“We’re all gutted for Paige,” said her teammate Danni Wyatt-Hodge. “She’s a close friend, and it was tough to see her hurt. She’s had bad luck with injuries recently, but she’s staying positive and is already focused on getting through rehab and coming back stronger.”

Scholfield was added to the squad to boost England’s middle order, replacing Alice Capsey, who was left out due to poor form, and Dani Gibson, who is recovering from knee surgery. Fast bowler Lauren Filer also joined the team after missing the World Cup. Capsey later rejoined the squad to cover for minor injuries within the team.

Scholfield’s Journey to England Team Cut Short

Born in South Africa, Scholfield recently shared her excitement about being selected to tour her birthplace. She made her England debut at age 28 during the Ireland tour in September, fulfilling a long-held dream.

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“When I got the call, I thought it was my England A coach,” Scholfield said. “It was such a surprise. I still can’t believe it’s real.” She added that her family, proud South Africans, were thrilled about her selection, with her mother even crying out of joy.

Scholfield’s performance this year has been outstanding. She was the fifth-highest run-scorer in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, with 259 runs at an average of 43.16, and had a great Women’s Hundred season, scoring 190 runs at a strike rate of 137.68.

“She deserved to be in the squad,” Wyatt-Hodge said. “She’s been amazing for South East Stars and the Oval Invincibles. It’s a shame she’s injured, but I know she’ll have more chances to shine in the future.”

Scholfield credited the growth of women’s domestic cricket in England for helping her achieve her goals. “At 28, I didn’t think I’d get the chance to represent my country, but the new structure has kept that dream alive. It shows age doesn’t matter—you can still achieve your goals.”

The England-South Africa series kicks off Sunday with the first T20I in East London, followed by three ODIs and a Test match.

The incident occurred in the 15th over of India’s innings when one of Coetzee’s deliveries was called a wide. In response, he made an inappropriate comment to the umpire.

Gerald Coetzee admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction, which included an official reprimand. The match ended with India securing the series 3-1.

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Edwards and Mehmood Penalized for Code Breaches

In another case, Netherlands captain Scott Edwards and Oman bowler Sufyan Mehmood faced sanctions for breaching the ICC code of conduct during the third T20I between their teams in Al Amerat on Saturday.

Edwards was found guilty of two offenses: abusing cricket equipment (Article 2.8) and showing dissent (Article 2.2). After being given out lbw, he showed his bat to the umpire and later threw his bat and gloves on the field while returning to the dugout. As a result, he was fined 10% of his match fee and received two demerit points.

Mehmood, on the other hand, was fined 10% of his match fee and handed a demerit point for giving a send-off to Netherlands batter Teja Nidamanuru. Both players admitted to their offenses and accepted the penalties, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.

The Netherlands went on to win the series 2-1.

India will be without star bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the third and final Test against New Zealand, set to take place at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Bumrah, a key player in India’s bowling lineup, has been rested to manage his workload in preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth. Filling his spot will be young pacer Mohammed Siraj, who will aim to strengthen India’s pace attack as the team looks to close the series on a high.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Bumrah’s absence, stating he is still recovering from a viral illness. “Mr. Jasprit Bumrah has not fully recovered from his viral illness. He was unavailable for selection for the third Test in Mumbai,” the BCCI tweeted.

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India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged Bumrah’s importance but emphasized the need to keep him rested and fit for upcoming challenges. Although Bumrah joined Wednesday’s training session, he did not bowl and later returned to Ahmedabad to continue his recovery.

India’s lineup for the final Test will also feature Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been promising at the top of the order alongside captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. New Zealand, meanwhile, confirmed that Tom Latham will lead a strong side, with Ish Sodhi replacing Mitchell Santner, who is sidelined due to a side strain, and Matt Henry coming in for Tim Southee.

New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke.

India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.

In the first innings of the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram, South Africa set a new milestone, breaking a record that had stood for over 14 years. The team hit an impressive 17 sixes, finishing their innings at 575/6 declared. This achievement surpassed their previous best of 15 sixes in a single innings, which they had recorded against the West Indies in 2010.

This tally of 17 sixes now ranks as the third-highest number of sixes ever hit in one innings in men’s Test cricket. The all-time record is held by New Zealand, who smashed 22 sixes in an innings against Pakistan in 2014.

Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, and Wiaan Mulder each smashed four sixes in South Africa’s commanding innings, with Tristan Stubbs adding three and Senuran Muthusamy clearing the boundary twice. This aggressive batting display contributed to a powerful total of 575/6 declared in the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram.

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This remarkable innings comes after the Proteas set another record just last year, hitting an impressive 99 sixes during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India — the most by any team in a single World Cup edition.

South Africa’s big total has put them firmly in control of the Test match, with newly crowned No. 1 Test bowler Kagiso Rabada claiming two crucial wickets before the end of day two, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 38/4 in reply.

If South Africa completes a series sweep over Bangladesh, it would greatly enhance their chances of reaching their first ICC World Test Championship Final next year. The Proteas have upcoming home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and currently sit in fifth place in the standings. With strong results in these remaining fixtures, they could secure a top-two finish and earn a place in the Championship Final.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne set aside an earlier order by a magisterial court, stating that it lacked sufficient consideration of the allegations against Gambhir and did not adequately address his financial transactions with the involved companies.

Allegations Against Gautam Gambhir and Real Estate Firms

The case stems from complaints made against real estate firms Rudra Buildwell Realty Pvt. Ltd, H R Infracity Pvt Ltd, U M Architectures and Contractors Ltd, and Gautam Gambhir, who served as a director and brand ambassador for their joint venture project. Judge Gogne noted that Gautam Gambhir had direct dealings with investors, yet the previous court order failed to clarify his involvement adequately. Financial records indicated that Gambhir paid₹6 crore to Rudra Buildwell but also received₹4.85 crore in return. The judge emphasized that it was necessary to determine whether these funds were sourced from investor payments, as the core complaint pertains to cheating.

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The court noted that Gambhir’s association with the company extended beyond his role as a brand ambassador, highlighting his position as an additional director from June 29, 2011, to October 1, 2013, a period when the project was actively advertised. Payments to Gambhir reportedly continued even after he resigned from this position. In response, the court remanded the case to the magisterial court to pass a detailed order that specifies allegations and evidence against each accused.

The “Serra Bella” Project: Unmet Promises and Alleged Deception

The complaints focus on the real estate project initially marketed as “Serra Bella” in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, which was later renamed “Pavo Real.” According to the prosecution, prospective buyers were enticed by advertisements and booked flats, paying sums between ₹6 lakh and ₹16 lakh. However, no significant construction or development occurred, and by 2016, buyers realized that the land had not progressed as promised.

The complainants also discovered that the project lacked state government approvals and had unresolved legal disputes, including a stay order issued by the Allahabad High Court in 2003 over land possession. By then, the companies had allegedly stopped responding to buyer inquiries, leaving them without recourse.

The court’s fresh directive calls for a comprehensive review of the case and a clearer determination of each accused’s involvement in the alleged scheme.

According to Naqvi, Kirsten violated certain terms of his contract, leading to the abrupt end of their agreement. “He (Kirsten) broke his contract with the PCB and made some breaches. He ended the contract with us,” Naqvi told the media. Naqvi also confirmed that a new white-ball head coach will be appointed by the end of the month, as current interim coach Jason Gillespie, focused on his red-ball duties, will only lead the team for the Australia tour.

The PCB has not disclosed the exact reasons for Kirsten’s departure. However, sources suggest that Kirsten was reportedly unhappy with not being consulted when the PCB announced the squads and the new white-ball captain for the upcoming Australia and Zimbabwe tours. Additionally, it is believed that Kirsten breached certain contract terms by spending limited time in Pakistan and requesting a full foreign coaching staff.

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The issue of Fakhar’s show cause notice will be handled by a special committee: Mohsin Naqvi

According to reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had considered senior selector Aaqib Javed as a potential replacement for Gary Kirsten as the white-ball head coach. However, Javed declined the role, expressing his preference to focus on player development and youth training at the National Cricket Academy.

Naqvi also addressed the situation involving Fakhar Zaman, who recently received a show cause notice from the PCB. Zaman had criticized the board’s decision on X (formerly Twitter) for resting Babar Azam for the last two Tests against England, a post that ultimately led to him losing his central contract and missing out on selection for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours.

“The issue of the show cause notice will be handled by a special committee of the board, while selection matters are fully managed by the selectors. I don’t interfere in the decisions of the selectors and coaches,” Naqvi clarified.

India’s premier fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, is working toward regaining full fitness as he sets his sights on a return to the Test squad. Shami, who recently shared a workout video on Instagram, expressed his determination to make his comeback through the Ranji Trophy, with a message directed at his fans and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

WATCH HERE: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBltV3wSpFh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ee1518f3-caea-4e3d-b78f-593c280b742c

The star pacer was notably absent from India’s 18-member squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, primarily due to his ongoing recovery following ankle surgery. Shami’s last international appearance was during the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 against Australia, where he revealed he had played through an injury. Following the World Cup, Shami has taken a break from competitive cricket to focus on rehabilitation.

To reclaim his spot in the Test lineup, Shami aims to prove his readiness by participating in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy matches. His comeback could likely be through matches against Karnataka or Madhya Pradesh next month. Reports indicate that, should he display sufficient fitness in these games, he may still be considered for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad.

Earlier this month, Shami was seen bowling in the nets in Bengaluru, training under bowling coach Morne Morkel. During the session, he bowled with his knee strapped, practicing against assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and teammate Shubman Gill.

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Shami’s Impressive Record in Australia

The 34-year-old Mohammed Shami has a solid track record on Australian soil, having taken 31 wickets in eight Tests at an average of 32.16. His best bowling figures in Australia are an impressive six for 56.

In the history of the World Test Championship (WTC), Shami has claimed 85 wickets from 24 Tests, with his most recent appearance being in the 2023 WTC final against Australia.

India’s New Pacers for the Australia Tour

With Shami currently sidelined, the selectors have included promising pacer Harshit Rana and fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the squad. Both young players are awaiting their Test debuts. Rana, who was recently named in India’s limited-overs squad, is yet to play his first match. Backed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Gautam Gambhir, Rana is seen as a promising addition to the team.

Western Aus, despite featuring experienced players like Cameron Bancroft and Josh Inglis, fell from 52/2 to 53 all out, ending with a total of only 53 runs.

The collapse began when Bancroft was dismissed, sparking a rapid fall of wickets. In just 28 balls, Western Australia’s last eight batters went back to the pavilion, with six players failing to score a single run.

Beau Webster led Tasmania’s bowling attack, claiming six wickets, including five during the collapse. Billy Stanlake supported with three wickets, while Tom Rogers set things in motion by dismissing Aaron Hardie for the first wicket.

Western Australia’s innings had started solidly after Bancroft and D’Arcy Short built a partnership, taking the score to 45/1 after Hardie’s early dismissal.

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But when Short fell, Tasmania seized the chance to apply pressure, leading to a dramatic and unexpected collapse that left Western Australia with a meager total.

Mini-collapse during chase as well

Tasmania chased down their target of 54 with ease, requiring only 8.3 overs to secure victory. Mitchell Owen opened with an aggressive start, but Tasmania experienced a minor stumble, losing three wickets and going from 33/0 to 34/3. However, the experienced Matthew Wade steadied the innings, guiding his team to a comfortable win.

This heavy defeat drops Western Australia to the bottom of the one-day competition table, holding just one win in four games. Tasmania, with this victory, moves up to third, just behind New South Wales and Victoria.

The WACA will soon be back in the spotlight as it hosts the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia on November 22.

Zimbabwe Sets a New Record with 344 Runs in 20 Overs

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat, starting their innings with a bang. Their aggressive approach paid off as they posted a mammoth total of 344 runs in 20 overs, surpassing the previous record of 314 runs set by Nepal against Mongolia in 2023.

Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani gave Zimbabwe a blistering start. Bennett scored 50 and Marumani added 62, both reaching their fifties in quick time. The duo put together an impressive 98-run partnership in just 5.4 overs, putting Gambia’s bowlers under immense pressure from the start.

Sikandar Raza’s Stunning Century

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Though Dion Myers, who batted at No.3, was dismissed for 12 runs off 5 balls, the real fireworks came from skipper Sikandar Raza. Continuing his excellent form, Raza played a captain’s knock and completely dominated Gambia’s bowling attack. He scored an unbeaten 133 runs off just 43 balls, smashing 7 fours and an incredible 15 sixes.

Raza’s century anchored Zimbabwe’s innings, as he made full use of the solid platform provided by the openers. His commanding performance ensured Zimbabwe stayed in control and pushed the score beyond the 300-mark.

Other notable contributions came from Ryan Burl, who scored 25, and Clive Madande, who remained unbeaten on 53. Gambia’s bowlers struggled throughout the innings, with Andre Jarju being the only bowler to take two wickets, but at a significant cost, as all bowlers were heavily punished.

Second Team in T20 History to Cross 300 Runs

This achievement marked only the second time in T20 cricket history that a team crossed the 300-run mark. With this record-breaking performance, Zimbabwe joined Nepal as the only teams to breach the 300 barrier in T20s. India came close to the feat, scoring 297 runs in a recent match against Bangladesh.

Zimbabwe’s batting display in this game has cemented their place in T20 history, and their 344-run total will be remembered as one of the most dominant performances in the shortest format of the game.

Highest team totals in T20 cricket

India vs New Zealand Day 5 Recap:
The match started an hour late due to some drizzle and a wet outfield. Jasprit Bumrah had two balls left to finish his over from Day 4, and on the last ball, he dismissed New Zealand’s captain, Tom Latham. New Zealand had to chase 107 runs to win, marking their first Test victory in India since 1989.

New Zealand went on to win by eight wickets, achieving their first Test win in India since 1988. Rain had delayed the start, and when play resumed, Bumrah dismissed Latham with a brilliant delivery. India hoped for a dramatic win despite the odds being against them.

Bumrah also removed Devon Conway during a long eight-over spell, but after that, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young played excellently. The two built a partnership of over 50 runs, leading New Zealand to a historic win.

New Zealand had only faced four balls in their second innings before rain interrupted the game. They started at 0/0 and had to chase 107 runs to win on Day 5. Tom Latham and Devon Conway were set to continue batting, while Rohit Sharma was looking for early wickets for India.

Earlier in the match, India tried to fight back, reaching 462 runs in their second innings after a disappointing 46 in the first. In response, New Zealand scored 402. India had hoped to set a higher target, but the collapse started when Sarfaraz Khan got out after scoring 150, followed by Rishabh Pant who missed his century by just one run, getting out at 99.

India couldn’t push for a bigger lead in the final session, ending with a 107-run lead. For New Zealand, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke took three wickets each. Although India hoped to defend the target of 107, it wasn’t enough, and New Zealand took advantage of the helpful pitch conditions for both pacers and spinners.

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Highlights from Day 5 of India vs New Zealand 1st Test

New Zealand beat India by eight wickets

– Jasprit Bumrah got a wicket off just the second ball of the day

– Play started on Day 5 at 10.15am

– Play was scheduled to start at 9.15am but was delayed by a wet outfield and drizzle

– New Zealand have not won a Test match in India since 1988

– New Zealand need to chase down a target of 107 to win the match