Top Stories: Things that made news in the cricket world today

New Zealand Cricket announces squads for Pakistan series

• The left-arm spinner was the highest wicket-taker for Central Stags and has deservedly been included in the squad.
• NZC selector Gavin Larsen justified the inclusion of Ajaz and felt that he deserved an opportunity after his performances in the domestic arena.
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After Afghanistan, England Tests, Rohit Sharma fails to find a place in the India A squad

• The continued snubbing of Sharma for the longest format gives a hint that the selectors might have decided to put Sharma’s case to rest.
• The report said the only way that could help Sharma to return for the longest format is by performing well in the Ranji Trophy.
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PCB trying to bring New Zealand to Pakistan for a few matches

• New Zealand are scheduled to play Pakistan for a three-match Test series, five-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series.
• Meanwhile, NZC, in their email to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), mentioned that all the matches will be played in the UAE.
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T10 League: Bengal Tigers look to strengthen squad ahead of edition 2

• Bengal Tigers, one of the teams of Heera Group T10 League, have decided to strengthen their team for the second edition this year.
• The Tigers will, however, miss Ahmed at the helm for he will be busy with national commitments during the league, scheduled in November.
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I would play Ashwin in place of Hardik: Gautam Gambhir ahead of the 1st Test

• The Indian team is approaching the Test series against England and the best part of this numero uno side is that they have plenty of options for all the positions.
• Gambhir wants to play the off-spinner ahead of Hardik Pandya given the way the wickets have behaved and are expected to turnout for the Test series.
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I have a lot of hopes on Virat Kohli: Sourav Ganguly

• Sourav Ganguly has also pinned all his hopes on the Indian captain to come good in the upcoming Test series against the hosts which will get underway on August 1.
• India has historically struggled in England especially in Tests and the results during their recent tours prove it.
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Faf du Plessis is certain Steyn will come back strong against Pakistan

• Du Plessis’ remarks came after Steyn managed to take just two wickets in the recent away Test series against Sri Lanka that the Islanders won 2-0.
• However, the second of those two wickets saw Steyn equalising former captain Shaun Pollock as the country’s highest wicket-taker in Tests (421).
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We won’t make any excuses about the conditions: Ravi Shastri

• The Indian team is gearing up for the upcoming five-match Test series against which is set to commence on August 1 at Edgbaston. 
• There have been reports of the visitors complaining about the pitch and the outfield at the Essex County Ground in Chelmsford.
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BCCI source reveals the extent of Glenn Maxwell and his escapade in the IPL 2017

• However, such was his condition after the alcohol consumption that he made an attempt to cycle his way back to the team hotel.
• However, had it not been for that one person who helped him back to his feet, he may very well have lost his life.
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ACB announces ODI and T20I squad for Afghanistan’s tour of Ireland

• The Afghanistan Cricket Board recently announced the ODI and T20I squads for the cricket team’s upcoming tour of Ireland.
• Stanikzai and Co would now be keen to replicate their impressive form in the upcoming fixtures as well.
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How will England-India Test series affect the rankings?

• Team India is currently sitting pretty at the top of the Test rankings with 125 rating points.
• If the Test series ends in a draw, then India will lose 5 points and England will earn 3 points as there will be no changes in the rankings.
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BCCI yet not decided on anti-doping inclusion

• The meeting also saw discussions on exercising control over private T20 leagues organised in various states.
• There has been a controversy in the recent past over the doping-related ban of an Indian batsman and the BCCI came under criticism for its handling of the matter.
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Steve Smith set to lose top Test rank during his suspension period

• The former Australian captain Steve Smith still holds the top spot in the Test rankings for the batsmen with 929 rating points in the latest ICC update.
• According to the rules, the ICC docks one per cent of the players’ rating for every missed Test match.
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Steve Smith set to represent Barbados Tridents in Caribbean Premier League

• Tainted Australian cricketer Steve Smith is likely to play for the Barbados Tridents in the upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League.
• Last month, Smith made a return to competitive cricket as he represented the Toronto Nationals led by Darren Sammy.
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Mitchell Johnson calls it quits from Big Bash League

• One of Australia‘s best bowlers in recent times, Mitchell Johnson has called it quits from the Big Bash League stating fatigue.
• The 36-year old played 18 of the 19 matches in the BBL last season and picked 20 wickets.
• (Read more about the story)

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