Krunal Pandya tests positive, second ODI to be played on 28
Krunal Pandya has tested positive for Covid-19 and has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the T20I series between India and Sri Lanka. Further, the second T20I, originally scheduled on 27 July, will now take place a day later.
However, the eight players in close contact with Pandya were put under self-isolation and subsequently tested negative in the RT-PCR test. The second and third T20Is will now be organised on 28 and 29 July.
India are currently ahead by 1-0 after winning the first T20I by 38 runs. They beat Sri Lanka by 2-1 in the recently concluded ODI series.
Australia beat West Indies to clinch the series by 2-1
Australia clinched the ODI series 2-1 with a six-wicket victory over West Indies in the final and match. Matthew Wade remained unbeaten on 51. He was assisted by Ashton Agar (19) as Australia chased down 153 runs in 30.3 overs.
Agar also contributed with the ball, picking up two wickets. He was adjudged Player of the Match. Barring Evin Lewis, who made an unbeaten 55, none of the West Indians offered any resistance. Mitchell Starc picked up three wickets and Josh Hazlewood two.
Starc finished the series with 11 wickets to his name to bag the Player of the Series award. West Indies will now take on Pakistan in four-match T20I series, while Australia will fly to Bangladesh.
'This is a good opportunity,': Rahul on Test comeback
KL Rahul’s last appearance for India in the Test cricket was in 2019, against West Indies. He lost his place after a string of failures. But things look bright once again, especially after notching up a century in the practice game in Durham.
Rahul admitted to working hard on his game and is hopeful for a comeback. With Ajinkya Rahane still not fully fit, Rahul may play as a middle-order batsman.
‘I’m just enjoying my game. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve learnt from them. I get stronger. Like I said this is a good opportunity again, hopefully fingers crossed I can do the job for the team,’ said Rahul to the BCCI.tv.
Hendrick loses his battle with cancer at 72
Mike Hendrick, former England and Derbyshire pacer, died at 72. He had been suffering from liver and bowel cancer. Hendrick played 30 Tests for England and claimed 87 wickets at an average of 25.83.
He made his debut in 1974 against India, and last played for England in 1981. He was part of some of the most iconic cricketing moments, the most notable being the World Cup 1979 final and the 1981 Ashes series.
He bid adieu from the game in 1985. Since then, he worked as coach of Derbyshire, Zimbabwe, Ireland and others. It was under his tenure Ireland won their first ever professional game, against Middlesex in 1997.