[embedded content] England number six Ben Stokes smashed a maiden Test double-century, off just 163 balls, on day two of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Here are statistics and reaction from the cricketing world. – Stokes’ 258 off 198 deliveries was his highest Test score, surpassing the 120 he compiled against Australia in Perth in 2013. – Stokes struck 30 fours and 11 sixes, an England record…
Botham hails sublime Stokes
[embedded content] Sir Ian Botham described Ben Stokes as “box office” after seeing his record for England’s fastest double-ton extinguished in front of his very own eyes in Cape Town. Stokes blasted a maiden double-century from just 163 deliveries on day two of the second Test versus South Africa, beating Botham’s 220-ball effort set against India at the Oval 34 years ago. That was the second fastest double-hundred in Test…
Sussex Cricketer Matthew Hobden Dies at 22
Matthew Hobden took 48 wickets at an average of 39.35 for Sussex. (Image credit: www.theargus.co.uk) London: Sussex cricketer Matthew Hobden has died at the age of 22, the county club confirmed on Sunday.(All the Latest Cricket Updates) Born in Eastbourne, Hobden made his debut for the club in 2014 and played for them in all three formats, the BBC reported. He was a fast bowler who played his last game…
Aussies mull two spinners for final Windies Test
Sydney – Australia are contemplating bowling two spinners for the first time in 10 years with Stephen O’Keefe in line to partner Nathan Lyon against the West Indies in Sunday’s final Test in Sydney. Australia’s Nathan Lyon, pictured in November © AFP/File Saeed Khan Not since Stuart MacGill partnered with Shane Warne against South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2006 have the home side played with two recognised…
England have taken big strides says Cook after S. Africa win
Durban (South Africa) – England captain Alastair Cook hailed the performance and potential of his team after they completed a crushing 241-run win over South Africa on the fifth day of the first Test at Kingsmead on Wednesday. England bowler Moeen Ali (C) celebrates after dismissing South African batsman Kyle Abbott on day five of the first Test in Durban on December 30, 2015 © AFP Gianluigi Guercia It took…
Bangladesh cricketer charged with assaulting child maid
Dhaka – Bangladesh police have charged national cricketer Shahadat Hossain with assaulting an 11-year-old girl he employed illegally as a maid. Bangladeshi cricketer Shahadat Hossain (C) and his wife Nritto Shahadat have been formally charged for assaulting an 11-year-old girl employed illegally as a maid © AFP/File Munir Uz Zaman Police said Hossain, who has played 38 Tests for Bangladesh, and his wife Nritto Shahadat were formally charged on Tuesday…
Hazlewood fit and ready for final Windies Test
Sydney – Australia pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood said he was feeling fresh Friday and ready to go for the weekend’s final Test against the West Indies in Sydney. Australia’s pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood says he is in great shape and ready to play in his sixth Test of the southern summer © AFP/File Robyn Beck Hazlewood went wicketless and bowled a total of 41 overs in Australia’s 177-run trouncing of…
PCB announces T20I, ODI squads for series against New Zealand
Lahore (Pakistan) – Paceman Mohammad Amir was set to make his return to the Pakistan team after being selected on Friday for an upcoming series in New Zealand, months after completing a five-year spot-fixing ban. Mohammad Amir practises in the nets in Lahore on December 29, 2015 © AFP Arif Ali His inclusion in the Twenty20 and one-day international squads remains contingent on him being issued a visa by Wellington…
Graeme Smith called in to help South Africa
Cape Town – Former Proteas captain Graeme Smith has linked up with the South African team as an adviser ahead of the second Test against England which starts at Newlands on Saturday. “Graeme Smith was a wonderful cricketer for South Africa and a wonderful captain,” says current captain Hashim Amla © AFP/File Ian Kington “Graeme was a wonderful cricketer for South Africa and a wonderful captain,” said current captain Hashim…
Pakistan coach excited over Amir return
Karachi – Pakistan’s head coach Waqar Younis expressed excitement Thursday over the imminent return of Mohammad Amir following a five-year ban for spot-fixing. Pakistani cricketers Mohammad Amir (R) was charged with accepting money in exchange for arranging deliberate no-balls during a Test match at Lord’s in England in 2010 © AFP/File Arif Ali Amir, 23, is favourite to get the selectors’ nod for a tour of New Zealand, where Pakistan…