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

MS Dhoni is an inspiration for Sarfraz Ahmed

• MS Dhoni hasn’t only been a superlative cricketer, but also a source of inspiration for many players, both budding and established.
• Pakistan are currently the number one ranked team in T20Is and quite expectantly, a lot is expected from the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side.
• (Read more about the story)

ENG vs IND: ECB announces squad for India ODI series

• The England Cricket Board (ECB) recently announced their 14-man squad for their ODI series versus India.
• Moeen’s prowess with the willow will also be important. Joe Root’s experience also needs to come to the fore.
• (Read more about the story)

Brett Lee calls for ODI pitches with ‘grass protection’

• The first One Day International match was played between Australia and England at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground way back in 1971.
• Moreover, he called for pitches to be stitched with a tinge of grass in order to sustain the balance between the bat and ball.
• (Read more about the story)

ICC launches integrity app to tackle issues relating to anti-corruption and anti-doping

• The ICC Integrity App will give anyone in the game easy access to information they need to tackle issues relating to anti-corruption.
• The app was received well by players and officials after a soft launch at this year’s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.
• (Read more about the story)

Shane Watson gets a two-year extension from his BBL franchise

• Shane Watson has successfully revived his career as a professional T20 cricketer with his performance for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2018.
• The Big Bash League franchise signed a deal with Watson for another two years and he is extremely excited to continue the association.
• (Read more about the story)

Joe Root won’t lose his place in T20Is: England’s interim coach

• England recently annihilated Australia in the ODI series and the only T20I. Their batsmen were rampant.
• While Woakes isn’t expected to return any soon, Stokes may find a place in the squad following his injury layoff.
• (Read more about the story)

Nice to score some runs when you aren’t feeling good: Steve Smith

• Steve Smith made a return to competitive cricket when his team Toronto Nationals, led by Darren Sammy, locked horns with the Vancouver Knights.
• After the match, Smith attended a press conference where he put forth the mindset of their batsmen while tracing down the colossal score.
• (Read more about the story)

IRE vs IND: Ireland’s left-arm seamer withdraws himself from T20I series

• The 18-year old bowler didn’t play the opening match. Further insights on the injury are still awaited.
• Rather, they have roped in 20-year old David Delany as a part of their development strategy.
• (Read more about the story)

Bangladesh set to appoint Neil McKenzie as batting consultant

• It is those credentials that have ensured that he is one of the more respected cricketing folks in and around.
• The 42-year old will take up his role for the upcoming Test series against the Windies, something the BCB is indeed optimistic about.
• (Read more about the story)

When Ravi Shastri taught Sourav Ganguly the importance of punctuality

• The former Indian all-rounder is now gearing for the England tour, which probably will be his biggest challenge as a coach.
• One thing that really stands out when it comes to the former Indian cricketer is his punctuality.
• (Read more about the story)

Sarfraz Ahmed reinforces Pakistan’s World Cup claims

• Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has reinforced his side’s chances for the upcoming World Cup which will be played in England.
• He also added that the team spirit was indeed something that the Pakistan team management has worked hard to build.
• (Read more about the story)