’s chief selector George Bailey said. “Steve Smith, Matt Short, Jason Behrendorff, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett were all part of long conversations, along with several others, including Jake Fraser-McGurk who is yet to play T20 International cricket but continues to impress and is developing rapidly.” Bailey said Fraser-McGurk’s form had been “great of late.” “But the way we’re functioning at the top of the order with the three guys we’ve had there has been really strong as well,” he said. “Ultimately, in that squad of 15, we’re looking to get that balance we want in for each game with different opponents, different venues and different surfaces.” Matt Wade and Josh Inglis were picked as wicketkeepers and Ashton Agar returns to the squad as a second spinning option to Adam Zampa. The regular pace bowling trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will have support from Nathan Ellis as well as allrounders Cameron Green, Marsh and Marcus Stoinis. Australia, the 2021 T20 World Cup champions, will open against Oman at Barbados on June 5. The Australians are the defending champions in the ICC’s World Test Championship and in the 50-over World Cup. Australia squad: Mitch Marsh (captain), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matt Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.