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While there remains a gap of almost ten days between the second and third Test in India-England Test series, the BCCI is toiling hard to name the squad for the remainder of the series. Checking on the availability of several players including Virat Kohli, etc. On the other hand, the six-time world champions in Australia will begin their T20I leg against West Indies after registering a series whitewash in ODIs.
Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Thursday, February 8, but before that, let’s check the matches scheduled for the day.
Today’s match preview:
Australia vs West Indies 1st T20I
After drawing the two-match Test series 1-1 and whitewashing the three-match ODI series 3-0, Australia will now host the West Indies in a three-match T20I series, starting February 9. The first T20I is scheduled to be played at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Friday at 1:30 p.m. IST.
ILT20 2024: Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals
Colin Munro-led Desert Vipers will take on David Warner’s Dubai Capitals in match 27 of ILT20 2024. The match is scheduled to be held at 8:00 p.m. IST at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. Speaking of the points table, while the Vipers sit at fifth place with three wins from eight games, the Capitals are reeling at the bottom of the table with similar results but a comparatively lower NRR.
Major cricket events that happened on February 8
Durban Super Giants beat Joburg Super Kings by 69 runs to enter the final of SA20 2024
Durban Super Giants beat Faf du Plessis’ Joburg Super Kings to enter the final and setup a clash with the defending champions in Sunrisers Eastern Cape for the title glory. The Keshav Maharaj-led side posted 211 in the 20 overs over with Henrich Klaasen (74) and Wiaan Mulder (50*) bringing up their respective half-centuries. However, the Super Giants continued their momentum as Junior Dala’s four-wicket haul helped them restrict the Super Kings to 142/10 in 17.4 over to register a comfortable 69-run win and seal the finals pot.
Etihad Airways becomes new sponsor of CSK in IPL 2024
On Thursday, February 8, Etihad Airways entered into an official agreement with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to become their new sponsor in IPL 2024. As per the initial details of their partnership, the logo of Etihad Airways will be displayed on player jerseys of the CSK, and it will also be a part of their events and platforms.
He will decide: BCCI official on Virat Kohli's return to Team India
An official from BCCI shared an update on Virat Kohli's possible return for the series against England. Talking about Kohli's absence, the BCCI official, as per IE, stated, “Virat will decide when he wants to make a comeback to the Indian side. He hasn’t informed us till now but whenever he decides to play, he will be included in the team.”
Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma unfollow each other on Instagram: Reports
The cold war between Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma took a new turn lately when it appeared that both Pandya and Sharma unfollowed each other on Instagram. Reports of a rift between the Mumbai Indian players have been surfacing since Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as MI captain before the IPL 2024 auction.
Mohammed Shami bashes ex-Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza
Mohammed Shami, who is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury, has bashed the ex-Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza for his bizarre claims during the ODI World Cup 2023. The 33-year-old called Hasan Raza jealous for discrediting his success by stating that the Indians received “different and suspicious balls,” from the umpires, and the DRS was manipulated in their favour.
Mitchell Marsh tests positive for COVID; to play with precautions
Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh tested positive for Covid-19 a day before the T20I series against the West Indies. However, the Aussie captain has been given clearance to lead the side in the series opener with proper precautions. Marsh will maintain distance with teammates during the match and use a separate dressing room. Apart from this, Marsh won’t indulge in celebrations according to the Cricket Australia protocols.
Tom Moody states IPL performances 'important' for T20WC selection
Former Australian Cricket World Cup winner Tom Moody talked about how performances in the IPL and the other T20 tournaments will be very important because of the T20 World Cup 2024 selection. The 58-year-old stated that if a player showcases consistency in their play, it will put them in a good position on the selection table.
Ishan Kishan trains with Hardik and Krunal Pandya: Reports
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has started training alongside Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya in Baroda amidst his absence from the national team. As per Cricbuzz, Ishan Kishan has been working on his skills alongside Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and Lucknow Super Giants star Krunal Pandya at former India wicketkeeper Kiran More's academy in Baroda, Gujarat.
Daryl Mitchell ruled out of second South Africa Test and Australia T20Is
New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa and the upcoming T20I series against Australia due to a foot injury. The Blackcaps' head coach Gary Stead confirmed the development and also revealed that Mitchell's injury isn't a new concern rather the all-rounder has been carrying the problem for around six or seven months.
Mohammed Shami wins Sportsman of the Year
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami won the Sportstar Aces Award for the Sportsman of the Year (Team Sports) at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. The 33-year-old collected the award in person from Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar. It is to be noted that the Indian speedster finished as the highest wicket-taker at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 with 24 scalps to his name. “I am from a place that has no facilities. The awards that I have received - luck, effort, family, friends, cricket - are all because of my passion. I am grateful for everything, even that person who has contributed 1 per cent to my success,” he said at the ceremony in Mumbai.
