World Cup resumes with more thrills in store
Monday was a rare day of rest for the women cricketers gathered in England for the Women’s T20 World Cup, but when action resumes in Southampton on Tuesday with hosts England and defending champions New Zealand back in the spotlight, more cracking contests await.
The opening three days have already produced some riveting cricket and no shortage of drama. West Indies stunned the White Ferns in a last over thriller, leaving Tuesday’s Sri Lanka versus New Zealand encounter as a virtual must win affair. Whoever loses will find themselves staring down the barrel.
The transformation of women’s cricket over the last decade has been nothing short of remarkable. When England staged the inaugural tournament in 2009, sponsors were few and far between and only a handful of games were televised. Today, it is a different world altogether. Sponsors are lining up, every game is televised and stadiums are packed. England and Australia laid the foundations for the women’s game and India have now taken it to another level, with their triumph in the last 50 over World Cup helping to make the sport immensely popular across the subcontinent.
Williamson leaves with big boots to fill
The sudden retirement of one of New Zealand’s all-time greats, Kane Williamson, caught many by surprise. Just 485 runs shy of becoming the first Kiwi to score 10,000 Test runs, most expected the 35-year-old to carry on, especially with marquee series against India and Australia scheduled after the England tour.
Many assumed he would bow out next summer at home, but instead Williamson decided to call it a day midway through the England series, with the opening Test at Lord’s proving his swansong.
Williamson is New Zealand’s highest run scorer in Test cricket and captained his country to some of its finest moments, including victory in the World Test Championship. He also led the Black Caps to the final of the 2019 World Cup.
He had slowed down in recent years, turning down a central contract and picking and choosing assignments, but few suspected that the end had come.
Bangladesh register historic series win over Australia
Bangladesh’s stature in world cricket continues to grow after they completed a maiden series win over world champions Australia.
Traditionally reliant on spin in home conditions, Bangladesh’s seamers rose to the occasion this time. Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed reduced Australia to nought for three in the second ODI and the tourists never recovered.
The series triumph comes at a crucial juncture with several teams battling for automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in South Africa. The cut-off date is March 31, 2027.
Bangladesh have become a formidable ODI side, particularly at home, winning their last five series. Before Australia, they had beaten Sri Lanka, New Zealand, West Indies and Pakistan.
Keith Piper loses battle with cancer
Keith Piper, the former Warwickshire wicketkeeper who played 200 First Class games and effected more than 500 dismissals during a 16 year career, passed away last week after a battle with cancer. He was 56.
At a time when England’s wicketkeeping gloves alternated between Alec Stewart and Jack Russell, Piper often found himself overlooked due to modest returns with the bat.
Yet he had a knack for delivering when it mattered. He was Brian Lara’s partner at the other end when the West Indian maestro completed his World Record 501 not out and even chipped in with a career best 116 in that historic innings. Piper was also part of Warwickshire’s famous treble winning side of 1994.
Stokes stood down after nightclub incident
England captain Ben Stokes has been stood down from the second Test against New Zealand following a nightclub incident that left an ECB security officer requiring stitches. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson has also been suspended after breaching team curfew.
The incident took place while England were celebrating their victory in the first Test.
The ECB said it was giving Stokes time and space to decide his future. Some believe he may call time on his career, while others feel he could relinquish the captaincy. In his absence, Joe Root will lead the side.
England’s off-field distractions were a major concern during their disastrous Ashes campaign and the latest controversy has once again put the spotlight on the team.
Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker are set to make their Test debuts at The Oval, while Matthew Fisher returns to the side for the first time in nearly five years. Jofra Archer also comes back into the squad and a third debutant, James Rew, could feature in case wicketkeeper Jamie Smith misses out.
West Indies claim T20 series against Sri Lanka
The three-match T20 series between Sri Lanka and West Indies was keenly contested, with the hosts prevailing in the decider to seal the series.
Needing 29 runs off the final two overs, Jason Holder smashed three sixes in four deliveries off Dushmantha Chameera to bring West Indies to the brink of victory. The formalities were completed with two balls to spare.
Sri Lanka had won the ODI series and attention now shifts to the two-Test series.
BBL privatisation hits roadblock
One of the most eagerly anticipated developments in Australian cricket, the privatisation of the Big Bash League, has hit a snag after the Australian Cricketers’ Association expressed concerns over the proposal.
The plan would have allowed state associations to decide whether to retain ownership of franchises or privatise them. However, with the players’ union voicing strong reservations, the move appears unlikely to get off the ground.
Australian players are understood to be unhappy about the disparity between local players and overseas recruits under the proposed model. Their concerns have not been adequately addressed and it remains to be seen what course Cricket Australia will now take.
