South Africa Rests Prenelan Subrayen for Final ODIs After Suspect Bowling Action Report

Prenelan Subrayen, an all-rounder for South Africa, has been mentioned for suspect bowling behavior. After Tuesday’s first ODI in Cairns against Australia.

The offspinner dismissed opener Travis Head with a 98-run victory, taking 1 for 46 in his ten overs. South Africa now leads 1-0. Subrayen, 31, made his ODI debut nearly two months after earning his first Test cap in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe.

South Africa hopes Prenelan Subrayen can visit Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. Where Australia’s left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann was tested earlier. This year, to complete an independent evaluation of his action at an ICC-accredited testing facility within 14 days.

When delivering the ball, bowlers are allowed to extend their elbows by 15 degrees. They can keep bowling in matches until the outcome of their test is known. Nevertheless, the team has decided that Subrayen will not participate until he has finished the testing process, South Africa coach Shukri Conrad stated on Thursday.

“I’m free to play,” Conrad replied. Playing is permitted until you are tested.

We simply felt that there was less noise that he was out of the spotlight, that he was safe, and that he had focused on the tests.

Our goal is to have him tested as quickly as possible, and we hope to do it in Brisbane. That works for everyone. We hope to receive it as soon as possible because we are traveling to the UK via Brisbane.

The Subrayen has previously come under fire for his behavior. After two independent examinations determined that his action was illegal. Cricket South Africa (CSA) placed him under rehabilitation in December 2012. In January 2013, he was cleared to bowl once more following retesting and corrective work.

Subrayen was banned from bowling after an assessment of his action found all of his deliveries above the 15-degree restriction in September 2014. During the Champions League T20 event in India and again during a domestic T20 match in November 2015. After his action was certified at the CSA’s High Performance Centre in March 2016. He was eventually allowed to continue bowling after failing a reassessment in January 2016.

Conrad stated he has experienced this technique before. “Never is it simple. He has been waiting a long time to make his debut, but we are supporting him. We’ll take it from there after a lot becomes known next week.

12 balls have been flagged by [the ICC] and sent to us. During the test, he must replicate those 12 balls. In order to motivate him and learn more about how these things operate. We will be sending our bowling coach, Piet Botha, along with him.

🏏 Keshav Maharaj Reclaims ICC ODI Bowling Crown with Fiery Five-Wicket Blitz Against Australia

South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has stormed back to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings. After a scintillating five-wicket haul against Australia, reaffirming his status as one of the most lethal spinners in world cricket.

In the opening ODI of the three-match series held at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns on August 19. Keshav Maharaj delivered a masterclass in spin bowling, claiming 5 wickets for just 33 runs in his 10-over spell. His performance dismantled Australia’s middle order, turning what looked like a promising chase into a dramatic collapse. From 60/0, the hosts crumbled to 89/6 within nine overs, thanks largely to Maharaj’s relentless accuracy and guile.

The 35-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner removed key batters including Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, and Aaron Hardie. His spell not only earned him the Player of the Match award. But also propelled South Africa to a commanding 98-run victory, setting the tone for the series.

This performance catapulted Maharaj to the No.1 spot in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings, overtaking Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana and India’s Kuldeep Yadav. Maharaj now holds 687 rating points, reclaiming a position he briefly held in late 2023.

📈 Ranking Shake-Up

The latest rankings reflect a significant reshuffle. Kuldeep Yadav. Who had been holding the top spot, slipped to third due to India’s lack of ODI fixtures since the Champions Trophy. Theekshana now sits second with 671 points. Other notable movers include West Indies’ Jayden Seales. Who surged 17 places after a six-wicket haul against Pakistan, and Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed, who climbed 18 spots to joint-43rd.

Interestingly, despite not playing ODIs recently, Indian pacers Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj have all gained a spot each, now ranked 13th, 14th, and 15th respectively. Ravindra Jadeja remains India’s highest-ranked spinner at ninth with 616 points.

🧠 Keshav Maharaj’s Rise: A Testament to Consistency

Maharaj’s journey to the top has been marked by consistency and resilience. With 63 wickets in 49 ODIs at an average of 30.46 and an economy rate of 4.58, he has quietly built a reputation as a dependable match-winner. His latest feat also makes him only the fourth South African spinner to take a five-wicket haul in an ODI on Australian soil, joining the ranks of Nicky Boje, Imran Tahir, and Tabraiz Shamsi.

As South Africa looks to build momentum ahead of major tournaments, Maharaj’s resurgence offers a timely boost. His ability to control the middle overs and strike at crucial moments makes him an invaluable asset in the Proteas’ bowling arsenal.

With the series still in play, all eyes will be on Maharaj to see if he can maintain his dominance and help South Africa clinch the series against a formidable Australian side.

Kagiso Rabada will not play in the Australia ODIs.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will not play for South Africa in the ODI series against Australia. Which begins on August 19. The pacer is not playing because his right ankle is injured. According to reports, the 30-year-old had a scan on Monday, August 18, which verified the severity of the damage.

According to Cricket South Africa, he will now stay in Australia and get rehabilitation care under the guidance of the medical experts of the national team.

South Africa has selected the pace trio of Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, and Lungi Ngidi for the opening match in Cairns. The next two games will take place in McKay on August 22 and 24.

Scott Boland Gears Up to Tackle Bazball Head-On in Home Ashes Series

Veteran Australian seamer Scott Boland is quietly building confidence as Australia prepares to face England’s aggressive Bazball strategy in the upcoming Ashes series, set to begin in Perth on November 21. Mix of experience, tactical awareness, and home conditions could make him a key part of Australia’s success.

Learning from the Past

Reflecting on his 2023 stint in England, Boland admits it was a tough assignment. Despite bowling well, the wickets weren’t there for him. “I’m a better bowler than I was back then,” he said recently, acknowledging personal growth and readiness to face high-octane opposition in familiar conditions.

Fans on Reddit agree his home form speaks volumes:

“Scott Boland is literally unplayable with his ability to seam it both ways… The only challenge he has… will be Bazball in Aus”

Ace Home Conditions

Boland emphasized that Australia’s typically bowler-friendly wickets will neutralize Bazball’s emphasis on aggressive run-scoring. “If the wickets stay similar to what they’ve been… we’re going to be in the game all the time,” he said, exuding quiet confidence about the home advantage.

His record on Australian pitches marked by seam, swing, and bounce sets him apart from tourists more accustomed to flat decks.

Recent Form and Performance

Boland’s recent Tests confirm he’s far from a part-timer. In the 2025 series against India, he excelled taking 4/31 in the first innings and 6/45 in the second at Sydney, claiming a ten-wicket haul and Man of the Match honors. His presence played a pivotal role in Australia securing the Border–Gavaskar Trophy.

Reacting on Reddit, fans were effusive:

“Essentially a back up to an already awesome pace attack and he comes in and takes 10/76… Unreal, such a luxury to have… like him available”

Strategic Value Against Bazball

Australia’s other pace stalwarts Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood remain selectors’ first preference. Yet, Boland offers critical variety: home-honed swing, impeccable line and length, and relentless discipline.

As Nathan Lyon noted recently, England has tweaked their Bazball approach to be less reckless and more results-driven a shift Australia welcomes and is studying closely. With Boland, a weapon against an evolving strategy, Australia gains strategic depth starting at Perth.

Looking Ahead

Boland’s readiness, combined with Australian conditions, places him in a promising position for selection and impact. If England bring their signature aggression, Boland could emerge as a key disruptor turning intent into wickets.

Key Points at a Glance:

Factor

Insight

Past Bazball Experience Bowled well in England but lacked luck; better prepared now
Home Advantage Skilled movement in seam-friendly Aussie conditions
Recent Form Took 10 wickets in Sydney vs India; strong Test performance
Strategic Role Provides consistency and discipline against aggressive batting
Selectors’ Pick Likely in squad for his adaptability and impactful variety

 

Abhishek Sharma replaces Head to take the No. 1 spot as a T20I batsman.

Abhishek Sharma of India overtook Travis Head, his opening partner for Sunrisers Hyderabad, to take the top spot in the T20I batting rankings.

Travis Head had maintained his top spot since defeating Suryakumar Yadav in June of last year, but after missing Australia’s five-match series in the West Indies and playing his last T20I in September 2024, he dropped a spot as Abhishek Sharma became the third Indian to top the T20I batting charts, behind Virat Kohli and Suryakumar.

Abhishek last played for India during the five-match Twenty20 International series against England in February. In the series’ last game, he scored 135 runs off of 54 balls.

Josh Inglis rose six spots to ninth in the rankings after scoring 172 runs in the five games against the West Indies, finishing as the series’ third-highest run scorer. Despite ranking second on the series’ run rankings after a century, Shai Hope remained in tenth place.

Cameron Green was the series’ greatest mover, leaping 64 spots to No. 24, while Tim David went up 12 spaces to 18th after scoring Australia’s quickest T20I century and Brandon King gained nine slots.

Nathan Ellis, a fast bowler, moved up nine ranks to go joint-eighth among the bowlers.

India’s Ravindra Jadeja, who has been playing well in the current series between the two countries, is still at the top of the Test all-rounders’ ratings, while England skipper Ben Stokes moved up three spots to No. 3 after his century and five-wicket haul at Old Trafford.

After recording his first Test century in Manchester, Washington Sundar rose eight spots to share thirteenth place with a career-high 193 ranking points.

In Australia, Markram and Bavuma are back to lead South Africa.

In August, South Africa is going on a white-ball tour to Australia. Which will be led by Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. Markram was one of the few seniors given time off, while Bavuma has been sidelined since the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June due to a hamstring issue. They did not attend the two Test matches in Zimbabwe, and Markram did not play in the ensuing T20I tri-series there, which also featured New Zealand.

Head coach Shukri Conrad remarked, “It’s great to have our senior players back in the mix after their rest following the WTC Final.” As we continue to develop a solid core in all forms, their expertise and caliber truly benefit the group. From now on, each series contributes to the development of our teams for the 2027 home 50-over World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Australia is a difficult country to visit. Their intensity and conditions will put us to the test in every department, and that’s precisely the kind of challenge we’re looking for.

South Africa T20I squad:

Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Rassie van der Dussen

South Africa ODI squad:

Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Prenelan Subrayen

Following his recent Test debut in Zimbabwe, South Africa has also called up Prenelan Subrayen for the first time in both ODI and T20I. The Dolphins won the One-Day Cup earlier in March under the leadership of the off-spinner.

Additionally, Lhuan-dre Pretorius was included in the ODI squad for the first time. Over the past month, the hard-hitting batter. Who attracted attention in the T20 circuit, made his Test and T20I debuts in Zimbabwe. Both squads have included Brevis, who also made his Test debut in Zimbabwe.

In addition to these two, both teams include players like Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, and Kagiso Rabada.

The three 50-over matches on August 19, 22, and 24. Will come after the T20Is on August 10, 12, and 16.

Pavan Rathnayake ton leads dominant Sri Lanka A batting display

The visitors built a huge first innings total, largely due to a century from Pavan Rathnayake. Australia A’s hitters faced a searching test to salvage their two-game series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin.

Sri Lanka A totally retaliated against rival captain Jason Sangha’s decision to put them in by advancing to declare 486 for 6 on day two of the second four-day match, having started at 263 for 4.

At the Marrara Cricket Ground on Monday, the hosts were 76 for 1 at stumps, with Jake Weatherald at 45 and Kurtis Patterson at 19. The first game was tied, leaving them with a mountain to climb to win the series.

Nathan McSweeney, the former Test opener for Australia. A was bowled between bat and pad by offspinner Nishan Peiris for 12, failing to duplicate his excellent 94 from the first game.

Pavan Rathnayake

When Rathnayake returned at 43. He took full advantage of a perfect batting strip to reach 122 off 223 balls, his team’s second century after Nuwanidu Fernando’s 102 on the first day.

Sonal Dinusha, who returned on five, joined the run-fest by reaching 88 off 191 deliveries. In 53 overs, he and Rathnayake contributed 170 for the fifth wicket.

Rathnayake was tempted into a reckless clip to short midwicket by left-arm spinner Zanden Jeh. Who was superbly caught low down by Oliver Peake, ending their stand.

Dinusha and Sohan de Livera kept punishing the bowlers, scoring 40 runs in 14 overs. When Patterson caught Dinusha at mid-on after he mishit a lofted pull.

The finest of the eight bowlers used was Zeh, a 22-year-old unknown who had never participated in state cricket at the top level. Look a third wicket as a result. As Australian officials continue to look for good left-arm spinners. The Queenslander was chosen for the first game from the left-field.

De Livera finished 50 not out at the time of the declaration. Being the fifth batter to reach a half-century or more.

McSweeney was bowled between bat and pad after hitting two fours in his 20 balls. The home team was led to victory by Weatherald and Patterson. Who added 44 without suffering any more losses.

Andre Russell will retire from international cricket, After the Jamaica T20Is

Following the first two Twenty20 Internationals against Australia at his home stadium, Sabina Park in Jamaica, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will announce his retirement from international cricket.

Russell, 37, presently has 84 caps and has only played in T20Is since 2019. He will retire seven months before the next T20 World Cup, which will take place in February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. In addition, he played 56 ODIs and one Test.

There are no words to describe what that meant. “One of the proudest achievements of my life has been representing the West Indies,” Russell stated. I never imagined I would reach this level when I was younger, but the more you play and develop a passion for the sport, the more you realize what you are capable of. I wanted to make an impression in the maroon colors and serve as an inspiration to others, so this motivated me to improve.

In addition to performing for the West Indies, I enjoy performing at home in front of my loved ones, which allows me to show off my skills and give better performances. I want to be a role model for the upcoming generation of Caribbean cricket players and end my international career on a strong note.

Russell will leave international cricket in less than two months, making him the second well-known West Indies player to do so after Nicholas Pooran. It is believed that Russell’s announcement caught the West Indies’ selectors off guard.

In 2012, Russell was a member of the West Indies team that won the T20 World Cup. In 2016, he took the new ball and got rid of Alex Hales in the second over in Kolkata.

According to coach Daren Sammy, Andre has always been a hard competitor and the epitome of professionalism. His will to compete and win for the West Indies has never faltered. Whether I was captaining him or am currently coaching him. I hope he continues to inspire future generations and wish him luck on his next journey.

Andre Russell

Russell will be replaced by Matthew Forde in the roster for the St Kitts leg of the match versus Australia.

In the meantime, 23-year-old Jediah Blades and adolescent Jewel Andrew received their first calls-ups to the West Indies T20I team. Andrew became the youngest West Indian and the second youngest player overall to score a fifty in a major T20 league in the 2024 CPL at the age of 17 years and 266 days. In Guyana’s current Global Super League (GSL), Andrew plays for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Blades has not yet participated in the CPL. But he made an impression with the new ball at the first West Indies breakout league. A competition recently established to find up-and-coming talent in the area. In addition to Rovman Powell, who missed the GSL for the Dubai Capitals. Shai Hope will continue to captain the team.

“We have strategic plans and goals that are in line with winning the T20 World Cup in 2026,” Sammy stated. As a team, we will continue to refine our style and brand in preparation for the World Cup. We have continuity in the roster from the previous series.

As we build momentum for next year’s World Cup with our exciting and dynamic bunch of players. We aim to get back to our prior form at home, where we lost both of our previous T20 series. We start against Australia.

West Indies squad

Andre Russell, Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd

In men’s Test cricket, Mitchell Starc records the fastest five-wicket haul history.

In dramatic fashion, Mitchell Starc reached the 400-wicket club on the third day at Sabina Park. Taking the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history. In just 15 balls after destroying the top order of the West Indies with a triple-wicket opening over.

Mitchell Starc produced one of the best opening overs in his 100th Test match. When the left-hander edged a superb outswinger to replacement wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who was filling in for the injured Alex Carey. He removed John Campbell first ball, marking the fourth time in his career that he had done so with the first delivery of an innings.

Debutant Kevlon Anderson reviewed the plumbest of lbws despite shouldering arms four balls later as the ball spun around to hit his leg in front of the middle stump. The stumps were destroyed by another delivery that bent back to take Brandon King’s inside edge. It was the sixth time a team had gone 0 for 3 in Test history.

Mikyle Louis was the fourth Australian bowler to reach the 400th wicket, following Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Nathan Lyon. He survived the hat-trick ball at the beginning of Starc’s second over. But he duly took his 400th wicket with another of his signature inswingers, trapping Louis leg before wicket.

Two balls later, he added Shai Hope leg before wicket to reach a five-wicket total in just 15 deliveries, breaking the previous record. Which was shared by Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad, and Scott Boland, by four deliveries. The incredible sights continued.

Starc used to rule the pink-ball cricket format in Australia. Confirming his position as the sport’s king. This is the team’s first abroad day-night test.

Glenn Maxwell announces his retirement from ODI

In order to fully focus on T20 cricket, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has declared his retirement from ODI cricket. Maxwell played in 149 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) between 2012 and 2025. Amassing 3990 runs and taking 77 wickets. In 2015 and 2023, he played for Australia’s World Cup-winning teams.

Maxwell was a powerful hitter who averaged 33.81 runs per game with a strike rate of 126.70. In the 2023 World Cup, he scored an undefeated 201 against Afghanistan. Which is considered to be his best ODI performance to date and maybe the best innings ever played. He recorded 23 half-centuries and three more hundred. In his bowling career, he picked four four-fers and was a good offspinner. In addition to being an excellent fielder. He has 91 catches in the format.

According to Cricket Australia, Maxwell made the choice in preparation of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Which will be played in India and Sri Lanka. Maxwell’s goal to concentrate on the Big Bash League and other international obligations was also mentioned by the board.

“I think back to right at the start I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue,” Maxwell stated, looking back on his career and retirement decision. Being able to play a few games for Australia made me feel proud. I assumed I would only experience it.

I’ve been lucky to experience the highs and lows of being dropped, being brought back, participating in a couple World Cups, and being a member of some outstanding teams ever since.

Glenn Maxwell

Earlier this year, Maxwell played his final ODI match against India in the Champions Trophy. Maxwell will not be participating in the current IPL due to a leg injury.

My body’s reaction to the situation led me to believe that. I was failing the team in some way. I had a pleasant talk with the Chair of Selectors, George Bailey. He responded on the Final Word Podcast when I asked him what he thought might happen in the future.

It’s time to start setting things up so that people in my position can try their hand at it and take over the role, I told him, since I don’t think I’ll make it. The 2027 World Cup came up. In order to keep that position, I hope they have adequate lead time.

“I used to say that if I still felt like I could play, I wouldn’t give up my place. I didn’t want to play purely for selfish motives and wait for a few series.

“They have the best view of the lineup heading into the next World Cup because they are heading in such a clear way. I am aware of how crucial that preparation is.

Former captain and current chair of selectors George Bailey praised Maxwell on his career. Glenn Maxwell who was instrumental in two ODI World Cup victories. He will go down as one of the most thrilling performers in one-day cricket. He is incredibly talented and skilled by nature. His field enthusiasm, missed ball abilities, and longevity have all been outstanding. His passion and commitment to representing Australia is yet another remarkable feature.

He still has a lot to give Australia in the T20 format, thankfully. If all goes according to plan, he will play a key role in the upcoming year as we prepare for the World Cup in early 2019.