Cricket
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
The much-anticipated two-match Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test series 2022 will begin next week in Chattogram on Sunday (May 15). The second Test will start on May 23 at the SBNCS, Mirpur. Both sides have already announced their squads for the series. The Bangladesh team started their practice, while the Sri Lanka team is scheduled to arrive on May 8. Since the series is part of the ICC Test Championship, both teams are anticipated to fight hard. Let’s take a look at the squad strength comparison of the two teams.
Bangladesh Squad for Sri Lanka Series
The BCB selectors announced their 18-member squad last month. Two of the regular members in recent years, Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, weren’t picked due to their poor performances in the recent series. Besides, Mehidy Hasan Miraz was excluded from the first Test one day after selection. He sustained an injury while playing a DPL match. Later, BCB included off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain. Pacer Taskin Ahmed will miss the series due to an injury.
Squad
Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Yasir Ali, Nurul Hasan, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shoriful Islam, Shohidul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (will not be available for the first match).
Read IPL leader Gujarat beats Bangalore despite Kohli 58
Sri Lanka Squad for Bangladesh Series
The Sri Lankan Cricket Board announced their 18-man squad on Wednesday (May 4). The SLC selectors included a number of uncapped players, and some recalled for the upcoming series. The squad comprised a few highly experienced players as well. So, this announced Sri Lankan Test team is a mixture of young and experienced players.
Sri Lanka Squad
Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamil Mishara, Oshada Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Chamika Karunaratne, Ramesh Mendis, Dilshan Madushanka, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suminda Lakshan, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando.
Read Mosaddek or Nayeem: Who Should Play in CTG Test of BAN vs SL Series 2022?
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Squad Assessment
Both sides have some exciting and talented players who have the ability to showcase game-changing performances when needed. In addition, both sides' team management will be expected to see their fringe players fire up during the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022. Here is the two teams’ squad comparison.
Batting/Top-Order
Bangladesh's top order in the forthcoming series includes Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Tamim is a vastly experienced player who has a nearly 40 average in Tests. The southpaw had a match-winning knock against Sri Lanka back in 2017.
Besides, Mahmudul Hasan joy started his Test career with a lot of promises. He played two incredible knocks against New Zealand and South Africa, respectively, away from home. Now, Joy will get a chance to showcase his talent in front of home crowds. No.3 batter Najmul Hossain Shanto has also been having a good time with the bat in the recent series.
Read Australia names full-strength squads for Sri Lanka tour.
Bangladesh’s top-order batting stats
Player
Innings
Runs
HS
Ave
100s
Tamim Iqbal
125
4,848
206
39.41
9
Mahmudul Hasan Joy
7
225
137
32.14
1
Najmul Hossain Shanto
29
817
163
29.17
2
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have experienced players in the top order. Sri Lankan captain Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis are big-match players, while Oshada Fernando has a lot of first-class cricket experience.
Read Stokes chosen as England test captain.
Sri Lanka’s top-order batting stats
Player
Innings
Runs
HS
Ave
100s
Dimuth Karunaratne
147
5,620
244
39.57
14
Oshada Fernando
24
726
102
34.57
1
Kusal Mendis
93
3,078
196
34.58
7
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Advantage: Sri Lanka
Batting/Middle-Orders
Bangladesh have a very capable and experienced middle-order who can shine with the bat on home soil. Shakib, Mushfiqur, Mominul, and Litton all have very good records at home. The host can expect a commanding performance from its middle-order batters.
Read Nayeem added to Test squad to replace injured Mehidy.
Bangladesh’s middle-order batting stats
Player
Innings
Runs
HS
Ave
100s
Shakib Al Hasan
109
4,029
217
39.50
5
Mushfiqur Rahim
148
4,932
219*
36.26
7
Mominul Haque
95
3,514
181
39.48
11
Litton Das
53
1,730
114
33.26
2
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Sri Lanka have some quality middle-order batsmen, but some of their regulars have not been in good form recently. Sri Lanka lost the Test series against India because of their middle-order lack of form with the bat. However, players like Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Niroshan Dickwella are very capable batters.
Read Key Takeaways from the DPL 2022.
Sri Lanka’s middle-order batting stats
Player
Innings
Runs
HS
Ave
100s
Angelo Mathews
169
6,432
200*
44.05
11
Dinesh Chandimal
117
4,217
164
39.41
11
Dhananjaya de Silva
72
2,517
173
38.13
8
Niroshan Dickwella
84
2,529
96
32.42
0
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Advantage: Bangladesh
Bowling
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka both have some quality spinners in their respective squads. Shakib Al Hasan, the world's best all-rounder, will spearhead the hosts' spin attack, while Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan can be lethal in Bangladesh's conditions. If Mehidy Hasan Miraz is available for the second Test, he has the potential to be a real weapon for the home team. However, it’s the pace of bowling that can make the difference, as Bangladesh pacers have done well in recent series. Fast bowlers like Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, and Shohidul Islam can fire up with the ball using home conditions.
Read Anamul's record-breaking season keeps getting better.
Bangladesh’s top Five Key bowlers bowling stats
Player
Match
Wickets
BBI
Ave
5W
Shakib Al Hasan
59
215
7/36
31.30
18
Taijul Islam
36
153
8/39
32.01
10
Nayeem Hasan
7
25
5/61
26.24
2
Ebadot Hossain
14
25
6/46
57.48
1
Khaled Ahmed
5
9
4/92
61.55
0
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Experienced Suranga Lakmal is not part of this squad. Therefore, the Lankan pace bowling unit is not strong enough to take a real test from Bangladesh’s batters. However, Sri Lanka’s spin bowling department has some quality players who can put pressure on the opposition batters. Among the spinners, Praveen Jayawickrama and Lasith Embuldeniya can be lethal against Bangladesh batters.
Read BAN vs SL Series 2022: Bangladesh Test Squad Analysis.
Sri Lanka’s top Five Key bowlers bowling stats
Player
Match
Wickets
BBI
Ave
5W
Praveen Jayawickrama
4
25
6/92
19.48
2
Lasith Embuldeniya
15
70
7/137
34.77
5
Ramesh Mendis
4
26
6/70
21.53
2
Kasun Rajitha
9
25
3/20
31.16
0
Vishwa Fernando
16
43
5/101
37.30
1
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Bottom Line
The Sri Lankan squad is comprised of some new faces, while Bangladesh selectors included all the expected names in their squad. The Lankan side recently suffered a huge defeat against India. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s recent performance in the away Test series has been impressive. From that perspective, the hosts can expect a dominant performance during the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test series 2022. Besides, the ICC’s World Test Championship will add a new dimension to the contest. Both sides will be eager to perform well in order to collect points to move up the standings.
Read DPL 2022: Sheikh Jamal win championship, while Khelaghar are relegated.
IPL leader Gujarat beats Bangalore despite Kohli 58
Virat Kohli’s first half-century in 14 Indian Premier League games went in vain as the high-flying Gujarat Titans routed the Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets on Saturday.
Kohli made 58 off 53 balls and led Bangalore to 170-6 but Gujarat’s strong middle order continued to prosper and reached 174-4 with three balls to spare.
Read: RR vs MI: Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2022 playoff dream is about to sink
Rahul Tewatia’s power-hitting exploits earned him an unbeaten on 43 off 25 balls, David Miller was unbeaten on 39, and the two left-handers combined in a match-winning 79-run stand.
Gujarat improved to a two-win lead on the league with a fifth straight win. It has lost just one of its nine games.
Bangalore slipped to fifth after a third straight loss.
Kohli finally got amongst the runs after coming into the game with scores of 9, 0 and 0 in his last three matches.
Kohli, who stepped down from Bangalore captaincy at the start of the season, shared a 99-run partnership for the second wicket with Rajat Patidar, 52 runs, after fast bowler Pradeep Sangwan found the outside edge of skipper Faf du Plessis in the second over.
But both batters survived tough chances before completing their half-centuries.
Read: Australia names full-strength squads for Sri Lanka tour
Sangwan returned and broke the stand when Patidar top-edged the left-arm fast bowler to square leg, and Kohli was clean bowled by Muhammed Shami off a yorker in the 17th over.
Glenn Maxwell added two sixes and three fours in his quickfire 33 off 18 balls.
Spinners Shahbaz Ahmed and Wanindu Hasaranga brought Bangalore back in the game by claiming four wickets in the middle overs to pull back Gujarat to 95-4 in the 13th over.
But Tewatia and Miller controlled the chase in the death overs before Tewatia raised the victory with a boundary against Josh Hazlewood in the final over.
Mosaddek or Nayeem: Who Should Play in CTG Test of BAN vs SL Series 2022?
A key member of Bangladesh's Test team, Mehidy Hasan Miraz suffered a finger injury while playing in a Dhaka Premier League match. According to the BCB's physio, Miraz's full recovery would take two to three weeks. Therefore, he was excluded from the Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. Mosaddek Hossain and Nayeem Hasan were chosen to replace the injured Miraz. Let's see who has the best longer-version record to earn a place in the playing XI of the BAN vs SL series 2022's Chattogram Test.
Test Records of Mosaddek Hossain and Nayeem Hasan
Mosaddek Hossain and Nayeem Hasan have both played Test cricket for Bangladesh. Nayeem Hasan is more consistent than Mosaddek in the Test format. Nayeem has appeared in seven Tests, whereas Mosaddek has only been in three. Nayeem Hasan is a specialist off-spinner, which is one of the reasons he plays more longer-version cricket than Mosaddek. Specialist players are given more preference in Test cricket than regular all-rounders.
Read RR vs MI: Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2022 playoff dream is about to sink
Test Profile of Mosaddek Hossain
Mosaddek made his Test debut in 2017 against Sri Lanka, and his most recent match was in September 2019 against Afghanistan. He has 164 runs and a 41-run average in three outings. Mosaddek has the highest score of 75 in this format, which he achieved against Sri Lanka. He is also a good off-spinner, especially in limited-version formats. Mosaddek is yet to take a wicket in a Test match.
Mosaddek Hossain’s Test Stats
Match
Runs
HS
Ave
50s
3
164
75
41.00
1
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Read IPL 2022: Mustafizur’s Delhi seek win against Kolkata in the race for top four finish
Nayeem Hasan’s Test Profile
Nayeem Hasan made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2018, and his most recent encounter came in February 2021 against the same opponents. He is a promising off-spinner with 25 wickets at a strike rate of 26.24 in seven games. Nayeem has two fifers in his career, with his best bowling figures of 5/61 against the West Indies. Nayeem can also bat and he has the ability to play crucial knocks in the lower order.
Nayeem Hasan’s Test Stats
Match
Wickets
BBI
Ave
5W
7
25
5/61
26.24
2
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Read Key Takeaways from the DPL 2022
Who would be a better fit for Bangladesh's team against Sri Lanka?
Given their respective Test performances, Nayeem Hasan should have the upper hand against Mosaddek Hossain. Nayeem is a wicket-taking off-spinner who may be even more devastating against the Lankan batting order in Bangladesh's conditions. Nayeem may be a potential match-winner on day four or five when the surface offers more bounce and turn for the slower bowlers. Furthermore, Nayeem's abilities as a batter in the lower order can help Bangladesh's innings.
Mosaddek Hossain, on the other hand, is a limited-overs specialized all-rounder, but his all-round abilities in the longer-version format may not be as impactful. Mosaddek can help with a good knock with the bat. Though, in bowling, he may not be the best choice because the Bangladesh team requires a proper off-spinner in their playing XI. In this scenario, Nayeem Hasan, rather than Mosaddek Hossain, would be the best pick to play the first Test in Chattogram.
Read DPL 2022: Sheikh Jamal win championship, while Khelaghar are relegated
Test Schedule of BAN vs SL Series 2022
First Test: 15-19 May | Venue: Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Second Test: 23-17 May | Venue: Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
Bottom Line
The head coach and captain usually have the final say when it comes to selecting players for a game. However, the opinions of the Bangladesh team management and senior players will be taken into account when picking the playing XI for the first Test of the BAN vs SL series 2022. Chattogram's pitch will most likely be more conducive to batting than Dhaka's.
Read BAN vs SL Series 2022: Bangladesh Test Squad Analysis
Therefore, adding a specialized spinner rather than a batting all-rounder might be a wiser option. However, the Bangladesh team may want to have a strong batting lineup. Anyone who will get the opportunity to play in the match should try to make the most of it by giving their all for the Bangladesh team.
RR vs MI: Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2022 playoff dream is about to sink
The IPL 2022 campaign is the worst-ever for the most successful team in the tournament, the Mumbai Indians. In fact, their eight consecutive losses from the start of the season have been the worst in the tournament’s history. With six more matches to go, the Mumbai Indians' hope to qualify for the playoffs is practically over. Though, mathematically, they can still advance to the next round if they win the RR vs MI contest. However, that chance will also perish if they lose against the Rajasthan Royals on Saturday.
Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians: Team News
The champions of the inaugural edition, the Rajasthan Royals, have been in excellent form this season. It seems they are a genuine contender for the IPL 2022. Rajasthan are currently in the second position with 12 points. They are a couple of wins away from securing a place in the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Mumbai Indians have yet to register a win in this year’s IPL. They are on their way to surpassing Pune Warriors and Delhi Capitals' eleven straight defeats in the Indian Premier League. Mumbai need to win a match within the next two matches to avoid such an embarrassing record.
Read IPL 2022: Mustafizur’s Delhi seek win against Kolkata in the race for top four finish
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan's campaign should feel confident after a comfortable 29-win against Royal Challengers Bangalore in their latest league match. It’s Jos Buttler who has taken the bulk of the responsibility for batting for the Royals. However, Buttler didn’t perform with the bat on Tuesday (April 26), but that didn’t stop Rajasthan from clinching the contest.
Young middle-order batter, Riyan Parag stepped up with the bat and made 56 off 31, striking the ball at a rate of 180.64. The bowling department is very strong for Rajasthan this season and they have probably the best options in bowling among the participating teams.
Playing XI (RR):
Top Order: Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (Captain, Wicket-Keeper). Middle-Orders: Shimron Hetmyer, Daryl Mitchell, Riyan Parag, Ravi Ashwin, Trent Boult.
Lower-Order: Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Sen.
Read Key Takeaways from the DPL 2022
Mumbai Indians
The Mumbai franchise lost some of their star players who helped them win multiple IPL trophies over the years. Clearly, losing those players have impacted immensely on the Mumbai Indians' performance this season. None of the Mumbai Indians' main power hitters — Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Kieron Pollard perform well with the bat, which is a big concern. Their bowling hasn’t been impressive either.
Playing XI (MI):
Top-Order: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Ishan Kishan (Wicket-Keeper), Dewald Brevis;
Middle-Orders: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Jaydev Unadkat;
Lower-Order: Hrithik Shokeen, Jasprit Bumrah, Riley Meredith.
Match Schedule (RR vs MI)
Time: Saturday (April 30) at 8 pm (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.
Read DPL 2022: Sheikh Jamal win championship, while Khelaghar are relegated
Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals: Head-to-Head
Mumbai and Rajasthan have met each other 26 times. The Mumbai Indians lead the head-to-head battle with 13 wins. On the other hand, Rajasthan have won 12 matches and one match had no result.
Aftermath
Rajasthan Royals will undoubtedly start as favourites in the RR vs MI contest, based on their recent form. The Royals team will try to move even closer to the playoffs by beating Mumbai in the game. On the other hand, the Mumbai Indians team’s confidence level has worsened with each defeat in the tournament. There is no more hope left for them in this year’s competition.
The only thing the Mumbai team can do is to play with a sense of pressure-free and try to win as many games as possible before the season ends. They can identify their best playing XI by rotating players from the squad, which could be beneficial for the next season.
Read IPL 2022: Halfway Through, Playoffs Qualification Scenarios for Ten Teams
Australia names full-strength squads for Sri Lanka tour
Australia will be at close to full strength for all three legs of its Sri Lankan tour as 34 players were named Friday for the all-format matches in June and July.
Marcus Harris was the biggest surprise after not being named in the 16-man test squad which will play two matches in Galle to end the seven-week tour. The tour begins with three Twenty20 matches followed by five one-day internationals.
Read: IPL 2022: Halfway Through, Playoffs Qualification Scenarios for Ten Teams
Star players Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade and Glenn Maxwell have all returned to the limited-overs squads having missed the recent white-ball games in Pakistan.
It will be new head coach Andrew McDonald’s first tour with the team.
Test captain Pat Cummins will sit out the T20 matches while first-choice spinner Adam Zampa will miss the entire tour due to the impending birth of his first child.
Fringe players could still push their cases for inclusion in the test series in the two four-day games for Australia A in Hambantota.
Read: Stokes chosen as England test captain
“It’s incredibly exciting to have an Australia A component which offers the further flexibility and opportunity for players to be available for and cross over into all squads,” said selection chief George Bailey. “That could be from a test or white-ball preparation perspective or an opportunity to impress at an international level.”
Australia squads:
Test: Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.
ODI: Aaron Finch (captain), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.
Twenty20: Aaron Finch (captain), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner
Australia tour of Sri Lanka:
June 7: 1st T20, Colombo
June 8: 2nd T20, Colombo
June 11: 3rd T20, Kandy.
June 14: 1st ODI, Kandy
June 16: 2nd ODI, Kandy
June 19: 3rd ODI, Colombo
June 21: 4th ODI, Colombo
June 24: 5th ODI, Colombo
June 29-July 3: 1st test, Galle
July 8-12: 2nd test test, Galle
Australia A matches
June 8: 1st one-day game, Colombo
June 10: 2nd one-day game, Colombo
June 14-17: First-class tour match Hambantota
June 21-24: First-class tour match, Hambantota
Al Amin bags six, Tamim hits a ton as Dhaka League ends
On the last day of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, Al Amin Hossain, the right-arm pacer of Legends of Rupganj, bagged six wickets against champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, and Tamim Iqbal of Prime Bank Cricket Club hit a century against Gazi Group Cricketers.
Riding on their performance, Legends of Rupganj secured a win by eight wickets while Prime Bank won by 78 runs.
In most parts of the Dhaka League, Al Amin remained out of form. Before the six-wicket haul on Thursday, Al Amin bagged eight wickets in eight matches in the league.
Also read: Key Takeaways from the DPL 2022
Sheikh Jamal batted first on Thursday and posted below-par total of 116 for all wickets in Mirpur. Captain Imrul Kayes hit a fifty but the other batters were unable to play well against the bowling attack of Rupganj led by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza.
In reply, Rupganj chased the target of 117 in 25.1 overs with eight wickets in hand.
Along with Tamim, who hit a century in the previous match, Anamul Haque Bijoy of Prime Bank hit 96 on Thursday. These two guided Prime Bank to a big total of 355 for seven. Tamim ended up on 137.
Also read: Nayeem added to Test squad to replace injured Mehidy
In reply, Gazi Group fell short off 78 runs despite the fifties from Al Amin Jnr (87) and Meherob Hasan (71). For Prime Bank, Taijul Islam and Rubel Hossain bagged three wickets each.
In the other match of the league on the same day, Abahani Limited beat Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club by 63 runs. Mohammad Saifuddin bagged four wickets for Abahani while Mosaddek Hossain Saikat took three.
Stokes chosen as England test captain
Ben Stokes was appointed as captain of England’s test cricket team on Thursday, taking on the high-pressure role just a few months after returning from a long spell away from the game to protect his mental health.
The allrounder was the only credible option to replace Joe Root, who quit his position — which he had held for five years — two weeks ago with England having only won one of its last 17 test matches.
It is the first big decision by Rob Key, the former England batsman who was recently hired as managing director of men’s cricket in England in a turbulent period for the national team that is currently without a head coach.
Key said he was sure Stokes was ready to shoulder the burden of the captaincy despite missing most of 2021 to focus on his well-being and also recover from two finger operations. It could mean Stokes plays fewer one-day and Twenty20 internationals, though.
“It’s just something we’ve got to do — we’ve got to manage that load, we have to prioritize at times where we think he needs to be playing. At the moment, that’s going to be test cricket,” Key said.
“I don’t think we have to overthink this. We have to make sure he is in a good frame of mind, his body is in good shape, and then we can plan accordingly.”
While announcing Stokes’ new role, Key also said veteran fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad — the top two wicket-takers in England’s test history — would also be available again after being controversially left out of the recent West Indies tour.
Read: IPL 2022: Mustafizur’s Delhi seek win against Kolkata in the race for top four finish
England plays test series against New Zealand and South Africa this summer, and also completes the series against India that was cut short last year with India 2-1 ahead with one test remaining.
“Before it got announced I was doing this job, I rang them up and said, ‘In my opinion you’re both available for selection,’” Key said of the 35-year-old Broad and the 39-year-old Anderson. “I can’t promise you you’re going to play but you are just available for selection.
“Ben Stokes was very clear on the fact that he wants Jimmy and Broady to come back in. It will purely be done on what’s the best XI to win that first test match. Nothing more, nothing less. If they are in that, which there’s every chance they will be because they are two great bowlers, then they play.”
Key said new head coaches would soon be hired to lead the men’s test and limited-overs teams, insisting the same person cannot handle both jobs.
“It’s just become a job that has become near-impossible for one coach to do,” Key said. “The amount of cricket we play, with all the COVID catch-up, all that stuff, you’re going to have times where you literally would be jumping on a plane to the other side of the world to coach a different format.”
Getting rid of COVID bubbles for teams is expected to further ease the mental burden on players and coach staff. That should help Stokes, one of the world’s best cricketers in all formats, as he settles back into the swing of a hectic cricket schedule.
“He cares about the people around him, he has understanding for why people struggle, he has understanding for why people might not be feeling right,” Key said. “All those traits, along with a very good cricket brain, make him the standout choice.”
Read: Nayeem added to Test squad to replace injured Mehidy
Stokes said Root will “continue to be a key ally for me” as he takes on the captaincy.
“I want to thank Joe for everything he has done for English cricket and for always being a great ambassador for the sport all across the world,” Stokes said. “He has been a massive part of my development as a leader in the dressing room.”
IPL 2022: Mustafizur’s Delhi seek win against Kolkata in the race for top four finish
Delhi Capitals’ recent loss against the Rajasthan Royals had created a lot of buzz. There were tensions between the two sides in the final over of the match before Rajasthan went on to seal the contest by 15 runs. The Capitals’ side has had five days of rest to regroup, and they are now gearing up to face the Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday evening. The Kolkata side is also under huge pressure to get back on track in their quest for a top-four finish in the IPL 2022 standings.
Team News: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Delhi have six points from seven matches, and they have seven more matches to be played in the league phase. The Capitals' team is in the seventh position with a best net run rate of 0.715. Delhi certainly have strong run rates, but they need to win the majority of their remaining league stage fixtures to finish in the top four in the points standings. On the other hand, Kolkata haven’t won a match since Pat Cummins’ stunning knock against Mumbai Indians, which gave them a 5-wicket victory. The Knight Riders have remained winless in their last four encounters, and they have to find a way to overcome Delhi in this fixture.
Read IPL 2022: Halfway Through, Playoffs Qualification Scenarios for Ten Teams
Delhi Capitals
Mitchell Marsh and Tim Seifert both were out of the squad because of covid-19. They have rejoined the squad but whether they will be available for selection against Delhi is not a hundred percent confirmed. Players from the foreign category will have to make their way into the playing XI if they are selected. Apart from them, the rest of the players are available for selection. For Delhi Capitals, left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman, opener David Warner, and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav will be key.
Predicted Playing XI (DC)
Top-Order: Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, Sarfaraz Khan, Middle-Orders: Rishabh Pant (Wicket-keeper and Captain), Lalit Yadav, Rovman Powell, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Lower-Order: Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman, Khaleel Ahmed.
Read IPL 2022 KKR vs DC: Delhi's Mustafizur could be crucial against Kolkata
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata’s big names have failed to make an impact to register a win for them. Andre Russell and Tim Southee have performed admirably in their respective roles, but their efforts have not resulted in victories. Pacer Pat Cummins is among the worst economy rate bowlers this season, which is a big concern for the Knight Riders. The Kolkata team needs to find a way to overcome their opponents in order to stay in contention for a top-four finish. Skipper Shreyas Iyer, all-rounder Sunil Narine and power hitter Andre Russell can play a big part in this contest.
Predicted Playing XI (KKR)
Top Order: Sam Billings (wicket-keeper), Sunil Narine, Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Middle-Orders: Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Tim Southee, Lower-Order: Shivam Mavi, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.
Read IPL 2022: Jos Buttler's Record-Breaking Knock Helps Rajasthan Reach the Top
Match Time (DC vs KKR):
Thursday (April 28) at 8 pm (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals: Head-to-Head
The two sides have met on 31 occasions. In a head-to-head contest, the Kolkata Knight Riders have a slight advantage against the Delhi Capitals. Kolkata have won 16 games, Delhi have won 14, and one match has ended in a draw.
Verdict
Given the recent form of these two teams, Delhi Capitals will start as favourites against the Kolkata Knight Riders. The Knight Riders have struggled to find a way to beat their opponents under their new captain, Shreyas Iyer. It seems they may end this campaign outside the top four unless they show magnificent consistency in the latter stages of the league phase. Oppositely, the Delhi Capitals are in a better position in terms of team spirit and gel. They have good run rates and it will improve even further if they win most of their remaining league phase IPL 2022 fixtures.
Read IPL : Delhi Capitals pummels Punjab kings to win one sided match
Jahanara, Rumana to play T20 league in Dubai
Bangladesh women cricketers Jahanara Alam and Rumana Ahmed will play a private T20 league in the UAE's Dubai.
At the "FairBreak Invitational 2022," right-arm pacer Jahanara will represent Team Falcon and Rumana Barmy Army, said Tawhid Mahmud, manager of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) women's wing.
"It's a new opportunity for me," Rumana told the media. "I've never played in such an event before."
Both players already got no objection certificates (NOCs) from the BCB.
READ: Nayeem added to Test squad to replace injured Mehidy
Rumana has played 69 T20s so far and scored 748 runs along with taking 61 wickets.
Jahanara has taken part in 71 T20s and bagged 55 wickets. She previously played in the Women's T20 Challenge in India – which is known as IPL for women.
This is the first edition of the FairBreak Invitational which will be organised under FairBreak Global, an initiative designed to create pathways for women to have better access to opportunities, education and high-level performance roles.
In this event, 19 matches will be played among six teams during May 1-15.
Nayeem added to Test squad to replace injured Mehidy
A finger injury ruled Mehidy Hasan Miraz out of the first Test against Sri Lanka that will begin on May 15 in Chattogram.
To replace Mehidy, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) added right-arm spinner Nayeem Hasan to the 15-man squad.
“Miraz dislocated his right little finger while trying to take a catch in a match on 24 April. An X-ray has revealed a small avulsion fracture,” Dr Debashis Chowdhur, the chief physician of BCB, said in a statement.
“A splint has been used to support and protect the injured area. Initial assessments suggest that the recovery could take at least three weeks which effectively rules him out of the first Test against Sri Lanka,” he added.
Mehidy sustained the blow on his right small finger during a Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match.
READ: Anamul's record-breaking season keeps getting better
The Sri Lanka cricket team will arrive in Bangladesh on May 8 for a two-match series. This series is a part of the 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championship.
While the first Test will be played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on May 15, the second Test commences at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on May 23.
Bangladesh squad (for 1st Test):
Mominul Haque(Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Yasir Ali, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam (subject to fitness)