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Tag: Test cricket

Australia Announce Test Squad For Pakistan Tour

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Australia have named a full-strength Test squad for next month’s tour of Pakistan. This series will comprise of 3 Tests, 3 ODIs, and a T20I match. Andrew McDonald will serve as the interim head coach of the side following the resignation of Justin Langer .

Pat Cummins will be leading the Australian side in a historic three-Test tour and he will be accompanied by prominent names of Josh Hazlewood, David Warner, Mitchell Starc,  Steve Smith. Scott Boland who thrilled fans with a stunning debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during that series — including a spell that saw him take six wickets for seven runs — has been retained. However, the 18-member squad has more backup in the spin department for stalwart Nathan Lyon, who is joined by leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson and left-arm bowler Ashton Agar.

Australia have also added Mitchell Marsh as another all-rounder to the squad while Josh Inglis is the second wicket-keeper in the squad.  The Tests will be part of the ICC World Test Championship, while the ODIs will be part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, a 13-team competition from which the top seven teams and hosts India will qualify directly for the 2023 event. This tour will be their first Pakistan tour in 24 years.

Australia Test Squad

Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

Silverwood Backed By Root Post Poor Ashes Display

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Joe Root has come out to back Chris Silverwood post England’s poor performance in this year’s Ashes series after Australia beat the English side pretty easily in the first 3 matches of the Ashes. 

The English side just couldn’t get their batting line-up in form and in perfect balance as they crumbled up against a new and very dominant Australia.

“Yes I would,” Root said, when asked if he would like Silverwood to remain in charge. “It was a difficult week for the group of players with him not being around and it must have been very difficult for him.”

“But I think the performances we put in during the first three games, I feel we’ve let him and the coaches down to a degree. We’ve not played anywhere near the level we’re capable of. It’s a chance to do that this week.”

“I think he’s very calm, he has the respect of the guys and he’s got a desperation to see everyone do well or up-skill the players as best he can,” Root said. “He’s had a very difficult time of it with the environments we’ve been living in, trying to manage winning matches with bubble environments away from home, and multi-format players trying to prepare for an Ashes and a World Cup. It’s very difficult”

“For a long time we’ve not been able to put our best teams out because we’ve been constantly trying to make sure from a mental wellbeing point of view everyone is looked after properly, because of the schedule we’ve dealt with over two years.”

“Time is ticking but I have a lot to weigh up,” Root said. “Will it have a negative impact on me playing Test cricket? If I don’t think so then I will put myself in the auction. But I will never do anything that will detract from playing Test cricket for England. It’s so important to make sure that is the priority for me and other players as well.”

Breaking News: Trent Boult Joins Elite Wicket-Takers Club

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The Kiwi fast bowler joined an esteemed wicket takers group when he delivered a peach of a ball to Hasan Miraz of Bangladesh and got his wicket.

Boult has now successfully entered the 300 wicket club. With the likes of Ross Taylor cheering him on, the pacer lifted the ball in the air as a celebration with the crowd acknowledging the insanely difficult milestone.

“It definitely means a lot,” Boult said after the day’s play, having picked up his ninth five-for in Tests to help roll Bangladesh over for 126 in reply to New Zealand’s 521 for 6 declared. “I am sure it will sink in over the coming days. It comes with a bit of hard work, fitness and pride in your performance.”

“It is very special to have Timmy (Southee) out there with me this afternoon. To join the names like Daniel (Vettori) and Sir Richard (Hadlee) is also very special. Winning the Test match and getting back in the series will be special as well. It is definitely the focus at the moment.”

“I thought the way the boys started, to get a couple of wickets early, not really letting up on the pressure, I suppose we did what we spoke about. It is simply to get them playing on the front foot, and bowl for each other at each end”

“That’s the beauty of Test cricket. The little subtleties that come with different grounds, winds,” Boult said. “The wicket obviously offers a bit of bounce with grass on it. I thought the way the boys started, to get a couple of wickets early, not really letting up on the pressure, I suppose we did what we spoke about. It is simply to get them playing on the front foot, and bowl for each other at each end. Only half the job done but it was a satisfying afternoon.