You may see three spinners playing the first Test: Gary Stead

Bangladesh women register largest win for an Asian team in ODIs, beat USA Women by 269 runs

It was a complete performance by Bangladesh Women at the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2021 in Zimbabwe. The women from South Asia beat the debutants United States Women by 269 runs, the largest victory margin by runs for an Asian side (men’s and women’s) in the history of ODI cricket. Batting first, the women in green and red rode on the back of Sharmin Akhter’s century, the first for any Bangladesh woman in ODI cricket history to reach 322, their highest ever total in ODI cricket. Along with Akhter, Fargana Hoque also scored 67 runs while Lata Mondal, Nigar Sultana and Murshida Khatun also contributed with the bat. Defending the total, only two United States batters reached the double-digits as the Bangladeshi bowlers made sure that US batters could reach only 53 in 30.3 overs before being bowled out. For Bangladesh, Salma Khatun, Fahima Khatun and Rumana Ahmed got two wickets each while Jahanara Alam scalped a solitary wicket. Prior to this win by Bangladesh Women, India Women had beaten Netherlands Women by 249 runs in 2017. As far as the biggest win by runs in women's cricket is concerned, the record is held by New Zealand women who beat Pakistan by 408 runs in 1997. This is the second win for Bangladesh Women in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier. They had earlier beaten Pakistan in a thrilling last-over finish.

Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021: Batsmen unleash through dominance

The fourth day of the Abu Dhabi T10 league emerged to be a batsmen’s day out when both the encounters became high-scoring clashes. Deccan Gladiators defeated Delhi Bulls by 9 wickets while chasing 113 in less than 8 overs while Team Abu Dhabi beat The Chennai Braves by 8 wickets as they chased down a mammoth 132 in the final over. Deccan Gladiators vs Delhi Bulls Batting first, Delhi Bulls were 39/2 when Rossouw and Sherfane Rutherford joined hands for an important and aggressive stand of 39 runs for the second wicket which certainly laid the foundation for a good total for the side. While Rutherford struck 19 off 6, Rossouw smashed the bowlers all around to notch up a 21-ball 48 which included four maximums and three fours during the course. Rossouw held the fort strong from one end but saw wickets falling at the other side as the Delhi team was bundled out for 112. Andre Russell picked up three wickets for 17 runs in two overs while Tymal Mills and Hasaranga picked up a couple of wickets each. Later, the Gladiators rode on some emphatic batting from Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Banton to go over the line. While Banton was dismissed for 44 off 21, Tom Kohler-Cadmore went on to notch up a fifty to see the side home by 9 wickets. The Chennai Braves vs Team Abu Dhabi The second match of the day unleashed a batting masterclass from both the ends. The Chennai team who batted first posted a huge total of 131/2 in 10 overs with Rajapaksa scoring a half-century. Later, Philip Salt and Paul Stirling provided Team Abu Dhabi with a brilliant start as the two batters put 88 on the board for the first wicket. Stirling was eventually out for 44 off 18 but Salt remained not out for 63 in 28 deliveries which included five sixes and as many fours during the course to clinch a win for the side by 8 wickets and with four balls to spare.

Sydney Thunder to go ahead with Hales even as racism issue looms large on English batter

Alex Hales, who has been marred with several controversies in the past is facing probably the worst one right now, where he has been alleged of racism by former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq. His Biga Bash League contract with Sydney Thunder seemed jeopardised because of it but has been salvaged courtesy of a tolerable approach shown by the bosses of the club. Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon, who heads the cricket operations at Thunder said that the team has adopted an approach of giving Hales a second chance as he has already apologised for his past deeds. "One of the hallmarks of Thunder's success is the team embraces diversity and is a club for all. We really believe that we also must accept people who have made mistakes,” Germon said in a media release. "I've spoken to Alex, I've watched his apology and have no doubt he is remorseful for the photograph and the other errors of judgement he made as a young man,” he added further. Germon further revealed that he reached this decision only after consultation with Thunder teammates who will eventually play with the 32-year-old. Hales has apologised to both Rafiq and also to people for his black painted face on a new year's eve, many years ago, which was indicative of him mocking the people of colour. "I've been told... he's been a tremendous teammate and ambassador for Thunder's ideals and aspirations. He understands Thunder wants to provide people -- including those who are newcomers to Australia -- with a sporting team they can identify with regardless of their background. We want everyone who comes to a Sydney Thunder match to know it is a safe place, one of mutual respect for them and their families,” he said. The Big Bash League’s 2021-22 edition begins on December 05 with defending champions Sydney Sixers taking on Melbourne Stars. The Thunder would play their first game on December 06 against Brisbane Heat at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Back from break, fresh Cheteshwar Pujara is looking forward to the season

India Test mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara is fresh after the break and is eager to get on to the field when the side takes on New Zealand in the upcoming Test series at home. "It's important to spend time with family also. The break that I got now I did that," Pujara said two days ahead of the first Test against New Zealand on Tuesday (November 23). "Then when you come back, you come back fresh and you look forward to the season because when you get your break,” he said. The right-hander didn’t really get much of a game time after the England series but was a part of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League and suggested that he had been training. "Good thing is I was part of the IPL. Yes, I am playing after three months but I was still part of an IPL team where I could practice, I could train. So I am still in touch with the game. It's not that preparation hasn't been there. We also had a five-day camp in Mumbai, that preparation will also help," Pujara admitted. The first Test is slated to begin on Thursday in Kanpur. The last time the two sides met each other in a Test fixture was in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in Southampton that India lost.