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Tahlia Wilson's fifty helps Australia A edge India A out for opening T20 victory

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Sophie Day was impressive with the ball for Australia A while Priya Punia shone with the bat for India A

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Aug-2024

Tahlia Wilson impressed at the top of the order for Australia A (file photo)•Getty Images for ECB

A rapid half-century by Tahlia Wilson and a strong finish from the middle order proved crucial for Australia A as they secured a hard-fought five-run victory in the first T20 of India A’s multiformat visit despite an excellent innings from Priya Punia.Wilson dominated the early exchanges with a 33-ball fifty in an opening stand of 74 with Katie Mack but the home side fell away, losing 5 for 42 before Nicole Faltum and Maddy Darke took 31 off the last two overs.In the chase India A could never quite completely get on top of the required rate but Punia and Tanuja Kanwar added 64 for the third wicket and they needed a further 64 from 33 balls when Kanwar was smartly stumped by Faltum as she advanced at Maitlan Brown.Despite the best efforts of Punia, who struck seven fours and three sixes, including two in three balls against Charli Knott, the requirement proved narrowly out of reach as she became one of three run-outs. Left-arm spinner Sophie Day was impressive, conceding 19 runs from her four overs and just three from her last in the 17th.With 28 runs coming off the 18th and 19th overs, India A entered the last needing 16, which captain Tahlia McGrath was able to defend despite conceding a boundary to Sayali Satghare.Earlier, Australia A had been put into bat and Wilson ensured a strong powerplay as they reached 49 without loss after six overs. Left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque sparked India A’s fightback by removing Wilson the ball after reaching her half-century then put herself on a hat-trick in the 12th over by claiming Mack lbw and having McGrath caught behind cutting first ball.Three overs later, Knott and Tess Flintoff fell in the space of three deliveries against Satghare and it appeared Australia A’s innings could fade away. The next three overs brought just 16 runs, but Darke and Faltum timed their late surge well with the latter slotting away three consecutive boundaries at the start of the 20th.The teams will return to Allan Border Field for the second match on Friday followed by the last T20 on Sunday. Three one-dayers then follow next week on Mackay before the tour concludes with a four-day game on the Gold Coast.

Gillespie to head back to Australia with Pakistan Shaheens

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

The former South Australia and Adelaide Strikers coach will oversee two four-day matches in Darwin next month

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-2024

Jason Gillespie stepped down as South Australia coach•Getty Images

Jason Gillespie’s first tour since being named Pakistan’s Test coach will see him back in Australia as he oversees two four-day matches for the Shaheens (Pakistan A) in Darwin next month.Pakistan Shaheens will play two four-day games against Bangladesh A between July 19-22 and 26-29 with Gillespie head coach for those matches before returning to Pakistan to prepare for a two-Test series against Bangladesh.Related

Bangladesh to play seven red-ball matches to prepare for 'grueling Test schedule'

Jason Gillespie's philosophy for Pakistan: 'Don't try to be something that you're not'

The Shaheens will remain in Darwin during August, playing 50-over matches against Northern Territory and Bangladesh A, before taking part in an expanded nine-team Top End T20 series for the second year running.”The opportunity to be the head coach of Pakistan’s Test side is fantastic,” Gillespie, who quit as South Australia and Adelaide Strikers coach, told a PCB podcast shortly after his appointment. “It’s an honour. I’ve been coaching for quite a while now in various roles around the world, but one thing I haven’t done is coach an international Test side. When this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at it.The Top End series, staged from August 9 to August 18, will also feature a Bangladesh High Performance side. Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers will send teams while Tasmania will also feature. Academy sides from Melbourne Renegades and Stars will again take part as in previous seasons while defending champions NT Strike and the ACT Comets make up the tournament.The PCB has announced a Shaheens’ squad, with one further player and a captain to be confirmed before the tour, which features fast bowler Khurram Shahzad who made his Test debut against Australia in Perth last year before his tour was ended early by injury.”I am grateful to Northern Territory for inviting the Pakistan Shaheens for the second successive year,” PCB director of international cricket Usman Wahla said. “Last year, the players had a memorable experience and enjoyed playing and performing in excellent playing conditions, in front of enthusiastic cricket fans.”This year we have added red-ball cricket matches to give more exposure to our cricketers and I am confident the players will benefit from this tour and will return as better cricketers.”During the Test series, which Pakistan lost 3-0 but pushed Australia in Melbourne and Sydney, then team director Mohammad Hafeez said there were discussions between the PCB and CA on future touring opportunities for development teams.For the Australian domestic cricketers involved, the Top End T20 series will provide pre-season opportunity for those not in action overseas.”The competition adds another layer to what our pre-season would typically be, exposing players to tournament conditions ahead of the Australian domestic season,” Kade Harvey, Perth Scorchers’ general manager, said. “It’s also a great opportunity for some of WA’s most promising prospects to test themselves against quality opponents from Australia and Asia.”Last year the tournament featured Jake Fraser-McGurk and Will Sutherland who have since represented Australia, and in Fraser-McGurk’s case taken the T20 world by storm at the IPL.”To have two cricket powerhouses in Pakistan and Bangladesh now participating alongside half of the Big Bash League franchises is a testament to the potential of winter cricket in the Territory.” NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said.Further squads for the Top End T20 series will be confirmed in the coming weeks.Pakistan Shaheens to tour Darwin Haseebullah, Hunain Shah, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Amin

Better signing than Sesko: Liverpool plot move for "world-class" £64m ace

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Whilst boss Arne Slot claimed the Premier League title during his first season as Liverpool boss, the club have wasted no time in turning their attention towards the summer window.

Signings are expected in various areas of the pitch to try and bolster the ranks and improve the Reds’ chances of retaining their top spot throughout 2025/26.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is already one player who’s set to depart Anfield at the end of the season, with supporters voicing their anger after he announced he would leave on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract.

Liverpool'sTrentAlexander-Arnoldcelebrates after winning the Premier League

The contract extensions handed to Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are arguably the two best pieces of business the hierarchy will conduct this window, but that’s not to say new players won’t arrive.

One department in particular looks set for huge investment from the hierarchy in the coming months, looking to hand the manager the added depth he needs.

An update on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Current Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez has struggled to make a huge impact this campaign, notching just seven goals in his 44 appearances across all competitions.

As a result, he’s expected to depart Merseyside this summer, with Atlético Madrid leading the race to secure his signature, potentially departing for just £35m.

Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts

Such funds could be used to land a new talisman in the form of Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres after the Swede emerged on their shortlist, according to talkSPORT.

The report claims that the Reds are pondering a potential move for the 26-year-old who’s managed to score 52 goals in his 49 appearances throughout 2024/25.

It also claims that Slot’s side will face stiff competition from Manchester United and Arsenal for his signature, with previous reports saying it could be available for £64m this summer.

Why Liverpool’s £64m target would be better than Sesko

Over the last couple of days, rumours have picked up over a potential deal to see Benjamin Sesko complete a switch to join Liverpool in the coming months.

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty

The Slovenian international has been in superb form for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, registering 13 goals in his 31 appearances to date – including an excellent effort against Bayern Munich last time out.

It has previously been reported that the 21-year-old has a £55m release clause in his current deal, making him a cheaper alternative than other targets like Gyokeres.

However, if the club had to decide between a deal for one of the aforementioned pair, it’s pivotal they prioritise a move for the Swede, with the Sporting CP talisman a much better option for Slot’s men.

When comparing their respective stats from the current campaign, Gyokeres has massively outperformed Sesko, having the edge in numerous key areas over the Leipzig ace.

How Gyokeres compares to Sesko in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Gyokeres

Sesko

Games played

31

31

Goals & assists

44

18

Shot-on-target accuracy

50%

44%

Shots on target

2.1

1.1

Shot-creating actions

5.1

1.9

Progressive carries

4.3

1.8

Pass accuracy

72%

67%

Take-ons completed

1.9

1.4

Stats via FBref

The 26-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has massively outscored Sesko, whilst also posting a much higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also achieved more shot-creating actions per 90, whilst registering a higher tally of shots on target, handing Slot the added attacking threat he’s been craving.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick

Gyokeres’ dominance doesn’t stop there’s completing more progressive carries per 90, along with a higher pass completion rate – allowing the likes of Salah to increase their own tallies in the process.

£64m may appear to be a huge sum of money, but given his dominance in various key areas, it could be an addition that massively bolsters the club’s already impressive attacking department.

If the Reds are to sustain such a high level of performance going into 2025/26, it’s pivotal that the club backs the manager to make the additions needed for further success – with Gyokeres a player who would certainly do just that at Anfield.

Best CF since Suarez: Liverpool prepare bid for "ridiculous" £60m star

Liverpool expect to replace Darwin Nunez in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 7, 2025

Stats – New Zealand record third-biggest win in Test history

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Zimbabwe could score only 242 runs, their fifth-lowest aggregate in men’s Test matches where they have been bowled out twice

Sampath Bandarupalli09-Aug-2025An innings and 359 runs New Zealand’s margin of victory against Zimbabwe in the second Test in Bulawayo is the third-biggest win for any team in Test cricket, and the biggest for New Zealand. England won by innings and 579 runs against Australia in 1938 at The Oval, while Australia beat South Africa by innings and 360 runs in Johannesburg in 2002.New Zealand’s previous biggest innings win was by 301 runs against Zimbabwe in 2012 in Napier, which also happened to be the previous biggest defeat for Zimbabwe.ESPNcricinfo Ltd181.41 Difference between New Zealand’s batting average (192.66) and bowling average (11.25) over the last three days. Only seven teams have won a men’s Test match with a higher difference in the averages of their batters and bowlers.Only once before have New Zealand won a Test match with a difference of 100 between their batting and bowling averages – 110.10 against Sri Lanka in 2023 in Wellington.Related

New Zealand script their biggest win after Foulkes and Co flatten Zimbabwe

242 Zimbabwe’s aggregate runs in Bulawayo is their fifth-lowest in a Test match where they have been bowled out twice. It is also their second-lowest at home, behind the 158 runs they made against New Zealand in Harare in 2005.9 for 75 Zakary Foulkes’ match figures, the best for a bowler on Test debut for New Zealand. Only Will O’Rourke had taken nine wickets on debut for New Zealand previously, 9 for 93 against South Africa in Hamilton in 2024.Zakary Foulkes picked the best-ever figures for a New Zealand bowler on Test debut•Zimbabwe CricketFoulkes’ match average of 8.33 is the second-best for any bowler with four-plus wicket hauls in both innings on Test debut. Clarrie Grimmett averaged 7.45 on his debut against England in Sydney in 1925, where he bagged 11 for 82.3 Instances of three batters recording 150-plus scores in the same Test innings, including Devon Conway (153), Henry Nicholls (150*) and Rachin Ravindra (165*) in Bulawayo.Len Hutton (365), Maurice Leyland (187) and Joe Hardstaff (169*) for England against Australia in 1938 at The Oval were the first such trio, while India’s Sunil Gavaskar (176), Mohammad Azharuddin (199) and Kapil Dev (163) replicated it against Sri Lanka in Kanpur in 1986.5 Instances of fast bowlers taking all 20 wickets in a Test match for New Zealand, away from home. The last of the previous four was against India at Southampton in the World Test Championship final in 2021.601 for 3 New Zealand’s first-innings total was their highest in Test cricket against Zimbabwe, surpassing the 582 for 4 in 2016, also in Bulawayo. New Zealand have topped the 600-mark on 12 occasions so far, and their effort against Zimbabwe was their first since the 612 for 9 against Pakistan in 2022.288.80 Nicholls’ batting average while scoring a hundred in Test cricket. Among batters with at least ten hundreds, only Andy Flower (340) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (319.83) average more than Nicholls while scoring a hundred.

Switch Hit: Wood, Woakes, Woohoo!

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Alan Gardner, Andrew McGlashan and Vithushan Ehantharajah get together to discuss England’s victory at Headingley to keep the Ashes alive

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jul-2023England pulled one back in the Ashes with a tense three-wicket win at Headingley, keeping their chances of reclaiming the urn alive with two to play. Mark Wood was Player of the Match and man of the moment, while Chris Woakes hit the winning runs on his comeback to prevent Australia taking an unassailable lead. On this week’s Switch, Alan Gardner was joined by Andrew McGlashan and Vithushan Ehantharajah to discuss Wood’s rockets, an unexpected Mitchell Marsh hundred, whether England’s allrounders can bring a better balance and which team has more issues going to Manchester.

Stats – New Zealand fall to their joint-lowest T20I total

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Also: four openers, four runs, and other eye-popping stats from New Zealand’s capitulation in Dhaka

Sampath Bandarupalli01-Sep-20211 – Bangladesh, on Wednesday, registered their first-ever T20I win against New Zealand. New Zealand had got the better of Bangladesh in each of their 10 T20I meetings before this match – New Zealand’s 10-0 record against Bangladesh was the best unbeaten head-to-head for any team in this format.60 – New Zealand’s total of 60 all out in this game is their joint-lowest total in the T20I format. New Zealand were also bundled out for 60 in Chattogram against Sri Lanka during the 2014 World T20.60 – Their 60 all out is also the lowest by any side in men’s T20Is against Bangladesh. The previous lowest total against Bangladesh was 62 all-out last month by Australia, also in Dhaka. Only one team has got a lower total in men’s T20Is in Bangladesh – 39 by Netherlands, against Sri Lanka, in 2014 in Chattogram.1 – Number of men’s T20I totals by Full Member nations that were lower than New Zealand’s 60. West Indies’ 45 all out against England in 2019 is still the lowest. New Zealand’s 60 is also the lowest total by any Full Member team in men’s T20Is while batting first; West Indies’ 71 all out was the previous such lowest total, scored against England in 2019.122 – Runs conceded by Bangladesh across their last two T20Is – they had rolled Australia over for 62 in their previous T20I appearance. These are the second-fewest runs conceded by a Full Member team in successive matches in men’s T20Is. The fewest is 116 by England in 2019, when they had West Indies for 45 and 71 in consecutive games.4 – Runs scored overall by opening batters in this match, the joint-lowest in a men’s T20I where all four batted. A game between Argentina and Brazil in 2019 also had an aggregate of just four runs from the openers.Related

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Report: Bangladesh's first-ever T20I victory over New Zealand

3.83 – Combined run rate of the two teams in the first T20I, the fourth-lowest in any completed men’s T20I and the lowest in a match between two Full Member teams. The previous lowest between two Full Members was 4.61 during a T20I in Port of Spain between West Indies and Zimbabwe in 2010.7 – Runs conceded by Ajaz Patel in his four-over spell, the second-fewest for New Zealand in a men’s T20I. The most economical four-over effort for New Zealand came from Daniel Vettori, who gave away just six runs against Bangladesh in 2010.2 – Cole McConchie became only the second New Zealand man to take a wicket with the first ball of his T20I career. Lockie Ferguson was the first to do so during his debut against Bangladesh in 2017. McConchie is also the fourth man from New Zealand to take a wicket with the first ball of his international career, joining Dennis Smith, Matt Henderson and Andrew Mathieson.

Chelsea open talks with star who's "very keen" to join amid Barcelona triumph

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Chelsea have opened talks with the representatives of a big-name player after their triumph over Barcelona in the Champions League, according to a fresh update on Wednesday morning.

Chelsea seal statement win over Barcelona on dream European night

Enzo Maresca’s side put in a scintillating performance at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, dismantling Barça 3-0 in a European encounter that underlined their credentials as genuine contenders for silverware this season.

Chelsea dominated from start to finish, displaying an intensity and quality that left the five-time European champions thoroughly outclassed.

The Blues flew out of the blocks with relentless energy, pressing Barcelona high and refusing to allow the Spanish side any time on the ball. Their attacking intent was evident throughout a pulsating first half that saw Chelsea create numerous opportunities, though they endured frustration as two goals were chalked off for offside and handball before finally breaking through.

The first goal arrived when Marc Cucurella’s dangerous cross deflected off Jules Koundé, giving Chelsea a deserved advantage after 27 minutes of intense pressure.

As good as Estevao: £60m star is on his way to becoming "a Chelsea legend"

Estevao was the star of the show as Chelsea beat Barcelona in the Champions League.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025

It got from bad to worse for Barça, with captain Ronald Araujo receiving a second yellow card for his reckless challenge on Cucurella near the touchline. The sending-off proved catastrophic for Hansi Flick’s side, allowing Chelsea to seize complete control after the restart.

The second half belonged to 18-year-old sensation Estevao, who produced a moment of individual brilliance that will be remembered for years in west London.

Collecting the ball wide on the right, the Brazilian winger embarked on a mesmeric dribble, gliding past Pau Cubarsí before cutting across Alejandro Balde and unleashing an unstoppable finish into the roof of the net. The stunning strike showcased his exceptional technical ability and composure, stealing the show in a much-anticipated head-to-head with Barcelona’s own teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.

Liam Delap then rounded off a superb Chelsea display with his first Champions League goal for the club after initially seeing it chalked off, with Cucurella getting a lot of plaudits too for his exceptional display against Yamal.

Minutes

93′

Expected Assists

0.59

Tackles (Won)

5 (4)

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Blocked Shots

1

Recoveries

4

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (1)

Key Passes

1

Passes

55/63

Touches

97

It was a statement win for Chelsea, who now go into their mouth-watering Premier League tie against Arsenal this weekend in very high spirits.

Now, according to Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, supporters could have more reason to get excited.

Chelsea reopen talks with Mike Maignan who's "very keen" to join

AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan has long been a target for Chelsea amid their hunt for an elite-level keeper, with his contract expiring at the end of this season and potentially up for grabs at zero cost.

As per Tavolieri, Chelsea have reignited negotiations with Maignan and his camp, as the French international edges closer to departing the San Siro.

BlueCo are seizing on a developing contract standoff that could see the 30-year-old leave Italy as a free agent next summer, with Maignan reportedly informing Milan that he will not sign a new deal despite the club offering improved terms that would double his current salary.

The France number one can begin formal discussions with foreign clubs from January onwards, positioning Chelsea favourably in the race for his signature.

Maresca apparently views the experienced shot-stopper as a potential solution to Chelsea’s ongoing goalkeeping concerns. While Robert Sanchez has featured regularly this season, Filip Jorgensen could leave in January, and neither have fully convinced Chelsea’s manager.

Maignan is also “very keen” on the idea of joining them, so this could be one to watch closely as we fast approach the winter window.

The former Lille star is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top shot-stoppers, with Liverpool’s Alisson describing him as a world-class keeper at a truly elite level.

Filipe Luís define mudanças em escalação do Flamengo contra Pyramids na Copa Intercontinental

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo definiu a escalação para enfrentar o Pyramids neste sábado (13), no estádio Ahmad bin Ali, em Doha, no Catar, pela Copa Challenger — a semifinal da Copa Intercontinental. O técnico Filipe Luís promoveu mudanças em relação à equipe que venceu o Cruz Azul na última quarta-feira (10).

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFlamengoVarela revela ter pensado em deixar o Flamengo, mas exalta volta por cimaFlamengo13/12/2025Mundial de ClubesProrrogação ou pênaltis: o que acontece se houver empate no Mundial?Mundial de Clubes13/12/2025Fora de CampoVai dar zebra? Vidente aponta vencedor de Flamengo x Pyramids no MundialFora de Campo13/12/2025

➡️ No aniversário do título de 1981, Flamengo tenta escrever outro capítulo mundial

Na defesa, Léo Ortiz volta ao banco de reservas rubro-negro após retorna de lesão no duelo com os mexicanos. Assim, Danilo assume o lugar do camisa 3 e faz dupla com Léo Pereira na zaga. Nas laterais, Varela e Alex Sandro foram mantidos

No meio-campo, sem mudanças: Jorginho joga ao lado de Erick Pulgar, e Arrascaeta é mantido como homem mais avançado do setor. No ataque, Carrascal segue na ponta-direita, enquanto Gonzalo Plata e Everton Cebolinha são novidades; Pedro é opção no banco do Flamengo e pode ganhar minutos, assim como Bruno Henrique e Samuel Lino.

continua após a publicidadeEscalações de Flamengo e Pyramids

Desta forma, a escalação do Flamengo tem: Rossi; Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira e Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho e Arrascaeta; Carrascal, Plata e Cebolinha.

Já o Pyramids entra em campo com: Elshenawy; Chibi, Marrie, Samy e Hamdy; Lashin, Otta, Toure; Ziko, Zavala e Mayele.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Flamengo

Informações de Flamengo x Pyramids

📆 Data e horário: sábado, 13 de dezembro de 2025, às 14h (de Brasília);
📍 Local: Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, no Catar;
📺 Onde assistir: TV Globo, SporTV, CazéTV, Ge TV e Fifa+;
🟨 Árbitro: Al Jassim Abdulrahman;
🚩 Assistentes: Al Marri Taleb e Al Maqaleh Saoud;
🖥️ VAR: Al Marri Khamis.

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Para acompanhar as notícias do Flamengo, acompanhe o Lance! Todas as informações e acontecimentos atualizados em tempo real.

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Copa IntercontinentalescalaçãoFlamengomundial

Gambhir: Gill 'ready to start' T20Is against South Africa

by csb10.top Uncategorized

Shubman Gill will be back playing for India at the start of the T20Is against South Africa on Tuesday with head coach Gautam Gambhir confirming that he is “fit and fine, hungry to go.”Gill suffered a neck injury last month – understood to involve a pinched nerve – while batting during the Kolkata Test match. He had moved to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to recover – the initial timeline that the BCCI had drawn up for him involved five weeks of rest before resuming training.After completing a 2-1 victory over South Africa in the ODIs on Saturday, Gambhir addressed the press saying, “yes, Shubman is ready to start. That’s why he has been selected. And obviously he is fit and fine, hungry to go.”In the absence of Gill, Rishabh Pant had stepped in as captain in the second Test in Guwahati, where India suffered their biggest Test defeat, in terms of runs. In the following ODI series, Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the batting, in place of Gill, along with Rohit Sharma and helped India win the decider in Vizag with his maiden ODI hundred. Gill is now set to return to the top in T20Is and reunite with his good friend Abhishek Sharma.India have been bolstered further by the return of allrounder Hardik Pandya after an injury had layoff kept him out of action for over two months.The five T20Is against South Africa will be played on December 9, 11, 14, 17 and 19 in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad respectively. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the side while Gill will be his deputy.

India’s T20I squad for South Africa series

Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Shubman Gill (vice-capt), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar

Williams in rehab for drug addiction, will not be considered for Zimbabwe selection

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

ZC cites Williams’ “history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability” for decision to not renew his contract beyond 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2025Sean Williams, the veteran Zimbabwe batter, will not be considered for national selection and his central contract will not be renewed after Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said he disclosed to them that he has been struggling with drug addiction.In a statement, ZC referred to “a history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, which has impacted team preparations and performance”.Williams, 39, has played 273 matches for Zimbabwe across all formats in an international career spanning more than 20 years, but ZC confirmed that his contract will not be renewed beyond the end of 2025.Related

Williams released from Zimbabwe squad for T20 WC Africa Qualifier

Sean Williams has been around the block and then some

Williams had most recently withdrawn from the Zimbabwe squad on the eve of the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers, citing “personal reasons”. On Tuesday, ZC revealed that they had conducted an internal investigation to understand the reason for his unavailability, after which Williams had disclosed to the board that he has been struggling with drug addiction, and had voluntarily entered into rehab.”ZC expects all contracted players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping regulations,” the board said in its statement. “While ZC commends him for seeking rehabilitation, withdrawal from team commitments under circumstances involving potential testing raises serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards.”Since making his international debut in 2005, Williams has scored more than 8000 runs across all formats for Zimbabwe. He was most prolific in ODIs, making 5217 runs at an average of 37.53, with eight hundreds and 37 fifties. Earlier this year, he overtook James Anderson to become the longest-serving active international cricketer.Williams, however, was also never far from controversies or from a fractured relationship with ZC. Although he led the U-19 side in the World Cup in Sri Lanka in February 2006 – the highlight being a win over England – there were rumours both before and after the tournament that he was not happy with the board. Williams subsequently turned down a central contract the following month, opting to look for a more settled career overseas. However, he changed his mind three months later, thus returning to play for Zimbabwe. The on-off farrago resurfaced in 2008 when he again quit for a contract in South Africa, only to return weeks later.In late 2014, despite being one of Zimbabwe’s best players of spin, Williams was not considered for the tour of Bangladesh after interruptions in his involvement in a training camp, and an aborted disciplinary hearing.”ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades,” the board said. “Williams has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant moments in our recent history, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field. ZC wishes him strength in his recovery, and every success in his future endeavours.”

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