Mitchell Santner to lead New Zealand in SL T20Is, ODIs

New Zealand will play Sri Lanka in three ODIs and two T20Is beginning on November 9 under Mitchell Santner. Since Kane Williamson resigned as captain after New Zealand’s unexpected loss in the T20 World Cup group stage in June, this will be the team’s first limited-overs series.

According to a press statement from New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the country has also called up all-rounder Nathan Smith and ‘keeper-batter Mitch Hay for the first time in the 15-man roster.

While regular ODI and T20I captains will be chosen during the home summer in New Zealand. Later this year, Mitchell Santner has been picked as the series’ interim leader.

In March, Nathan Smith won the title of NZC’s Domestic Player of the Year. In addition to recording career-best figures of 4 for 5 in the Super Smash, he took 24 wickets in the domestic ODI and T20 leagues. However, earlier this year, Hay, 24, was named Canterbury’s male Player of the Year.

Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, and Lockie Ferguson make up the pace attack, and Ish Sodhi will be the team’s most seasoned spinner. All-round spin bowlers Dean Foxcroft, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips will join with Sodhi. Lastly, the batting lineup will consist of Josh Clarkson, Tim Robinson, Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, and Will Young.

To get ready for the three-match Test series against England, eight players from the current Test series against India. Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, and Kane Williamson were not selected.

The entire team consists of Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, and Mitch Hay (WK).

Series Schedule

1st T20I – Saturday, November 9, Dambulla

2nd T20I – Sunday, November 10, Dambulla

1st ODI – Wednesday, November 13, Dambulla

2nd ODI– Sunday, November 17, Kandy

3rd ODI – Tuesday, November 19, Kandy

On the second morning, SA’s lead is extended by Verreynne and Mulder fifty.

On the first evening, it appeared like almost every ball turned and caused problems for South Africa‘s hitters. However, Wiaan Mulder and Kyle Verreynne had gone through with relative ease, adding 32 to head into stumps without suffering any more damage. However, the same pitch appeared to have settled well for batting by the second morning. After applying themselves resolutely to Bangladesh’s spinners, Verreynne and Mulder ultimately took their seventh-wicket partnership to a crucial 119.

The pace and reverse swing of Hasan Mahmud. However, was what gave Bangladesh their only two wickets of the session even as the threat of three spinners loomed. By lunchtime, though, South Africa had already swept to a 137-run advantage, with Verreynne undefeated at 77.

Taijul Islam and Mahmud began Bangladesh’s second day of bowling together. Even though Verreynne appeared particularly confident against Mahmud, pushing him past mid-on for three in the day’s second over before clipping and driving him for boundaries two overs later, the left-arm spinner had virtually little turn.

In the 46th over, Taijul had Mulder prodding, but the outside edge missed slip. That was due as much to Mulder’s use of gentle hands as it was to the surface’s slowness. Both Taijul and offspinner Nayeem Hasan were easily defeated by Mulder and Verreynne, who adapted well on the pitch.

Verreynne and Mulder

Even though Nayeem occasionally turned the ball in noticeably, both batters made excellent use of the sweeps and the reverse sweep. That was due to their comfortably putting the ball away after they had reached the pitch of the deliveries with a nice stride. On the second morning, Verreynne and Mulder smashed 45 runs, including seven boundaries, off Taijul, Nayeem, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz by playing the sweep or the reverse sweep off 28 deliveries.

The batters were unable to collect comfortable singles from the sweep because Bangladesh put a guy close in at square leg. But Verreynne reached fifty by hitting a one to the man located there. When Mulder hit Nayeem for four behind point at the beginning of the 64th over, he reached his first Test half-century.

Najmul Hossain Shanto only called Mahmud back into the attack in the over prior to that, and Mahmud then struck back-to-back in the over immediately following. He started by pitching on a length of back outside off, and the ball held its line. Mulder attempted a punch. But missed by a narrow margin on 54. Mahmud went considerably fuller on the next ball, turning the ball into Keshav Maharaj and uprooting it off the stump after beating his defence.

However, No. 10 Dane Piedt blocked and pushed Verreynne’s way at the other end, keeping him undefeated into the lunch break.

“100%” pain-free Shami wants to show the health for Australia in home matches.

Mohammed Shami, who had a setback in his recuperation. He said that he is “100%” pain-free and intends to play “one or two domestic matches” to demonstrate his match fitness for the Australia tour.

Following the completion of the first Test match between India and New Zealand on Sunday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the 34-year-old pacer. Who hasn’t competed for India. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup reported that he bowled with a full run-up and was confident about his fitness.

“Yesterday felt fantastic. Prior to that, I had been bowling with a half run-up because I didn’t want to overtax my body,” Shami stated on Monday, October 21, on the fringes of an event in Gurgaon. “We made the decision yesterday to bowl at maximum effort for the previous two sessions. I gave it everything I had. It was satisfying, and the outcomes were positive. I’m hoping to get back on track quickly.”

Mohammed Shami

The knee issues compounded Shami’s problems. He had been sidelined during the World Cup due to an injury to his left Achilles heel. It was “very difficult” to make a decision on the fast bowler at the moment, according to Rohit Sharma. Who disclosed last week that Shami had a swollen knee after almost reaching 100% fitness. It won’t be the “right decision” for the squad, Rohit continued, to send a “undercooked” Shami to Australia.

“That series is still far away, but I know everyone has been thinking about whether or not I will go to Australia,” Shami remarked, adding that he is “100%” pain-free.

“I just want to concentrate on staying in shape and building up my strength in preparation for the tour. It would be preferable for me to focus on the finer points and spend a little more time on the ground before heading out because I know the style of attack we want for that Test series.

“It’s preferable that I play one or two home matches before traveling to Australia. If I become fit and have eight to 10 days off.

“I don’t know when I can play again, but I’ll try to play a match the day I feel confident bowling 20–30 overs and the doctors give me the all-clear. Prior to heading for the Australia series, I want to spend as much time as possible on the ground.”

On November 22 in Perth, Australia, the first Test match between Australia and India will begin precisely one month from now.

In the match against New Zealand, Sarfaraz Khan maiden test century sets off India’s furious comeback.

In the morning session of Day 4, India reached 344 for 3, with to 113 runs scored by Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. By lunch on Saturday, October 19, the gap had been reduced to 12 runs. After 105 minutes of play during. Which Sarfaraz achieved his first Test century and Pant raced to another half-century the session was prematurely ended by rain.

In the second over of the day, Sarfaraz did not waste any time in getting going, hitting William O’Rourke for two boundaries over the slips before dabbing Matt Henry into a gully for another. In the overs that followed, Pant quickly joined the act, and the boundary-fest carried on.

Sarfaraz Khan

The choice to test Sarfaraz with an outside the offstump line proved to be ineffective as he amassed a century with a punch through cover. While utilizing dabs, flicks, lofts, and uppercuts to great advantage.

Before cutting Tim Southee through point and cover, Pant. Who had been playing second fiddle up until that moment, got things started by muscling him for a straight six down the ground. He went for the left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, giving him a more brutal treatment. Even though Sarfaraz had adopted a little more conservative strategy. He still managed to maintain a solid scoring rate by smashing two sixes and a four in one over.

Day 4 began 48 minutes later, with Ajaz keeping Sarfaraz quiet, and New Zealand delivering the first maiden over of the day. New Zealand thought they had a chance, but these were rare occasions. A few legbefore pleas were made. There was a brief misunderstanding between Pant and Sarfaraz. But luckily nothing serious happened for the hosts.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 402 (Rachin Ravindra 134, Devon Conway 91; Ravindra Jadeja 3-72) leads India 46 and 344/3 (Sarfaraz Khan 125*, Virat Kohli 70, Risabh Pant 53*; Ajaz Patel 2-100) by 12 runs.

Wickramasinghe will play his first ODI against the West Indies.

While Chamika Karunaratne and Akila Dananjaya are out, Jeffrey Vandersay and Dilshan Madushanka are in for a three-match series.

Uncapped all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe bowls quickly. Who was chosen above Chamika Karunaratne in Sri Lanka’s 16-man team to play the West Indies. He will play in an ODI. Off-spinner Akila Dananjaya has been replaced by leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay.

Karunaratne’s omission supports the idea that, under the new coaching and selection process. He has simply lost favor. Despite being a member of multiple squads subsequently. He did not play for Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

However, Wickramasinghe’s ascent after strong batting performances in the Lanka Premier League in July has matched his downward trajectory. Prior to Dunith Wellalage being favored over him due to increasingly spin-friendly pitches. He participated in the opening match of the T20I series against the West Indies.

Wickramasinghe

Mohamed Shiraz, who was added to the team late to play India. Keeps his spot in lieu of the injured Dilshan Madushanka and Matheesha Pathirana. Madushanka is also returning after missing the T20I series against the West Indies.

Not mentioned is Pathirana, who played in all three Twenty20 Internationals against the West Indies. Asitha Fernando completes the range of pace choices. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga will front a potent attack in spin bowling, with Vandersay and Wellalage offering support.

The batting lineup for Sri Lanka is unaltered. With players like Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Nishan Madushka, Skipper Charith Asalanka leads a formidable squad.

On October 20, the three-match series will begin. Pallekele is where all three games will take place.

The Sri Lanka T20I team for the West Indies series

Charith Asalanka (captain), Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Pathum Nissanka

Dale Steyn has confirmed his resignation as bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn declared he would not be rejoining Sunrisers Hyderabad as their bowling coach for the next Indian Premier League (IPL). But Steyn went on to say that he will stay on as a coach for the SA20 league’s Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

“It is with great sadness that I must announce my departure from Sunrisers Hyderabad as their bowling coach for the 2025 IPL season,” Steyn wrote in a post on X. But I will still be involved in the SA20 here in South Africa, working for Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

Due to personal circumstances, Steyn had earlier this year declared himself unavailable for the IPL 2024. As a result, the Sunrisers appointed former New Zealand cricketer James Franklin as their bowling coach. Who would assist head coach Daniel Vettori.

During his playing career, the 41-year-old Dale Steyn played for the now-defunct Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League. Prior to being appointed bowling coach of Sunrisers ahead of the 2022 season. He played his final IPL season for RCB in 2020.He is recognized for having had a significant impact on the development of Umran Malik and several other Sunrisers pacers.

Before falling to KKR in the IPL 2024 final, Sunrisers made it to the game. They had not participated in an IPL final since placing second in 2018. Given their success last year with the Vettori-Franklin combination, Sunrisers may consider keeping their current coaching staff.

First Test IND vs NZ : Hourly Weather Report for Bengaluru on Day 1

It seems likely that both sides and their supporters will have a bad taste in their mouths after the IND vs. NZ Test series begins in Bengaluru. The recent nonstop rains in Bengaluru have caused waterlogging around the city, which has negatively impacted daily operations. The practice sessions for New Zealand and India over the past few days have also been badly hampered. The possibility of rain is very real at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium as the two sides get ready for Wednesday’s first day of the series opener.

IND vs NZ Bengaluru Hourly Weather Update Today (October 16):

10:00 AM (7:30 PM IST) – 5 % chance of rain

11:00 AM (8:30 PM IST) – 5 % chance of rain

12:00 PM (9:30 PM IST) – 8 % chance of rain

1:00 PM (10:30 PM IST) – 51 % chance of rain

2:00 PM (11:30 PM IST) – 51 % chance of rain

3:00 PM (7:30 PM IST) – 47 % chance of rain

4:00 PM (7:30 PM IST) – 14 % chance of rain

5:00 PM (7:30 PM IST) – 14 % chance of rain

The New Zealand team is hoping to take advantage of the favorable weather in the city. They have frequently caused India problems with the ball in cloudy conditions. Fast bowlers would be more frequently used due to the weather, according to Kiwi captain Tom Latham.

“This weather is not what we were expecting; it’s not as hot as we thought it would be, which might make the fast bowlers more effective. It’s difficult to say for sure right now, but we’ll study the last game played here,” Latham stated during Tuesday’s pre-game press conference.

Given how Bengaluru’s weather has changed, the Indian team may also consider their bowling combinations.

Rohit Sharma explains their reasons for not wanting to bring Mohammed Shami to Australia.

Earlier to the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia, India’s captain for both Test and ODI cricket, Rohit Sharma, revealed some unsettling news regarding the health of pacer Mohammed Shami. Before the opening Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru. Rohit told the media that he doubted Shami would make the trip to Australia for the five-match series. Shami has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup, despite expectations that he will make a comeback.

Mohammed Shami is “undercooked,” according to Rohit, because of his extended layoff from cricket and his most recent knee problems. Shami’s knee swelling hindered his healing process and necessitated that he resume his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Where medical professionals and physiotherapists are assisting him. The decision to hold Shami out is to make sure he doesn’t return too soon. Rohit underlined, emphasizing how important it is for him to achieve full health before rejoining the team.

“We wish to avoid sending an undercooked Shami to Australia,” Rohit expressed. He went on to say that Shami’s level of readiness is questionable and that while he continues his rehabilitation under the team’s medical experts, the emphasis is on a full recovery to avoid any setbacks.

The India Test Series, Steve Smith will return to the No 4 position.

In the forthcoming Test series against India, veteran Australian batsman Steve Smith will take the field at number four, his preferred spot, following a brief stint as an opener.

National selector George Bailey revealed on Monday that veteran Australia batsman Steve Smith will be back at his preferred number four spot in the forthcoming Test series against India, following a brief stint as an opener. Following the retirement of starting pitcher David Warner earlier this year, Smith volunteered to start the innings. In just his second Test match in the new role, the 35-year-old scored an undefeated 91 runs. But he struggled in the series against New Zealand, managing just 51 runs in four innings.

Bailey verified that Smith will return to his preferred slot, as chosen by head coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins.

After all-rounder Cameron Green, who had taken over Smith’s role at No. 4, decided to have a lower back surgery that would sideline him for six months, Smith had the chance to return to his previous position.

Steve has stated that he would like to return to his starting position, and Pat and Andrew have verified that he will be returning to his starting position for the summer. India will play Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, which begins in Perth on November 22.

Jaydev Unadkat extends Sussex’s contract through 2026

Jaydev Unadkat has extended his contract with Sussex for the 2025 and 2026 County Championship seasons, meaning he will stay involved with the team. For both seasons’ championship run-in, he will be available.

“Last year, when I arrived in Hove, I had no idea what the County Championship offered or how I would adjust to it. Unadkat was cited as stating in a team release, “But after a few games now. I can definitely say Hove is my home away from home and Good Old Sussex by the Sea has my heart.”

According to Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace, “everyone at Hove is thrilled and ecstatic that Jaydev Unadkat has signed a two-year agreement and will be rejoining the Club for the next two seasons.”

Jaydev’s abilities on the field have been readily apparent to all. But even more significantly, his character attributes make him one of the friendliest and most well-liked players any club could ask for. When Unadkat initially joined Sussex in 2023. He claimed 15 wickets in three games. After rejoining the squad in 2024, he amassed 22 wickets at an average of 14.40 in five games. Which contributed to Sussex’s Division Two victory.

Saurashtra is now trailing Unadkat in the Ranji Trophy, which began on Friday.