New Zealand approves Pakistan, West Indies cricket tours

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“The New Zealand government has approved quarantine arrangements that would allow the Pakistan and West Indies cricket teams to tour in the coming months. ©AFP” /> Wellington (AFP) – New Zealand’s government has approved quarantine arrangements that would allow the Pakistan and West Indies teams to tour in coming months, the country’s cricket board said on Friday. New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said the tours would help the sport through the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s a huge boost for us, it’s our financial lifeline,” he told reporters. “International cricket…

Windies skipper Holder says he has more to do after six-wicket England haul

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“Leading from the front – West Indies captain Jason Holder took a Test-best 6-42 against England at Southampton on Thursday. ©AFP” /> Southampton (United Kingdom) (AFP) – West Indies captain Jason Holder said “my Test is far from over” after he rocked England with a career-best six-wicket haul on the second day of the series opener at Southampton on Thursday. Holder, the world’s top-ranked all-rounder, took 6-42 as England were dismissed for 204 to surpass his previous Test-best of 6-59 against Bangladesh at Kingston two years ago. It was the…

Holder takes six as England slump to 204 all out

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“West Indies captain Jason Holder was the star man as England collapsed in the first Test. ©AFP” /> Southampton (United Kingdom) (AFP) – West Indies captain Jason Holder returned Test-best figures of 6-42 as England slumped to 204 all out on the second day of the series opener at Southampton on Thursday. Holder, the world’s top-ranked Test all-rounder, surpassed his previous Test-best of 6-59 against Bangladesh at Kingston two years ago, making full use of overcast conditions at the Ageas Bowl. His haul, the sixth time in his past 10…

England-West Indies Test dedicated to Strauss charity

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“Former England captain Andrew Strauss and his sons dressed in red to show support for the Ruth Strauss Foundation at Lord’s in 2019. ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – The third Test between England and the West Indies will be dedicated to the work of the Ruth Strauss Foundation, which raises money for families facing the death of a parent from cancer. The second day of the match at Old Trafford, July 25, will see the return of the #RedForRuth initiative, which began during last year’s Ashes clash at Lord’s and…

West Indies coach Simmons has no worries over Holder’ niggle’

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“Ankle problem – West Indies captain Jason Holder . ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – West Indies coach Phil Simmons had no qualms over the fitness of Jason Holder after the captain played a restricted role on the final day of his side’s first warm-up match ahead of next month’s Test series against England. Holder led one team in a drawn intra-squad three-day game against Kraigg Brathwaite’s XI at Old Trafford. But the Barbados paceman did not bowl on Thursday, although he was in the field on all three days, and…

Reifer takes five wickets from 11 balls in Windies warm-up

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“West Indies all-rounder Raymon Reifer was in the wickets on Wednesday. ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – Raymon Reifer claimed five wickets in 11 balls on the second day of the West Indies’ intra-squad match at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Reifer, whose lone Test appearance came away to New Zealand three years ago, is looking to achieve the “ultimate dream” of forcing his way into the side for next month’s three-match series against England, which starts at the Ageas Bowl on July 8. The left-armer’s haul helped give a side captained…

West Indies batsmen must start strongly, says Simmons

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“West Indies coach Phil Simmons. ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – West Indies coach Phil Simmons said his batsmen must hit the ground running in England to give of a first-class game, in the run-up to the first Test, which starts in Southampton on July 8. The West Indies attack features Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel and captain Jason Holder, with Alzarri Joseph — tipped by Simmons to be a “big hit” also in the squad. But their batsmen have struggled to build big totals in recent years. The West Indies beat England…