
Credit: X
The former Indian cricketer, Irfan Pathan, took to his official X account to opine that Riyan Parag is set to get many chances for India in limited-overs cricket due to his ability to bowl. Former India international and head coach Ravi Shastri raised concerns over current star all-rounder Hardik Pandya's fitness ahead of the Men in Blue's ODI series against Sri Lanka.
In this article, we will go through all the big news that took place on July 29-30.
He will get many chances due to….: Irfan Pathan on Riyan Parag after India’s T20I series win against Sri Lanka
The former Indian cricketer, Irfan Pathan, took to his official X account to opine that Riyan Parag is set to get many chances for India in limited-overs cricket due to his ability to bowl. The 39-year-old remarked that there aren’t many batters in India who can roll their arm over, which will give an “extra advantage” to Riyan Parag in terms of team selection. Notably, in the first T20I of the three-match series against Sri Lanka, Riyan Parag was given the responsibility of bowling in the last five overs of the innings where he picked up three wickets in just eight balls. The second T20I saw him get a four-over spell for the first time in his career, conceding just 30 runs without picking up a wicket.
Ravi Shastri raises concerns on Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness in ODIs
Former India international and head coach Ravi Shastri raised concerns over current star all-rounder Hardik Pandya's fitness ahead of the Men in Blue's ODI series against Sri Lanka. The Baroda native has been a vital part of the T20I series against the Lankans but wasn't picked for the ODI series which starts on August 3. Addressing these issues in the latest edition of The ICC Review, Shastri expressed apprehension over Hardik's bowling fitness but offered valuable advice on how he can make a comeback, and even be part of the ODI squad for the Champions Trophy next year.
My prime focus is to represent my country: Shaheen Afridi denies captaincy rumours
Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi opened up on the captaincy rumours and said that his focus has never been on captaincy, rather not bringing any negativity into the team. The former Pakistan captain denied rumours of replacing Babar Azam as the next captain of the side. Not only this, but the youngster also denied reports of any rifts in the team and stated that all teammates are his friends. Afridi, in his recent interview, as quoted by cricketpakistan.com.pk, spoke about many factors. The cricketer primarily denied the reports of being re-appointed as the captain of the Pakistan team instead of Babar Azam. He said, “All team members are my friends. I was raised well, and I always fight for my country. I never think about captaincy. My prime docs is to represent my country and never bring negativity into the team.”
Matthew Mott steps down as England Men’s White-Ball Coach; Trescothick named replacement
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirms that Matthew Mott has stepped down as the England Men’s White-Ball Head Coach with immediate effect. The decision follows England’s recent ICC T20 World Cup campaign, where the team was knocked out at the semi-final stage by eventual winners India. Mott, who met with Rob Key, ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, last week, will leave his role after two years in office. Appointed in May 2022, the 50-year-old Mott enjoyed immediate success, leading the team to victory in Australia's ICC T20 World Cup in the autumn of 2022. Under his leadership, England achieved a white-ball series of victories against Australia, Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Pakistan.
Pretoria Capitals appoint Jonathan Trott as new Head Coach
Pretoria Capitals have appointed former England international Jonathan Trott as their new Head Coach for Betway SA20 Season 3. Trott succeeds Graham Ford, who was in charge of the Capitals for the first two Betway SA20 seasons. Ford led the Capitals to the runners-up position in Season 1. The 43-year-old is the current Afghanistan national team coach with whom he has gained major success. Trott recently oversaw Afghanistan’s best-ever performance at a Men’s ICC T20 World Cup where they advanced to the semi-final for the first time in their history.
Sri Lanka announce ODI squad for India series; Charith Asalanka named captain
The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee selected the below-given 16-member squad to play in the ODI series of the ongoing India Tour of Sri Lanka 2024. The Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando, approved the squad. The three-match ODI series will be played on the 2nd, 4th and 7th August 2024 at the RPICS, Colombo.
Sri Lanka Squad for ODI series against India:
Charith Asala nka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando
Sunrisers Eastern Cape sign Roelof van der Merwe and Zak Crawley for 2025 SA20 season
Sunrisers Eastern Cape have signed England international batter Zak Crawley to their squad for Betway Season 3. It will be Crawley’s first stint in South Africa’s premier domestic T20 competition. Crawley has proved to be an inspired choice at the top of the order for England in Test cricket, being the symbol of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes’ attacking 'Bazball' philosophy. The 26-year-old has previous T20 League experience with the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia, while he also boasts a T20 century for Kent in England’s T20 Blast. "I've always wanted to be a good white-ball player," Crawley said recently. "I'm trying to add a few other shots to my game, but I feel like it's quite suited and I've gone well in T20 cricket in the past when I've had a run at it. I'm trying to add a bit more power to my game, I'm working hard in the nets trying a few different things to hopefully hit more and bigger sixes."