Weekly Newsletter!
Our weekly compilation of all of this week's cricket news and Completely Cricket content.
Hey cricket lovers,
This the first edition of the new Completely Cricket Weekly, the revamped version of the Completely Cricket Weekly. Enjoy!
Matchplay Moments
The Hundred 2023 has been approaching its climax and teams are battling it out in the final matches to be in the top three, to secure their place in the eliminator/final. So far, the Oval Invincibles in the men’s tournament have qualified for the final; the other two spots are wide open with five teams in contention to qualify. In the women’s tournament, things are much simpler: Southern Brave, Welsh Fire and the Northern Superchargers have all qualified, but who finishes top place and gets automatic qualification to the final itself is yet to be decided.
Other Series
A second, or even third, string India are playing Ireland in a T20I series, with India leading 2-0 so far. India won the first T20I by two runs after the intervention of DLS, but comprehensively beat Ireland by 33 runs, with notable performances by Ruturaj Gaikwad and and Sanju Samson. Although this series was most known for it being the injury comeback series for Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premium pace bowler, India’s playing XI involved many World Cup hopefuls who are looking to cement their case to be wearing an India shirt during the World Cup.
New Zealand beat the UAE 2-1 in a T20I series, with Mark Chapman being named player of the series after scoring over 130 runs in the three matches. Underdogs UAE proved that they were more than up for the fight by winning the second T20I. New Zealand’s squad did not contain all of their first XI, but the series will certainly give captain Tim Southee plenty of food for thought.
Watch the highlights of the second T20I here
Latest Cricket News
England released their provisional world cup squad, with Jos Butler as captain. Gus Atkinson, a right arm pacer who hits 90mph regularly, could be in line to make his ODI debut, having earned the call-up due to his superb performances in the Vitality T20 Blast and the Hundred. The main surprise omission is Harry Brook, who seems to have been dropped in place of Ben Stokes, who reversed his ODI retirement to play in the World Cup. This has been slightly controversial, due to the fact that a talented young player, who is undoubtedly part of the future of English cricket, is being denied a chance to play in a tournament due to someone, who was retired until a few days ago, taking his spot. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Australia have also announced their provisional world cup squad as well, with uncapped leggie Tanveer Sangha and all-rounder Aaron Hardie the notable inclusions. For most Aussies, the surprise exclusion is Marnus Labuschagne, the colourful cricketer who had played the vast majority of Australia’s ODIs for the last couple of years.
Follow the world cup squad updates here
This Week’s Completely Cricket Content
In the latest Completely Cricket Podcast, hosted by Avinash Ehathasan and Zaid Ahmed , they discuss England’s provisional World Cup Squad, including Harry Brook’s omission. Have a listen if you haven’t already! The Completely Cricket Podcast released episodes every week and is available on all podcast platforms.