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Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood rued the lack of discipline from his bowlers after his side’s 67-run loss to India in the first ODI in Guwahati.Sri Lanka had put India in after winning the toss but Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill seized the momentum for the hosts with a 143-run stand in just 19.4 overs. Virat Kohli then scored his 45th ODI hundred to help India post a daunting 373 for 7.Related

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“Obviously, we didn’t get off to the best start,” Silverwood said after the match. “If I have to be brutally honest, our discipline in the first ten overs was lacking at times, and we allowed India to get off to a good start. This is a high-scoring ground. India knew that they had to get off to a good start and we allowed them to do that.”They gained momentum from that and we had to push back all the time to try to put the brakes on. And I think we did that for a period of time. But when you have a class batting line-up as India have, then it’s difficult to stop them.”Sri Lanka’s fielding was found wanting as well. They dropped Kohli twice, first on 52 and then on 81. He went on to score 113 off just 87 balls.”Yeah, obviously they were costly,” Silverwood said of the dropped catches. “The moments like that are very critical in a game like this – we knew it was going to be a high-scoring one. And we all know if you give a player of Virat’s calibre opportunities, he would take it. And that’s exactly what he did today.”Of course, it was an excellent knock but had we taken those opportunities he presented, you never know.”In response, Sri Lanka were 206 for 8 at one stage before their captain Dasun Shanaka added 100 with Kasun Rajitha in an unbroken ninth-wicket partnership. Shanaka finished with an unbeaten 108 but his innings only reduced the margin of the defeat.Shanaka was Sri Lanka’s highest run-getter during the T20I series as well. While Silverwood lauded Shanaka, he didn’t agree the side was overly reliant on him, pointing out that Pathum Nissanka too scored 72 on Tuesday and added 72 with Dhananjaya de Silva for the fourth wicket.

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“I think he [Shanaka] has done himself a world of good,” Silverwood said. “He has put himself in the marketplace now. I am sure the [IPL] franchises will be looking at him [Shanaka was unsold at the auction] and seeing how dynamic a cricketer he is. He is a great striker of the ball, so hopefully, he will get an opportunity.”[But] I don’t think we rely [only] on Dasun. He is in a great vein of form at the moment, so obviously he is shining. If you look, we had Pathum also score runs today. I thought the partnership between him and Dhananjaya gave us some momentum when they were together.”We have seen over a period of time that each individual at times has put their hand up and been counted. So I am not overly worried about that. Obviously, we need them to put their hands up more, especially on very good tracks like this, to put that fight up, to build partnerships. So that’s a constant work.”With just one day’s gap before the next game, Sri Lanka will also be fretting about Dilshan Madushanka’s injury. The left-arm seamer had walked off when he hurt his right shoulder while trying to make a stop in the field. Silverwood said he would go for an X-ray to make sure everything is okay.

It’s fair to assume Madhya Pradesh will not have a chance to defend their Ranji title in 2022-23. That’s because Bengal, the team they beat in the semi-final during their victorious run last year, have now batted them out of the contest at Holkar Stadium, in their own conditions.If pocketing a 268-run first-innings lead wasn’t big enough, Bengal ensured they batted right through the fourth day to run MP ragged. They ended on 279 for 9, ahead by a mammoth 547 runs at stumps.Anustup Majumdar, who made 120 in the first-innings, top-scored in the second dig too. His 219-ball 80 blunted MP’s threat even as wickets fell around him. The base was set during the course of an 85-run stand with Sudip Kumar Gharami, who made 41, before Bengal lost a clutch of wickets.Related

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Bengal, however, found some resistance from the lower order, with Pradipta Pramanik making his maiden first-class half-century. Pramanik, playing only his fourth game this season, was unbeaten on 60. He had Ishan Porel for company as the last-wicket pair batted out nearly 14 overs for 56 runs, of which Porel scored just a solitary run.Kumar Kartikeya, the left-arm spinner, did much of the bowling for MP. He toiled away for 46 overs that brought him three wickets. Spin accounted for 88 of the 119 overs Bengal faced, with offspinning allrounder Saransh Jain, one of the few bright spots with the bat for MP in this match, picking up 6 for 103.

James Harris, the Glamorgan allrounder, has been re-elected for a second term as chair of the Professional Cricketers’ Association.Harris, 32, took over from the previous incumbent Daryl Mitchell in 2021, and will remain in the post until February 2025 – the maximum four-year stint permitted by the PCA’s constitution.”Being re-elected is a huge honour,” Harris said. “I’ve really enjoyed the first two years. Having an extra two years will be brilliant and I’m really looking forward to pushing through some meaningful change in my second term.”Harris’ first term coincided with the sport’s recovery from the Covid pandemic, and in addition to representing the organisation in Parliament, at the DCMS Select Committee hearings, he has also overseen the PCA’s increased commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.iAs a Director of the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, he also helped raise funds for the PCA’s charitable arm by cycling over 1,000km to and from Cardiff, via Headingley and Lord’s.”The PCA has a huge role to play in the evolution of the game worldwide, we need to make sure that we’re moving forward with the game, keeping pace with the game, because there’s so many opportunities to play around the world in different tournaments which wasn’t available 10 years ago,” Harris said.”I think with the opportunity for players to travel and improve their game around the world, there really is no better time to be a professional cricketer than right now and I can only see that trending in one direction as we move forward.”PCA Chief Executive, Rob Lynch, said: “I’m really pleased that James has been elected by his peers to take on a second term as Chair of the Association.”A lot has happened in the world of cricket in the last two years and James has been as been at the forefront of the change in England and Wales.”I’m looking forward to continuing our strong working relationship and strategic planning for the next two years is already under way in this crucial point in the history of our game. With key priorities assessed to ensure we continue to champion the interests of professional cricketers in this country, we will be updating our members in the coming weeks through the AGM, Rookie Camp and pre-season meetings with all 26 domestic squads.”

Somerset’s reputation as the “cider boys” precedes them but it took more than flagon of farmhouse special to explain the opening day at Wantage Road where 21 wickets fell and the visitors wound up leading by 114.Having won the toss on a searingly hot day, Somerset were 114 for 9, then rallied to 166 before Northants, steady at 46 for 1, collapsed to only 67. The visitors then closed then 15 for 1 in their second innings with Tom Lammonby out twice in the day.In a way it was rather typical of Somerset whose previous few seasons have featured vulnerable batting but relentless bowling.With few runs on the board, their response to Ben Curran’s six early boundaries was emphatic. It was led by Craig Overton, whose 11 overs claimed 4 for 12 with six maidens. Northants’ middle order simply could not score against any of the four-man attack nor resist a series of excellent deliveries.Emilio Gay failed to leave Craig Overton in time and edged behind before Jack Brooks’ direct hit from midwicket ran out Ricardo Vasconcelos and Curran felt at one from Josh Davey that held its line and was taken at third slip.Davey then sent one jagging back at Rob Keogh who was lbw offering no stroke and Brooks’ movement away from the righter hander pinned Charlie Thurston on the boot.There was no let up. Bounce from first Craig then Jamie Overton had Adam Rossington and Gareth Berg caught behind the wicket and a Davey inswinger beat Procter’s inside edge to win another lbw. Davey finished with 3 for 23.Until then, they day had begun to provide an answer to a burning question about Ben Sanderson. Only two bowlers have taken more County Championship wickets than Sanderson since 2016 but the men ahead of him have claimed the majority of theirs in Division One, leaving one wondering how Sanderson might fare against seemingly superior batsmen. He provided an early indication as he took 5 for 28.Somerset might not present the most solid order in the country – only two sides in Division One earned fewer batting points last season and Glamorgan had them 149 for 8 in the first innings last week – but this is still a line-up that almost won the Championship. Therefore Sanderson’s 13th first-class five-wicket haul takes on greater significance.He began with a nip-backer that took Lammonby’s off stump as he shouldered arms and removed another left-hander in the over before lunch as Steve Davies drove loosely to be bowled.After the break, he called Rossington to stand up for James Hildreth. The plan worked within two balls as Hildreth feathered a length delivery. Craig Overton, having struck three boundaries, then nicked one that held its line to fourth slip and Jamie Overton looped a full ball to mid-off from a leading edge as he looked to work to leg.Sanderson had a fresh new-ball partner in Brandon Glover. There are few for whom lockdown was a blessing but Glover is perhaps one of them. The enforced delay to his Northants debut allowed him extended recovery time from the ankle injury with which he arrived in the UK. Fully fit and with hunger to impress no doubt having grown, he enjoyed an excellent first outing for his new team, taking 2 for 49.It took Glover nine balls to strike but he had Eddie Byrom to thank for his maiden Northants wicket as the left-hander slashed at a wide length ball, feet cemented in his pre-delivery stance, and edged to Rossington. He second, nine balls later, was not exactly by design either as Tom Abell was strangled down the leg side.They were about to be embarrassed at 114 for 9 before Brooks, back at the club where he started his career, three times carved boundaries over the slips in a merry 36. And by day’s end it was cheers all round for the West Countrymen, who held a commanding position.

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has said that Shubman Gill will be replacing Rohit Sharma for the Test leg of the New Zealand tour, which will commence with the first Test in Wellington from February 21. The second Test, scheduled in Christchurch, begins on February 29.In a brief, informal chat with the media on Monday evening, outside the BCCI’s headquarters in Mumbai, Ganguly confirmed Rohit’s injury, said he had approved the Test squad, and that Gill was going to be Rohit’s replacement. Till midnight on Monday, the BCCI had not announced the Test squad. It is understood that the board was still awaiting final approvals, which might mean from BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who usually signs off on the media releases. Shah, as per PTI, was en route to New Zealand on Monday.Also it could not be ascertained what exactly Ganguly meant when he said Gill was going to be Rohit’s replacement. Did he mean Gill was now going to be part of Indian Test XI considering the Punjab batsman was part the squad in the series against Bangladesh, the last Test outing for India?Gill does have the form to increase his chances of making his Test debut. Over the weekend, he cracked a double century for India A in the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A. He was picked by the selectors in the Test squad for the first time during the home series against South Africa after KL Rahul, had fallen out of favour due to his dip in form over the last two years.The BCCI has delayed announcing the Test squad despite the selectors having discussed it at the meeting on January 12. It is understood the selectors had more or less finalised the squad but wanted to wait on the form and fitness of some of the key players. One certainty on that day who became doubtful a few days later was fast bowler Ishant Sharma, who hurt his ankle in a Ranji Trophy match while playing a home match for Delhi.Although there were strong doubts about Ishant making the New Zealand trip with six weeks rest recommended, it is believed that the fast bowler was recuperating rapidly at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. It is understood that Ishant, who is four matches short of reaching the 100-Test landmark, had started to bowl during training steadily.

The majority of the Australia one-day squad will return to Big Bash action over the next few days for the backend of the regular season and then the finals for the teams that make it.Of the players who were in India, only David Warner, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc – who don’t have BBL deals – will not be available.Here is a rundown of who each team gets back:Melbourne StarsPeter Handscomb, who did not get a game in India, will return to bolster the middle order and will likely resume the wicketkeeping duties from Seb Gotch. Adam Zampa will be back as a key part of the spin attack for the Stars who are already assured of hosting the Qualifier on January 31 with the loser of that match earning a second chance to reach the final by playing in the Challenger on February 6.Sydney SixersThe Sixers are among the teams currently fighting for second spot to play the Stars and, for the first time in six years, will be able to call on Steven Smith who is available from the match against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba. Josh Hazlewood will be given a few extra days rest after the India tour, but will likely be available for the Sixers’ final regular season game against the Melbourne Renegades and the finals. They remain unsure whether Sean Abbott will have recovered in time for the finals, by when they will have lost Tom Curran to England duty.Adelaide StrikersAlex Carey‘s return will bolster the Strikers’ middle order as they push for second place and for the first time this season they will be able to field their strongest possible batting line-up with Carey and Travis Head back in harness.Perth ScorchersAshton Turner and Ashton Agar will be back in the fold as the Scorchers look to build on their handsome victory against the Sydney Thunder. They will hope that Turner’s lean time in India does not impact his form for the final stretch of the tournament. Morne Morkel will also play the final regular season match against the Thunder – which may well be a decider for qualification – in place of Chris Jordan so he is eligible for the finals.Sydney ThunderThe Thunder did not have anyone in the one-day squad. Last season Cummins made one late-season outing for them but he will not play this year.Brisbane HeatMarnus Labuschagne is available to add to his seven T20 outings and he may well be seen as a key to stopping the sort of batting collapses – that reached new heights against the Renegades – which have left the Heat battling to reach the finals.Hobart HurricanesIt will likely be too late to save their season, but D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade will be able to link up at last at the top of the order for the Hurricanes’ last two matches having not joined forces this season due to their respective international commitments. Short spent the three matches in India carrying the drinks after his late call-up to replace the injured Abbott.Melbourne RenegadesIt is officially all over for the Renegades after their horror run of nine defeats on the bounce ended any chance of defending their title. However, they have won their last two games – extraordinarily so against the Heat – and should have Aaron Finch and Kane Richardson back for the final two outings which could cause problems for opposition still looking to secure their finals berths.

Whatever happened at the 10-over mark in the first innings, Multan Sultans need to patent. After a sluggish start from the hosts that saw them shuffle along to 65 in 10 overs, Rilee Rossouw caught fire all of a sudden, a stunning onslaught resulting in the fastest century in PSL history and an astonishing 134 runs in the final 10 overs that set Quetta Gladiators 200 to win, a target they fell short of by 31 runs.Quetta, as you might expect, gave it as good a go as their capabilities might allow, with Shane Watson at one point looking like he might pull of a heist for his side. But Quetta’s cack-handedness with the ball and in the field left him and his team with far too much to do and much too little time. Even as the sixes flew, the asking rate continued to balloon, and once Watson was dismissed, Quetta’s fate was sealed.Rilee Rossouw celebrates his quickfire century•PCB

The mood music at the start was worlds removed from its frenetic, run-heavy conclusion. Shan Masood became the first captain to opt to bat this season, and Quetta looked like they would make him regret that decision when Zeeshan Ashraf fell early and James Vince searched unsuccessfully for the sweet timing he is so coveted for. Mohammad Nawaz stifled the batsmen at the start, while Naseem Shah begun brightly.All of that went to ruin after the halfway mark, though. The moment Rossouw biffed Anwar Ali for a six the first ball of the 11th over, Quetta lost their collective composure. You could count the number of times they hit their spots from that point onwards on one hand, and Rossouw capitalised on the chaos. Just one over between 11 and 18 went for fewer than 12 runs, and while Masood got some of his own hits in, it was all about Rossouw. He would bring up his hundred in the final over; it had taken just 43 balls, including 10 fours and half a dozen sixes.Watson tried his best to match that, and batting alongside Jason Roy, brought up the 50 partnership in the sixth over. But soon after Roy holed out to deep midwicket, it quickly became clear this would be a one-person effort. That Watson took it as far as he did was achievement enough, and it isn’t often a 41-ball 80 is on the wrong side of a PSL result. But this was clearly Rossouw’s game, and Watson was merely playing in it.The supporting actNot many will come away from the game reminiscing about Masood’s 32-ball 46, and why would they, given what else just happened in that first innings? But the value of it becomes clear when you notice it was the one thing Quetta lacked in the chase. Rossouw had, in Masood, the perfect foil on the other end, with his captain ensuring he didn’t give his wicket away or hog too much of the strike. When Masood got the strike, he got away the odd boundary and turned it over quickly to the South African, neither heaping pressure on him nor starving him of the strike. Together, they put together a partnership that totalled 139 runs in 64 balls.By contrast, Quetta managed no partnership greater than Roy and Watson’s 57 at the top, and no other Quetta batsman could even reach 15. That meant the pressure was squarely on Watson’s shoulders, further driving home the point if they were going to take it close, it was all on him. Other batsmen who had helped them win big games this season all failed, with Azam Khan falling early and Ben Cutting holing out for 12. The sort of innings Masood had played was absent from Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side, and it wasn’t a surprise to see the result pan out the way it did.Star of the dayRossouw and Watson may get the hundreds and entertain the fans most, but in a game where 200 was nearly scored and then changed, perhaps the most remarkable numbers were posted by Imran Tahir. While Watson and the rest of the Quetta top order ran riot, Tahir ensured the game wouldn’t run away from Multan. Varying his flight, pace and googly with all the experience any T20 side treasures in him, Tahir kept the Quetta batsmen guessing, and, even more importantly in such a high-scoring game, cautious.It wasn’t like he had all the luck, either. In his third over, as Watson’s charge built up a crescendo, Tahir had him into skying a drive down to long-off, where Moeen Ali stood perched for a simple catch. Moeen somehow grassed the opportunity, but undeterred, Tahir dismissed Azam Khan the next ball. He wasn’t done with Watson, either, coming back the following over and coaxing a nearly identical shot from the batsman. This time, Moeen would make no mistake. In a game where scoring ten an over was the order of the day, Tahir’s figures of 4-0-27-2 didn’t flatter him in the slightest.Multan surged at the top of the table, having swept all three games in their home city. They now have four wins in five, while Quetta sit just below them, with three wins from five matches.