Let us look at some of the most-discussed cricket stories on the news on 11 July.
Sri Lanka players come out of isolation after negative RT-PCR Tests
The entire Sri Lankan squad has returned negative in the latest RT-PCR tests conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket. They will be allowed to enter the bio-bubble by 12 July, and the outdoor practice is likely to start a day after for their upcoming limited-overs series against India.
India’s preparation in Sri Lanka has been free of Covid-19 threats. They have been training in a bio-bubble at the Sinhalese Sports Club since their arrival.
The two teams are set to play three ODIs, starting 18 July, followed by three T20 internationals.
Jackson to return to Saurashtra after Puducherry stint
Sheldon Jackson is set to return to Saurashtra after his short stint with Puducherry. Jaydev Shah, Saurashtra Cricket Association president, confirmed to PTI that Jackson has got the NOC from Puducherry and is eligible for selection immediately.
Jackson won the Ranji Trophy with Saurashtra in 2019/20 before moving to Puducherry. As the 2020/21 edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Jackson only represented his new team in the limited-overs tournaments – Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – in the domestic circuit.
Ireland vs South Africa: Neil Rock tests positive for Covid-19
Neil Rock has tested positive for Covid-19. Rock was part of Ireland’s 15-member T20I squad that would play the T20I series against South Africa, .
Cricket Ireland has recalled Stephen Doheny as Rock’s replacement. Doheny will also undergo a Covid-19 test and will only join the squad on 12 July if given a negative result.
As per Cricket Ireland’s media release, a player and a staff member who came in contact with Rock will also be tested for the virus.
Only Test: Bangladesh seal comfortable win over Zimbabwe
Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up nine wickets (5-82, 4-66) in the match to help Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by 220 runs in the Test match in Harare.
Having set a target of 477, Bangladesh needed seven wickets on the final day to win the Test match. They got the first four wickets quickly, but took 34.4 overs for the last three. Donald Tiripano put a valiant fight in his 144-ball 52, but did not get much support, especially from their middle order.
Mahmudullah was named Player of the Match in his last Test match for an unbeaten 150.