An interesting day in the cricketing world as the Test season is in full swing. After India announced their squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, starting on September 19, the Duleep Trophy teams saw changes, with many top players unavailable due to their selection for the Test series. Globally, Sri Lanka pulled off a major upset by defeating England on their home soil after 10 years. Meanwhile, Pakistan cricket faces uncertainty over its captaincy. Red-ball captain Shan Masood had a disappointing display against Bangladesh, and now coaches are don’t want Babar Azam to lose white-ball captaincy.
Babar Azam likely to stay as Pak white-ball skipper
Recent reports suggested Babar Azam might be removed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, but coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten have advised the PCB against it. Though Babar was initially sacked after Pakistan’s early exit in the 2023 World Cup, he was reinstated for the T20 World Cup. A PCB source indicates no discussions have taken place about removing Babar or Shan Masood from Test captaincy, with the decision left to coaches and selectors by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
SL causes major upset in England, wins after a decade
In a exceptional turn of events, Sri Lanka secured a historic Test victory over England at The Oval. This was Srilanka’s fourth win in England and first in 10 years. Despite Sri Lanka’s win at Oval, it was England who took the series 2-1.
KL Rahul pips Sarfaraz Khan for 1st IND vs BAN Test?
As India gears up for the Test series against Bangladesh on September 19, KL Rahul has been chosen over Sarfaraz Khan. According to a BCCI source, despite Sarfaraz’s impressive debut against England, Rahul’s experience and recent form, including a half-century in the Duleep Trophy, have earned him the spot.
Mayank Agarwal is India A’s new skipper
Following Shubman Gill’s inclusion in India’s Test squad for the upcoming Bangladesh series, Mayank Agarwal has been appointed captain of India A for the remainder of the Duleep Trophy 2024. Gill’s departure for the Test series, starting on 19 September, leaves Agarwal in charge as India A looks to recover after a disappointing start.
Saurav Ganguly backs Rishabh Pant for Test greatness
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in Rishabh Pant’s potential to become one of India’s greatest Test players. At a promotional event, Ganguly praised Pant’s performances in red-ball cricket, particularly his ability to excel under pressure.
Rinku Singh is back in Duleep Trophy!
Explosive middle-order batter Rinku Singh has been called up to join India B in the ongoing Duleep Trophy. Reports suggest that Rinku, along with another player from Uttar Pradesh, was brought in after several India B players left to join the India squad for the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.