June 17 Evening Brief: Today's Top news and headlines from cricket world

1. 'It was no surprise to us' - Jonny Bairstow opens up on Ben Stokes' declaration on Day 1 of Edgbaston Test

Bairstow reflected on his skipper's decision and mentioned that it didn't surprise anyone in the English dressing room. (READ MORE)

2. Shaheen Afridi returns as Pakistan announce Test squad for Sri Lanka series; Mohammad Huraira, Aamer Jamal earn maiden call-ups

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has returned to the Test squad for the upcoming away series against Sri Lanka. Pakistan will play two Tests against Sri Lanka in their first assignment in the new World Test Championship cycle (2023-25). (READ MORE)

3. Ashes 2023: Michael Vaughan, Kevin Pietersen slam Ben Stokes' declaration decision on Day 1

Former England captains Michael Vaughan and Kevin Pietersen slammed Ben Stokes for declaring on Day 1 of the Ashes 2023 opening Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Friday, June 16. (READ MORE)

4. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma spotted at Krishna Das Kirtan show in London

Virat Kohli and his wife were spotted enjoying the Krishna Das Kirtan show in London recently. The couple is currently enjoying some quality time together as team India is not on any assignment right now and hence players are trying to make the most out of the break. (READ MORE)

5. Watch: Brad Currie's one-handed blinder in T20 Blast leaves spectators awestruck

Currie, 24, ran to his left and stuck his left hand out to grab the stunner, with his body parallel to the ground. (READ MORE)

6. Rohit probably needs to just refresh, he is having a bit of a rough patch: Graeme Smith

Talking about Rohit's struggles, former South African skipper Graeme Smith reckoned the Indian skipper just needs to refresh. (READ MORE)

7. 'So much depth, empathy and awareness' - Venkatesh Prasad hails Ravichandran Ashwin after latter's recent interview

Venkatesh Prasad put out a tweet in support of the experienced off-spinner, hailing Ashwin as a champion, both on and off the field. (READ MORE)

8. 'Does it hurl fire or is it haunted?' - Shahid Afridi blasts PCB's reluctance to play in Ahmedabad

Despite the board's unwillingness, former Pakistani skipper and one of the most celebrated cricketers in the country, Shahid Afridi, urged the team to take the field in Ahmedabad. (READ MORE)

9. Reports: Ambati Rayudu to join politics, likely to contest Lok Sabha polls

Ambati Rayudu met the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, twice in recent times. (READ MORE)

10. 'It feels a bit un-Australian' - Alastair Cook and other legends react after Australia deploy defensive field setting on Day 1 of first Ashes Test

Alastair Cook, the former England captain termed the approach as not the usual aggressive brand of cricket the Aussies play. He believes the visitors should have invited the 'Bazball' style from England as it also creates a risk to throw away the wickets. (READ MORE)