February 29 Evening Brief: Today's top news and headlines from the cricketing world

1. NZ vs AUS: Retired Neil Wagner comes out as substitute fielder on Day 1

Veteran New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner received an emotional farewell from fans during his final appearance at Wellington's Basin Reserve, following his recent retirement announcement. (READ MORE)

2. Jonny Bairstow gifts golf trip to teammates ahead of historic 100th Test

Ahead of the fifth Test between India and England, star batter Jonny Bairstow has organised a golfing trip for his teammates in Bangalore. (READ MORE)

3. Why BCCI released Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer but retained Hardik Pandya in central contracts list?

Read to find out why the BCCI snubbed Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from their central contracts but retained Hardik Pandya. (READ MORE)

4. IND vs ENG: KL Rahul ruled out of Dharamsala Test, Jasprit Bumrah returns

Rahul is being monitored by the BCCI medical team which is coordinating with specialists in London for further management of his issue. (READ MORE)

5. IPL 2024: Nicholas Pooran replaces Krunal Pandya as LSG vice-captain

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants has appointed explosive West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran as vice-captain for the 2024 season. (READ MORE)

6. IND vs ENG 2024: Rohit Sharma set to break Gautam Gambhir's Test record

With 4034 runs in 58 Tests, Rohit needs to score just 121 more to surpass Gambhir's 4154 runs in the same number of Tests. (READ MORE)

7. Match-fixing evidence sends shockwaves in Kolkata club cricket, CAB yet to respond

The match between Town Club versus Mohammedan Sporting Club in Kolkata’s First Division Group A league has garnered attention of the cricketing fraternity after a shocking video went viral on social media. In the video, it was spotted that the Mohammedan batters were deliberately leaving the balls, leading to their dismissals. (READ MORE)

8. PSL 2024: Alex Hales and Shadab Khan get involved in nasty collision in attempt to save boundary

Both players were part of a collision as they aimed to save a boundary hit by Karachi Kings batter Kieron Pollard. (READ MORE)

9. 'I was surprised by his decision' - Sourav Ganguly expresses concerns over Ishan Kishan backing out from Ranji Trophy

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his surprise at Ishan Kishan's decision to not play Ranji Trophy this season, after being excluded from the BCCI central contracts. (READ MORE)

10. I don't comment in media, neither does it bother me: Hardik Pandya

Making a successful return to competitive cricket after battling an ankle injury, Pandya recently opened up about his personal life and his unbothered attitude towards social media chatter. (READ MORE)