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Very Surprised Smith Has Gone For The Amount Of Money He Has Michael Clarke

Very surprised Smith has gone for the amount of money he has: Michael Clarke

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has hinted that Steve Smith might opt out of playing in the IPL citing “injury concerns”. Smith was sold to Delhi Capitals for a relatively lesser amount of Rs. 2.2 Cr in the IPL 2021 mini auctions.

"I know his T20 performances haven't been as good as he would have liked. Last year's IPL wasn't great. I'm very surprised he has gone for the amount of money he has, just under $400,000 - which is still good money," said Clarke on the Big Sports Breakfast Podcast after calling Smith among the top three batsmen in the world.

"But when you look at what he was getting (last season) and his role as captain of Rajasthan, don't be surprised if there's a little hamstring strain the day the plane is meant to fly to India," Clarke added.

Clarke further said that Smith is probably one of the three best batsmen in the world at the moment.

"You talk about Steve Smith - if he's not the best batsman in the world, he's not far away. Virat Kohli is number one, but Smithy is in the top three," Clarke added.

Smith was earlier released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the auctions. The right-handed batsman has been a part of Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant and RR in the earlier editions of the IPL.

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Sri Lankan fast bowler Lahiru Kumara tests positive for Covid-19

Sri Lanka fast bowler Lahirus Kumara has tested positive for Covid-19. The Sri Lanka Cricket shared this news in a press release, updating about the team development ahead of the Lankan Tigers’ tour of West Indies. "He was detected during PCR Tests carried out yesterday. (21st February),"the SLC release stated. "Immediately upon identification, Lahiru Kumara has been directed to follow the Government's health protocol laid out on Covid-19. Sri Lanka Cricket will continue with normal operations, adhering to the stipulated Health Protocols," it added. Sri Lanka’s tour of the Windies, where they will play three T20Is and three ODIs will begin from March 3 to 14 and two Tests beginning 21st March. With Tests beginning late, Kumara, 24, is likely to be part of only the longer format series. Kumara had also got injured during Sri Lanka’s last tour of South Africa.

Kohli is charged up while batting & fielding but is down-to-earth: Sarandeep Singh

Former India cricketer Sarandeep Singh has praised skipper Virat Kohli and has said that the flamboyant batsman is only aggressive on the field while is pretty “down to earth” when he is off it. "If you see him in the matches, he's always charged up while batting and fielding. So it seems like he's always hot and arrogant, and doesn't listen to anyone. But no, he's as down-to-earth as he seems aggressive on the field,” he said. "In selection meetings, he was so polite. He always used to listen to everyone and then finally come to a decision." Sarandeep also said that Virat has got no servants at his home and it is him or his wife who do all the work when they have guests at their place. "At his home, there are no servants. He and his wife will serve food to everyone. What else do you want? Virat always sits with you, chats with you, and goes out for dinner with you." "All the other players have so much respect for him. He's very down-to-earth and strong-willed," he further said. "On the field, he needs to be that way because he's the captain. He's the one who'll handle the pressure on the ground and make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he added. Kohli is presently with the Indian team for the on-going Test series against England. The four-match Test series is leveled at 1-1 with the last two matches scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad. The third match begins from February 24 which would be a Day-night encounter.

Devon Conway shines bright with bat to lead Blackcaps' attack on Australia

Left-hander Devon Conway finished unbeaten just one run short of a magnificent century but led New Zealand’s comeback in the first T20I of the series against Australia at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The hosts were dealt early blows when pacers Jhye Richardson and Daniel Sams routed the Blackcaps’ top order, but Devon Conway stitched valuable partnerships first with Glenn Phillips and James Neesham to power the hosts to 184 runs. Conway was watchful at the start of his innings, but increased his tempo as he got his eye in. He was particularly severe on the eg side and anything that was pitched in his half disappeared over the square leg fence.

David Warner is involved in match-fixing: TRS MLA Danam Nagender

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) MLA and former minister, Danam Nagender has made a shocking statement about Sunrisers Hyderabad captain and Australia cricketer David Warner. Nagender alleged that the Australian batsman has been involved in match-fixing. "Hyderabad has got a good name and not taking players from here is condemnable. We feel sad and also condemn Warner being captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad who is involved in match-fixing. If Hyderabad doesn’t have representation (if players from here are not selected) then we will protest against IPL from being conducted in Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi Stadium," said Nagender. Nagender also said that there would be a protest against IPL from being conducted in Hyderabad if players from the city were not selected. "We will protest against IPL from being conducted in Hyderabad if players from here are not selected. In Hyderabad city there are many deserving players, in previous selections many irregularities took place and we are condemning it. There are players from here who played for Ranji trophy, under 19. There are many deserving players who can play for IPL from here, but only Mohammed Siraj has so far made it," Nagender told reporters. Warner has led SRH to IPL triumph in 2016 after beating RCB in the final. The IPL 2021 mini auctions recently took place in Chennai where Chris Morris snapped the highest bid ever in the tournament’s history. He was sold to Rajasthan Royals for an amount of Rs.16.25 Cr while Australia’s Glenn Maxwell was picked up by RCB for Rs. 14.25 Cr.