Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

The Rohit Sharma-led Team India had a brilliant day out in the middle on Day 3 of the ongoing second Test. On the back of Gill’s gritty hundred, the hosts posted 399 runs target for England to go 2-0 up in the series with India needing nine wickets. On the other hand, the Sri Lanka versus Afghanistan Only Test stands in favour of the hosts after tons from Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. 

Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Sunday, February 4, but before that, let’s check the matches scheduled for the day.

ALSO WATCH: Angelo Mathews gets out in bizarre manner during SL vs AFG Test

Today’s match preview:

ILT20 2024: Sharjah Warriors vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Lewis Gregory-led Sharjah Warriors will take on Sunil Narine’s Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in match 23 of ILT20 2024. The match is scheduled to be held at 8:00 p.m. IST at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. Speaking of the points table, while the Knight Riders are second in the table with four wins from seven games, the Warriors are reeling at the bottom of the table with just three wins from seven games. 

Major cricket events that happened on February 4

Patrick Kruger’s 7-ball 26* helps Sunrisers Eastern Cape to finish on top; beat Paarl Royals by 5 wickets

The Aiden Markram-led Sunrisers Eastern Cape finished on the top of the table with a five-wicket win over Paarl Royals at the St George’s Park in Gqeberha. Patrick Kruger’s 7-ball 26* powered the side on the final ball. With the top of the table finish, the Sunrisers will now take on Durban Super Giants in the Qualifier 1 while the Royals will face Joburg Super Kings in the Eliminator. 

Sean Abbott’s all-round efforts help Australia take the series 2-0 vs West Indies

Sean Abbott’s all-round show (69 and 3/40) helped Australia win the second ODI and clinch the series 2-0 with a match to go against West Indies at the SCG on Sunday, 4th February. Abbott helped the hosts to recover from the collapse to power to a total of 258/9. Thereafter, Hazlewood’s three-wicket haul and Abbott’s 3/40 help the visitors bundled out for 175. 

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Will only play if .. : BCCI source opens up on Virat Kohli’s return

India have some misses in Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli in the ongoing second Test against England, the latter’s availability in the remainder of the series still remains under cloud. Speaking on Virat Kohli’s availability, a BCCI source told PTI, “Family comes first as BCCI’s press release stated and Virat will only play if he feels that he is in a position to play.”

Waqar Younis hails Jasprit Bumrah’s “magic” yorker to Ollie Pope

The Pakistan fast bowling legend Waqar Younis took to his official X account to hail Jasprit Bumrah for bowling a “magic” inswinging yorker to castle Ollie Pope during the second India versus England second Test match. Known as one of the greatest exponents of reverse swing bowling, Waqar Younis used to deliver inswinging yorkers at will during his international career.

Gill given last chance at no 3 in Tests ahead of 2nd Test: Reports

Indian team management had issued an ultimatum to Shubman Gill ahead of the second Test against England. Gill was amidst a poor run of form as he only scored 153 runs in the nine innings. Hence the team management, as reported by the Indian Express, Gill was told that this would be his final opportunity at the number three position.

Indian Veteran Premier League set to begin on February 23

The inaugural edition of the Indian Veteran Premier League (IVPL) is set to begin on February 23, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun. The IVPL will be “exclusively for veterans above 40 years old,” including players like Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, and Chris Gayle, “to showcase their cricketing skills and relive their passion for the game.”

James Anderson reveals Brendon McCullum spoke about chasing 600

On Sunday, February 4, the England fast bowler James Anderson revealed how their head coach Brendon McCullum told them last night about trying to chase down even 600 runs if India reaches that number during the second Test match. Ultimately, the Indian cricket team set up a target of 399 runs for England on Day 3 in Visakhapatnam.

Imran Khan and wife get 7-year sentence for unlawful marriage

The former Pakistan captain Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to seven years each by a local court in a marriage case, declaring it “un-Islamic,” on Saturday, February 3. It was last week when Khan and Bibi were handed 14-year sentences each in a corruption case, called Toshakhana, wherein they were illegally selling state gifts.

I will take decision in this regard: Shakib Al Hasan on ODI captaincy

Speaking on the sidelines after Rangpur Riders' 77-run win over Sylhet Strikers, veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan spoke of his future as skipper of the national side. "I will take a decision in this regard (ODI captaincy) after talking with the board,  but we still have not discussed it," the 36-year-old said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Kasun Rajitha replaces Chamika Gunasekara as concussion sub in Only Test

Sri Lanka debutant Chamika Gunasekara was forced to retire hurt after he was hit on the helmet by Naveed Zadran bouncer on the third day of the ongoing only Test between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. However, Sri Lanka Cricket later named Kasun Rajitha as his replacement as Afghanistan began their second inning.