Let us look at some of the most-discussed cricket stories on the news on 30 June.
R Ashwin, Mithali Raj recommended for Khel Ratna
The BCCI has recommended R Ashwin and Mithali Raj for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honour. They have also recommended Shikhar Dhawan for the Arjuna Award and will recommend KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah for the same.
Speaking to ANI, a BCCI source confirmed the development: ‘We had a detailed discussion and it was decided to send in the names of Ashwin and women’s Test and ODI skipper Mithali’s name for the Khel Ratna. We are recommending Dhawan again for the Arjuna while we will also suggest the names of Rahul and Bumrah.’
Ashwin and Raj have already received the Arjuna award.
Five athletes had received the Khel Ratna award last year, the highest in Indian sports history. They were Manika Batra, Rohit Sharma, Vinesh Phogat, Rani Rampal and Mariyappan Thangavelu.
Injured Gill could miss England Tests: Report
Shubman Gill has ruled himself out of the five-match Test series against England, NDTV reported. Gill injured his lower leg. It is still unknown when and where he sustained that injury.
India have covered Gill’s opening position with Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul in their 20-member roster, and Abhimanyu Easwaran as a standby option.
The Indian Men squad is currently on a three-week break after the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. They will move to Durham on 15 July for a pre-series camp. Gill will reportedly stay with them.
The England Test series will get underway on 4 August at Trent Bridge.
Lord’s to host full capacity for England-Pakistan ODI
Lord’s has been allowed to fill full capacity for the second ODI between England and Pakistan on 10 July. This will be the first time since September 2019 that England will host an international game in front of jam-packed spectators.
However, ticket-holders aged 11 or older have to either furnish proof of a recent negative Covid-19 lateral flow test, or proof of two vaccinations, or proof of natural immunity via a positive PCR test result within the last six months.
Fans will be encouraged to wear masks, though there will be no social-distancing requirements inside the stadium.
Rutherford replaces Labuschagne at Glamorgan
Glamorgan has signed Hamish Rutherford as the replacement of Marnus Labuschagne for the last two months of the summer. Labuschagne will return to Australia after the Vitality T20 Blast group stage games to spend time with his family.
Rutherford, who has played for Derbyshire, Essex and Worcestershire before, will feature in the Royal London Cup and the last four County Championship matches this season.
Labuschagne is currently self-isolating after teammate Nick Selman recently tested positive for Covid-19.