Here are some of the important development from the cricketing world that took place on Friday, 11 June.
Siraj or Ishant? Singh opines on who should play WTC Final
In less than a week’s time, India and New Zealand will square off in the final of the World Test Championship. The stakes are high, and with the vast talent pool they possess, picking the final XI is not going to be easy for India.
Although majority spots are already sealed, there is some debate over who should play as the third seamer of the side.
Given the experience and his recent performance, Ishant Sharma should have been an automatic pick. However, a terrific show on his maiden tour of Australia has put Mohammed Siraj in contention as well.
Harbhajan Singh, for example, would prefer Siraj over Ishant, as the former can get the ball to move at a brisk pace. Harbhajan also cited Siraj’s form, and that India should capitalise on his momentum and confidence.
Warner, Stoinis withdraw from The Hundred
David Warner and Marcus Stoinis have pulled out of the inaugural season of The Hundred, slated to commence from 21 July. Both cricketers were signed by Southern Brave.
Warner and Stoinis have been named in Australia’s preliminary squad for the limited-overs tour of the West Indies. Andre Russell is also set to miss the initial phase of the competition, as he will be engaged in home series against Pakistan and Australia.
On a different note, five Indians – all women – are lined up to feature in the tournament. Harmanpreet Kaur will feature in the tournament opener, for Manchester Originals against Oval Invincibles.
Jamieson to join Surrey for Vitality Blast after WTC final
Surrey has signed a short-term contract with Kyle Jamieson for the ongoing Vitality Blast. He will be joining the club shortly after the WTC final.
Jamieson will replace Australian fast bowler Sean Abbott, who had to pull out due to a hamstring injury. Kemar Roach, another pacer, had to withdraw as well, to honour international commitments.
Since his Test debut in 2019/20, Jamieson has emerged into one of the most reliable pacers for New Zealand. He has been rested for the second Test against England, and is likely to be a part of New Zealand’s pace quartet that will face India in the WTC final at Southampton.
New Zealand finish Day 2 on 229/3, trail by just 74 runs
Devon Conway and Will Young notched half-centuries to help New Zealand reach 229/3 by stumps on Day 2. Both added 122 runs for the second wicket after the visitors lost Tom Latham early in the innings. Ross Taylor is unbeaten on 46.
Earlier in the day, Mark Wood showed his batting skill, hitting multiple boundaries off Matt Henry and Trent Boult, to propel England to 303. Dan Lawrence walked back unbeaten on 82. Boult and Henry shared seven wickets between themselves