Let us look at some of the most-discussed cricket stories on the news on 7 September.
Stokes likely to miss T20 World Cup
Ben Stokes is unlikely to feature in England's initial 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting 17 October in Oman and the UAE. England head coach Chris Silverwood announced that the ECB will not pressurise Stokes: ‘I will give him as much space as I can, but there are people talking to him. We are going to leave that one late, to give it our best chance. Whatever support Ben needs he will get from us.’
Ahead of the five-match Test series against India, Stokes took an ‘indefinite break’ from all cricket for his mental wellbeing.
Sri Lanka beat South Africa, win series
Maheesh Theekshana returned 4-37 on his Sri Lanka debut to help his side beat South Africa by 78 runs to seal the three-match series 2-1.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 203/9, thanks to Charith Asalanka’s 47, and Dushmantha Chameera’s 29 at the late stage. Keshav Maharaj returned 3-38, while George Linde and Tabraiz Shamsi claimed two wickets each.
Coming to defend, Theekshana then spun a web around South African batters to bowl them out for 125 in 30 overs. Theekshana was ably assisted by Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga, who claimed two wickets each. Heinrich Klaasen top-scored for South Africa, with 22.
England recall Buttler, Leach for fifth Test against India
England have included Jos Buttler and Jack Leach for the fifth and final Test match against India, taking place at the Old Trafford from 10 September.
Buttler missed the fourth Test, where England suffered a 157-run defeat, to be at the birth of his second child. Leach, on the other hand, last played in March, against India at Ahmedabad.
England squad: Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), James Anderson, Moeen Ali, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Shastri, Kohli won’t be questioned for attending functions: BCCI
As per IANS, Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli are unlikely to be questioned over attending functions, including the former’s book launch. ‘The United Kingdom government has removed restrictions and opened movement, so people are allowed to move freely’, a top BCCI official was quoted saying.
Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun, and fielding coach R. Sridhar had tested positive for Covid-19 during the fourth Test between England and India at The Oval.