Let us have a look at some of the most discussed cricket stories that were on the news on 18 May.
CSA confirms de Villiers’ unavailability, announce squads for West Indies and Ireland tours
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed AB de Villiers will not come out of retirement to the international circuit. During a discussion, de Villiers has confirmed that his decision had been ‘once and for all.’
De Villiers, now 37, retired from international cricket in May 2018. However, over the past couple of months, he had dropped multiple hints of a comeback for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
CSA has also announced their squads for their West Indies and Ireland tours. While Temba Bavuma will lead in both limited-overs series, Dean Elgar will captain South Africa for the first time in Tests, replacing Quinton de Kock.
South Africa will play two Tests and five T20Is next against West Indies, starting 10 June. The Proteas will then travel to Ireland for three ODIs and three T20Is.
South Africa Test squad vs West Indies: Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma (vc), Quinton de Kock, Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Peterson, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams, Prenelan Subrayen, Marco Jansen.
South Africa T20I Squad vs West Indies: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller , Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.
South Africa squad (both T20Is and ODIs) vs Ireland: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.
England announce 15-member squad for New Zealand Tests
England Cricket Board (ECB) have named a 15-member squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting 2 June at Lord’s. Riding on impressive form in the ongoing County Championship, James Bracey and Ollie Robinson have earned maiden Test call-ups.
Familiar faces like Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, and Chris Woakes have been left out. ‘They are rested after completing a quarantine period following the cancellation of the Indian Premier League earlier this month. They will spend some time resting before joining up with their respective counties in due course,’ ECB said in a media release.
England Squad for New Zealand Tests: Joe Root (c), James Anderson, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood.
West Indies announce 18-member squad for bumper T20I summer
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced an 18-member squad for their upcoming set of T20I series, against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan. Kieron Pollard’s men will play 15 T20I games this summer.
CWI has recalled Andre Russell and Shimron Hetmyer to their roster. While Nicholas Pooran continues to be Pollard’s deputy, experienced campaigners Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Fidel Edwards have also retained their spots.
West Indies Provisional squad for T20I summer: Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran (vc), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Sammy steps down as St Lucia Zouks captain
Darren Sammy, 37, has relinquished his captaincy role for St Lucia Zouks to become the franchise’s ‘T20 cricket consultant and brand ambassador’ for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League.
Sammy has been part of the Zouks since 2013. However, he helped them reach the Playoffs only once, last year. In the final, they lost to Trinbago Knight Riders by eight wickets.
The only captain to win the T20 World Cup twice, will now join Andy Flower’s coaching staff. He is also the head coach of the Pakistan Super League franchise Peshawar Zalmi.