Kohli denies rumours to skip South Africa ODIs
India Men's Test captain Virat Kohli denied reports that he asked to skip the upcoming ODI series in South Africa. ‘I am available for selection for ODIs’, Kohli said at a virtual press conference on 15 December.
Multiple media outlets reported that Kohli had requested the BCCI to allow him to opt out of the ODI series. This led to speculations over him being miffed at being replaced as ODI captain, fuelling rumours of a rift between him and Rohit Sharma. However, Kohli stated he had no ‘problems’ with Rohit, and that he was ‘tired of answering’ the same question for two and a half years.
India's tour of South Africa will begin with a three-match Test series on 26 December, followed by three ODIs between 19 and 23 January.
Slater arrested for second time in Sydney
Two months after an alleged domestic violence incident, Michael Slater has now been charged with breaching a protective order. Slater was arrested in Sydney in October and charged with stalking and harassment offences.
He was arrested on 15 December after allegedly sending 66 text messages and making 18 calls in breach of an apprehended violence order. Slater’s lawyer James McLoughlin told a magistrate that his client had ‘slipped up once’ by relapsing with alcohol.
The court granted bail to Slater after hearing he would check into a mental health hospital, and on the condition, he would not access a mobile phone.
Lamichhane replaces Malla as Nepal captain
Sandeep Lamichhane has been named captain of Nepal Men. He took over from Gyanendra Malla after the latter and his deputy Dipendra Singh Airee were removed from their leadership roles due to contractual disputes with the Cricket Association of Nepal.
Lamichhane had led Nepal Under-19s in the Asia Cup and in the Asian Cricket Council World Cup Qualifier between 2016 and 2017.
Herath tests positive for Covid-19
Bangladesh spin bowling coach Rangana Herath tested positive for Covid-19 in New Zealand. BCB confirmed that nine members of the Bangladesh Test squad, including players and support staff, are undergoing extended quarantine after being in close contact with a Covid-19-positive patient who was flying with them from Malaysia to New Zealand.
‘Herath is corona positive and will be doing extended quarantine till he is cleared,’ BCB cricket operations chair Akram Khan told Cricbuzz.
The two-match Test series between Bangladesh and New Zealand will begin on 1 January at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.