Pattinson quits international cricket
James Pattinson has retired from international cricket after realising that he is not, and will not be, ready for Australia’s selection for the upcoming Ashes, starting 8 December in Brisbane. He had suffered a major back surgery in 2017, from which never really recovered. That eventually forced him to take the decision.
Pattinson made his Test debut in 2001. He picked up 81 wickets in 21 Tests at an average of 26.33, and has also played 15 ODIs and four T20Is. In his debut series against New Zealand, he claimed 14 wickets, and was named Player of the Series.
Slater arrested over alleged domestic violence
Michael Slater, a veteran of 74 Tests from Australia and now a commentator, has been arrested at his Sydney home over an alleged domestic violence incident.
New South Wales Police confirmed Slater was arrested because of an alleged incident that took place last week. However, they have not disclosed further details.
This May, Slater had accused Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison of having ‘blood on his hands’ for his response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Australian government issued a two-week ban on Australian citizens returning from India after that.
Wiese’s audacious knock gives Namibia maiden World Cup win
Namibia kept their hopes of making it to the Super 12 of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 alive, courtesy David Wiese’s unbeaten 40-ball 66, laced with five sixes. Riding on his innings, Namibia chased down 165 with an over to spare. Gerhard Erasmus also scored 22-ball 32.
Earlier, the Netherlands rode on Max O’Dowd’s 56-ball 70 to post 164/4. Scott Edwards remained not out on 22 off 11 balls, but it was not enough.
India thrash Australia by nine wickets
India cruised to back-to-back wins in the warm-up games in the space of two days ahead of the Super 12 of the Men's T20 World Cup 2021. They restricted Australia to 152/5, and reached the target with nine wickets and 13 balls to spare.
Rohit Sharma led the way in the chase with 41-ball 60 before deciding to leave the field for others Suryakumar Yadav (38*) and K.L. Rahul (39) also chipped in with handy contributions.
Before that, Steven Smith top-scored with 57 in Australia’s total, while Marcus Stoinis remained not out on 41 off 25 balls.