South Africa have dropped Tristan Stubbs from their squad for the second Test against Australia, with Matthew Breetzke earning a recall following his impressive performances in limited-overs cricket. The hosts have also confirmed that Ryan Rickelton will take over wicketkeeping duties for the upcoming Test. Stubbs was the only player dropped following South Africa’s defeat in the first Test in Durban. The batter scored 32 and 1 in the match, prompting the team management to make changes to the batting line-up ahead of the crucial second encounter. Breetzke, who has previously represented South Africa in two Test matches, has been included in the squad as his replacement. Although he has scored only 14 runs in Test cricket so far, his recent form in the limited-overs format has strengthened his case for selection. The right-handed batter scored a century in the first ODI against Australia in Durban, and South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad believes his current form and attitude make him a valuable addition to the squad. “Matt has been part of the squad before. The fact that his ODI form is as hot as it is gave him an inside lane and, more importantly, it’s the attitude and the character Matt brings and has,” Conrad said. Ryan Rickelton to Take Over Wicketkeeping Duties South Africa are also preparing for a significant change behind the stumps, with Rickelton set to take the wicketkeeping gloves in the second Test. The decision puts Kyle Verreynne’s place in the playing XI in doubt, particularly after he failed to score a half-century in his last 13 Test innings. Verreynne remains part of the 17-member squad but could miss out on selection. South Africa’s other wicketkeeping option, Sinethamba Qeshile, is unavailable after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing for the Titans in a domestic T20 match against the Tuskers. With Rickelton taking on wicketkeeping responsibilities, the team management must decide whether he will continue opening the batting or move down the order. His position will influence the selection of a partner for Aiden Markram at the top of the innings. “We have decisions to be made over whether he does move down the order or whether he can continue to open the batting, which he has done before,” Conrad said. Breetzke and Ackerman in Contention for Opening Role The absence of Tony de Zorzi, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury, has further complicated South Africa’s selection plans. De Zorzi was a regular opening partner for Markram during the previous World Test Championship cycle. South Africa could consider Breetzke for the opening position, while uncapped batter Marques Ackerman is another option. Ackerman generally bats in the middle order but could be given an opportunity if the team management decides to reshuffle the batting line-up. Conrad acknowledged that several factors would influence the final selection but expressed confidence that South Africa could recover from their opening defeat. “There’s a few things to consider before we look at the final XI, but we are hell of excited,” he said. “We have had the opportunity to lick our wounds and turn this ship in the right direction.” Kagiso Rabada Expected to Return South Africa have retained the rest of their squad, with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada expected to return after missing the first Test while recovering from a hamstring niggle. Rabada’s return would strengthen an already well-stocked pace attack that also includes Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch. The team management will monitor the workload of its fast bowlers before finalising the playing XI. Weather conditions could also influence the decision, with heavy rain forecast for the opening day on Sunday, potentially reducing the amount of play. South Africa have also retained three spin options in Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy. However, the team is likely to select only one specialist spinner, with Maharaj and Harmer having featured in the first Test. South Africa Squad for Second Test Against Australia Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne. South Africa will look to bounce back in the second Test in Gqeberha after losing the opening match in Durban. With changes expected in the batting order and Rabada potentially returning to the bowling attack, the hosts will aim to level the series against Australia.

Sanju Samson has identified Tilak Varma’s dismissal as the turning point in India’s 24-run defeat against the West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. Despite a strong batting effort, India failed to chase down the challenging target of 248 runs, setting up a series-deciding fifth T20I in Bengaluru. Chasing 248 on a relaid surface, India were struggling at 130 for five in the 12th over. However, Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy revived the chase with an impressive partnership, bringing India within 48 runs of victory from the final 19 deliveries. The momentum shifted when Romario Shepherd dismissed Tilak, leaving India’s hopes of completing the chase in jeopardy. Speaking after the match, Samson said, “The turning point of the match was when Tilak got out. We were cruising, scoring those 10-12 runs per over really nicely. Reddy and Tilak were batting really well in the pressure situation. Till that moment, I think we were in the chase.” Samson also praised the two young batters for handling the pressure after India had lost five wickets. He highlighted their ability to challenge the West Indies bowling attack and keep the team in contention during a difficult run chase. Samson Shines with the Bat Despite Defeat Earlier in the innings, Samson provided India with a flying start, scoring 56 runs off just 23 deliveries. His aggressive knock helped establish the foundation for the chase, but the Indian batter admitted that the defeat had taken away much of the satisfaction from his performance. “Whatever you do feels very different when you are on the losing side, so I am actually a bit gutted at the moment. I definitely wanted to be on the winning side,” Samson said. He added that chasing such a big target required him to trust his instincts and play his natural attacking game. Samson Backs India’s Bowling Talent When asked whether India were missing Jasprit Bumrah in the bowling attack, Samson described the experienced pacer as a once-in-a-generation bowler and stressed that there was no direct replacement for him. “There is no replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. He is a once-in-a-generation kind of bowler, and we are very lucky to have him,” Samson said. However, he expressed confidence in India’s emerging bowling talent, praising Arshdeep Singh for his consistent performances and Prince Yadav for his impressive bowling in recent matches. Samson believes that giving young bowlers more opportunities and backing them consistently will help them develop and perform better at the international level. Arshdeep Singh’s Fitness Becomes a Concern India also face a potential injury concern ahead of the series-deciding fifth T20I. During the final over of the chase, Arshdeep Singh was struck on his left shoulder by a short delivery from Shamar Joseph. Despite appearing to be in considerable pain, the pacer stayed on the field to face one more delivery before retiring hurt. Providing an update on Arshdeep’s condition, Samson said, “Arshdeep is putting ice on his shoulder. Hopefully he recovers soon.” India will now turn their attention to the fifth and final T20I, scheduled to be played in Bengaluru on Saturday. With the series on the line, the team will hope to bounce back from the Hyderabad defeat and deliver a strong performance in the decisive encounter.

Shreyas Iyer has climbed to fourth place in the latest ICC T20I batting rankings, while Aiden Markram has returned to the top ten of the Test batting charts and Australia's Josh Hazlewood has moved up to seventh in the Test bowling rankings. India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has risen three places to claim the fourth spot in the latest T20I batting rankings, strengthening India's dominance in the top ten. Three of the top four positions are now occupied by Indian batters, with Ishan Kishan leading the rankings and Abhishek Sharma sitting second. Iyer's rise follows an impressive run of performances against the West Indies. He scored his maiden T20I century in the opening match in Lucknow before producing a quickfire 40 off just 18 balls in the second game in Ranchi. India's Tilak Varma has also gained one place to move to ninth, giving the country five batters in the top ten. Meanwhile, West Indies captain Shai Hope has climbed two places to 11th after scoring a match-winning century in Ranchi. His teammate Sherfane Rutherford has also reached a career-best 24th position. Markram Returns to Test Batting Top Ten In the Test batting rankings, South Africa's Aiden Markram has returned to the top ten for the first time since October 2019. His determined second-innings half-century against Australia in Durban helped him rise four places from 14th. Australia's Matt Renshaw has recorded one of the biggest gains in the rankings, surging 147 places from 196th to joint-49th. Renshaw delivered an outstanding performance against South Africa, scoring 190 and 82 to help Australia secure a commanding 214-run victory. Hazlewood Climbs in Test Bowling Rankings Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has moved up two places to seventh in the Test bowling rankings following his exceptional performance in Durban. Hazlewood claimed career-best figures of six wickets for 49 runs in the second innings, playing a key role in Australia's victory. Mitchell Starc continues to occupy the top spot in the Test bowling rankings. However, his advantage has narrowed to just four rating points over New Zealand's Matt Henry, despite Starc taking three wickets in the Test. The latest rankings reflect significant movement across both formats, with Indian batters strengthening their position in T20I cricket and standout performances from Markram, Renshaw and Hazlewood reshaping the Test rankings.  

Sunrisers Hyderabad sign T Natarajan for ₹5 crore, while Delhi Capitals acquire Zeeshan Ansari for ₹40 lakh ahead of the IPL 2027 season. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have brought back left-arm pacer T Natarajan through a trade with Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season. As part of the deal, leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari will move to Delhi Capitals at his existing fee of ₹40 lakh, while Natarajan will join SRH at a revised fee of ₹5 crore. Natarajan, who will turn 36 during IPL 2027, was acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. After spending two seasons with the franchise, the experienced fast bowler will return to Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he enjoyed considerable success between 2020 and 2024. The trade will provide Delhi Capitals with an additional ₹10.35 crore in their auction purse, while Sunrisers Hyderabad will see their purse reduced by ₹4.6 crore. Natarajan Returns to SRH After Previous Successful Stint Natarajan previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad for five seasons, taking 65 wickets in 55 innings at an economy rate of 8.82. His most productive IPL campaign came in 2024, when he claimed 19 wickets, finishing as SRH's leading wicket-taker for the season and helping the team reach the final. Known for his accurate yorkers, deceptive slower deliveries and effective bouncers, Natarajan established himself as a reliable death-over specialist during his earlier stint with SRH. His performances also earned him an opportunity to represent India in four T20 internationals. However, injuries have interrupted his career in recent years. After missing a significant portion of the 2025 season, Natarajan featured in 10 matches for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, taking five wickets at an economy rate of 11.18. Despite those numbers, SRH will hope that a return to familiar surroundings helps the experienced pacer rediscover his best form ahead of the upcoming season. Zeeshan Ansari Moves to Delhi Capitals Delhi Capitals have secured the services of leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who impressed during his debut IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2026. Ansari featured in 10 matches for SRH, picking up six wickets, with his best figures being 3 for 42. Although his economy rate of 9.84 left room for improvement, the young spinner showed promise and provided the franchise with a useful bowling option. DC will now look to integrate Ansari into their bowling attack as they prepare for IPL 2027. Second Trade Deal for Delhi Capitals The Natarajan-Ansari exchange marks Delhi Capitals' second major trade ahead of the November 15 retention deadline for IPL 2027. In June, DC agreed to a trade involving star players Kuldeep Yadav and Rishabh Pant with Lucknow Super Giants. Pant, who became the most expensive player in IPL history when he was bought for ₹27 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, agreed to join Delhi Capitals at a revised fee of ₹15 crore. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav moved to Lucknow Super Giants at his existing fee of ₹13.50 crore. With the IPL 2027 auction scheduled to take place in Goa in mid-December, franchises are expected to continue reshaping their squads through trades and retention decisions as they prepare for the next season.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza is relishing the prospect of representing his country at the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia. With the tournament potentially taking place towards the final stages of his international career, Raza considers the opportunity to play a World Cup at home particularly special. Zimbabwe will host their league-stage matches in Harare, Bulawayo and the newly constructed Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. The tournament will offer the country an opportunity to showcase its cricketing culture, natural beauty and hospitality to a global audience. Speaking at the launch of the mobile cricket game SIXR on Tuesday, Raza said that playing a home World Cup before retirement was a dream opportunity. “Every cricketer dreams of having retired or to retire after a World Cup,” Raza said. “The fact that I am coming to the end of my career as well, so to have an opportunity to play a home World Cup is certainly a blessing for me from a personal point of view.” The Zimbabwe skipper also emphasised the importance of the tournament beyond cricket, expressing his excitement about introducing international fans to the country’s unique attractions. “From a collective point of view, I do think the world really needs to see what Africa has to offer — the beauty, the crowd, and the vibe and everything that we have to offer in Zimbabwe, especially,” he added. “The world deserves to see it. For people who will find time to travel to Zimbabwe to watch the World Cup, it will be an unforgettable experience.” Raza Backs 2027 World Cup Format Raza also voiced his support for the proposed tournament structure, which will see teams compete in an initial round before the leading sides progress through the group stage, followed by the Super Seven and knockout rounds. The Zimbabwe captain believes the format will reward teams that perform well by giving them more opportunities to compete on the biggest stage. “I quite like the Super Seven idea. I think the teams that play well deserve to have more games at the World Cup,” he said. Raza praised Zimbabwe Cricket for arranging additional international fixtures to help the national team prepare for major tournaments. He noted that the board had worked beyond its Future Tours Programme (FTP) commitments to provide players with more competitive opportunities. According to Raza, regular international cricket will be crucial to ensuring Zimbabwe are adequately prepared for the challenges of the 2027 World Cup. Victoria Falls Stadium Set to Attract Global Attention The addition of the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls is expected to be one of the major attractions of the tournament. The venue will combine international cricket with the scenic appeal of one of Africa’s most famous destinations. Raza acknowledged that gaining a home advantage at an ICC event could be difficult because the International Cricket Council exercises significant control over tournament operations and pitch preparations. “We will try our best to gain some home advantage, but for ICC events it's very difficult because the curators — ICC is basically in control of everything,” he said. “ But yes, we will try and take some advantage where we can — fair advantage that is.” Raza also welcomed the stadium’s upcoming launch and expressed hope that Zimbabwe would have opportunities to play there before the World Cup. Beyond the cricket itself, he believes Victoria Falls will offer visiting supporters a memorable experience through its natural scenery, peaceful surroundings and welcoming atmosphere. “What we expect from Victoria Falls, as much as cricket is important, but I think outside cricket, beautiful sightings, a peaceful sleep because you can hear the falls, a lovely sunset, and some great human beings and a hospitable environment for everyone,” Raza said. Raza Backs Zimbabwe’s Potential WTC Inclusion The Zimbabwe captain also expressed strong support for the possibility of expanding the World Test Championship (WTC) to include 12 teams. Such a change could open the door for Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland to become part of the competition, offering them more opportunities to play Test cricket against leading international sides. Raza believes Zimbabwe’s inclusion would significantly contribute to the country’s long-term development, regardless of its initial results. “If that happens, I will be the first guy who will be in support of that,” he said. “If Zimbabwe is part of WTC — whether we are able to do well at the start or not — one thing I do know is that our cricketing growth will go up. Our performances will get better in all formats.” For Raza, the prospect of Zimbabwe becoming part of the WTC represents an important step towards strengthening the country’s international standing and improving the competitiveness of its players. Raza Rules Out Reversing Retirement Decision Despite his enthusiasm for Zimbabwe’s future, Raza made it clear that he would not reconsider his retirement once he decides to step away from international cricket. Asked whether the prospect of Zimbabwe entering the World Test Championship could tempt him to return, the all-rounder firmly dismissed the possibility. “Would I be tempted? No, I will not be tempted. I have come to peace with the decisions that I am making in life,” he said. “I will not be a guy who, when the time comes, will call it off and then says, ‘I'm taking my retirement back.’ It will not happen, that's not me.” His comments suggest that Raza is determined to finish his career on his own terms, with the 2027 ODI World Cup potentially providing a fitting occasion to represent Zimbabwe on home soil. Raza Joins SIXR as Brand Ambassador Away from international cricket, Raza is among more than 20 international cricketers who have signed up as brand ambassadors for SIXR, a mobile cricket gaming platform. The list includes prominent names such as KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi and Eoin Morgan, with the platform allowing fans to compete against cricket stars through its gaming application and programme. For now, however, Raza’s focus remains on Zimbabwe’s cricketing ambitions and the opportunity to be part of a historic home World Cup. With the 2027 tournament approaching, the veteran captain hopes the event will leave a lasting legacy for Zimbabwean cricket and deliver an unforgettable experience for supporters from around the world.

Jack Leach’s England Test career could be nearing its end after national selector Marcus North suggested that the experienced left-arm spinner is unlikely to earn a recall for the team’s two-match tour of Bangladesh in February. The 35-year-old last represented England in a Test match against Pakistan in late 2024 and has not been included in an England squad since. Despite his absence from the international setup, Leach has continued to impress in domestic cricket, taking 88 wickets at an average of 21.73 for Somerset over the last two County Championship seasons. However, his outstanding form has seemingly not changed England’s selection plans, with the team prioritising younger spinners as part of their long-term strategy. Speaking on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, North acknowledged Leach’s performances but suggested that the selectors were looking in a different direction. “We've seen him at international level with England. He continues to do exceptionally well at Somerset,” North said. “But as it stands now, those selections around the development contracts and the central contract list show that we're focusing on a slightly different direction.” England’s current spin-bowling plans revolve around centrally contracted players Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed, alongside development-contract recipients Mason Crane, James Coles and Liam Patterson-White. England Focus on Building Spin-Bowling Depth England’s approach to spin bowling has come under scrutiny following their recent Test series, in which they secured a 3-0 victory over Pakistan without selecting a specialist spinner. Instead, Dan Lawrence and Joe Root were relied upon to provide off-spin options, while Bashir remained on the sidelines. The team is expected to maintain a similar balance during their next Test series in South Africa in December. However, the two-match tour of Bangladesh in February is likely to present a different challenge, given the conditions and the opposition’s bowling attack. North admitted that the Bangladesh tour would test England’s current team balance and emphasised the importance of having a squad capable of adapting to different conditions. “They are a good cricket team now, a good Test team,” North said. “It’s not just going over there and facing good spinners; they’ve got some very good quicks, so we know that’s going to be a good test. But we need to have a squad that can give us all options in those conditions as well.” He also highlighted England’s increased investment in developing spin-bowling talent, pointing to Richard Dawson’s recent appointment as one of Stephen Fleming’s new assistant coaches and England’s national spin-bowling lead. “As much as there’s been a project with fast bowling, you’ll see that there’s now a number of spin bowlers that have come into our system… that we can invest in,” North added. He said England’s long-term objective was to build sufficient depth to allow selectors to make informed decisions about the specific skills required and the ideal balance of the side. India Tour Could Offer Leach Another Opportunity Although Leach appears unlikely to feature in England’s immediate plans, a future return has not been completely ruled out. England are scheduled to tour India for a five-Test series in early 2028, which could provide another opportunity for the Somerset spinner if he maintains his form. Leach has taken 142 wickets in 39 Test appearances for England, establishing himself as a reliable option in spin-friendly conditions. However, the selectors’ current preference for younger players suggests that he faces a difficult path back into the international setup. For now, England appear committed to investing in their next generation of spinners as they prepare for challenging overseas assignments. England Yet to Decide on South Africa Selection Meanwhile, England face another selection dilemma ahead of their Test series in South Africa, with Jacob Bethell’s recovery from a knee injury potentially affecting the team’s batting combination. Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Dan Lawrence and Bethell are among the players competing for places, and Bethell’s fitness could force the selectors to leave one of the other contenders out of the side. North confirmed that no final decision had been made, acknowledging that the competition for places was creating a difficult but welcome challenge for the selection panel. “It's going to be a tough call and tough decision, and that's exactly the place we want to be in,” he said. With England balancing immediate overseas challenges against their long-term development plans, Leach’s omission underlines the changing direction of the team’s spin-bowling strategy.

Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah described his team’s hard-fought draw against Bangladesh in the Abu Dhabi Test as “equal to a win” after his side displayed remarkable patience and determination to survive the final day. Chasing a daunting target of 479 runs, Afghanistan batted for 142 overs in their second innings, spending more than seven hours at the crease to deny Bangladesh victory. Sediqullah Atal led the resistance with a magnificent 111 off 332 balls, while the lower order played a crucial role in securing the draw. The result marked the first time Afghanistan had avoided defeat against a World Test Championship (WTC) team in a Test since beating Bangladesh in Chattogram in September 2019, excluding the washed-out Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida in September 2024. Atal’s Marathon Century Leads Afghanistan’s Resistance Atal emerged as the standout performer of the final day, batting for more than eight-and-a-half hours to frustrate Bangladesh’s bowling attack and keep Afghanistan’s hopes of a draw alive. Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus praised the young batter for turning the game around with his determined performance. “All credit to Sediq for really turning it around,” Pybus said after the match. “It was an outstanding innings for him. He had been a little bit out of touch, actually, so he worked really hard on this innings. Credit to him, he’s at the beginning of his Test career. He’s done all the work. He will carry that confidence forward.” Rahmat also credited Atal for his composure, highlighting how the batter adapted to the demands of the situation after recently featuring in T20 cricket. “Sediqullah came fresh from the T20s, and the way he kept his composure, doing what the team needed him to do and executing it, that is why we achieved the result,” Rahmat said. Bangladesh Miss Opportunities as Afghanistan Hold Firm Bangladesh appeared well placed to secure victory after dominating much of the first four days. However, missed opportunities in the field allowed Afghanistan to remain in contention and eventually escape with a draw. Even after Atal was dismissed in the 119th over, with more than 23 overs remaining and Afghanistan’s tail exposed, Bangladesh could not finish the job. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged Afghanistan’s determined effort and praised Atal’s exceptional innings. “I think they played some brilliant cricket — we have to give them credit,” Shanto said. “I think especially the way Sediqullah batted, it was really impressive.” Shanto also noted that the pitch remained favourable for batting throughout the five-day contest, despite offering some assistance to the spinners. “The wicket was good on the fourth and fifth days. There was some help for the spinners, but it was a good wicket [to bat on] for five days. They must be credited for the way they batted against our quality of bowling attack,” he added. Rahmat’s Century and Lower Order Deliver Crucial Contributions The Test was also a memorable one for Rahmat, who scored a century in the first innings in his first innings as Afghanistan’s Test captain. He followed that effort with a valuable 51 in the second innings. However, it was the collective determination of the batting unit, particularly the lower order, that ultimately secured the result. Rahmat said Afghanistan’s strategy was to prioritise survival, remain disciplined and avoid being distracted by Bangladesh’s pressure tactics. “As a team, I was delighted that two players scored centuries in the match and others contributed with half-centuries and vital partnerships,” Rahmat said. “The tail batted well and sensibly today. The plan today was to bat for long periods and be patient and not be bothered if they [Bangladesh] bowled dot balls or maidens. Our goal was to bat all day.” Reflecting on the effort, the Afghanistan captain added that patience, discipline and sound defensive batting were the keys to achieving the draw. “It was a great achievement to bat for over 140 overs [142] and more than seven hours in our second innings. Patience and playing straight with discipline were key in the players achieving the draw from the match. An outstanding effort by all of them,” he said. Qais Ahmad Adds Late Drama Before Afghanistan Seal the Draw Afghanistan’s resistance continued after Atal’s dismissal, with Qais Ahmad and Yamin Ahmadzai showing impressive defensive resolve to see out the remaining overs. Coming in at No. 9, Qais remained unbeaten on 49 after facing 80 balls over nearly an hour and a half. Although his primary task was to survive, he also produced some attacking strokes, striking three sixes, including two in the final over. His approach, however, left Pybus with mixed feelings. The coach had urged the lower order to focus on defence rather than attempting to chase the imposing target. “Qais paid absolutely no attention to my advice whatsoever,” Pybus joked. “I suggested to him to defend really strongly and with a lot of willpower. I thought he was trying to channel Ben Stokes and chase down that total without absolutely any possibility of getting it.” Despite the nervous moments, Pybus acknowledged Qais’s contribution and praised the team’s collective fighting spirit. “Qais gave us a cameo at the back-end there — he played his own game. But credit to him, he just fought incredibly hard like the whole side did,” he said. Pybus also praised the squad for managing the pressure of a lengthy fourth-innings chase and remaining focused on securing a positive result. “I think the squad actually managed emotions pretty well today,” he said. “It’s a long chase [479] and also getting to the point where you’re actually batting to hold out and to get a good draw out of it.” For Afghanistan, the result was more than just a drawn Test. It was a statement of resilience, with Atal’s marathon century, Rahmat’s leadership and the lower order’s late resistance combining to deny Bangladesh a victory that had appeared within reach.

West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been withdrawn from the Test squad, while white-ball captain Shai Hope has been rested for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, beginning October 28. Cricket West Indies (CWI) has named 23-year-old top-order batter Kevin Wickham in the 15-member squad, marking his maiden Test call-up. Allrounder Keemo Paul has been included as Joseph’s replacement for the series. Joseph Withdrawn to Manage Workload CWI confirmed that Joseph was withdrawn following a routine medical assessment and consultation with specialists. The decision was taken to manage the fast bowler’s workload and reduce the risk of injury associated with the physical demands of red-ball cricket. The board clarified that Joseph has not been ruled out of shorter formats. However, the medical team believes that playing two consecutive Test matches in Bangladesh would place significantly greater demands on the fast bowler than white-ball cricket. Joseph will continue working with the CWI medical team and specialists as he prepares for a return to the longer format. The decision was made with the player’s agreement. Hope Rested Ahead of ODI World Cup Qualifiers Hope has been rested after an extended run across all three formats of the game. According to CWI, the move is part of its workload and wellness management plan ahead of the ODI World Cup qualifiers scheduled for February 2027. West Indies are not scheduled to play any white-ball matches over the next month following their ongoing tour of India. West Indies Aim to Finish WTC Cycle Strongly The two-Test series against Bangladesh will be West Indies’ final assignment in the ongoing 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The Caribbean side currently sits eighth in the standings and will be looking to improve its position with a strong performance. Head coach Daren Sammy highlighted the importance of the series, saying that finishing in the top half of the WTC rankings had been one of the team’s objectives at the beginning of the cycle. Sammy acknowledged that playing Bangladesh in their home conditions would be challenging but expressed confidence in his team’s preparations. Bangladesh vs West Indies Test Series Schedule The first Test will begin in Dhaka on October 28, while the second Test is scheduled to start in Sylhet on November 5. West Indies Squad for Bangladesh Tests Roston Chase (captain), Jomel Warrican (vice-captain), Joshua Bishop, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva (wicketkeeper), Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Amir Jangoo (wicketkeeper), Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Kevin Wickham.

Joburg Super Kings (JSK) have announced a revamped coaching and support staff ahead of the fifth season of the SA20, appointing former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald as their new bowling coach. The franchise has also confirmed changes to its fielding and medical support teams, with Eric Simons and Tommy Simsek moving on from their respective roles. Donald will replace Simons as bowling coach and work alongside Albie Morkel, who has been promoted to head coach following JSK's separation from Stephen Fleming. Simons, meanwhile, will join Fleming's backroom staff in England. Donald brings extensive coaching experience to the franchise. Since retiring from international cricket in 2004, the former South African pacer has worked with several international teams, including South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Bangladesh. His coaching career has also included stints with Warwickshire, Kent, the Mountaineers, Pune Warriors India and Royal Challengers Bangalore, among other teams. JSK have also appointed former wicketkeeper-batter Pierre de Bruyn as their new fielding coach. De Bruyn reunites with Morkel, having previously worked alongside him at the Titans and with Namibia. In another change to the support staff, Evan Speechly will take over as the franchise's physiotherapist, replacing Tommy Simsek. Meanwhile, JSK made notable moves during the recent SA20 auction as they strengthened their squad for the upcoming season. The franchise secured the services of former captain Faf du Plessis for R2.7 million and spent R2.9 million on uncapped all-rounder Jason Rowles. The fifth season of the SA20 is scheduled to begin on January 17, 2027, in Gqeberha, with the final set to take place in Cape Town on February 21. The opening match at St George's Park will see Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) face Pretoria Capitals (PC) in a rematch of the 2026 season final. With changes to both the coaching setup and the support staff, Joburg Super Kings will look to build a competitive unit under Morkel as they prepare for the 2027 edition of the tournament.

Former Zimbabwe batter Grant Flower has admitted that Sussex’s financial difficulties played a major role in his decision to leave the club and join Surrey as an assistant coach. Grant Flower, 55, is set to leave Sussex after five seasons at Hove to take up a new coaching role at Surrey in November, adding to the growing list of departures from the financially troubled county. Flower played a significant role in developing Sussex’s batting unit during his time at the club. His contribution coincided with Sussex earning promotion to Division One of the County Championship in 2024 and finishing third in the 2026 campaign. However, Sussex have faced increasing financial pressure after reporting an operating loss of £1.33 million for the 2024-25 financial year. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) placed the club in special measures in February, and several key figures have since moved on. Last week, head coach Paul Farbrace confirmed his departure to Lancashire, where he will take up the position of director of cricket. Other notable exits include fast bowler Henry Crocombe, who recently received a two-year ECB central contract, and wicketkeeper John Simpson, who is joining Nottinghamshire. Flower’s move to Surrey marks another significant change for Sussex as the club continues to deal with its financial challenges. Flower Excited About New Challenge at Surrey Flower brings considerable international coaching experience to Surrey, having previously worked with Sri Lanka and Pakistan. During his time with Pakistan, he was part of the coaching setup that helped the team win the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. At Surrey, Flower will work alongside head coach Gareth Batty. He replaces Jim Troughton, who is returning to Warwickshire, his former county. Surrey will be hoping Flower can strengthen their batting department after a difficult season in the County Championship. The club struggled at times and flirted with relegation after winning three titles and finishing runners-up in their previous four campaigns. Expressing his excitement about the move, Flower said Surrey’s reputation, strong cricketing culture and ambition made the opportunity particularly appealing. He added that he was looking forward to bringing his experience to the club, helping players improve their performances and contributing to the team’s pursuit of trophies. Flower is expected to begin work at The Oval in November as Surrey prepare for the 2027 season. Financial Problems Behind Sussex Departure While Flower expressed gratitude for his time at Sussex, he acknowledged that the club’s financial situation was a significant factor in his decision to leave. Reflecting on his departure, the former Zimbabwe international said he would remember his five years at Hove with great fondness but had decided to move on because of the challenges facing the club. He described the decision as difficult but said he was grateful for the opportunity to join Surrey and begin a new chapter in his coaching career. Sussex have praised Flower for his contribution to the development of their players during his five-year spell. Farbrace highlighted his work in helping players improve and reach their potential. Meanwhile, Surrey director of men's cricket Alec Stewart welcomed Flower’s appointment, praising his experience and coaching ability. Stewart said Flower would play an important role in improving the club’s batting across all formats. Flower’s departure represents another setback for Sussex as they attempt to navigate their financial difficulties, while Surrey will hope his experience can help restore their position among the leading teams in county cricket.

Will Prestwidge delivered a career-best batting performance in an unexpected role as Tasmania defeated New South Wales (NSW) by 57 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the domestic One-Day Cup at Cricket Central on Tuesday. Tasmania handed NSW their first defeat of the competition season after a rain-interrupted encounter in which Prestwidge smashed a maiden half-century to give his side a strong start at the top of the order. The 24-year-old, who is better known for his bowling than his batting, scored an impressive 71 off just 56 balls, including six fours and five sixes. His attacking innings helped Tasmania maintain momentum despite two rain delays that interrupted play for almost three hours. Speaking about his unfamiliar role as an opener, Prestwidge said he enjoyed the opportunity to contribute with the bat and provide his team with a solid start. Returning to the field at 53 without loss, Tasmania adopted an aggressive approach with 21 overs remaining and were eventually bowled out for 203. NSW were set a revised target of 216 runs from 30 overs but struggled to build a meaningful chase. They were dismissed for 158 in 26 overs, handing Tasmania a convincing victory. The NSW innings got off to a disastrous start when Ollie Davies, fresh from scoring a double-century in the Sheffield Shield draw against Tasmania, was dismissed for 13 at the end of the second over. Fellow opener Kurtis Patterson followed just two balls later, leaving the hosts under immediate pressure. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as the NSW middle order failed to convert promising starts. Riley Kingsell, Ryan Hicks and Will Salzmann were unable to steady the innings, while Tasmania's bowlers maintained control throughout the chase. Caleb Jewell sealed the result with a run-out of Liam Hatcher after the tailender called NSW's leading scorer, Jake Scott, through for a risky single. Tasmania's highly rated offspinner Raf MacMillan was the standout bowler, playing a key role in restricting the home side's scoring opportunities. Prestwidge also contributed with the ball, finishing with figures of one wicket for 18 runs from three overs. Reflecting on the challenging conditions, Prestwidge acknowledged that the rain interruptions made the match difficult to manage but welcomed the result. The victory leaves Tasmania with two wins from their first three matches, providing a timely boost to their One-Day Cup campaign. Prestwidge's unexpected batting heroics proved decisive, highlighting Tasmania's ability to adapt to changing conditions and capitalise on opportunities against a previously unbeaten NSW side.

Sri Lanka have received a timely boost ahead of their two-Test series against Pakistan, with the return of Pathum Nissanka headlining the 15-member squad announced for the tour. The inclusion of young wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara and fast bowler Eshan Malinga has also raised the prospect of two potential Test debuts. Kusal Mendis will lead the side following his promotion to captain, while Dinesh Chandimal has returned to the squad after missing the second Test against India due to injury. Anjala Bandara in contention for Test debut The 22-year-old Anjala Bandara is in contention to feature in the playing XI, with Kusal Mendis expected to take on wicketkeeping duties less frequently and focus primarily on his batting. Bandara has impressed in domestic cricket since making his debut in 2022. In 31 first-class matches, the Colombo Cricket Club wicketkeeper has scored 2,239 runs at an impressive average of 65.85. His consistent performances had prompted calls for his inclusion in the squad for the India series, but Niroshan Dickwella was preferred at the time. Fast bowler Eshan Malinga is another potential debutant, although his place in the final XI remains uncertain. Sri Lanka have several pace options, including Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayaka and Dilshan Madushanka, who returns to the squad after missing the second Test against India. Sri Lanka look to strengthen pace attack Malinga's selection comes as Sri Lanka seek to strengthen their fast-bowling resources in Test cricket. Former captain Dhananjaya de Silva had previously highlighted the need for more express pace options in the team during the India tour. While Lahiru Kumara can regularly bowl at speeds around 140 kmph, several of Sri Lanka's other fast-bowling options generally operate at lower speeds. Malinga's ability to generate comparable pace could make him a valuable addition to the attack and put him in contention for his maiden Test appearance. The squad also features two specialist spin options in Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha. Several changes following India series Sri Lanka have made a number of changes to their squad following the India Tests. Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige, who were included for the second Test against India, have been left out alongside Lahiru Udara, Niroshan Dickwella and Vishwa Fernando. Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who made his Test debut against India earlier this year, has retained his place in the squad ahead of the more experienced Udara. Nissanka's return is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka's batting lineup as they prepare for a challenging assignment in Pakistan. The final playing XI will depend on the team's balance between specialist batters, wicketkeeping options and the pace attack. Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan Test series Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis (captain), Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga. The first Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi on November 9, with both sides set to compete in a two-match series.