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Indian top-order batter Virat Kohli is set to miss the third and fourth Tests against England, as per recent media reports. Continuing in Indian cricket, Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting assured that Rishabh Pant will feature in the upcoming edition, however in what capacity, is still to be decided. Whereas across the border, d espite Babar Azam's stepping down as Pakistan captain, the Pakistan Cricket Board is set to re-appoint him as the captain.
Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Wednesday, February 7, but before that, let’s check the matches scheduled for the day.
Today’s match preview:
ILT20, 2024: Gulf Giants vs MI Emirates
The Gulf Giants are slated to lock horns against MI Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The Mumbai Indians-owned franchise is at the top of the ILT20 table and enter this fixture after defeating the Desert Vipers by 30 runs. Whereas the third-placed Giants face the MI Emirates after registering a 19-run over the Dubai Capitals.
SA20 2024: Durban Super Giants vs Joburg Super Kings, Qualifier 2
The Durban Super Giants and Joburg Super Kings will battle it out for the spot in the final of SA20 2024 against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Ahead of Qualifier 2, the Super Giants suffered a 51-run loss against the Sunrisers in Qualifier 1. On the other hand, the Super Kings took down the Paarl Royal to secure their spot in the Eliminator.
Major cricket events that happened on February 7
Virat Kohli to miss 3rd and 4th Tests against England: Reports
Indian top-order batter Virat Kohli is set to miss the third and fourth Tests against England. Ahead of the five-match series, Kohli pulled out of the first two games citing personal reasons. India's number four will be not available for the next two Tests in Rajkot and Ranchi. The report by Cricinfo also stated that Virat Kohli could also miss the final Test of the series.
Babar Azam likely to be re-appointed as Pakistan captain
Despite Babar Azam's stepping down as Pakistan captain, the Pakistan Cricket Board is set to re-appoint him as the captain. After former PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf resigned from the post in January 2024, the cricket board announced Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi as the new chairman. However, the day after his appointment, reports surfaced that the PCB would re-appoint Babar Azam as the skipper of the side as per a Pakistani journalist, Qadir Khawaja.
Ricky Ponting provides BIG update on Pant’s availability for IPL 2024
Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting assured that Rishabh Pant will feature in the upcoming edition, however in what capacity, is still to be decided. “Rishabh is very confident that he’s going to be right to play. In what capacity we’re not quite sure yet. You would have seen all the social media stuff, he’s up and about and running well. But in saying that we’re only six weeks away from the first game as well,” Ponting said.
All-dominant Kapp wills South Africa to 1st ODI over Australia
The South African women's team scripted history after defeating Australia for the first time in ODIs. Batting first in a rain-affected match, the Proteas posted 229 on the back of Marizanne Kapp's gritty 75 alongside contributions from Anneke Bosch (44 in 46) and Chloe Tryon (37 in 36). Then with the ball, it was another Kapp special with the veteran all-rounder registering figures of 3-12 to restrict the Southern Stars to 149 and win the game by 84 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah becomes first bowler to be number 1 in ICC rankings across all three formats
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has claimed the top spot in the Test bowling rankings for the first time on the latest ICC Men's Test Bowler rankings. With this, Bumrah has become the first bowler in history to be ranked on top in all three formats of cricket. Previously he reached the number 1 ICC rankings in T20Is during November 2017 and also the number 1 ICC rankings in ODIs during 2018.
Washington Freedom appoint Ricky Ponting as Head Coach ahead of MLC season 2
Ahead of the Major League Cricket (MLC) season two, Washington Freedom have named former Australia captain Ricky Ponting as their head coach. The franchise made the announcement early on Wednesday, February 7, expressing Ponting's inclusion in MLC as a major significant development in American cricket. Speaking of the Washington Freedom, the franchise finished third in the inaugural season.
