McCullum appointed England Test coach
On Thursday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced Brendon McCullum as the new head coach of the England's Men's team. His tenure will begin with the home series against New Zealand, from June 2 at Lord's. McCullum's appointment comes after Chris Silverwood's resignation following the 0-4 drubbing in the Ashes in Australia.
'We are delighted to confirm Brendon as England Men's Test Head Coach. It has been a real privilege to get to know him and understand his views and vision for the game. I believe his appointment will be good for England's Test team,' said Rob Key, Managing Director of Cricket for England.
Knight Riders acquire UAE-based franchise
Kolkata Knight Riders have acquired an Abu-Dhabi based franchise for the UAE's upcoming T20 league. The team will be known as Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, the Glazer family, Kiran Kumar Grandhi and Rajesh Sharma are five other owners of the franchise in this league.
'UAE's T20 League is delighted to announce that the Knight Riders Group has acquired the rights to own and operate the Abu Dhabi franchise and will set up Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) as an integral part of the UAE's flagship T20 league,' said the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). The formal agreement was signed recently.
Paine dropped from Tasmania Squad
Tim Paine's playing career may be over, as he was omitted from Tasmania's list of contracted players announced on Wednesday. Paine stepped down as Test captain when a sexting scandal broke ahead of last summer's Ashes series. Peter Siddle, who is currently playing for Somerset in the County Championship, has also signed a one-year extension with Tasmania.
Chennai knocked out of Playoffs race
Daniel Sams claimed 3-16, Riley Meredith 2-27, and Kumar Kartikeya 2-22 as Mumbai Indians bowled out Chennai Super Kings for 97 and won by five wickets at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Chennai are now out of the race for the Playoffs.
Chasing 98 for victory, Mumbai Indians were reduced to 33/4, but Tilak Verma steadied the innings with his 32-ball 34 to ensure a win. Mukesh Choudhary, who bowled unchanged, claimed 3-23 in his four overs. He has now 16 wickets in his debut season.