Australia women crowned world champions
When more than 30,000 fans packed Lord’s on Sunday, a mouthwatering contest was expected in the Women’s T20 World Cup final. The two unbeaten teams in the competition, England and Australia, went head to head, but the title decider turned into an anti climax as Australia romped to a comfortable seven wicket victory. The result underlined just how much ground England still have to make up to match the world champions.
Chasing a modest target of 151, Beth Mooney made light work of the pursuit, blazing 64 off 49 balls to register her third half-century of the tournament. The left-handed wicketkeeper batter, very much in the mould of Adam Gilchrist, was inventive and fearless in her stroke play, and by the end of the Powerplay England already knew they were in deep trouble.
Mooney finished the tournament with 238 runs and five dismissals behind the stumps to be deservedly named both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament. Australia’s bowlers also deserve enormous credit for restricting England to a below par 150.
The tournament itself was a resounding success, attracting record crowds throughout. More than 10,000 spectators attended the first semi-final despite England not being involved, while over 20,000 turned up two days later to watch the hosts reach the final.
There was also record prize money on offer. The losing semi-finalists received USD 800,000 each, the runners-up earned USD 1.1 million and the champions pocketed USD 2.3 million.
Sooryavanshi creates history
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi created history at Old Trafford by becoming the youngest Indian to play international cricket and the second youngest international cricketer from a Full Member nation across all formats.
His innings lasted only ten deliveries, but it provided a glimpse of what lies ahead as he launched two balls into the crowd. One of those towering sixes came off England quick Jofra Archer, whom he dispatched over the ropes off the very first ball he faced from his Rajasthan Royals teammate with a stunning one kneed stroke.
England, however, won the contest thanks to another young sensation. Jacob Bethell struck a sparkling 76 off 46 balls, an innings featuring five fours and five sixes.
Pakistan sack Masood, leave out Shaheen
There were few surprises when Pakistan announced that left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi had been omitted from the squad for the upcoming tour of the West Indies and England later this month. Pakistan will play two Tests in the Caribbean followed by three Tests in England.
Shaheen has struggled for rhythm in recent months, with a noticeable dip in pace, but given his excellent record in English conditions many expected him to retain his place in the squad.
Shan Masood has also paid the price for Pakistan’s poor run, losing the captaincy to Babar Azam, who begins a second stint as Test skipper. Masood has retained his place in the squad. Pakistan lost 12 of their 16 Tests under his leadership. They currently sit at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.
Udara helps Sri Lanka take control of second Test
Lahiru Udara has been one of the most prolific batters in Sri Lanka’s domestic circuit for several seasons, but he earned his Test debut only last year at the age of 31. He then had to wait another full year for his next opportunity as Sri Lanka’s sparse Test schedule left little room for selection.
Overlooked for the opening Test, Udara came into the side for the second Test as an injury replacement for Pathum Nissanka and made the opportunity count with a magnificent 188, the highest score by a Sri Lankan in the Caribbean.
He shared a 215 run partnership with Kamindu Mendis, Sri Lanka’s highest partnership in the Caribbean. After suffering a crushing defeat in the opening Test, the tourists responded impressively, declaring on 549 for nine with Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis and Sonal Dinusha all contributing half-centuries.
England seek warm-up ahead of 150th anniversary Test
England have requested a warm up fixture before the one off Test against Australia to mark the 150th anniversary of Test cricket next March.
The England coaching staff came under heavy criticism for their lack of preparation ahead of last year’s Ashes, and the team management appears determined not to repeat the mistake.
England will therefore face the Australia Prime Minister’s XI at Junction Oval in Melbourne before the historic Test at the MCG, which is being organised with the involvement of the ICC.
Sussex problems deepen
Sussex’s financial and cricketing troubles continue to mount. After posting losses exceeding £1 million last season, the county now faces the prospect of losing several key players.
The Division One club has been docked 12 points in the County Championship by the ECB, which has also placed Sussex under tighter financial controls, including a salary cap until 2028. Retaining leading players has consequently become increasingly difficult.
Promising fast bowler Henry Crocombe has already committed to Surrey from next season, while wicketkeeper John Simpson, batter Tom Clark and all-rounder Fynn Hudson-Prentice are all out of contract, fuelling fears of a mass exodus.
Head coach Paul Farbrace has also confirmed he will leave at the end of the season.
Bull brings cricket match to a halt
A cricket match in Burnopfield, near Newcastle, was abandoned after an 800kg bull ran onto the field and charged at players.
The animal had escaped from a nearby farm, travelled about a mile and wandered onto the ground during play.
Farmers rushed to the venue but were unable to bring the bull under control, forcing them to call the police.
In an unusual attempt to lure the animal away, the owner drove to the ground with a cow on the back of a vehicle, but even that failed to tempt the runaway bull.
Eventually the animal wandered off of its own accord, but by then the match between Burnopfield CC and Hetton Lyons in the North East Premier League had been abandoned.
