Lachlan Hearne replaces Ollie Davies for game against Melbourne Stars

If asked, 100 per cent: Ravi Shastri confirms interest in coaching IPL team

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed interest in coaching an Indian Premier League team. In an interview with The Week, Shastri stated that he would ‘100 per cent like to be a franchise coach’, but only if he is asked; hinting that a suitable offer might not have been plated to him yet. There were several rumours flying around right after his tenure ended with the Indian team, that he would join one of the two new IPL franchises, but that never came to pass. Shastri, who left the team with an impeccable win/loss ratio is well regarded around the world for his fiery personality and man-management skills. Speaking on the role of a coach in the modern-day game, Shastri stated that there might come a time when the coaches will control the game from the dugout. “I think there will come a time in white-ball cricket, especially in the shortest format, when coaches will control the game from the dugout. There is just too much happening in the middle for the captain to handle. So, coaches will take on the responsibility.” Shastri currently is not affiliated with any teams but is the Commissioner of the Legends Cricket League which is scheduled to begin from January 2022.

The Ashes | 1st Test - Travis Head scores 150 at rapid rate to secure 278-run lead

Australia secured a mammoth 278-run lead in the first innings at the ‘Fortress’ Gabba by putting up 425 runs against England. Australia were bowled out halfway through the first session of the game on Day 3, but not before doing some psychological damage to the English bowling order. Starting the day’s play at 343/7, Head and Mitchell Starc chose to take on the bowlers against anything that they bowled a touch fuller. Starc eventually got out for 35 of 64 balls against a half volley from Chris Woakes which he tried to swat over the deep square leg fielder. However, this did not stop the momentum of the home side, and Head kept on attacking from one end. He brought up his 150 with a slog sweep against specialist spinner Jack Leach in just 143 balls, at a strike rate of 105. His staunch technique against the short of length deliveries was put to full use on the Gabba pitch that consistently offered good bounce. He was able to get the balls down effectively and scored a truckload of runs through square on the leg side. Things got fairly one dimensional from there as Head looked to attack everything offered to him with the tail unable to survive a bouncer barrage from Mark Wood. Head was the last one to depart in the Australian first innings, while exposing his stumps to a Mark Wood yorker. England after two days of incredible toil would now look to survive for long enough to see through this game.

Aided by the return of starcast, Melbourne look to shake off humiliating defeat against Sixers

Melbourne Stars will be up against Sydney Thunder for their second game of the season in the Big Bash League 11. Coming off a humiliating defeat in their opener, Stars will be looking to shake off the 152-run drubbing against the Sixers, Thunder’s cross-town rival in the T20 competition. However, for their second game, Stars will be boosted by the inclusion of big names like Australia’s T20 World Cup hero Marcus Stoinis and West Indian powerhouse Andre Russell, Qais Ahmed and Nathan Coulter-Nile, who are set to play their first game in this edition. Speaking of the inclusions in the squad, Stoinis spoke about how they have a great squad and the injection of four players would completely change the look of the team. “It was four days ago, so having five days in between games is probably pretty handy. We’ll move on pretty quickly. We know we’ve got a good squad.” Speaking about last-minute addition Russell’s influence in the team, Stoinis said that the Melbourne boundaries aren’t big enough for a powerhouse like him. “I don’t think the boundaries at the G are big enough to stop him. Hopefully, he’s bowling quick, he’s hitting big bombs and he’s taking good catches in the field.” Stars take on Thunder on Friday, 10 December. The game starts at 1:45 PM IST.

Shahid Afridi traded to Quetta Gladiators for his final PSL season

Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi is set to play for Quetta Gladiators for his final Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. Ahead of the PSL 2022 retentions, former Pakistan all-rounder has been traded from Multan Sultans on his wish that he would like to finish his career at Quetta, made public back in June this year. The Gladiators have also acquired the services of top-order batsman James Vince, who is known around the world cricket for his classy approach to T20 batting. The movement of the players comes during the trade window provided by the PSL right ahead of the retention season, where teams will be allowed to keep eight players out of 16 for the next season. The teams will be allowed to pick the other eight in the PSL draft ahead of the season. The next season of the PSL has been brought forward from its usual window and is scheduled to begin on January 27, 2022. The month-long tournament has been shifted forward due to Pakistan’s tour of Australia in the months of March-April.