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With the India versus England Test series now moving to Ranchi, both teams will aim to field their best XI. While India will aim to settle the series in the fourth Test in Ranchi, England will aim to force a decider in Dharamsala as they look to field Ollie Robinson in place of Mark Wood. On the other hand, Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, registering a 6-wicket win in the opener in Wellington.
Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Wednesday, February 21, but before that, let’s check the matches scheduled for the day.
PSL 2024: Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators
Shadab Khan-led Islamabad United will host the Rilee Rossouw’s Quetta Gladiators in the eighth match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. The match is scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. IST at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both the teams are coming off contrasting results. While the United have won one game and lost their second match, the Gladiators comfortably sit at the second place, having won both their fixtures so far in the tournament.
Major cricket events that happened on February 21
Tim David's cameo orchestrates Australia to 6-wicket win; take 1-0 lead
Tim David’s 10-ball cameo of 31 runs nullified New Zealand’s 100-round effort with the visitors taking the game in their favour in a last over thriller. While the Kiwis posted 215/3 in the T20I series opener in Wellington, but the Aussies snatched the game in the last ball to go 1-0 up in the series.
Afghanistan register consolation win to wind up their T20I series
Fireworks from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (70 off 43) and Hazratullah Zazai (45 off 22) led Afghanistan to a big total that proved enough to register a three-run win over the hosts, Sri Lanka in the final T20I in Dambulla on Wednesday. With this, Afghanistan registered their solitary win during their multi-format tour of Sri Lanka.
IPL 2024 schedule to be announced on February 22
After Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed that the 2024 edition will begin on March 22, the schedule for the IPL 2024 is set to be announced on Thursday, February 22. The first 15-day schedule for the 17th edition of the IPL will be announced initially as the league chairman earlier confirmed that the schedule announcement will take place in phases due to elections.
Ollie Robinson in line to play fourth Test against India
The Ben Stokes-led England is looking to call in pacer Ollie Robinson in place of Mark Wood in the XI. If reports are to be believed, the main reason behind calling Robinson is to add balance with uncertainty over Ben Stokes returning to bowling. The England pacer last featured in a Test in July 2023 in Headingley.
Virat Kohli spotted in London after son's birth; picture surfaces
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma on Tuesday, February 20 announced the birth of their second child, Akaay. However, the couple did not speak of their whereabouts, but in a picture going viral on social media, Virat Kohli was spotted for the first time on the streets of London, wearing a long jacket on white track pants.
Sarfaraz Khan to replace Shivam Dube in CSK for IPL 2024: Reports
Defending champion CSK has been handed a major blow with Shivam Dube sustaining an injury in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. CSK is likely to replace him with Sarfaraz Khan, who went unsold at the IPL 2024 auction despite registering for a base price of INR 20 Lakh. The Mumbai batter has been closely linked with CSK and KKR.
Akash Deep to make Test debut in fourth Test against England: Reports
With Jasprit Bumrah being rested for the fourth Test, which is scheduled to be played in Ranchi from February 23 to 27, and KL Rahul also ruled out, India is likely to hand debut cap to Akash Deep. As reported by the Indian Express, the team management and selector are likely to go with Akash Deep as they seem to be impressed with the way he bowled in matches between India A and England Lions.
Islamabad United rope in Martin Guptill as Md Waseem’s replacement
PSL franchise Islamabad United had roped in Martin Guptill as UAE batter, Mohammad Waseem’s replacement. It is to be noted that Waseem’s replacement comes after he had to withdraw due to other assignments.
Abhishek Sharma summoned by police in connection with Tania Singh’s suicide case
SRH batter Abhishek Sharma has been reportedly summoned by the Surat Police in connection with the suicide of model Tania Singh. The model, who hailed from Rajasthan and was pursuing fashion design and modelling, committed suicide in her apartment and the authorities suspect a love affair between Singh and Sharma.
