Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins bowled for the first time since July on Wednesday as he races the clock to be fit for the second Ashes test against England.

The 32-year-old pace spearhead has not played since picking up a lower back injury against the West Indies more than three months ago.

But he made a tentative return in a brief net session in Sydney captured by local television cameras, bowling off a five-step run-up.

Cummins has been ruled out of the first test against Ben Stokes' England in Perth from November 21, with hopes that he will be ready for the second day-night contest in Brisbane on December 4.

"We're on the journey to that second test and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome," Australia coach Andrew McDonald said on Monday of Cummins.

"We will see how he pulls up and then we'll make decisions moving forward."

Pat Cummins will start bowling again this week - coach Andrew McDonald is hopeful he can be fit for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane 🤞 pic.twitter.com/TKqO2ZP36x

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 27, 2025

Steve Smith will captain the side in Cummins' absence with Scott Boland almost certainly replacing him to join fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Australia are still grappling with who will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja.

Incumbent Sam Konstas' form has nosedived and he was again out cheaply in the Sheffield Shield on Thursday, bowled for 10.

Selectors are due to finalise their Ashes squad at the end of the current round of the domestic red-ball competition with Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne also in the running to be opener.

Batting great Kane Williamson says a changed "life situation" will reduce his availability for New Zealand as he prepares for his first international match since March.

Former captain Williamson will take part in the three-match ODI series against England starting in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, having been unavailable for New Zealand in any format since they lost the final of the Champions Trophy against India in March.

In that period, the 35-year-old, arguably his country's finest batsman, missed a test series in Zimbabwe and the home T20 series this month against Australia and England.

Speaking ahead of the England series, Williamson said his international availability is limited by a desire to spend more time with his young family, as well as play in lucrative professional leagues.

"As your life situation changes, as mine has, the balance between where you spend your time and give your attention is really, really important," Williamson told New Zealand Cricket.

"So still being able to play for New Zealand and play the sport that I love at the highest level is great. But the balance is the most important thing for me."

Kane Williamson has half an eye on the ODI World Cup in 2027, but acknowledges that his life priorities have shifted

He prepares to play for New Zealand for the first time since the Champions Trophy final in March pic.twitter.com/KNc25Rgr2A

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 24, 2025

Since his debut in 2010, Williamson has scored 9 276 test runs at an average of 54.88 to be comfortably New Zealand's most prolific batsman.

He has gradually reduced his commitments over the last two years, relinquishing the captaincy in all formats.

His "casual" contract with the national body requires him to commit to only certain series and tournaments.

Williamson has spent much of this year in England, where he was captain of London Spirit in the men's Hundred competition, as well as playing for Middlesex.

He is yet to play under new national coach Rob Walter, but has spoken with him extensively about availability.

"It's just an ongoing communication with New Zealand Cricket and with Rob, and I'm grateful for that," Williamson said.

"It's a lot about the balance, with family and time away, but also the delicate balance of being a part of this team that I've really loved and enjoyed for such a long period of time."

Williamson is one of five Black Caps on casual playing agreements with New Zealand Cricket, including Lockie Ferguson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert.

Indian cricket authorities have petitioned the country's top court to make match-fixing a criminal offence in a bid to ramp up the pressure on illegal bookmakers and bent players.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the world's richest cricket body, has argued to the Supreme Court that "the act of match-fixing constitutes a criminal offence".

The BCCI said it had stepped up to protect the sport, in court documents seen by AFP on Thursday.

"The prevalence of corrupt practices in cricket matches has an adverse impact on the game and undermines the integrity of the sport," the BCCI wrote in documents filed with the court registrar on 14 October.

The BCCI's legal argument is that match-fixing counts as cheating by deception – an existing offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) – and therefore should be counted as a crime.

The case continues.

The appeal stems from allegations of match-fixing during a state cricket league in 2018-2019 in Karnataka involving six people – including two players, the coach and team owner.

The High Court in the southern state dismissed it as a criminal case in 2022.

The first major scandal in Indian cricket to make headlines erupted in April 2000 when police intercepted calls between bookmakers and South Africa captain Hansie Cronje during his team's tour of India.

Cronje confessed to throwing matches and named India's then captain Mohammad Azharuddin as the person who introduced him to bookmakers.

The BCCI instituted its own anti-corruption codes in 2019, which give the board the power to issue fines and lifetime bans.

"Public confidence in the authenticity and integrity of the sporting contest is vital," the code reads, submitted to the court.

"If that confidence is undermined, then the very essence of cricket will be shaken to the core."

Another fixing controversy broke out in the Indian Premier League in 2013 when players and officials from Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings were found involved in spot-fixing and betting activities.

Key players were banned for breaching the BCCI's code of conduct and the teams suspended for two years.

Neighbouring Sri Lanka introduced tough laws to tackle match-fixing in 2019, including up to 10 years in jail and fines of 100 million rupees ($333 000).

That came after then sports minister Harin Fernando said the game was riddled with graft "from top to bottom".

Sri Lanka's former spin bowler Sachithra Senanayake became the first to be prosecuted under the law in June. He denies wrongdoing.

Cricketers in Canada are taking desperate measures to play their booming sport in a country better known for ice hockey, baseball, basketball and American-style football.

At one time nearly forgotten, cricket has exploded in popularity as waves of immigrants have moved to Canada and want to play the once national game.

"We get a lot of complaints," said Manitoba Cricket Association President Paramjit Shahi about young people playing cricket in Winnipeg Walmart parking lots, where brightly lit asphalt offers day-working enthusiasts a chance to play.

"They’re just neighbourhood kids."

Regina, Saskatchewan’s city government posts signs on tennis courts saying “Cricket is not allowed on courts” because batsmen were damaging them, it told Reuters.

The small prairie city now has three dedicated cricket pitches.

From British Columbia on the Pacific coast to Newfoundland on the Atlantic to Yellowknife in the Arctic, the popularity of cricket has exploded as immigration from South Asia, Africa and the Caribbean has ignited a demand for ovals, night lights, winter training facilities and new teams.

Manitoba, a prairie province of fewer than 1.5 million people, now hosts 72 teams, compared to fewer than 20 eight years ago, according to Shahi.

"We don’t have enough grounds," said Shahi at a recent inter-provincial tournament south of Winnipeg being played on a windswept patch of prairie, with three new-roofed shelters opened by local politicians and cricket officials.

In Vancouver and Toronto, cricket has been flourishing outside the usual sporting infrastructure, but has also struggled to find adequate grounds and training facilities.

"The sport is thriving. Not too many people are aware,” said Imdad Alli, a Guyana-born cricketer who arrived in Toronto as a 10-year-old immigrant in 1979 and has spent his life since deeply involved in the sport.

CANADA'S NATIONAL SPORT

Canada's founding Prime Minister John A. Macdonald declared cricket Canada’s national sport in 1867, and across the country major corporations and government departments fielded teams.

The world’s first international cricket match was between Canada and the US in 1844 in New York City, more than two decades before Canada officially became a country. The then-British colony of Canada won the game.

Think you know cricket's biggest rivalry? Think again.#weCANcricket #CricketCanada pic.twitter.com/RdXs2kyQiw

— Cricket Canada (@canadiancricket) September 23, 2025

"Wherever the British went, they took cricket," said Nishant Jeet Arora, a BC organiser of the Canada Super 60 Cricket League tournament held in Vancouver this month.

In the early 20th century, interest in British-style sports like cricket and soccer faded but a century later, cricket is surging back fuelled by TV fans of the Indian Premier League and other global Twenty20 tournaments.

Canada is not without success on the international stage either, qualifying for four 50-over World Cups, including the 2003 tournament in South Africa where John Davison made 111 against West Indies, reaching his century from 67 balls, then the quickest hundred in the tournament's history.

A 67 Ball Century#OnThisDay in 2003, John Davison of Canada smashed a 67 Ball Century, the fastest of World Cup at that time.

Despite his brilliant knock of 111, Canada bowled out for just 202 runs. West Indies chased down the target in just 20.3 overs.pic.twitter.com/o3DDZ914FY

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) February 23, 2024

Arora wants Canada to take its place alongside the game's world powers like India, Pakistan, South Africa, Australia and England.

"It (cricket) has its roots in this country," said Arora. "Cricket has come back to its home in Canada."

Cricket in Canada faces unique challenges compared to temperate England, warm Australia and South Africa, and the tropical and sub-tropical conditions of most of South Asia.

Snow and sub-freezing temperatures blanket the country for nearly half of every year, making year-round outdoor cricket impossible outside of a tiny wedge of BC.

WINTER TRAINING CHALLENGE

International cricketer Jatinder "Sunny" Matharu, a Winnipegger who has recently played for the Canada team in Antigua, Oman, Namibia and Zimbabwe, said winter training was a challenge.

"It’s pretty hard," said Matharu, who travels a lot to play for Canada’s national team, which is based in Toronto.

“We have seven months, six months of winter. You need the whole year to train."

Small towns and cities across Canada now host cricket teams. Brandon, Manitoba, which has fewer than 60 000 people, has an all-girls team, as does 110 000-population St. John’s, Newfoundland.

In the 21 000-population Arctic community of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, cricketers play in the city’s fieldhouse in the long winter and on patches of available field when it is warm enough to play outdoors.

Other sports teams are beginning to reach out to the growing multitude of cricket fans, and Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays held a “Cricket Day at the Park” this year.

A day where cricket, culture & Canada came together🏏

From iconic first pitches to unforgettable performances, Cricket Day at the Ballpark had it all
Swipe through the best of an epic day that brought the city alive!#CricketCanada #weCANcricket #CricketDayAtTheBallpark pic.twitter.com/ALTTtmcLcr

— Cricket Canada (@canadiancricket) June 6, 2025

"New to cricket? This is a perfect chance to learn more about the sport while still enjoying the game you know and love," said the Jays’ promotion.

In Winnipeg, long-time enthusiasts are enjoying the sudden popularity of their game.

"It’s nice to just pull up a chair and watch," said Alli, who plays on the over-50 international team.

Garvin Budhoo, a fellow Guyanese immigrant, plays on the over-60 Canadian team.

"All of a sudden we have all these teams," said Budhoo. “Now the kids want to play."

Afghanistan have withdrawn from their Twenty20 international tri-series in Pakistan next month following the death of three local cricketers that the Afghanistan Cricket Board said were due to military strikes in Paktika province.

Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were due to meet in the tournament scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17-29 November.

The ACB said in a statement that the three players travelled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to play in a friendly match and later died during the strikes after returning home to the Urgun district.

"‎The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family," the ACB said in a statement, mourning the deaths of the players and several others.

"‎In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the ACB has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan, scheduled to be played in November."

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday extended a 48-hour truce amid peace talks in Doha, sources said, as they seek to resolve clashes that have killed dozens in the worst violence between the nations since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.

The fierce fighting between the one-time allies and Pakistani airstrikes across their contested 2 600-km (1 600-mile) frontier were triggered after Islamabad demanded Kabul rein in militants who stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they operated from havens in Afghanistan.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the South Africa A (SA A) squads for their upcoming multi-format tour to India later this month.

The four-day squad will take on the hosts in two matches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from 30 October - 9 November, while the one-day side will contest a three-match series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from 13 - 19 November.

Marques Ackerman will lead both sides, with test captain Temba Bavuma included in the squad for the second first-class match as part of his return-to-play program ahead of the test series against India in November.

WSB Western Province spinner Kyle Simmonds has earned his maiden SA A call-up to the four-day side, while DP World Lions allrounder Delano Potgieter has been included for the first time in the 50-over squad.

The A sides head into the tour following a competitive tour against New Zealand A at home, where they clinched the one-day series 2-1, although they were defeated 0-1 in the four-day series.

SA A head coach Wandile Gwavu said: “We’re looking forward to this tour and are eager to take on the challenge of competing against India in their own backyard. Our ability to play and bowl spin has improved significantly over the years, so playing in the subcontinent, which will be a first for many of the players, will be a good test. We’re definitely up for it as a team.

“It’s been a while since South Africa A last toured India, and playing there always demands adaptability and mental toughness. Gaining experience on subcontinent surfaces and learning to adapt to varying conditions, specially in the red-ball format, will be invaluable for our players as we continue to build towards future tours and potential Proteas opportunities.”

The four-day squad will depart for Bengaluru from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on 25 October.

South Africa A Four-Day Squad against India A

Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Temba Bavuma (DP World Lions)*, Okuhle Cele (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Warriors), Rubin Hermann (North West Dragons), Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tshepo Moreki (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kyle Simmonds (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tsepo Ndwandwa (Momentum Multiply Titans), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tiaan van Vuuren (Knights), and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).

*Second match only

South Africa A One-Day squad against India A

Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Ottneil Baartman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Dafabet Warriors), Rubin Hermann (North West Dragons), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tshepo Moreki (Worlds Sports Betting Western Province), Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province), Nqaba Peter (DP World Lions), Delano Potgieter (DP World Lions), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sinethemba Qeshile (Warriors), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).

Management - Four-Day Series

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Richard das Neves (Batting Coach), Rowan Richards (Bowling Coach), Jimmy Kgamadi (Fielding Coach), Phumelele Skosana (Team Doctor), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist) and Abram Ndhlovu (Team Analyst).

Management - One-Day Series

Wandile Gwavu (Head Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Rowan Richards (Bowling Coach), Jimmy Kgamadi (Fielding Coach), Phumelele Skosana (Team Doctor), Johan Pretorius (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist) and Abram Ndhlovu (Team Analyst).

Fixtures

Four-Day Series

30 October - 2 November

India A v South Africa A - BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

6 - 9 October

India A v South Africa A - BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

One-Day Series

Thursday, 13 November

India A v South Africa A - Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot

Sunday, 16 November

India A v South Africa A - Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot

Wednesday, 19 November

India A v South Africa A - Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot

West Indies have suffered back-to-back series whitewashes by Australia and India in a run of five straight losses that has exposed not just technical and structural gaps but a deeper erosion of the pride that once defined the famous maroon cap.

The former behemoths of the game have been on a steady decline since the 1990s and often struggle to assemble a decent test squad, having lost their best talents to the lure of franchise cricket.

Few expected an overnight change in their fortunes when the test captaincy was thrust on Roston Chase in May but five consecutive defeats since then show how far the erstwhile giants have fallen.

Australia blanked them 3-0 and the humiliation of being bundled out for 27 in the final test in July triggered an emergency meeting also involving some of the past greats.

It provided no silver bullet though.

India outclassed West Indies 2-0 earlier this month, inflicting an innings defeat inside three days in Ahmedabad and the ignominy of a follow-on in Delhi.

Talking to reporters ahead of the Delhi test, Chase said finance and facilities limited his side's potential.

"I think the systems in the Caribbean are a bit poor in terms of training facilities and stuff," Chase said though he did not use it as an excuse for the team's free-fall.

"But what I would say is yes, there is obviously a struggle in the Caribbean for finances."

WEST INDIES NEED FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Head coach Daren Sammy revisited history and felt West Indies did not reap the financial rewards despite being cricket's driving force.

Now that they are in the doldrums, the global game owes West Indies more than nostalgia, he said.

"It's like India now. Everybody wants India to tour, because that's where the financial gains are. India brings that to the home territory. That was West Indies in the past."

"So for now, when ... we are in need of those financial resources to help us grow and move forward, I think we deserve that."

The governing International Cricket Council did not reply to a Reuters email asking if it had any plans to lift West Indies cricket out of the morass.

Batting great Brian Lara accepted that the funding squeeze was real and did not begrudge Caribbean players choosing franchise leagues over international cricket.

But the former captain wondered if the passion to wear the maroon cap that links multiple islands under a single badge had diminished.

"We did not have better facilities 30-40 years ago," Lara said in Mumbai last week.

"Viv Richards didn't bat on any better practice pitches or anything. We had to do the same thing, the same grind, but the passion was different. The passion to play for West Indies was different."

Cricket West Indies has announced a slew of short-term and long-term measures to lift cricket in the region, including hiring specialist coaches, establishing a high-performance centre in Antigua and coordinating with franchise teams to monitor the players' fitness.

The 2027 World Cup dreams of India's batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma appear slim, with head coach Gautam Gambhir refusing to look that far even if he does not doubt their quality.

Both Kohli and Rohit are active internationally only in the 50-overs format, but India appear keen to control a transition rather than be caught in its throes.

Rohit, who captained India to the Champions Trophy title earlier this year, has been replaced by Shubman Gill as the new captain of the one-day squad ahead of the team's Australia tour.

Rohit and Kohli, with a combined experience of 567 one-day internationals, have managed to retain their places for the three ODIs in Australia but their future beyond the series looks uncertain.

"Look, the 50-over World Cup is still two-and-a-half years away, and I think it is very important to stay in the present," Gambhir told reporters after India swept a test series against West Indies on Tuesday.

"Obviously, they are quality players, they are coming back, their experience is going to be a handful in Australia as well.

"Hopefully, those two guys will have a successful tour, and more importantly, as a team, we will have a successful series."

Rohit, who captained India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, will be 40 by the next edition of the showpiece to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Kohli, who was part of India's World Cup-winning 2011 squad, is a year younger.

The future is also uncertain for allrounder Ravindra Jadeja, who turns 37 in December.

Jadeja was part of the recent Champions Trophy-winning squad but has been dropped from the 50-overs squad for Australia.

Jadeja still hopes to play the next World Cup and defused any drama that usually trails big-name omissions, saying his axing has been explained to him.

"It is a good thing that they communicated the reason behind my omission," Jadeja said during the second test against West Indies.

"But whenever I get a chance next, I will try and do what I have done all these years."

"Winning a World Cup is everyone's dream. We had narrowly missed out the last time, the next time we will try and make up for it."

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has addressed the governance issues within Northern Cape Cricket Union (NCC), which was placed under administration earlier this year.

Following the appointment of Administrator Jesse Chellan, financial governance and controls at NCC have been significantly strengthened.

Cricket operations within the province continue to run as normal, ensuring that players, coaches, and development programmes remain supported and uninterrupted.

The Administrator’s team is currently addressing the backlog in financial recordkeeping to ensure that the outstanding Annual Financial Statements for the 2024 and 2025 financial years are finalised and audited by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

In addition, CSA has received the final report from the independent forensic investigation into the affairs of Northern Cape Cricket. The recommendations contained in the report are under review, and disciplinary proceedings against certain union employees are being implemented as part of ongoing corrective measures.

CSA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance, accountability, and integrity across all its affiliates.

The ongoing step-in process is intended to ensure long-term stability and sustainability of cricket administration in the Northern Cape.

England cricket legend Andrew Flintoff has walked away from his role as coach of the Northern Superchargers after feeling undervalued by the new owners of The Hundred franchise.

Indian media conglomerate the Sun Group recently took control of the Superchargers as part of the influx of new investors into the competition.

Flintoff, 47, has been coach for the past two seasons, finishing fourth in 2024 before reaching the Eliminator this year.

"I genuinely don't do it for the money, although it's nice, but I'm worth more than just over a quarter of the (salary of) other head coaches," Flintoff told the Beard Before Wicket podcast.

"I wasn't encouraged they wanted me anyway, but then also you want to feel valued.

"So I said that it's not going to work for me, and they weren't going to move on it."

Flintoff is also head coach of the England Lions and could be of interest to one of the other seven Hundred franchises.

Superchargers, meanwhile, are set to change their name to incorporate the branding of their Indian Premier League and SA20 stablemates Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) today announced the squad that will represent South Africa at the prestigious Hong Kong (HK) Sixes tournament, to be held from 07 - 09 November at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong.

South Africa are five-time HK Sixes champions, having won the 1995, 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2017 editions of the tournament.

This year’s squad blends experience and youthful talent, aiming to make a strong impact at the high-octane tournament.

The seven-player squad will be captained by Warriors allrounder Jordan Morris. South Africa Under-19 and Titans batter Jorich van Schalkwyk has also been included. The 18-year-old opener made headlines in July when he became the first batter to score a double century at U19 level, achieving the feat against Zimbabwe.

Boland batter Ethan Cunningham and Western Province batter Kashief Joseph add depth to the batting line-up, while allrounders Abdullah Bayomi (Western Province) and Blake Simpson (Dolphins) bring versatility to the squad.

In the bowling department, Western Province paceman Mbulelo Dube will spearhead the attack.

South Africa is pooled in Group A with Afghanistan and Nepal, and will open their campaign against Afghanistan on 07 November before taking on Nepal the following day.

SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD - HONG KONG SIXES 205

Jordan Morris (captain, Warriors), Abdullah Bayomi (Western Province), Ethan Cunningham (Boland), Mbulelo Dube (Western Province), Kashief Joseph (Western Province), Blake Simpson (Dolphins), and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).

Sri Lanka's cricket board on Saturday announced expanding its coaching team with the induction of Julian Wood, known for his power-hitting programme, and spin specialist Rene Ferdinands.

Wood, who had worked with the national team briefly in July, will begin a one-year stint this month, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

"Wood conducted a special one-week training programme with Sri Lanka's national squads, assisting them in preparation for upcoming international assignments, including the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup," the statement said.

It said Ferdinands began working with the national team last week.

"During his two-year tenure with Sri Lanka Cricket, he will lead spin bowling training, match preparation, performance analysis, and player development," the statement added.

Sri Lanka's former skipper Sanath Jayasuriya continues as head coach, a position he has held since October last year.

Jayasuriya, widely regarded as one of the greatest one-day international batsmen, was pivotal in Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup victory.

Ashleigh Gardner starred for Australia with the bat, crafting a sparkling second ODI hundred as the White Ferns bled 326 runs – the heaviest tally ever conceded in meetings between the sides.

The allrounder produced a masterclass in rescue and destruction in compiling her 115 in Indore, first steadying the ship at 128-5 and then going hell for leather in the closing overs to help Australia set a daunting target.

Gardner, one of the few Indigenous Australians to don national colours, unfurled elegant cover drives and wristy flicks that split the field regularly.

Her innings wasn't all classy stroke-making, though, as Gardner showed no hesitation in striding down the pitch to deposit spinners over mid-on and mid-off with disdain.

"It was really special. We had lost a few wickets at that stage and it was important that we didn't get bogged. So we took the attack onto the opposition and I suppose that gamble paid off," Gardner said.

"We like to play with freedom. We know that we bat deep so we could take those chances. The ball wasn't moving much, so we focused on running hard between the wickets," the 28-year-old added.

Her 115 off just 83 balls, laced with 16 fours and a six, had the New Zealanders chasing leather all afternoon.

Much was expected from New Zealand, fresh from their T20 World Cup triumph last year, but the 50-over format proved a different kettle of fish, demanding staying power rather than a quick burst.

The White Ferns made a horror start in pursuit of 327, losing both openers for ducks, with Georgia Plimmer suffering the ignominy of a diamond duck, run out without facing a ball.

Australia, seven-time champions, reminded everyone why they are the team to beat, boasting not just batting depth but also bowling variety and electric fielding. Two sharp run-outs summed up their clinical edge.

Sophie Devine, the New Zealand skipper bidding farewell after this campaign, waged a lone battle with a typically pugnacious 111 – her ninth ODI ton.

Yet it was a case of a lone warrior fighting a lost cause, with little support from her teammates.

In the process, Devine also joined an elite club, becoming only the fourth New Zealander to pass 4 000 runs in ODIs.

"It's bittersweet to be fair, I'd throw it all away to make sure we won," Devine said of her knock.

Legspinner Amelia Kerr also had a good game bagging her 100th ODI wicket, foxing Phoebe Litchfield with a well-disguised googly to join an exclusive club of New Zealand bowlers.

Together with elder sister Jess, the Kerrs claimed five Australian wickets.

 

Barcelona, Spain

30/09/2025 - 18:49 (UTC + 2)

fbleurc1espfrabarcelonapsgluisenrique

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique compared Barcelona midfielder Pedri Gonzalez to fictional wizard Harry Potter and said he hopes the Spaniard doesn't "bring his wand" to Wednesday's Champions League clash.

Luis Enrique highlighted both teams' desire to keep the ball and play attacking football ahead of the league phase game at the Olympic stadium, with Pedri a vital cog of Barca's midfield engine.

The 22-year-old Canary Islander was also key for Luis Enrique's Spain side which reached the Euro 2020 semifinals.

"I think Pedri knows me very well because of the national team, and he knew what we were trying to do," Luis Enrique told a news conference Tuesday.

"I said about Pedri a while ago he is Harry Potter, and I hope that tomorrow he doesn't bring his magic wand.

"We'll try to do everything we can so he participates as little as possible."

PSG are waiting to find out if midfielders Vitinha, Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz, and winger Bradley Barcola will be fit to play, while forwards Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are out.

Luis Enrique said despite PSG's multiple absences he was trying to stay positive, and noted Hansi Flick's Barcelona are also missing players, including Gavi and Fermin Lopez.

"You need to stay positive all the time, it's easy to be negative. It's unfortunate to have a Barcelona (vs) PSG match with five or six important players for Barca and PSG who are not going to play.

"For me, for Hansi Flick, it's a shame, and for the supporters of both teams."

Luis Enrique played for Barcelona from 1996 to 2004 and later coached the team, leading them to the treble in 2015.

The Spaniard said he was delighted to be back visiting his former side and admired Flick's team.

Luis Enrique's PSG beat Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona in the Champions League in 2024 and the coach criticised their style and compared them to Spanish minnows Eibar, playing a long-ball game.

"I don't think comparing (Xavi and Flick's sides) is the right thing to do, not comparing teams or coaches, because these are totally different situations," said Luis Enrique.

"All I have to say is I have loved Hansi Flick's Barca from the start, I think they connect with the idea of football that Barca hold.

"He's clearly a high-level coach, he goes on the attack, uses attacking players, knows how to defend well, keeps a high line and presses at a high level...

"It's a team I love, I love to watch, you know I'm a Barca fan, a club member, and I will be all my life, I see all their games and I love watching the team because they entertain me."

England paceman Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket after England indicated he was no longer in their plans.

Woakes's final match was last month against India at the Oval, where he walked out to bat one-handed with his arm in a sling, having dislocated his shoulder in the field.

He did not face a ball as India won by six runs to level the series at 2-2.

That injury ruled him out of consideration for this winter's Ashes tour to Australia and, at the age of 36, effectively brought down the curtain on his England career.

Rob Key, managing director of men's cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board, said last week that Woakes was unlikely to feature again.

"The moment has come, and I've decided that the time is right for me to retire from international cricket," all-rounder Woakes wrote in an Instagram post.

"Playing for England was something I aspired to do since I was a kid dreaming in the back garden, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have lived out those dreams."

Woakes took 192 wickets in 62 tests and scored more than 2 000 runs at an average of more than 25.

England face Australia in a five-test series starting in Perth on 21 November.

Nepal on Sunday celebrated their stunning victory against the West Indies, their first-ever win in an international cricket match against a test-playing nation.

Nepal defeated West Indies by 19 runs in the first T20 international of a three-match series in Sharjah on Saturday.

🇳🇵A new chapter written in Nepal’s cricketing story! 📣

Rhinos 🇳🇵 defeats West Indies by 19 runs our first-ever triumph against a full member nation! pic.twitter.com/98cJlLMAwP

— CAN (@CricketNep) September 27, 2025

The win marks Nepal's first triumph over the two-time T20 World Cup champions, and represents a major milestone for the rising cricketing nation.

"It is a historic win for us and helps improve our players' standing in the cricketing world," Chatur Bahadur Chand, President of the Cricket Association of Nepal, told AFP.

After the Nepali middle-order took them to a competitive score of 148-8, the bowlers produced a disciplined performance to restrict the West Indies.

Nepali fans in replica team jerseys cheered and waved the national flag as they watched the game in the stadium, TV images showed.

"It was not expected but as the game progressed we saw there was a chance we could win," said Pujan Thapa, 27, who watched the game with family and friends on TV in Kathmandu.

"We were so happy, we stood up and danced."

The win came as Nepal recovers from a deadly anti-corruption protest that killed at least 73 people and toppled the government.

Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel dedicated the win to the "martyrs" of the protests, saying it would be great if they could give people "a little bit of happiness", ESPNcricinfo.com reported.

Cricket does not enjoy the same adulation in mountainous Nepal as it does elsewhere in South Asia.

But it has been growing in popularity, with Nepal given one-day international status by the world governing body ICC in 2018.

Former chief selector Dipendra Chaudhary said the win was a result of the team's hard work.

"It will motivate them to play well and inspire other young cricketers," he said.

Social media platforms were also flooded with congratulatory messages for the players.

While two games were washed out, England sealed a massive win against India, and New Zealand fell to India A on the opening day of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 warm-up matches.

Batting first, England displayed their class with the willow, blowing away the Indian bowlers to put up 339/9 at the end of their 50 overs.

They were fuelled by a scintillating century from skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, who made 122 off 105 - a knock laced with 13 fours and two sixes. Emma Lamb joined in with an attacking 81 off 59 down the order to help England set up a massive target.

Despite the best efforts of the Indian batters in the chase, led by a bright start at the top from Uma Chetry (45) and a crucial 66-run knock from Jemimah Rodrigues, the home side faltered down the order and fell to a mammoth 152-run defeat.

India next face New Zealand on Saturday, September 27 in their second and final warm-up clash. England and Australia lock horns on Sunday in a blockbuster fixture just ahead of the tournament opener on September 30.

NEW ZEALAND v INDIA

New Zealand stumbled to defeat in their first warm-up fixture of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 against India A.

Despite wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze’s valiant, unbeaten hundred (101*) down the order, that helped the White Ferns to 273/9 from their 50 overs, India A went on to nab a victory by the DLS method, having scored 226/6 from 39.3 overs before rain disrupted play.

Shafali Verma stood out for India with a superb 70 off 49 to lead the way at the top, while Mamatha Madiwala also contributed with a crucial unbeaten half-century (56*) to guide India A over the line.

New Zealand next take on India in their second warm-up clash on Saturday, September 27.

BANGLADESH v SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa, who opted to bat first, were dealt a blow right off the first delivery of the game after Marufa Akter castled the in-form Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt with a beauty.

Akter struck gold once again off the very first ball of her second over with the wicket of Annerie Dercksen, who was also rattled by a superb delivery from the pacer.

After Bangladesh dismissed the dangerous Marizanne Kapp in the brink of the eighth over, rain decided to play spoilsport and the game was subsequently called off with the score at 45/3.

Bangladesh go up against Sri Lanka on Saturday, September 27, while South Africa take on Pakistan next on Sunday, September 28.

SRI LANKA v PAKISTAN

The day saw another rain-hit encounter with the clash between World Cup hosts Sri Lanka and Pakistan called off due to persistent rains in Colombo.

The home side got off to a strong start before captain Chamari Athapaththu’s shot ended up in Sadas Shamas’ hands off Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana. With rain coming into play, the game was inevitably abandoned with Sri Lanka at 33/1.

Sri Lanka’s next warm-up challenge is against Bangladesh, while Pakistan tee off against South Africa.

The International Cricket Council has suspended USA Cricket's membership in the sport's world governing body with immediate effect, but the country's teams will still able to play in the run-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The ICC Board agreed to suspend USA Cricket after "repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as an ICC member under the ICC's constitution," a statement issued late Tuesday said.

"These include, but are not limited to, the failure to implement a functional governance structure," and a "lack of progress toward achieving National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC)."

The ICC also cited "significant actions that have caused reputational damage to cricket in the United States and around the world," without going into details.

The United States men's team will still take their place in the T20 World Cup in February next year, with the team management temporarily overseen by the ICC.

The United States reached the Super Eight stage at  the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, which qualified them for the 2026 tournament.

"The suspension is an unfortunate but necessary step to protect the long-term interests of the game," the ICC said.

"The ICC's top priority remains ensuring that the athletes and the sport itself are not impacted due to the suspension."

USA Cricket had been previously placed "on notice" at the 2024 ICC annual general meeting for "non-compliance with membership criteria" and given 12 months to implement the necessary changes.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket's membership with immediate effect over repeated breaches of its obligations under the ICC Constitution, the sport's global governing body said on Tuesday.

The ICC Board cited failures to implement a functional governance structure, lack of progress toward recognition by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and actions that caused reputational damage to the sport in the US and globally.

Despite the suspension, the ICC said US national teams would keep their right to compete in ICC events and continue preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Management and administration of the teams will be overseen temporarily by the ICC or its representatives to maintain support for players and high-performance programs.

An ICC Normalisation Committee, working with ICC management, will set out the steps required for the suspension to be lifted and will monitor progress, including "demonstrable and specific" changes to governance, operations and the body's standing within the cricket ecosystem.

USA Cricket did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

USA Cricket had been placed "on notice" at the 2024 ICC Annual General Meeting and given 12 months to remedy non-compliance.

While a 2025 AGM review contemplated suspension, the ICC said the membership opted to keep the body on notice in July after representations and commitments from USA Cricket.

In a written notice of that decision, the ICC warned USA Cricket not to jeopardise Olympic inclusion and not to act in a way that brings the sport or the ICC into disrepute.

Cricket will return to the Olympic stage in LA after more than a century, having appeared once at the 1900 Olympics, with a six-team Twenty20 format - the shortest international format of the game - for both women and men.

Will Smeed was the star as Somerset chased down a record-breaking 195 to beat Hampshire in English cricket's T20 Blast final at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Smeed struck a superb 94 off 58 balls while Sean Dickson, dropped on eight, made a crucial 33 not out.

Smeed fell at the start of the 19th over with 18 still needed, but Somerset captain Lewis Gregory came in and struck two sixes to take Somerset to 195-4 – the highest score in a T20 Blast final.

After Australia's Chris Lynn's blistering century in a semifinal win over Northamptonshire earlier in the day, Hampshire made 194-6 in the final as Toby Albert became the competition's leading run-scorer this season with 85 off 48 balls

But Hampshire were denied what would have been a record fourth Blast trophy thanks mainly to Smeed's inspired innings.

"It's unbelievable, you work hard all season and to get over the line," Smeed told the BBC.

He added: "The ball seems to fly here especially under the lights and the dew comes in so we always knew we had a chance. It was some proper hitting from Lewis (Gregory) at the end there as well."

Somerset, beaten in last season's final by Gloucestershire, joined Hampshire and Leicestershire with three titles, following their wins in 2005 and 2023.

Hampshire captain James Vince, out for 52 in the final, told Sky Sports: "Somerset have been quality throughout and were too good for us tonight.

"We played some really good cricket but unfortunately we came up just short."

Hampshire, however, will have another chance to lift a trophy this season when they play Worcestershire in the 50-over One-Day Cup final at Trent Bridge a week on Saturday.

An unbroken 103-run partnership between Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza carried South Africa A through the latter part of day three as they reached stumps in a fighting position in the first four-day match against New Zealand A in Potchefstroom on Tuesday.

The pair took their side to the close on 106 for one at the JB Marks Oval where 15 wickets tumbled on a rollercoaster day, which ended with the hosts still needing 392 for victory.

Opener Hermann was unbeaten on 57 (85 balls, 9 fours), his second half century of the match, with Hamza not out alongside him on 46.

The former had also batted earlier on in the day when he scored his first half-century of the game - 50 (87 balls, 7 fours) - as the home side were dismissed for 236 having resumed day three on 137 for three. Captain Marques Ackerman was the innings top-scorer with 69 (52 balls, 12 fours).

For the away side, Matthew Fisher finished as the pick of the bowlers with six for 43.

But the home bowlers then lead a strong fightback as Schalk Engelbrecht, buoyed by an attacking 35 earlier with the bat, claimed four for 47, with Tsepo Ndwandwa following on from his seven-for in the first innings with two for 52.

The Kiwis had started out well enough by reaching 34 without loss, but Engelbrecht then altered the course of the innings and forced a rethink.

The New Zealanders were prompted to declare on 126 for seven and set a target of just under 500.

Hermann was again central after opener Lesego Senokwane could manage only three, with his century stand keeping SA A fighting.

SOUTH AFRICA A FOUR-DAY SQUAD AGAINST NEW ZEALAND A

Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Okuhle Cele (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans), Schalk Engelbrecht (Momentum Multiply Titans), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Dafabet Warriors), Tristan Luus (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tshepo Moreki (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tsepo Ndwandwa (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sinethemba Qeshile (Dafabet Warriors), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lutho Sipamla (DP World Lions), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).

FOUR-DAY MATCHES

07 - 10 September at 10am

South Africa A v New Zealand A - JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

14 - 17 September at 10am

South Africa A v New Zealand A - Willowmoore Park, Benoni