In the wake of the T20 cricket revolution, the enduring legacy of Test cricket faces a dual onslaught. Renowned Australian cricket luminary Ian Chappell, in a compelling piece for ESPNcricinfo, delves into the alarming state of the red-ball game, spotlighting what he terms the “abysmal pace of play.”

Chappell directs his scrutiny towards the batters, holding them responsible for the stagnation of Test cricket’s rhythm. In his incisive analysis, he decries the sluggish pace, pointing out the lack of initiative from cricket administrators. Despite commendable efforts from players like Ben Stokes to elevate Test cricket’s entertainment factor, Chappell argues that progress is hampered by a lack of proactive measures.

“Why do mid-pitch discussions happen without penalty? Shouldn’t etiquette dictate that batters are ready for their stance when a bowler is poised to deliver?”

Chappell queries, addressing issues ranging from extended breaks, frequent glove changes, and unnecessary boundary replays. He also raised concerns about the Decision Review System (DRS), attributing it to the prolonged nature of decisions and disputes.

Chappell’s critique extends to player behaviour, calling out the allowance for charging at umpires during appeals and the inconsistency in permitting abrupt changes to a batter’s stance.

“Fairness should be a consideration when framing cricket’s laws,”

he asserts, highlighting the need for equitable regulations in the face of evolving cricket dynamics.

The anticipation of Rashid Khan’s absence from the T20I series against India is viewed as a chance for other Afghan players to make a mark against formidable opponents and carve their names into the cricketing landscape, according to Afghanistan’s head coach, Jonathan Trott. While Rashid, the star leg-spinner, is recovering from back surgery post the ODI World Cup in November, Trott sees this as an opportunity for fresh talent to step into the limelight.

During an interaction with ‘JioCinema,’ Trott expressed,

‘I believe with Rashid out of the side, it’s a good opportunity for other players to come in and step up and become household names like he is.”

Despite acknowledging the absence of Rashid’s leadership and all-around skills, Trott is optimistic about discovering players who can handle pressure and responsibility.

As Afghanistan kicks off the T20I series against India, Trott draws inspiration from their commendable performance at the ODI World Cup last year, setting the stage for rigorous preparation leading up to the T20 World Cup.

Addressing the challenges facing cricket luminaries like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Trott, a former England Test specialist, notes the advantage of having players who have competed against these stars in the IPL. He emphasizes the importance of executing plans against strong Indian sides and being ready to perform under pressure.

While Kohli is set to miss the series-opener due to personal reasons, Trott emphasizes that Afghanistan needs to excel in all aspects of the game and capitalize on key moments under pressure. Looking ahead, he mentions the team’s dual focus on winning the current series and building towards the T20 World Cup in June.

Reflecting on Afghanistan’s achievements in the 50-over World Cup, Trott highlights the players’ newfound belief and confidence. He sees these positive takeaways translating into other formats, fostering a competitive spirit on the world stage.

As the journey to the T20 World Cup in the Americas unfolds, Trott stresses the need to find the right combinations for different conditions. He aims to assemble a squad capable of adapting to diverse challenges and not relying excessively on spin bowling, ensuring a well-rounded and versatile team.

England’s versatile cricketer, Tom Curran, has bid an early farewell to his eventful Big Bash League (BBL) season with the Sydney Sixers, succumbing to a knee injury. The unfortunate incident occurred during his last appearance against the Melbourne Stars last Saturday, bringing an unexpected end to Curran’s stint with the Sixers. In an official statement, the franchise confirmed,

“Sydney Sixers international recruit Tom Curran has been ruled out for the remainder of the BBL|13 season, sustaining a knee injury in the Sixers’ last match against the Melbourne Stars on Saturday.”

The severity of Curran’s injury remains uncertain, prompting the all-rounder to return to England for further assessments.

Curran’s journey to the BBL took an eventful turn when he engaged in a dispute with an official before the Sixers’ penultimate match against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11 in Launceston. His attempt to complete a practice run-up on the pitch during the warm-up led to a controversial incident. Despite the Sydney Sixers appealing the decision, the BBL upheld the ban, sidelining Curran for the subsequent three matches against the Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat.

After serving his suspension, the 28-year-old all-rounder finally made a comeback to on-field action on January 3.

Alistair Dobson, BBL general manager, acknowledged Curran’s remorse during the appeal process but emphasized the importance of players respecting umpires.

“Umpires are part of the lifeblood of cricket, and it is essential they are respected and appreciated by players at all levels of the game. We acknowledge the remorse Tom’s shown following the appeal and look forward to seeing him back in Sixers colors,”

Dobson remarked, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

He further highlighted Curran’s significant contribution to the BBL, expressing hope for his continued integral role in the competition’s future.

“Tom has been a long-time contributor to the BBL and is a clear fan-favorite and someone we hope will continue to play an integral role in the competition moving forward,”

Dobson added.

In a striking turn of events, former cricket sensation Sandeep Lamichhane, once celebrated as Nepal’s cricket poster boy, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for rape. The 23-year-old leg spinner’s on-field prowess has elevated the sport’s stature in the Himalayan republic.

The legal saga began in 2022 when Lamichhane was accused of raping a young woman in a Kathmandu hotel. Despite being granted bail, he continued to represent the national team in international tournaments. However, the delayed trial concluded in December with his conviction, and the sentence was pronounced on Wednesday, as revealed by Kathmandu district court official Ramu Sharma.

Apart from the eight-year prison term, Lamichhane was ordered to pay a court fine of 300,000 Nepalese rupees (,255) and an additional 200,000 rupees (,500) to the victim, acknowledging the mental impact of the assault.

Lamichhane, currently not in custody, was absent from the courtroom during the sentencing. His lawyer, Saroj Ghimire, affirmed that they

“will appeal the decision in a higher court.”

The victim initially claimed she was a minor when assaulted, but the court ruled she was 18 in a previous decision. Lamichhane consistently denied the charges and maintained strong public support.

His legal troubles led to the loss of his captaincy and a brief arrest after he initially failed to return from the Caribbean Premier League in Jamaica, where he was playing when an arrest warrant was issued.

Despite the controversy, Lamichhane’s ban was lifted upon securing bail, allowing him to participate in national team activities, including World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 Asia Cup. His return to cricket sparked both support and opposition, with Scotland’s cricketers notably refusing to shake hands with him during an international tournament in Dubai.

While cricket has been gaining popularity in Nepal, the sport does not receive the same adulation as in other South Asian countries. Lamichhane played a pivotal role in Nepal’s cricket rise, becoming a sought-after player in lucrative leagues worldwide, starting with the Indian Premier League in 2018.

Amidst these developments, Nepal grapples with a significant number of unreported sexual assault cases, with about 2,300 reported cases in the 2021-22 fiscal year. The MeToo movement has seen limited participation in Nepal, with little to no consequences for those accused.

In a remarkable turnaround, Shakib Al Hasan wasted no time shifting his attention back to the cricket field, barely 24 hours after securing victory in the national election for his constituency, Magura-1.

The star all-rounder made a surprise appearance at the indoor nets in Mirpur yesterday afternoon, catching media and onlookers off guard. While many national players had already wrapped up their individual sessions, Shakib’s unexpected return kept a group of journalists and fans lingering at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) until sunset.

Surrounded by well-wishers and greeted with flower garlands from the groundsmen, Shakib downplayed his political role within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) premises, emphasizing that the cricket field remained his primary domain.

“This is not politics. This is a cricket field. I am still holding the same old position [as a cricketer],”

he conveyed to the groundsmen.

Clearly eager to resume activities in his familiar cricketing territory, Shakib arrived equipped with a brand-new bat, ready for an indoor net session. His childhood mentor, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, oversaw his batting practice.

Having been sidelined with a finger injury since the ICC ODI World Cup game against Sri Lanka, Shakib missed the Test series against New Zealand and the subsequent tour of New Zealand. In a recent interview, he confirmed his return to action with the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League, scheduled to kick off on January 19.

Despite his political engagement in Magura, Shakib maintained some physical activity, preparing for his cricket comeback. Yesterday marked his return to batting with cricket balls in the nets. Fahim reported,

“Yeah, no complaints regarding his finger while he was batting. I haven’t seen him bowl yet, but once he does that, I will be able to tell. His batting looked really good.”

As reporters observed from a distance, the satisfying sound of Shakib’s bat echoed his enjoyment of being back in the cricketing arena after the demands of politics. Fahim addressed potential rustiness, stating,

“Yes, there can be doubts within himself since he doesn’t get this kind of gap [in cricket activities]. So, once he gets into his groove, it becomes okay in no time.”

The current No.1 all-rounder in ICC’s ODI and T20I rankings engaged in training exercises on the SBNCS field, running across the turf and incorporating soft-ball deliveries into his rehabilitation process. A BCB official mentioned,

“There is still some pain in the finger, but it’s not a matter of concern since 70-80 percent of the pain has gone away. With a dedicated focus on strengthening his finger, he should be in good shape ahead of the BPL.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has chosen to part ways amicably with its foreign coaching trio—Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick—following the national team’s recent struggles, notably in the disappointing World Cup campaign. A senior official from the board revealed on Tuesday that PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf and Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer would engage in negotiations for a final settlement with the departing coaches.

Upon their return to Lahore from India, where they were part of the Pakistan team management during the Asia Cup and World Cup, the three coaches were informed that their services were no longer required. Contrary to initial plans of assigning them to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the PCB discovered that the contracts lacked a clause allowing the board to permanently shift them to the NCA.

Subsequently, discussions ensued, considering the current commitments of Mickey Arthur and Derbyshire, as well as the new assignments secured by Puttick and Bradburn. In a mutually agreeable decision, it was concluded the matter amicably and release them from their contracts, with the board acknowledging the need to compensate the trio for several months’ salaries.

The official also confirmed that Puttick, serving as the batting coach, had transparently communicated his new assignment with Afghanistan before accepting the contract. Likewise, Bradburn had informed the PCB about an opportunity to work as the head coach for English county Glamorgan.

Despite the changes in coaching staff, the Pakistan team faced a 3-0 whitewash in Australia, highlighting the challenges even with a new team director and coaches. It’s worth noting that Arthur, Puttick, and Bradburn were all appointed by the PCB during the tenure of the last chairman of the cricket management committee, Najam Sethi, in April-May of the previous year.

Australian cricket sensation Steve Smith has expressed his desire to step into the opening spot for the Aussie Test team, a move that has caught many by surprise following David Warner’s retirement.

Smith, a seasoned 34-year-old batter who currently holds the No.4 position, where he boasts an impressive average of 61.50, is eyeing the challenge of opening in Tests for the first time in his 13-year-long Test career.

While coach Andrew McDonald has expressed skepticism about the shift, Smith has found support in the form of a ringing endorsement from his teammate Marnus Labuschagne. Labuschagne believes that if given the opportunity to open, Smith would maintain an average in the 60s, showcasing his adaptability and prowess with the red ball.

“He wants it, that’s for sure. And jeez, what can’t that guy do?”

Labuschagne shared with cricket.com.au after Australia’s triumphant 3-0 series victory against Pakistan.

Labuschagne continued,

“He averages 67 at four, 62 at three, 58 at five. I’m sure if we go down that path and give it to him, he’s going to average in the 60s opening. I think it could be a good challenge for him. It could be one that gets him out and gets his beans going, out (to bat) straightaway, the ball swinging around and nipping around, he’s got a beautiful technique to combat any type of bowling. There’s probably no one you want out there more.”

However, the prospect of Smith’s transition to an opening role may need to wait, as the Australian think tank seems inclined to explore options like Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, or Cameron Bancroft to fill Warner’s shoes in the upcoming Test series.

In a strategic move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Mohammad Rizwan as the vice-captain of the men’s national T20I team. The appointment follows a series of changes in the team’s leadership structure and board dynamics since the conclusion of the ODI World Cup in 2023.

Rizwan, a proficient wicket-keeper batter, assumes the role of deputy under the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took charge after Babar Azam’s resignation as captain across all three formats. The restructuring process within the team is evident, with Rizwan’s elevation to vice-captaincy in T20Is being a significant part of this transformation.

The official announcement was made by the PCB on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), solidifying Rizwan’s position as the vice-captain for the T20I team.

.@iMRizwanPak has been appointed vice-captain of Pakistan’s T20I team pic.twitter.com/0Zu6DcstML

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 8, 2024

This shift in leadership leaves Babar Azam entirely removed from any official capacity within the leadership structure. Babar had relinquished his captaincy after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC World Cup 2023 in India, where they finished fifth with eight points from nine matches.

Babar’s struggles at the World Cup included a personal contribution of 320 runs in nine matches, making him the third-highest run-scorer for Pakistan. His average stood at 40, accompanied by a strike rate of 82.90.

Notably, Shan Masood was appointed as the Test format skipper, while Shaheen Shah Afridi took on the captaincy role for the T20 format. The landscape of Pakistan’s cricket leadership continues to evolve, ushering in a new era under the guidance of a fresh set of leaders.

In a captivating turn of events in the third Test in Sydney, Josh Hazlewood’s remarkable performance, claiming three wickets in a thrilling over, has steered Australia into a potential winning position against Pakistan. The exciting display unfolded on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Hazlewood’s brilliance reduced the tourists from 67 for four to conclude the third day at 68 for seven, holding a lead of 82 on a deteriorating pitch.

Pakistan’s aspirations of setting a challenging target for Australia to chase in the fourth innings now hinge on Mohammad Rizwan, at six not out, and bowling standout Aamer Jamal, who is yet to score.

Hazlewood’s impactful spell, securing 4-9 off five overs, came after Australia swiftly claimed two wickets for just one run in the initial eight balls of the second innings, rattling the Pakistan top order.

Although Pakistan initially seemed to hold the advantage by dismissing Australia for 299, taking a 14-run lead in the first innings, thanks to Jamal’s exceptional 6-69, the Australians made a strong comeback.

After tea, Jamal’s four-wicket brilliance included dismissing Mitchell Marsh (54), Pat Cummins (0), Nathan Lyon (5), and Hazlewood (0). Despite the setback, Australia responded aggressively, removing Abdullah Shafique for his second Test duck and skipper Shan Masood on the first ball.

Debutant Saim Ayub, who had a scoreless first innings, displayed composure and technique, contributing 57 runs with Babar Azam. However, Lyon claimed Ayub’s wicket for 33, marking his 507th Test scalp. Azam fell shortly after, caught by Travis Head off a delivery from Hazlewood.

Hazlewood’s electrifying fifth over towards the end of the day further solidified Australia’s position. Earlier in the innings, Mitchell Marsh continued his impressive form, partnering with Alex Carey (38) to restore the innings after the dismissals of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Head.

Labuschagne, despite his usual success at the SCG, was bowled for 60 by off-spinner Salman, following the dismissal of Smith, who was caught in a well-laid Pakistani trap.

As the match unfolds, Australia holds a commanding position, and the determined Pakistanis face an uphill battle despite their disciplined bowling and spirited fielding in the ongoing series.

The road ahead looks challenging for Bangladesh in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, as reports suggest that the Tigers are placed in a formidable group. According to insights from The Telegraph, Bangladesh is set to compete against South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Nepal in Group D.

In contrast, Group A sees a showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, while Group B features another intense clash with reigning champions England and Australia.

Notably, Bangladesh’s Group D stands out as the sole group hosting matches in both the US and West Indies during the tournament’s ninth edition, scheduled from June 04 to June 30.

As the competition unfolds, the top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage, adding another layer of excitement and anticipation. The official announcement of the World Cup groupings is expected soon, although the ICC has reportedly shared this information with the participating nations, as mentioned in The Telegraph’s report.