Let us look at some of the most discussed cricket stories on the news on 31 May.
Devon Conway completes 200 on debut
Devon Conway became the seventh male player to make a double century on Test debut. He single-handedly helped New Zealand reach 378 on Day 2 against England at Lord’s. Apart from Conway, Henry Nicholls (61) was the only one who scored in excess of 25. Conway’s 200 is also the highest by a player on debut against England in Test cricket.
In reply, Rory Burns (59*) and Joe Root (42*) fought hard in the last session to help England finish Day 2 on 111/2 after they had been reduced to 18/2.
PSL 2021 to resume on 9 June, PCB announces final schedule
Islamabad United Players celebrating a wicket in PSL | Photo: IANS
PSL 2021 will resume on 9 June, with fourth-placed Lahore Qalandars taking on third-placed Islamabad United. The final will be staged on 24 June.
The PCB released the schedule of the remainder of Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches. There will be six double-headers including one on on 21 June, featuring the Qualifier and Eliminator 1. All 20 matches will be played in Abu Dhabi.
Lahore and Islamabad are the only two franchises that have started training in Abu Dhabi. The other four teams will join them soon.
India cricket teams reach Southampton for England tour
Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant | Photo: IANS
The India Men’s and Women’s cricket teams reached the Rose Bowl, Southampton. The Men’s team will play World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand at this venue, from 18 June. All players checked into Hilton at The Ageas Bowl hotel to undergo quarantine.
Following their mandatory quarantine, the Women’s team will move to Bristol to play a Test match against England. However, it is yet to be confirmed after how many days they would be allowed to train.
CSA announce 19-member squad for West Indies Tests
Dean Elgar | Photo: IANS
Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced a 19-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies, starting 10 June at St Lucia. They have picked six uncapped players – Prenelan Subrayen, Lizaad Williams, Marco Jansen, Keegan Petersen, Sarel Erwee and Kyle Verreynne – to their Test roster.
South Africa will be led by Dean Elgar in his first stint as full-time captain. He will be taking over the reins from Quinton de Kock. Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s limited-overs’ captain, will be Elgar’s deputy.