Play 00:25 Steven Smith upbeat after Ranchi draw Australia’s injured spearhead Mitchell Starc has said India’s verbal confrontations with the tourists were the result of fear over losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after their unexpected defeat in the opening Test of the series in Pune. Starc, who flew home with a foot stress fracture after the second Test in Bengaluru but hopes to be fit in time for the ICC Champions…
Ranchi among 'toughest conditions I've played in' – Peter Handscomb
Peter Handscomb has made a stellar start to his Test career © Associated Press It’s been an eventful tour for Peter Handscomb. Setting aside his batting, which brought only modest returns in the first two Tests, Handscomb has been swept up in the whirl of controversy – both real and imagined – that has marked the series. He was there in the middle with Steven Smith in Bengaluru, suggesting his…
Kevin O'Brien 72* helps Ireland draw level
Ireland 224 for 7 (Kevin O’Brien 72*, Wilson 41, Nabi 4-30) beat Afghanistan 220 (Shafiqullah 42, Zadran 41*, Nabi 41, K O’Brien 4-26, Mulder 3-57) by three wicketsScorecard and ball-by-ball details Kevin O’Brien hit eight fours and two sixes in his 60-ball knock © Associated Press Kevin O’Brien fought a hamstring injury to club an unbeaten 72 that helped Ireland chase down a 221-run target with three wickets in hand…
Hamilton Test could define NZ's season – Watling
BJ Watling has been one of New Zealand’s counter-attacking keys in this series © Getty Images As New Zealand enter their final fixture of a summer that began nine months ago in August, wicketkeeper BJ Watling has cautioned against an over-reaction to their three-day defeat to South Africa in Wellington, but admitted the last match of the series could define this season. “It’s not a calamity. There’s a lot of…
South Africa welcome dry Hamilton pitch
South Africa are expecting Seddon Park’s worn pitch to aid their fast bowlers with the old ball © AFP One member of the South African touring party strode out to the Seddon Park square and lifted a blanket-like grey cover from the surface it was covering. He pulled a face as though he had just smelled something odd. As he walked back, he muttered, “That isn’t even prepared,” to another…
De Kock, Boult both still in doubt for Hamilton Test
Quinton de Kock suffered the injury during the Wellington Test © AFP South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock has been taken for a scan on his right index finger, which he hurt during the Wellington Test. De Kock injured himself in the field and South Africa will wait for results of the scan before making any calls on his availability for the Hamilton Test. De Kock was not present at…
South Australia call up second spinner for Shield final
Left-arm spinner Tom Andrews has been called up to South Australia’s squad for the Sheffield Shield final © Getty Images South Australia have added left-arm spinner Tom Andrews and fast bowler Kane Richardson to their squad for the Sheffield Shield final against Victoria in Alice Springs. The pitch at Traeger Park has traditionally taken spin, meaning Andrews is in with a chance of joining Adam Zampa in a spin bowling…
India scared of defeat to Australia – Starc
Play 00:25 Steven Smith upbeat after Ranchi draw Australia’s injured spearhead Mitchell Starc has said India’s verbal confrontations with the tourists were the result of fear over losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after their unexpected defeat in the opening Test of the series in Pune. Starc, who flew home with a foot stress fracture after the second Test in Bengaluru but hopes to be fit in time for the ICC Champions…
Ranchi among 'toughest conditions I've played in' – Peter Handscomb
Peter Handscomb has made a stellar start to his Test career © Associated Press It’s been an eventful tour for Peter Handscomb. Setting aside his batting, which brought only modest returns in the first two Tests, Handscomb has been swept up in the whirl of controversy – both real and imagined – that has marked the series. He was there in the middle with Steven Smith in Bengaluru, suggesting his…
Kevin O'Brien 72* helps Ireland draw level
Ireland 224 for 7 (Kevin O’Brien 72*, Wilson 41, Nabi 4-30) beat Afghanistan 220 (Shafiqullah 42, Zadran 41*, Nabi 41, K O’Brien 4-26, Mulder 3-57) by three wicketsScorecard and ball-by-ball details Kevin O’Brien hit eight fours and two sixes in his 60-ball knock © Associated Press Kevin O’Brien fought a hamstring injury to club an unbeaten 72 that helped Ireland chase down a 221-run target with three wickets in hand…