Category: International Cricket

London (AFP) – Cecil Wright’s name will not rank alongside West Indies legends Viv Richards, Gary Sobers and Frank Worrell, but for longevity he outranks them all. The fast bowler known affectionately as ‘Cec’ has announced he will retire in two weeks’ time — at the ripe old age of 85 Wright, who in his heyday represented Jamaica against Barbados, lining up against Sobers and Wes Hall, moved to England in 1959 and launched a career as a professional in the Central Lancashire League for Crompton. After three years he…

NORTH SOUND, Antigua – West Indies bid to take control of the first MyTeam11 Test – co-sponsored by Skoda and KEI – was undermined by a destructive spell from Ishant Sharma that handed the advantage to India. Captain Jason Holder held his nerve in the last half-hour to remain not out on 10 and Miguel Cummins was not out on zero, as the #MenInMaroon reached 189 for eight, replying to India’s first innings total of 297, when stumps were drawn on an elongated second day of the contest at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground here. Looking…

NORTH SOUND, Antigua – Strike bowlers Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabrielcontinued their impressive form in the longest format of the game, sharing five wickets to give West Indies an early edge over India in the first MyTeam11 Test – co-sponsored by Skoda and KEI – their opening match of the new ICC World Test Championship. Roach ended with 3-34 from 17 overs and Gabriel finished with 2-49 from 15 overs, as India reached 203 for six in their first innings, after they were sent in to bat before rain brought an early close…

Galle (Sri Lanka) (AFP) – Captain Dimuth Karunaratne scored 122 as Sri Lanka chased down 268 for the loss of just four wickets to win the first Test against New Zealand at Galle on Sunday and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Karunaratne posted his ninth Test hundred along with enjoying a record-equalling opening partnership of 161 with Lahiru Thirimanne, who made 64, as Sri Lanka collected their first points of the World Test Championship. Former captain Angelo Mathews chipped in with an unbeaten 28 as Sri Lanka…

Lahore (Pakistan) (AFP) – Disgraced former Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan took the first step towards resurrecting his career Monday by apologising for indulging in the spot-fixing in 2017 that earned him a five-year ban. The 30-year-old met with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) anti-corruption officials who directed him to undergo a rehabilitation programme, putting him on track to return to the sport. “I offer my unconditional apology to the PCB, my teammates, fans and family for the irresponsible conduct that brought embarrassment to everyone,” Sharjeel was quoted as saying in a…

London (AFP) – The second Ashes Test between England and Australia that ended in a draw on Sunday may have been badly affected by rain but it still produced plenty of exciting cricket. AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from a fascinating clash that preserved Australia’s 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Archer lays down Test marker All teams want a genuinely fast bowler because speed can beat the reactions of even the best batsmen, especially if accompanied by late movement. Jofra Archer, on the ground where he…

London (AFP) – Australia’s Steve Smith has been ruled out of the last day of the second Ashes Test with concussion against England at Lord’s, saying he felt “groggy” on Sunday morning. Smith was felled when a Jofra Archer bouncer struck his neck on Saturday. “I started to feel a little bit of a headache coming on last night as the adrenaline got out of my system but I was able to get a good night’s sleep in, but I woke up feeling a bit groggy and with a headache…

Sport enthusiast, Fizza Abid, recently returned to the UK to satisfy her dream of attending the Cricket World Cup. Fizza was selected by International Cricket Council (ICC) managers to represent her home country of Pakistan. During the World Cup event, which took place 30 May – 14 July 2019, she held volunteering roles across several teams, including spectator services. Fizza was also awarded the honour of carrying the Pakistan Globe at the World Cup Final match ceremony between England and New Zealand. Reflecting on the experience, she commented: “It was…