Bengal T20 Challenge: Three teams report Covid cases

Humble David Warner readies himself with ‘respect to opposition'

We might see a sober and calmer version of Australian opener David Warner in the upcoming series against India as the left-hander has said that he has been trying to learn the art of respecting the opposition and answering their engagements calls with his bat. He also believes that if one does not engage with whatever is thrown at an individual, the effect gets reversed and it does not influence performances. He also said that the Indian team enjoys having a bit of banter with the Australian team but suggested his teammates opt-out of it in the upcoming series. “The last time we toured in India they really engaged us like that. We’re learning over time, especially myself, that if you look not to engage in that you’re almost reversing the effect by ignoring it, trying to take it in, and using your bat,” news agency AFP quoted Warner as saying. He also suggested that the effects of losing temper trickle down to teammates and it may harm the performance of other players in the group which ultimately can change the outcome of a game. “You don’t know the effect it will have on your teammates, so you have to be a bit more humble and be more respectful to the opposition,” Warner added. Warner also expressed concerns about the image his behaviour on the field leaves on his kids and he said that being patient is the key to be a role model for kids which he is trying to achieve both on and off the field. “You have to be patient, not get too aggressive, not get angry when the kids aren’t listening. So I’m getting tested on and off the field,” Warner concluded on his change in attitude on on-field behaviour. Australia and India are set to lock horns with a three-match T20 series scheduled to start later this month, followed by ODI and Test series.

Time running out for Rohit Sharma, Ishant for Test series: Ravi Shastri

Time is running out for both Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma to get the chance to play in the upcoming Test series against Australia, India head coach Ravi Shastri has suggested. Shastri has said that the duo will have to take the flight to Australia within a period of next four-five days if they have to stand any chance to feature in the Test team for the series starting December 17. Shastri made these observations keeping in mind the coronavirus induced restrictions for 14 days that both the players will be put under after landing in Australia. "He's going through some tests at the NCA and they're obviously going to decide how long he needs to take a break. But things could get difficult if he's asked to wait for too long, then you're talking of the quarantine again, which might make it really tough for even him to come just in time for the Test series," Shastri said to ABC Sport. Indian team is scheduled to play a warm-up game from December 11 which is almost mandatory to get into the team for the Test series and for both Rohit and Ishant to feature in the warm-up game they will have to come out of the quarantine latest by December 10, for which the duo will have to reach down under by November 26. Rohit was not included in the limited-over series of the tour but coach Shastri said that he can’t afford a rest for a very long period of time. He said that Rohit will have to be on the flight to Australia if he has to play in the Test series. "He was never going to play the white-ball series, they were just looking to see how long he needed the rest, because you can't afford to be resting for too long. If you need to play in the Test series or any red-ball cricket, you've got to be on the flight in the next three or four days. If you aren't, then it's going to be tough,” Shastri added in his comment on Rohit’s availability for the Test series. If Rohit Sharma makes it in time for the Test series, he is certain to partner Mayank Agarwal at the top of the order and a lot of India’s fortunes will lie on his shoulders, especially in the absence of full-time skipper Virat Kohli who will return home after the first Test in Adelaide.

LPL 2020: Shahid Afridi to lead Galle, Steyn and Taylor join Kandy Tuskers

Lanka Premier League franchise Galle Gladiators have announced former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi as their captain for the inaugural season. He would be supported by Sri Lankan Bhanuka Rajapaksa as the vice-captain. The Galle team is owned by Pakistani businessman Nadeem Omar who also owns the popular Pakistan Super League team Quetta Gladiators. Omar had initially chosen his Quetta captain Sarfaraz Ahmed to lead this side as well, but the former Pak captain was picked for the tour of New Zealand and therefore pulled out of the tournament. "Afridi will now captain the side since he is the senior-most player in our franchise and has experience of captaincy," Omar told the media. On the other hand, good news came for the franchise owned by popular Indian actor Salman Khan’s brother Sohail Khan as Kandy Tuskers signed veteran South African speedster Dale Steyn to spearhead their depleted pace department. The franchise also confirmed the news of roping in veteran Zimbabwe batter Brendon Taylor as well. The two are supposed to be the replacements for Liam Plunkett and Chris Gayle, both of whom pulled out of the tournament citing personal reasons. "We are also thrilled to announce that one of the greatest bowlers of all time @DaleSteyn62 will join the Kandy Tuskers squad!” the franchise tweeted. Five franchises -- Jaffna Stallions, Kandy Tuskers, Galle Gladiators, Colombo Kings, and Dambulla Vikings will fight it out for the inaugural LPL trophy in 23 matches, all of which would be held in the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota starting November 26. Every day will have doubleheaders and the inaugural match would be played between Colombo Kings and Kandy Tuskers.

NZ vs PAK: Fakhar Zaman ruled out after developing fever

Pakistan's top-order batsman Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the upcoming New Zealand tour scheduled to start on 18 December. He would not travel with the Pakistan team which is due to leave for the Kiwi nation on Monday, 23 November from Lahore. The Pakistan Cricket Board released a statement on the issue saying, “Batsman Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tour to New Zealand. Fakhar is suffering from fever and has not recovered in time for the Pakistan squad's departure for the tour.” Confirming that he had tested negative for the covid-19 a day prior to the development of his fever, Pakistan’s team doctor Sohail Saleem said that the 30-year-old is being constantly monitored after being isolated from the team. "Fakhar's covid test report was received on Saturday which came out negative but today he picked up a fever. As soon as his condition was reported, he was isolated from the rest of the squad in the team hotel. We are constantly monitoring his condition and remain hopeful of his quick recovery; however, he is not fit to travel with the squad and as such has been withdrawn from the touring party.” Pakistan are scheduled to play three T20Is and two Tests on their New Zealand sojourn, starting with the first T20I in Eden Park, Auckland on 18 December.