Month: December 2017

3:00 AM ET Karnataka 301 and 111 for 7 (Nair 30, Gurbani 4-35, Neral 2-37) need another 87 runs to beat Vidarbha 185 and 313 (Satish 81, Sarwate 55, Vinay 3-71, Binny 3-74) Umesh Yadav appeals for the wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne AFP Vidarbha’s extraordinary resolve and single-mindedness put them within inches of their maiden Ranji Trophy final, as their classic against Karnataka headed towards a stunning conclusion. With unshakeable confidence,…

6:13 AM ET ESPNcricinfo staff Chris Gayle could be a doubtful starter for West Indies’ second ODI against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday. The opener scored 22 in Wednesday’s first ODI in Whangarei, and did not field during New Zealand’s innings. New Zealand won the match by five wickets. “He took ill,” West Indies coach Stuart Law said after the match, when asked why Gayle hadn’t taken the field….

Dec 18, 2017 2:01 West Indies were 134 for 5 when Rovman Powell walked out to bat and scored a crucial 59 off 50 balls to take his team to 248 for 9 Innings: West Indies 248 for 9 (Lewis 76, Powell 59, Bracewell 4-55) v New Zealand The early bird often gets the worm, but there is an equally good chance of nocturnal birds catching it. There are also…

11:07 PM ET Peter Della PennaCricket Close Peter Della Penna is an American cricket journalist who also writes for ESPNcricinfo.com and DreamCricket.com. Since 2010, he has penned the USA entry in the Cricket Round the World section of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack.Follow Peter on Twitter @PeterDellaPenna American cricket is a step closer to having a firmer foothold on its administrative future after a final constitution was approved for USA Cricket, the new…

3:00 AM ET Toss: New Zealand chose to bowl v West Indies Todd Astle scored a brisk half-century Getty Images New Zealand captain Kane Williamson chose to bowl first after winning the toss in the first ODI in Whangarei. The hosts opted for four fast bowlers, including Doug Bracewell who returned for his first international game since pleading guilty to a drink-driving offence earlier this year. Legspinner Todd Astle, New Zealand’s…

Dec 18, 2017 Alex MalcolmESPN Close Alex Malcolm is a Melbourne-based sports journalist and broadcaster. He has been a long-time contributor to ESPNcricinfo and reported for the AFL website for four seasons. He has also worked as a television commentator calling Australian Rules Football, Athletics and Tennis for a number of networks. Perth Scorchers opener Michael Klinger is set to miss an indefinite period of the Big Bash League after…

3:00 AM ET Toss: New Zealand chose to bowl v West Indies Todd Astle scored a brisk half-century Getty Images New Zealand captain Kane Williamson chose to bowl first after winning the toss in the first ODI in Whangarei. The hosts opted for four fast bowlers, including Doug Bracewell who returned for his first international game since pleading guilty to a drink-driving offence earlier this year. Legspinner Todd Astle, New Zealand’s…

Is Root burdened by the captaincy? (1:31) Mark Butcher discusses whether the England captaincy has been having an impact on Joe Root’s batting performances. (1:31) 1:02 PM ET George Dobell in Perth Craig Overton risked a punctured lung to play his part in the third Ashes Test in Perth – and reckons that withstanding the pain was second nature because of the fast-bowling batterings he took while growing up from…