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Indian batting great VVS Laxman is set to extend his term as head of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru by at least a year. His initial three-year contract was until this September. The BCCI has "categorically said no" to the ICC's proposal of hosting the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in October. The ICC is likely to announce the host for the tournament on August 20.
In this article, we will go through all the big news on Thursday, August 15.
Major cricket events that happened on Thursday, August 15
Spencer Johnson ruled out of UK tour, Sean Abbott named replacement
Left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson has been ruled out of the T20I series against Scotland and England after being injured in the Hundred. Johnson sustained a side strain during his time in the Oval Invincibles. He will be replaced by New South Wales allrounder Sean Abbott who was in the ODI squad for the five matches against England.
Australia T20I squad vs Scotland and England
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Yere Goud named Karnataka head coach ahead of 2024 domestic season
Former batter Yere Goud has been named Karnataka head coach ahead of the 2024-25 Indian domestic season as per PTI. He replaced PV Shashikanth and stepped up from the Under-23 side that won the maiden CK Nayudu Trophy title this year. He previously coached the senior side for four seasons in 2018. The 52-year-old played 134 first-class games, 49 List A games and seven T20s between 1994-95 and 2011. He totalled 7650 runs in first-class cricket, at 45.53.
Rohit Sharma jumps up to No. 2 in ODI batting rankings behind Babar
Babar Azam remains the No. 1 ODI batter in the ICC rankings, but Rohit Sharma has moved up to the second after the ODI series in Sri Lanka. Behind Rohit is Shubman Gill, placed third ahead of the fourth-ranked Virat Kohli. Meanwhile, Pathum Nissanka has risen one place to eighth. With scores of 58, 64 and 35 in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, Rohit jumped up one spot and replaced Gill with 765 points. Babar is well ahead, though, with 824 points.
VVS Laxman to extend term as head of NCA
Indian batting great VVS Laxman is set to extend his term as head of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru by at least a year. His initial three-year contract was until this September. Laxman was approached by multiple IPL franchises for a head coach position which is not possible because of his NCA duties. Laxman is set to be assisted by his team of coaches, including Shitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule and Hrishikesh Kanitkar, all stalwarts of Indian domestic cricket.
BCCI rejects ICC's offer to host Women's T20 World Cup
The BCCI has "categorically said no" to the ICC's proposal of hosting the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in October. The ICC is likely to announce the host for the tournament on August 20. With no India, Sri Lanka and UAE have emerged as the possible alternatives for the tournament which is slated to be held from October 3-20. "They [ICC] have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no," Jay Shah told the Times of India. "We're in the monsoon and on top of that we will host the Women's ODI World Cup next year. I don't want to give any kind of signals that I want to hold consecutive World Cups."
Sydney Thunder signs Chamari Athapaththu on 3-year deal
Sydney Thunder have signed Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu for the next three seasons as per a pre-draft signing ahead of the Women's Big Bash League 2024-25, which begins on October 27. Athapaththu played for the Thunder last season as an undrafted player. She finished the season with a Player-of-the-Tournament performance in Thunder's fourth-place finish, scoring 552 runs at 42.46 and taking nine wickets.
Devon Conway and Finn Allen reject NZC's central contracts
New Zealand's Devon Conway and Finn Allen have turned down central contracts. The wicketkeeper-batter has signed a casual agreement similar to Kane Williamson and will be available for all internationals except for the Sri Lanka white-ball matches in January. As per ESPNcricinfo, Conway is set to play for Joburg Super Kings as he will be making his first appearance in South Africa since leaving the country and moving to New Zealand in 2017. Allen will pursue franchise opportunities and will be eligible for selection on a case-by-case basis.
