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After clinching the three-match T20I against Sri Lanka, the Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue are taking on the Charith Asalanka-led side in a three-match ODI series. On Sunday, August 3, India were handed a shocking 32-run defeat in the second ODI and now trail the series 0-1 after the first match ended in a tie. However, they will aim to end the series in a draw after a disappointing performance in the second ODI.
In this article, we will go through all the big news that took place on August 4 and 5.
Major cricket events that happened on August 4 and 5
Sri Lanka beat India by 32 runs to go 1-0 up in three-match ODI series
Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay's magical six-wicket haul robbed the roar from Rohit Sharma's brutal fifty as Sri Lanka etched a 32-run win over India in the second ODI in Colombo on Sunday, August 4. Sri Lanka now lead the three-match series 1-0 after the first match ended in a tie. India were asked to chase down 241 on a pitch that had plenty of assistance for the spinners, and they ended up at 208 all out in 42.2 overs with Vandersay wrecking them with a haul of six for 33.
Was it a shock? I would say yes: Abhishek Nayar on India’s defeat
Abhishek Nayar, the Indian assistant coach, addressed the press conference after Sri Lanka registered a 32-run win over India in the second ODI of the three-match series at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The 40-year-old spoke about how the defeat for India came as a “shock” to the team management before crediting Sri Lanka for their exceptional performance.
Chennai Super Kings likely to enter Women’s Premier League
With five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles to their name, one of the most consistent franchises along with Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are now looking in to enter the Women’s Premier League (WPL). According to The Indian Express, Rupa Gurunath is likely to get the franchise into the WPL after taking the helm of India Cements group.
Former England Batter Graham Thorpe passes away at 55
Former England and Surrey batter Graham Thorpe passed away aged 55 after battling a "serious illness" since 2022, the country's cricket board announced on Monday. Considered one of the finest batters of his generation, Thorpe was hospitalised shortly after being named the head coach of Afghanistan in 2022 but the details of his medical condition are not known. He is survived by his wife Amanda and four children, Henry, Amelia, Kitty and Emma.
Taskin Ahmed can make Bangladesh Test return with workload management
Taskin Ahmed, the Bangladesh fast bowler, can make his return to Test cricket for the national team if manages his workload, insisted the BCB physio, Bayjedul Islam. He also spoke about the need for Taskin Ahmed to try and bowl longer spells, to play Tests for the national team after he took a break from the format some time ago.
Zak Crawley to miss Sri Lanka Test series after suffering fracture
England named a 14-member squad for their upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Designated opener Zak Crawley will miss the series after he sustained a fracture on his right little finger in England's third Test against the West Indies. Along with this seamer Dillon Pennington will also miss out on the series after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred competition.
ICC reveals Player of the Month nominees for July
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has shortlisted names for the ICC Player of the Month awards for July, celebrating the standout performers from an action-packed month of international cricket. England’s Gus Atkinson entered the Test arena in July and made an immediate impact with a stunning display of destructive pace bowling in their dominant World Test Championship series victory over West Indies. Charlie Cassell of Scotland also made his first steps, along with India’s Washington Sundar, who bowled superbly on their short-format tours of Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
Cricket South Africa appoints Imraan Khan as new batting coach
Imraan Khan, who played just one Test match for South Africa in 2009, has been appointed as the new batting coach for the series against West Indies. Ashwell Prince, who was in charge of the team has stepped aside due to personal reasons and has not travelled with the team. Imraan meanwhile has joined the coaching unit, led by Shukri Conrad and will assume a more overarching role at CSA after the series.
