Mid-series coach swap — Hesson to take charge of Pakistan team for 3r…

On Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) gagged its players from speaking about Imran Khan. Hours later, following another humiliating Test defeat, it pressed the panic button. ipl-today.in

Pakistan lost the second Test against England at Lord’s by 194 runs, following their innings defeat in the first Test at Headingley. Now, according to sources, the PCB has asked Pakistan’s white-ball coach, Mike Hesson, to take charge of the red-ball team for the final Test of the series as well. The final Test will be played at Edgbaston from September 9, with Hesson set to take over from incumbent Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed.

In addition, six players, including Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas, have reportedly been called up to reinforce the squad for the final Test. Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have been sent back, with form and fitness respectively cited as the reasons.

Imam, after being ruled out of the second Test with an injury, came in for criticism from several quarters. He was even accused of faking his injury. On Day 4, after the batter was seen doing some knocking on the sidelines with tape over his left calf, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad let it rip.

“That’s all for show. He has got a bit of stick from the media and maybe his team-mates. Whatever. You can do that inside the indoor school without anyone seeing, don’t have to come wearing shorts and tape and hobble around like that. I am not impressed with that. Sorry,” Broad said on Sky Sports.

Pakistan cricket has long been associated with controversies and drama. But even by their standards, a mid-series change of head coach is unprecedented. According to sources, Hesson was asked to check in at Lord’s even before the second Test was over.

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South Africa is set to lock horns with Australia in the three-match ODI series. The first match will be played on September 24 at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban.

Ahead of the series, South Africa's star pacer Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out. Earlier, he sustained a hamstring injury. He is still recovering from the injury to regain match fitness ahead of the Test series against the Aussies.

The three-match Test series between South Africa and Australia is scheduled to begin from October 13. The first game will be played at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban.

According to Cricinfo, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has not revealed the exact date for the pacer's return, but confirmed that he will be sidelined for at least four and a half weeks. Rabada is also not a part of South Africa's current T20I squad touring Namibia for a tri-series and three ODIs.

"Kagiso Rabada is currently progressing through the early stages of his rehabilitation from a right hamstring injury under the close supervision of the Cricket South Africa medical team," he said, as quoted by Cricinfo.

The South African board also said that the 31-year-old pacer's participation in the Test series will depend on his recovery.

"He will miss the three-match One-Day International series against Australia, scheduled from 24-30 September. His availability for the three-match Test series against Australia will depend on how he progresses through his rehabilitation, with a decision on his selection to be made closer to the series," said the CSA.

Kagiso Rabada expresses confidence ahead of ODI World Cup 2027

The ODI World Cup 2027 will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Earlier, Rabada said that it won't be a pressure for his team to play at home and feeling the need to win it.

"Well, I think there's a lot more to it at the moment with us hosting it. It's almost like freedom as well. I don't feel the pressure of us playing at home and feeling the need to win it. It's almost like, we're at home and we're going to defend this fortress. And that's what it means to me. It's about representing the badge," he said.

(With ANI Inputs)

Indian T20I opener Abhishek Sharma opened fire to make a sensational start to the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League, smashing an outstanding 77 runs from just 26 balls for Amritsar Soormas in the tournament opener against the Mohali Kings.

The India opener wasted little time settling into his innings and went after the bowlers from the beginning. His knock included six fours and seven sixes as he batted at a strike rate of 296.

Abhishek batted in his usual aggressive style and was a major reason why his side were able to post a mammoth 258 on the board.

Abhishek’s knock was complimented by Sahaj Dhawan and Naman Dhir, who smashed 45 and 47 each, while quickfire contributions from Rahul Kumar (23 off 13), Abhay Choudhary (18 off 8), Jashanpreet Singh (12 off 8) and Vaibhav Kalra (10 off 12).

In the second innings, however, Abhishek’s knock went in vain after the Mohali Kings chased down the target of 258. Anmolpreet Singh smashed 133 off only 51 balls, hitting 10 fours and 12 sixes. He put on a 151-run partnership with captain Ramandeep Singh, who remained unbeaten on 69 off 40 balls.

Also Read: Deepti Sharma enters history books, becomes the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is – Check details

Mohali reached 262/5 in 19.3 overs, with Ramandeep hitting the winning runs. The chase meant Amritsar’s 258 became the second-highest total in a successful chase in the match. Abhishek also bowled 2.3 overs and took one wicket, but conceded 37 runs.

Despite the loss, Abhishek Sharma would feel good to have some runs under his belt. He will look to use this tournament as a preparatory one to gain significant rhythm ahead of the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan later this month.

The Men in Blue have a busy schedule coming ahead after that as they will also welcome West Indies for three one days and five T20Is before they embark on the tour to New Zealand.

Abhishek Sharma would also be hoping to put up a strong performance at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya where Shreyas Iyer and co will try to defend the gold medal they won back in 2023 at Hangzhou.

At New Zealand, the Indians will participate in an all format series, which will kick-off with five T20Is and ODIs. India’s tour will conclude with an important two-match Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championships.

England showcased their cricketing prowess with an impressive Test series win against Pakistan, sealing the deal in the second match. Captain Joe Root carefully encouraged his squad to celebrate the achievement thoughtfully, highlighting the need to avoid public disputes. Additionally, he expressed reservations regarding the Dukes cricket ball used this summer, pondering its impact on the pitches.