Melbourne Stars have appointed former Yorkshire allrounder Richard Pyrah as their new head coach for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season. The 43-year-old Englishman will take charge of the Stars after spending the past three seasons as head coach of Yorkshire Women. Last season’s coach, Andy Christie, will return to an assistant coaching role as he focuses on his responsibilities as head coach of Victoria’s women’s team in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL). Christie guided the Stars to the WBBL Knockout last season, where they were eliminated by the Perth Scorchers. The club announced in July that he would step back into an assistant role while continuing his work with Victoria. Pyrah brings extensive experience across both men’s and women’s cricket. He was also an assistant coach with Sunrisers Leeds in this season’s Women’s Hundred, where he worked alongside Stars captain Annabel Sutherland. Sutherland enjoyed an outstanding campaign, earning Player of the Season honours as Sunrisers reached the final before losing to Trent Rockets. The former Yorkshire allrounder also has previous experience in the Big Bash League, having worked as a consultant with Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers between 2015 and 2017. “Richard is an experienced coach across both women's and men's programs and will bring a diverse skillset to the team,” Stars general manager James Rosengarten said. “This move is all about strengthening our club. Andy did a sensational job last season guiding our team to the WBBL finals, and having him remain a part of the program was important to us.” Rosengarten also highlighted the continuity provided by Christie’s existing role with Victoria, where he coaches several Stars players. “He already coaches a number of our players across the Victorian women's team, so to have that continuity leading into the WBBL season will be an asset for us,” he added. Pyrah’s appointment comes amid a wider reshaping of coaching roles in the WBBL. Melbourne Renegades recently appointed Gavan Twining, an assistant coach with the Australia women’s team, as their new head coach after Simon Helmot left the club to take charge of Gulf Giants in the ILT20. With Pyrah now at the helm and Christie continuing as an assistant, the Stars will look to build on last season’s finals appearance and push for a stronger WBBL campaign.

Veteran spinner Graeme Cremer has been recalled to Zimbabwe's T20I squad for the upcoming tri-series against South Africa and Namibia, marking his first international appearance in the format since the T20 World Cup in February. The 39-year-old has recovered from a left-arm injury and has been named in Zimbabwe's 15-member squad, which will be led by allrounder Sikandar Raza. Fast bowler Richard Ngarava has been left out as he continues his recovery from a lower-back injury. Ngarava, who serves as Zimbabwe's Test and ODI captain, is being closely monitored ahead of the team's upcoming assignments. Tanaka Chivanga will also miss the tri-series after undergoing surgery for an Achilles tendon injury. Cremer made his return to international cricket at the T20 World Cup earlier this year after a seven-year absence from the Zimbabwe side. However, a left-arm injury ruled him out of selection following the tournament. His return provides Zimbabwe with experience and an additional spin option for the upcoming competition. Batter Brendan Taylor has also been omitted from the squad after failing to feature in Zimbabwe's T20I series against Bangladesh and India earlier this year. Taylor last played a T20I against Oman at the T20 World Cup but remains part of Zimbabwe's Test setup. He featured in the team's most recent Test, a one-off match against Bangladesh in June. Zimbabwe will begin their tri-series campaign against Namibia and South Africa on August 28 in Windhoek. The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final on September 6. Ngarava's recovery will remain an important focus for Zimbabwe, with the pacer expected to return to captain the team in their ODI series against Australia in September if he regains full fitness. Zimbabwe are also expected to travel to the UAE in November for a series against Afghanistan, comprising two Tests and three ODIs, following their Australia assignment. Zimbabwe squad for T20I tri-series Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga.

England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been withdrawn from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s after being arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in Derby on Saturday night. Carse had been released from England duty to play for Durham in the County Championship after missing selection for the opening Test at Headingley. Durham defeated Derbyshire on Saturday, after which Carse celebrated with teammates. A video that emerged on Sunday showed Carse surrounded by police officers and being led away from a venue in Derby, widely reported to be Molly Malone’s Irish Tavern. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that it would investigate the incident and referred the matter to the independent Cricket Regulator. The regulator has since confirmed that it will conduct its own investigation. With the investigation ongoing, Carse will not be available for selection for the second Test. Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker has been called up as his replacement. “Following a referral from the ECB, the Cricket Regulator have confirmed that they will investigate events on Saturday night in Derby,” the ECB said in a statement. “Brydon Carse will no longer be available for selection for the second men's Rothesay Test match while this investigation is ongoing and the full facts are obtained. Brydon will be replaced in the squad for this match by Sonny Baker.” A spokesperson for Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed that a man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in Derby city centre on Saturday night. He was released shortly afterwards after agreeing to leave the area. The incident adds to a growing list of off-field controversies involving England players over the past year and is likely to reignite discussions surrounding alcohol and player behaviour within the England setup. England's recent disciplinary issues include Harry Brook's nightclub incident in Wellington last year, which resulted in a fine and questions over his position as white-ball captain. England's drinking culture also came under scrutiny during last winter's Ashes series in Australia. Earlier this summer, Test captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were suspended while the ECB investigated their involvement in celebrations following England's opening Test against New Zealand. Both were later cleared of involvement in violent conduct at a nightclub but received written warnings for breaching specific contractual obligations. England managing director Rob Key subsequently introduced updated guidance on alcohol consumption. However, the policy has since been relaxed, with Joe Root recently saying the team's midnight curfew had been eased and backing players to behave responsibly. Carse's latest controversy comes against the backdrop of his own previous disciplinary history. He made his Test debut in late 2024 after serving a ban for historic betting offences. Carse had placed 303 bets on various matches between 2017 and 2019, although he did not play in any of the matches involved. English cricketers are prohibited from betting on cricket under the sport's integrity regulations. England's squad is scheduled to assemble in London on Monday and will train twice at Lord's ahead of the second Test, which begins on Thursday. England currently lead the three-match series 1-0 after securing a dominant innings-and-103-run victory over Pakistan at Headingley inside three days.

Afghanistan have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India, with fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq making his return to international cricket after nearly two years. Naveen last represented Afghanistan in December 2024 and had subsequently missed a number of assignments because of a stress fracture in his right shoulder. The injury kept the fast bowler out of action for more than eight months. The series will also mark the beginning of Ibrahim Zadran's tenure as Afghanistan's T20I captain. He took over the leadership from Rashid Khan following Afghanistan's campaign at the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Rashid remains part of the squad as a player. Veteran allrounder Mohammad Nabi has also returned to the white-ball squad after missing Afghanistan's recent ODI series against Ireland because of his Caribbean Premier League commitments. Afghanistan won that ODI series 4-0. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor ul Rahman has been included as the second wicketkeeper behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Spinner Nangeyalia Kharote has also been brought back into the main squad after missing Afghanistan's T20 World Cup campaign. Shahidullah Kamal has been moved to the reserves, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq has been left out of the squad entirely. Gulbadin Naib, who was part of Afghanistan's T20 World Cup squad, has also retained his place. The series will be Afghanistan's first T20I assignment since the T20 World Cup in March, where they failed to qualify for the Super Eight stage. All three matches against India will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17. Afghanistan squad for T20I series against India Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Noor ul Rahman, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq. Reserves: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Namibia have announced a squad combining experienced campaigners and promising young talent for the upcoming T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe on home soil. Captain Gerhard Erasmus will lead the side, which features established names including Jan Frylinck, JJ Smit, Jan-Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann and Bernard Scholtz. Former South Africa allrounder Justin Kemp, who was appointed Namibia's Director of Cricket in June, will work alongside head coach Craig Williams during the series. One of the major talking points will be the return of left-handed batter Michael van Lingen. Van Lingen retired from international cricket in 2024 but returned during Namibia's recent Cricket World Cup League 2 series in the Netherlands. He last played a T20I at the 2024 T20 World Cup and is expected to open the innings alongside highly rated youngster Junior Taanyanda. Taanyanda, 21, made his Namibia debut during the T20I tri-series against Hong Kong and Nigeria in June and emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer, underlining his growing importance to the national team. Namibia have also included several young bowling prospects. Max Heingo and Waldo Smith, both only 18, have already gained valuable T20I experience, having played 10 and five matches respectively. Offspinner Jan Balt, Namibia's leading bowler in their most recent T20I series, is also part of the squad. Allrounder Alexander Busing-Volschenk, 21, will be another player to watch. He has impressed with an impressive T20I strike rate of 142 and provides Namibia with another explosive option in the middle order. The seven-match series is expected to serve as a precursor to the proposed Africa T20 Cup, which is scheduled to be launched next year. Proceeds from the series will go towards the Africa Cricket Association. It will also mark only the second occasion on which Namibia host South Africa. The Proteas travelled to Windhoek last October for the inauguration of the Namibia Cricket Ground and suffered defeat in a one-off match played before a packed crowd. South Africa will remain in Namibia after the T20I series to play three

India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando have each been fined 25% of their match fees following an on-field confrontation during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo on Sunday. Both players were also handed one demerit point for what the International Cricket Council (ICC) described as "inappropriate physical contact." The incident occurred after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal with the final delivery of the 17th over on the first morning. As Jaiswal began walking back towards the dressing room, he turned and moved towards Fernando, apparently reacting to words exchanged during Sri Lanka's celebratory huddle. According to the ICC, the two players exchanged words before Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal. Jaiswal then leaned forward, resulting in contact between their heads. Television footage appeared to indicate that Jaiswal initiated the physical contact, having turned around and walked towards Fernando. The Sri Lankan bowler also took a step towards the dismissed batter but did not move away when Jaiswal leaned his helmeted head towards him. The ICC determined that both players had breached Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to inappropriate physical contact with another player or match official. Neither Jaiswal nor Fernando had committed a similar offence resulting in a demerit point during the previous 24 months. As a Level 1 offence, the breach carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points. Jaiswal scored 45 off 53 deliveries before Fernando dismissed him with India on 66 for 2 after the visitors had elected to bat first. Fernando went on to play a key role in Sri Lanka's efforts, also dismissing Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja as India reached 300 for 5 by the close of play. India lead the two-Test series 1-0 after securing a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Galle.

Pakistan have named batter Sadaf Shamas as the replacement for wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi in their squad for the Women's T20 Asia Cup after Alvi was ruled out with a knee injury. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Alvi experienced pain in the posterior region of her left knee. Scans subsequently indicated a possible sprain, and following an assessment by the PCB medical team, she will begin a rehabilitation programme immediately. Her recovery is expected to take up to four weeks. Shamas, who was initially included among Pakistan's reserves, has now been promoted to the main squad. The right-handed batter has represented Pakistan in 12 T20 internationals since making her debut in January 2023. Although Shamas has not played a T20I since October 2024, she has been in impressive form in ODI cricket this year. She has scored 488 runs in nine innings, including her maiden international century and four half-centuries. The Women's T20 Asia Cup will be played in Dubai from August 28 to September 13. Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Thailand and Hong Kong. Pakistan will begin their campaign against Thailand on September 1 before taking on India on September 5. They will complete their group-stage fixtures against Hong Kong on September 7. Pakistan Squad for Women's T20 Asia Cup Fatima Sana (captain) Ayesha Zafar Eman Naseer Eyman Fatima Gull Feroza Momina Riasat Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper) Nashra Sandhu Sadia Iqbal Saira Jabeen Shawaal Zulfiqar Tuba Hassan Umm-e-Hani Waheeda Akhtar Sadaf Shamas Reserves: Tasmia Rubab, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees Shamas' inclusion provides Pakistan with an additional batting option as they prepare for the continental tournament, while Alvi will now focus on recovering from her knee injury.

Guyana Amazon Warriors continued their unbeaten start to CPL 2026 with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on Sunday, maintaining their perfect record after three matches. Put in to bat first, the Falcons struggled against a disciplined Amazon Warriors bowling attack and were bowled out for just 116. Khary Pierre, Imran Tahir and Shamar Joseph were the chief destroyers, claiming seven wickets between them. Pierre made an immediate impact during the powerplay, dismissing Rahkeem Cornwall and Karima Gore to leave the Falcons at 49 for 2 after six overs. Tahir then struck in the middle overs, removing Hasan Nawaz, while Amir Jangoo, who top-scored with 37 from 29 balls, fell to Glenn Phillips. The Falcons' innings suffered further setbacks when Kusal Perera was run out following a mix-up. Shamar Joseph then dismantled the lower order, dismissing Joshua James before completing the tail-end collapse. Romario Shepherd also chipped in by removing Moeen Ali. Chasing 117, Amazon Warriors suffered an early wobble, slipping to 16 for 2 in the third over. However, Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope quickly took control of the chase with an explosive 99-run partnership for the third wicket. Hetmyer was particularly aggressive, smashing 49 from only 19 balls, including a four and six sixes. His dismissal came with Amazon Warriors just two runs short of victory. Quentin Sampson finished the contest in emphatic fashion, hitting Shamar Springer for a six off the first ball he faced. Hope remained unbeaten on 47 from 26 deliveries, striking two fours and four sixes. Amazon Warriors reached 121 for 3 to seal a comfortable seven-wicket victory with plenty to spare. The result takes the defending champions to three wins from three matches and keeps them at the top of the CPL 2026 points table. The Falcons remain third with three victories from six matches, while St Lucia Kings occupy second place. With their bowling attack firing and their batting lineup displaying plenty of firepower, Amazon Warriors have made a strong early statement in their title defence.

Jack Leach produced a superb display of left-arm spin as Somerset strengthened their push for a maiden Rothesay County Championship title with a convincing eight-wicket victory over Essex at the Cooper Associates Ground. The 35-year-old spinner claimed five wickets for 81 runs from 55.2 overs, maintaining a disciplined line and length on a deteriorating fourth-day pitch as Essex were bowled out for 412 in their second innings. Charlie Allison and Matt Critchley, who had frustrated Somerset on the third day, fell for 114 and 94 respectively. Leach finished with match figures of nine for 118, underlining his importance to Somerset's title challenge and potentially strengthening his case for a return to Test cricket. Somerset were left with a target of just 102 and reached it in 19.2 overs for the loss of two wickets. Tom Lammonby remained unbeaten on 39, while Josh Thomas contributed 31. The victory earned Somerset 22 points and moved them to within two points of Division One leaders Nottinghamshire. Essex took just two points from the match. Essex resumed the day on 314 for three, with Allison and Critchley continuing their remarkable partnership. The pair took the score to 339 before Leach finally broke through, finding Critchley's edge and allowing Tom Abell to complete a juggling catch at second slip. Critchley faced 236 deliveries and struck 11 fours in an innings built on patience and concentration. Leach then removed Allison for 114, with wicketkeeper James Rew taking a sharp catch to end the 21-year-old's 254-ball innings. Michael Pepper and Noah Thain also fell to Leach, leaving Essex seven wickets down for 367 and only 56 runs ahead. Somerset's Archie Vaughan then took centre stage after lunch. He bowled Shane Snater and Simon Harmer in quick succession before trapping Jamie Porter lbw to finish with three for 123. The final seven Essex wickets fell for just 73 runs as Somerset completed an impressive turnaround. In the chase, Thomas and Lammonby immediately attacked Essex's bowling, bringing up a fifty partnership in only 6.5 overs. Thomas eventually fell for 31 to Simon Harmer, followed by Lewis Goldsworthy, but Lammonby remained composed to guide Somerset home. The result was Somerset's first Championship victory without Craig Overton since September 2019. Overton missed the match following the birth of his baby daughter. With the Championship title race entering its decisive phase, Leach's outstanding performance could prove crucial as Somerset continue their pursuit of their first-ever County Championship crown.

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is expected to return to the crease in India's first innings after retiring hurt with a left-wrist injury on the opening day of the Test at the SSC. Pant was attempting to pull a 133kph short delivery from Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru Kumara over deep backward square leg when the ball struck the wrist of his bottom hand. Although he did not initially appear to be in significant pain, Pant received medical attention for several minutes before walking off unbeaten on 3 off 15 deliveries. The wicketkeeper was later seen in the dugout and dressing room and even padded up during the closing stages of the day's play. However, he was not required to return to the crease. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak offered a positive update after play, saying Pant "should be fine" to continue. He also indicated that the 27-year-old remained among the batters India were expecting to rely on to push the innings forward on the second day. If Pant continues to experience discomfort, India have two alternative wicketkeeping options in the playing XI. Dhruv Jurel, who normally bats at No. 7, is the most likely candidate to take over behind the stumps. KL Rahul can also keep wicket, although India are unlikely to want to add to the workload of their opening batter. Kuldeep Yadav Missed Colombo Test Due to Viral Fever Kotak also confirmed that Kuldeep Yadav was unavailable for the Colombo Test because he was suffering from viral fever when he left Galle. Kuldeep's absence had sparked speculation that India had opted to leave him out because the conditions favoured finger spin. India handed a debut to offspin-bowling allrounder Saransh Jain and also stated that Kuldeep could be used as a concussion substitute if required. Kotak rejected suggestions that the illness was being used as an excuse to leave Kuldeep out of the XI. "When he left [Galle], he was genuinely having viral [fever]," Kotak said, stressing that there was no reason for India to "fake" an illness. He added that Kuldeep had recovered reasonably well and looked in good condition when they met in the evening, but the spinner was still unavailable for the Test. Sri Lanka's Left-Handers Influenced Selection According to Kotak, Kuldeep's unavailability, combined with Sri Lanka's batting line-up, played a role in India's decision to hand Jain his debut. Sri Lanka had four left-handers among their top seven, prompting India to consider the advantages of playing an offspinner. The management ultimately opted for three spinners rather than relying on an additional pace option. "He has recovered reasonably well. He looked good when I met him in the evening and, obviously, he wasn't available for the match," Kotak said. He added that, with Sri Lanka having four left-handers in their top seven, "probably it makes sense to play an off spinner." India will now monitor Pant's wrist ahead of the second day's play while hoping their first-choice wicketkeeper is fit enough to resume his innings.