Ashwell Prince appointed as Bangladesh batting coach

SLC thanks BCCI as India series generates USD 14.5 million in revenue

As it was widely expected, India’s tour of Sri Lanka last month has proven to be a wealth-generating series for Sri Lanka Cricket. The board has been able to generate a revenue of USD 14.5 million (INR 107 crore) according to its secretary Mohan de Silva. Discussing the behind the scenes negotiations that took place between the BCCI and the SLC, de Silva has said that the SLC President Shammi Silva “persuaded” the Indian board to organise both ODI and T20 series on the tour. “According to the FTP (Future Tours Program) the tour was only for three ODIs, but our President Shammi Silva managed to persuade the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to give us an additional three T20Is which resulted in the enhancement of the commercial value. It was made possible because of the relationship we have cultivated with the Indian Cricket Board. We got $ 14.5 million from broadcasting and other rights like ground, etc.,” de Silva was quoted as saying by the Daily FT. He also highlighted the “cordial relationship” between the BCCI and the SLC that made the series possible even in mid of the raging pandemic. He said that the Indian government too helped in organising the tour that has proven to be financially beneficial for Sri Lanka. “The fact that the BCCI and the Indian Government gave the blessings for their team to come to Sri Lanka during the pandemic times and meet their commitments was also due to the cordial relationships we have with the BCCI. Without their encouragement we would not have been able to go ahead with this tour which resulted in a lucrative commercial value and revenue coming into Sri Lanka,” de Silva said. Indian team rose through many challenges on the tour of Sri Lanka but the BCCI never called off the series. At the start of the tour, they were concerned at the reporting of multiple Covid-19 cases in the hosts camp while their own players tested positive later in mid of the T20 series. De Silva thanked the Indian team that toured in the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan and Rahul Dravid for choosing to play despite Covid-19 concerns expressed by all including the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka. “Even the Indian High Commissioner was concerned and the BCCI. In this context, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of SLC to the management of the Indian team, Rahul Dravid and the others, and the BCCI who monitored the situation. They wanted certain guidance given by us and the assurances, which we did by moving the patient to another hotel and so on, and we continued with the tour,” he said. India had won the ODI series by 2-1 while the hosts came back strongly in the T20 series against a depleted Indian side to win the T20 series by an equal margin.

The Hundred: Smriti Mandhana withdraws from last two fixtures to spend time with family

India batter Smriti Mandhana who is a part of Southern Brave has withdrawn her name from the last two fixtures including the final to spend time with her family before Australia tour. Ireland’s Gaby Lewis has been named as her replacement. Southern Brave have won six out of the seven matches that they have played in the competition and are presently sitting at the helm in points table. Mandhana struck a fine 52-ball 78 for Southern Brave in their last encounter against Welsh Fire as the side posted a mammoth 166/3 in the allotted 100 balls. The left-handed batter along with her opening partner Wyatt put 107 for the first wicket as both the players notched up individual half-centuries. In reply, Welsh team was restricted to 127/4 as the Southern Brave side won the match by 39 runs. They are now slated to play against the Oval Invincibles on Monday (August 16, 2021) in Southampton. Mandhana has scored 167 runs in the seven matches that she has played so far for the side at a strike-rate of over 133. The Indian women’s team will tour Australia in September-October where they will play three ODIs, one-off Test and three T20Is. The tour will begin on September 19, 2021 with the ODI series in Sydney.

SL vs SA | Quinton de Kock, Ngidi to miss ODIs, injured David Miller included in T20I squad

South Africa have announced the T20I and ODI squads for the Sri Lanka tour. Fast bowler Dwaine Pretorius has made a return to both the squads while Junior Dala has found a place for himself in the ODI setup. Wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock has been rested for the ODI fixtures but will feature in the T20Is. Apart from this Lungi Ngidi is not included in the ODI squad due to personal reasons while David Miller’s injury is being monitored. The left-handed batsman sustained a hamstring injury during the final T20 against Ireland. Both the players though have been included in the T20I squad. The South African team would be led by Temba Bavuma. The Proteas are slated to play Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series and as many T20Is in Colombo. All the matches will be played at R.Premadasa Stadium. The ODI series commences on September 2, 2021 while the second and third ODI will be played on September 4 and September 7 respectively. The first T20I will take place on September 10 which will be followed by the second and third encounter on September 12 and September 14 respectively. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are yet to announce the squads. ODI Squad: Bavuma (c), Dala, B Hendricks, R Hendricks, Klaasen, Linde, J Malan, Maharaj, Markram, Mulder, Nortje, Phehlukwayo, D Pretorius, Rabada, Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Verreynne, Lizaad Williams T20I Squad: Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Fortuin, B Hendricks, R Hendricks, Klaasen, Linde, Maharaj, Magala, Markram, Miller, Mulder, Ngidi, Nortje, D Pretorius, Rabada, Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Williams

ENG vs IND | 2nd Test: Rain plays spoilsport at Lord's as well

India and England are all set to take on each other in the second Test of the five-match series at Lord’s. The first encounter between the two sides ended in a draw after rain played spoilsport during the game in Nottingham. But the weather conditions in London will allow the first day’s play to go ahead as scheduled as there is no prediction of rain. Both India and England suffered some blows ahead of the second Test. Shardul Thakur will miss the second Test due to hamstring injury while Stuart Broad has been ruled out of the series after pulling up with a calf problem. "England seamer Stuart Broad has tweaked his right calf in today's warm-up at Lord's. He was unable to train this afternoon with the rest of the England squad. Broad will have a scan tomorrow to determine the extent of his injury," the ECB said. Moreover, fast bowler James Anderson is also doubtful for the second Test as he is struggling with a thigh problem. Lancashire paceman Saqib Mahmood was earlier called-up as cover for Broad. The visitors were handed a target of 209 runs in the second innings of the first Test and the Virat Kohli-led side needed 157 to win on the last day. But the fifth day was washed away due to rain, ending the match in a draw.