I respect his reasons, let’s move forward now: Mark Boucher on de Villiers decision

South Africa Head Coach Mark Boucher, who was one of the most vocal voices asking former South Africa skipper and a T20 legend AB de Villiers to reconsider his retirement and join the national team, seems to have now made peace with it. Boucher feels that the 360-degree player has his reasons to not get back to international cricket and he respects that.

"AB has his reasons, which I respect. Unfortunately, he’s no longer in the mix. I say unfortunately because I think we all agree that he’s still one of the best – if not the best – T20 players in world cricket," Boucher was quoted as saying to The Citizen.

In a recent development, Cricket South Africa, while announcing the squad for the upcoming West Indies tour, did not select de Villiers into the squad. Later on, the board confirmed that the 37-year old's retirement is the final call and there would be no coming back for the player.

Boucher, who played alongside the RCB player at the national level, wanted him to come back after the latter announced a sudden retirement from all forms of international cricket. Boucher further delved on the topic saying that de Villiers wanted the up and coming players to serve the team, thus not becoming a hurdle in their way, he decided to stay put on his retirement decision.

"He alluded to being concerned about coming in ahead of other players who have been a part of the system. I don’t think it sat well with him, which I understand," the former South Africa wicketkeeper explained.

The 45-year-old finally said that all must come to realise that there would be no option of de Villiers for South Africa anymore and hence must move on. "As a coach, I needed to try and get our best players, for the team and the environment. AB is an energy booster in any environment, but I respect his reasoning. It was worth a go, but now let’s move forward," he said.

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CA announces Ashes 2021-22 schedule; New Zealand, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to tour down under as well

Cricket Australia announced the upcoming cricketing summer’s schedule for both the men’s and women’s national teams. While Ashes remain the main attraction beginning with the traditional Brisbane Test from December 8, Afghanistan’s first bilateral visit down under is also a talking point. In fact, it is Afghanistan against whom Tim Paine would begin what could be his last summer as an Australia captain or for that matter Australia international. The one-off Test, scheduled to be played at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Paine's home town, begins on November 27, marking the start of the Summer for the Men’s team. Apart from the Gabba Test, the rest of the four Tests for the visiting Joe Root’s side are scheduled to be played at Adelaide Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sydney Cricket Ground and Optus Stadium, Perth. While the Adelaide game would be a day-night affair, both SCG and MCG have retained their Boxing Day and New Year’s Test hosting tradition. The last Ashes game, traditionally held in Sydney would not be possible this time around as Optus, which would be hosting its first-ever Ashes has been awarded the last Test. Prior to Optus, WACA hosted the Perth Ashes Test. Along with the Ashes and Afghanistan Test, the Australian summer would also witness Aaron Finch’ men in action against both New Zealand and Sri Lanka. While the Blackcaps will play three ODIs and lone T20I, the Lankan Tigers will face the Kangaroos in a five-match T20I series starting February 11 to cape off the Australian summer. As far as the Southern Stars are concerned, they will be starting their summer with a multi-format tour by the India Women, the schedule for which has not yet been decided. It will be followed by the Women’s Ashes which would include a one-off Test, three ODIs and three T20Is and would be played over the course of 23 days, starting with the Test at Manuka Oval from January 27.

Had missed Sri Lanka tour last year, needed to work out on that: BCCI treasurer

India are set to travel to Sri Lanka for limited-overs fixtures in July. While the Indian stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be in England for the WTC final against New Zealand and a five-match Test series against the English side, a second team will travel to Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series and as many T20Is. The BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has now explained the reason behind sending another team to Sri Lanka for white-ball matches. “We had to miss Sri Lanka tour last year also. So, we need to work out on that. Since our team that is going to England is primarily for Tests, we could have made up (sic) a team for these white-ball matches. So, that is why we thought we should do our bit to make sure Sri Lankan board and we can play white-ball cricket in time,” Dhumal was quoted as saying. Dhumal further told that the series has been planned to make up for the losses that associations had suffered after a number of matches were cancelled due to Covid-19 outburst. “See, as you know the cricket world is under tremendous pressure for the last one-and-a-half year given this Covid pandemic. A lot of FTP has been cancelled (sic), which has put a lot of strain on these associations all over the world. Until and unless you do these tours, we can’t make up, and it would be very difficult for all these boards to come out of their financial struggle that they are going through,” Dhumal added. The team for the Sri Lanka tour is yet to be announced by the selectors.

James Bracey, Ollie Robinson get maiden call-up as England announces squad for NZ Tests

England have named the squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand scheduled to begin on June 2 at Lord’s. Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson have received the maiden Test call-ups while the team would be led by Joe Root. Bracey has notched up a total of 478 Championship runs so far in this campaign averaging 53, while Robinson has scalped 29 wickets at an average of 14. Craig Overton who last played for England in a Test in September 2019 against Australia has also been recalled. Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes have been rested from the home fixtures. The England Cricket Board had earlier said that it won’t rush the players returning from the now suspended IPL 2021 for the Test series against New Zealand. Apart from this Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer were not considered for the selection due to their respective injuries. Stokes fractured his finger while playing for Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2021 while Archer’s elbow injury popped up once again while playing for Sussex in the County Championship. England Men’s Head Coach, Chris Silverwood, said: “The summer of Test cricket will be fascinating. Playing the top two teams in the world, in New Zealand and India, is perfect preparation for us as we continue to improve and progress towards an Ashes series in Australia at the back end of the year. “ Silverwood further added that the absence of key players from the squad is an opportunity for the new faces to showcase their talent. “With several players not available through injury or being rested for the New Zealand series, it is an opportunity for us to reward those who have been on the fringes of England squads over the past 12 months,” he added. SQUAD: Joe Root (C), James Anderson, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood

Daren Sammy set to continue with St Lucia Zouks but resigns from captaincy

Former West Indies skipper Daren Sammy won’t continue his captaincy duties for the St Lucia Zouks in the upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League. The franchise announced that Sammy will no longer be the captain of the side and will instead take up a different role. The former all-rounder will be the T20 Cricket Consultant and Brand Ambassador for the Zouks. Sammy who led West Indies to two World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016 has been with the St Lucia Zouks franchise since 2013. It was under his leadership that the Zouks reached the final last year only to be thrashed at the hands of eventual champions Trinbago Knight Riders. Sammy despite being part of the playing XI in the last season had hardly anything to offer for the team’s cause when it came to batting and bowling. However, his tactical decisions helped the Zouks in winning some matches from precarious situations. Still very much passionate about his game, Sammy will look to flourish in his new role. "It's been an absolute pleasure to have led and been a part of the St Lucia Zouks from its inception," Sammy said. "Even though some may say good things must come to an end it will not be in this instance. St Lucia Zouks and I will always be a team. But since venturing into coaching, I realise I have a new passion that can allow me to still contribute and play a part in taking the franchise forward on its quest to winning a CPL title and developing future stars,” Sammy further added. Meanwhile, former Zimbabwe batsman and the head coach of St Lucia Zouks Andy Flower is eagerly looking forward to working with Sammy in his new role. "I have loved my interaction with him. Thank you very much for what you have done and look forward to working with you in the future. Preparations are ongoing as the franchise works aggressively on identifying exceptional players to bring the team to victory," Flower said. Coming to the team combination, the St Lucia Zouks have retained the core members of the squad which took them to the final of the previous edition. Big players like Rahkeem Cornwall, Roston Chase, Kesrick Williams and Andre Fletcher will be part of the unit with other players taking up the remaining spots.