Australia Archives - Cricket National

McSweeney, Scott and Thornton end South Australia’s 13-year trophy wait

admin — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 15:29:38 +0000

South Australia 268 for 7 (Nielsen 68, Lehmann 67, Scott 54*, Siddle 3-40, Sutherland 3-67) beat Victoria 204 (Sutherland 50, Thornton 4-27, McAndrew 3-47) by 64 runs

Nathan McSweeney‘s game-changing cameo with the ball helped South Australia defeat Victoria by 64 runs to collect the state’s first one-day cricket title in 13 years.

Victoria were bowled out for 204 in 43.3 overs in reply at Adelaide Oval as SA captured their first 50-over trophy since 2011/12.

Victoria’s run chase, with Marcus Harris flying on 41 from 42 balls, was well on track at 74 for 1 in the 14th over. But McSweeney, who hadn’t taken a wicket all tournament with his gentle offspin, then provided an unlikely – and decisive – turn.

Harris gave himself room to hit McSweeney through the offside, but smacked the ball straight to Jason Sangha at cover. In his next over, McSweeney dismissed dangerman Peter Handscomb for 1. The SA captain instinctively flung his right hand at a lofted straight drive, parried the ball, and completed a stunning catch on the second grab.

Five overs later, Victorian opener Campbell Kellaway top-edged a pull shot from the bowling of Brendan Doggett and was caught by wicketkeeper Nielsen. Soon after, Sam Harper was taken by Nielsen when attempting a leg glance from Nathan McAndrew.

Victoria had lost 4 for 30 in a sudden slide to 108 for 5 in the 24th over and were never in the hunt thereafter, despite captain Will Sutherland‘s 50 from 52 balls.

McSweeney finished with figures of 2 for 14 from four overs, McAndrew took 3 for 47 from eight overs and Henry Thornton claimed 4-27 from 9.3 overs to be named the first winner of the Michael Bevan medal as player of the final.

In SA’s innings, Nielsen top-scored with 68 from 93 balls, Lehmann made 67 from 75 and allrounder Scott, the player of the tournament, finished with a flourish with an unbeaten 54 from 37 deliveries.

Victorian captain Sutherland took three of the initial four wickets and veteran Peter Siddle claimed 3 for 40.

SA made a solid start with openers Nielsen and Mackenzie Harvey putting on 44 runs before Sutherland struck in the eighth over. Harvey, who hit two fours and a six in his 23 from 23 balls, chopped on to his stumps when attempting to force through the off-side.

Sutherland claimed Daniel Drew in the 14th over and McSweeney soon followed. When Sangha fell to Sutherland, SA were wobbling 118 for 4 in the 26th over, before Nielsen and Lehmann steadied with a 56-run partnership.

Lehmann later combined with Scott for a brisk 67-run stand, with the latter reaching his half-century from 36 balls in a flurry featuring seven fours and a six.

The post McSweeney, Scott and Thornton end South Australia’s 13-year trophy wait appeared first on Cricket National.

Steyn: Afghanistan can win an ICC tournament in next decade

admin — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 07:19:34 +0000

Dale Steyn backed Afghanistan to win an ICC tournament within the next decade. To do so, he suggested that they inject patience into their individual and collective games.

Afghanistan beat England in a thriller in Lahore but couldn’t make the knockouts of the Champions Trophy 2025. They lost their first match to South Africa and looked in trouble against Australia as well before rain intervened.

“Back in the day, a lot of players would go play county cricket,” Steyn said, “Or they would go play first-class cricket to improve their skills and improve their patience really. I think we live in a time now where people are not patient enough. We can hardly watch two seconds on an Instagram story and it just feels like the Afghanistan players are similar when they’re playing their cricket.

“They want things to happen so quickly. This ball must be a wicket, there’s no patience to building up and taking a wicket. And sometimes, the batters are the same, they’re batting in the first over. There’s so much movement happening in the crease, so they’re trying to hit a six and they’re trying to get the game going.

“I think a lot of them play T20 cricket around the world, which is great, it’s great for their pockets and it’s great for them to learn. But, maybe, spending some time in four-day games might help, because one-day cricket is essentially a shortened version of a Test match. It’s got its moments where T20 is applied. But patience is one of the biggest things that Afghanistan players need to learn, and once they get that down, honestly, in the next decade, they could win ICC tournaments, for sure.”

Wasim Jaffer, who also praised Afghanistan’s rapid rise at the international level, identified their inability to hit the ground running in tournaments and fragility in their batting line-up as issues they need to look into going forward.

Ibrahim Zadran made a match-winning 177 against England but Sediqullah Atal couldn’t convert his 85 against Australia into a big score. Their top-three have not set up a game collectively and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, arguably their best batter, finished with 16 runs in three games.

“Afghanistan are on the rise,” Jaffer said “And you’ve got to applaud them because they’ve played semi-finals [at the 2024 T20 World Cup], they’ve beaten good teams and, when they beat anybody it’s not an upset anymore. So, you can expect Afghanistan to put on a show.”

“They will be disappointed [with] the way they started the first game. In such a short tournament, it’s important to start really well because you don’t get too many chances. One loss and you could be out of the tournament, which happened here.

“Their batting needs to improve as well. We say that they are not a big chasing team. Their [Nos.] 3, 4, 5, even though Atal played well today, Rahmat Shah needs to be more consistent. He got a 90 in the first game, [Hashmatullah] Shahidi got stuck today, Gurbaz is their main player, he had a very off tournament. That’s where I think they lacked this time.”

The post Steyn: Afghanistan can win an ICC tournament in next decade appeared first on Cricket National.

Australia seal semi-finals spot after rain spoils Head’s party

admin — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 23:18:49 +0000

Match abandoned due to rain Afghanistan 273 (Atal 85, Omarzai 67, Dwarshuis 3-47, Zampa 2-48, Johnson 2-49) vs Australia 109 for 1 (Head 59*, Omarzai 1-43)

Befitting the latest chapter in this budding rivalry, there were wicked swings of momentum while a hobbled Australia batter at the crease evoked the wildest match in the short history between these teams.

But in a great shame, Lahore’s inclement weather cut short a high-stakes contest that felt like it still had several twists ahead. Australia had been well placed at 109 for 1 after 12.5 overs chasing 274 before a downpour hit the ground. Rain eventually stopped but parts of the field were soaked and the match had to be abandoned.

The teams shared the points and that was enough for Australia to progress through to the semi-finals after their second consecutive match was negated by rain. But Afghanistan saw their hopes of progression wash away as only an unlikely hefty South Africa defeat at the hands of England can keep their tournament alive.

Chasing a tricky total under lights, Matthew Short came to the crease limping after picking up a quad injury in the field. Unable to run, he was clearly laboured and one wondered why he was even out there.

Perhaps his one-legged presence was to spook Afghanistan and revive memories of Glenn Maxwell’s astonishing double-century at the 2023 World Cup – the last ODI between the teams.

It wasn’t quite Maxwell-like, but Short’s stand-and-deliver innings did help Australia get off to a flier as he put on 44 inside five overs with Travis Head.

But they were aided by sloppy Afghanistan fielding with Head dropped by Rashid Khan on 6 at mid-on after miscuing a pull off quick Fazalhaq Farooqi. He then smashed a six off the next ball to rub salt in the wounds.

Short on 19 was given a reprieve by substitute Nangialai Kharoti at deep square leg as Afghanistan were getting flashbacks of Mumbai. But Short could not capitalise and fell off his next delivery when he hit Azmatullah Omarzai towards mid-on where Gulbadin Naib took a good catch before showing off his muscles in celebration.

Head quickly regained Australia’s ascendency and pounced on wayward bowling from Farooqi, reaching his half-century off 34 balls. Stand-in skipper Steven Smith donned the cap once Afghanistan’s spinners entered the attack but Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad did not threaten. Rashid had yet to bowl by the time rain spoiled the party in the 13th over with Head on 59 off 40 and Smith unbeaten on 19.

It ended what had been a topsy-turvy match, with Afghanistan’s innings of 273 from 50 overs a rollercoaster. They started well with No. 3 Sediqullah Atal dominating the first half of the innings with 85 off 95 balls before Omarzai blazed 67 off 63 to power Afghanistan in the back end. But their total could have been greater if not for several rash dismissals which derailed momentum at crucial junctures.

Australia’s performance with the ball was also a mishmash. Once again life without the big three quicks of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood proved tough and their 37 extras was Australia’s joint-fifth-most conceded in ODI cricket.

With heavy rain lashing Lahore ahead of the match, there had been fears that the match might be completely rained out much like Australia’s clash with South Africa earlier in the week.

But the weather cleared in the nick of time and Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi had no hesitation to bat first on what was expected to be a flat surface. However, the ball moved around considerably on a pitch that had spent plenty of time under the covers in the lead-up.

Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson retained his spot in the team ahead of seam-bowling allrounder Sean Abbott despite being overlooked in the death overs against England.

Having long drawn comparisons with Starc, Johnson would have made his mentor beam when he unfurled a deadly inswinging yorker that went through the defence of Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the opening over.

Johnson isn’t a noted exponent of the full-pitch delivery, with back-of-a-length bowling more his prowess. But he was wayward after his initial breakthrough and a flustered Smith could not contain his annoyance as the extras leaked.

All eyes were on Ibrahim Zadran after his record-breaking Champions Trophy knock of 177 against England. He and Atal were in survival mode early as the ball flew past the bat on numerous occasions, but they held firm in a 67-run partnership to see off the new-ball threat.

After all that fight, Zadran didn’t kick on and he fell tamely on 22 when he whacked a short and wide delivery off legspinner Adam Zampa straight to backward point. Maxwell supported Zampa well and picked up Rahmat Shah after a sharp catch by Josh Inglis behind the stumps as Afghanistan slumped to 91 for 3.

Atal was unperturbed by the predicament and decided to force the issue against the spinners, targeting deep midwicket to good effect as he smashed a six to reach his half-century in style off 64 balls.

Atal was on a roll and successfully collared Zampa out of the attack. He did have luck on 74 when a big lbw shout from seamer Nathan Ellis was turned down. Australia did not review in the belief that the ball pitched outside leg stump, but replays confirmed otherwise.

Australia were not made to pay after Smith made his latest successful bowling change by reverting back to Johnson, who ended Atal’s bid for a second ODI century when he hit straight to cover.

With Atal’s free-flowing innings dashed, Afghanistan went through a lull in the middle overs with the culprit being Shahidi who dawdled to 20 off 48 before miscuing a sweep off Zampa to square leg. His strike rate of 40.81 was the third lowest by an Afghan batter in ODIs (min 40 balls faced) in this decade.

Australia so far in this tournament have banked on batting depth, but they’ve had part-time spinners step up. Against England it was Marnus Labuschagne’s legspin, while Short stepped up here to concede just 21 runs from seven extremely handy overs.

Afghanistan spiralled and lost Nabi to a comical run-out as they slid to 199 for 7 and seemed to be falling well short of a competitive score. But Omarzai took over by farming the strike and his power-hitting saw five mighty blows sail over the rope, three off Ellis who is normally so proficient at the death.

There was an unusual incident late in the innings that could have blown up when Noor drifted from his crease believing the over was done only for Inglis to take the bails off after the throw came in from the deep. Inglis appealed for a run-out only for Smith to nip a potential controversial moment in the bud by telling the umpires not to consider the appeal.

The moment proved a non-event to foreshadow what was ahead later in the night.

Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth

The post Australia seal semi-finals spot after rain spoils Head’s party appeared first on Cricket National.

Steven Smith withdraws run-out appeal against Noor Ahmad

admin — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:09:43 +0000

Noor had not been attempting a run – he had drifted out of his crease to meet batting partner Azmatullah Omarzai mid-pitch, mistakenly believing that the ball was dead. The ball is live until the umpire calls “over”, however, and umpire Alex Wharf had not yet called.

Replays showed Noor to be well out of his ground, but Smith was quick to signal to the umpires that the appeal should not be considered, despite some enthusiasm from Inglis. Noor had just completed a single after Omarzai struck Nathan Ellis through midwicket and called Noor – the No. 10 batter – through, in order to keep strike for the next over.

Although Afghanistan were not attempting to gain an advantage, the rules of cricket are clear. Run-outs are a viable dismissal until the ball is dead. If Smith had not withdrawn the appeal, Noor would have been ruled out, likely by third umpire Chris Gaffaney.

Noor had been on three off three balls at the time, and went to make six off eight. But of more consequence was the fact that Afghanistan would have been 248 for 9 after 47 overs had Smith not withdrawn the appeal. They were less likely to have hit the further 25 runs they managed if they had only had one wicket in hand. Noor was eventually dismissed off the last ball of the innings.

Australia have in the past upheld appeals against batters ambling out of their crease, even if they were not looking to take a run. Most famously, this occurred in a Test at Lord’s against England in 2023, when Alex Carey underarmed the ball into the stumps after Jonny Bairstow had wandered down the pitch before the ball was deemed dead.

Muthiah Muralidaran had also been dismissed in similar circumstances in a Test in Christchurch in 2006, when he had wandered out of the crease to congratulate Kumar Sangakkara on completing a century before the ball was dead (though that had not been at the end of an over). Brendon McCullum broke the stumps on that occasion, and captain Stephen Fleming upheld the appeal.

In the 2011 Trent Bridge Test, India recalled Ian Bell to the crease after he had been run-out in similar circumstances at the stroke of tea on day three, when he ran a three and proceeded to walk down the pitch and towards the dressing rooms, before the fielder Praveen Kumar had had a chance to throw the ball in from the boundary. India captain MS Dhoni agreed to recall Bell after England captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower approached him during the tea interval with this request.

The post Steven Smith withdraws run-out appeal against Noor Ahmad appeared first on Cricket National.

McSweeney sets sights on ending South Australia’s trophy drought

admin — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 07:08:47 +0000

Nathan McSweeney was a 12-year-old Queenslander when his recently-adopted South Australia last won the domestic one-day cricket competition.

McSweeney remembers watching on television when SA captured the trophy in 2011-12 amid drama. Scores in the final against Tasmania were tied but SA was deemed the winner as they finished above the Tasmanians during the preliminary rounds.

South Australia haven’t won the one-day trophy since. But McSweeney hopes to end the state’s drought when hosting Victoria at Adelaide Oval on Saturday for the freshly-named Dean Jones Trophy.

“We all know that it has been a long time since we have been able to win something,” McSweeney told reporters on Friday. “So it would be special if we could do it. Our preparation this week has been elite so hopefully it translates to some good performances.”

SA also hold top position with two rounds remaining in the Sheffield Shield. The state hasn’t won the four-day competition since 1995-96.

“We haven’t had the success we would have like over the last few years,” McSweeney said. “But at the start of the year, this is exactly where we wanted to be, so everyone is super excited.

“And hopefully our best cricket is to come. We have got an obviously very important game tomorrow and hopefully a couple more shield games to finish the year.”

In the one-day competition, both SA and Victoria won four games, with McSweeney’s side banking three bonus point triumphs to secure hosting rights.

The states met only once, when ex-Victorian Mackenzie Harvey blasted an unbeaten 136 to lead SA to victory. Harvey, who shifted to Adelaide when cut from Victoria’s contracted player list at the end of last season, went on to top the run-scorer’s list in the tournament, with 311 at an average of 62.20.

“He has been elite for us,” McSweeney said of the 24-year-old. “He is batting beautifully, knows the bowlers really well being from Victoria – hopefully he has got another good knock in him.”

The cup competition was this season re-named the Dean Jones Trophy after the batting legend who died in 2020.

“Dean Jones obviously played a lot for Victoria and did so much for Victorian cricket,” Victorian captain Will Sutherland said. “It is sad that Dean has passed away but I am sure a lot of the boys, and I, had a little bit to do with him – a superstar. And it just makes it extra special that it is named after him.”

The player of the final will be awarded the Michael Bevan medal for the first time. South Australia allrounder Liam Scott was named the tournament’s player of the year earlier this week.

South Australia Nathan McSweeney (capt), Jordan Buckingham, Brendan Doggett, Daniel Drew, Mackenzie Harvey, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Henry Thornton

Victoria Will Sutherland (capt), Scott Boland, Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Ollie Peake, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle

The post McSweeney sets sights on ending South Australia’s trophy drought appeared first on Cricket National.

Rain threatens high-stakes Afghanistan-Australia clash

admin — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:59:20 +0000

Big picture: Winner of virtual sudden death to qualify for the semis

Much like Afghanistan’s match against England, the political spectre over this clash is hard to put aside. Matches are rare between the countries with Australia – like England – taking a human rights stance and pledging to suspend bilateral ties while the Taliban remain in power.

But underlining the complexities of the issue, Australia do play Afghanistan at ICC events – which has led to some criticism – and this intriguing, budding rivalry will resume in Lahore with much at stake.

But Afghanistan will be eliminated with a loss, while Australia also must win, with a defeat meaning they will have to rely on South Africa being absolutely pummelled by a beleaguered England with nothing to play for. A washout will see Australia through to the semi-final.

Australia and Afghanistan once again find themselves pitted in a high-stakes contest at an ICC event. At the 2022 T20 World Cup, Australia emerged with a slim six-run victory in Adelaide that was ultimately not the net-run-rate boost needed as they crashed out early on home soil.

Glenn Maxwell, of course, changed the course of the 2023 World Cup with a remarkable double century that still beggars belief. But Afghanistan had some measure of revenge at last year’s T20 World Cup as they overcame a brief Maxwell onslaught with a 21-run victory that memorably sealed their place in the semi-finals.

And, once again, a semi-final spot is up for grabs. The form line is a little hard to read with both teams having tight wins over a wheezing England. Afghanistan bounced back strongly after a disastrous opening against South Africa while Australia’s momentum came to a halt after their clash against the Proteas was washed out.

Even though they are considerably weakened – against England they fielded their least experienced attack at an ICC ODI event since 1983 – Australia mustered up their big-game pedigree under pressure to make a statement. Their batting line-up still contains plenty of firepower with centurion Josh Inglis emerging as a genuine star batter across formats. It is little wonder that some believe he’s Australia’s next captain.

A back against the wall triumph is in play, but Australia will have to firstly get past rising Afghanistan in a game that feels evenly poised. Afghanistan will lean on their spin-heavy attack, but Australia do have numerous players adept against the turning ball – led by Inglis.

Australia’s depleted pace stocks makes that department more equally matched than previous encounters, while an in-form Ibrahim Zadran – coming off a Champions Trophy-best score of 177 – ensures he can go toe-to-toe with his counterparts.

The prospect of more bad weather in Lahore could also play a factor in a clash that is set to be just as compelling as the recent matches between these teams.

Form guide

Australia WLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Afghanistan WLWWW

There isn’t much cricket history between the countries, but Glenn Maxwell is probably the first name that springs to mind with this match-up. In the last ODI between the teams, a hobbled Maxwell produced one of the greatest ever innings to rescue Australia from the brink at the 2023 World Cup and crush the hearts of Afghanistan. Maxwell enters this match in great form having put the finishing touches against England after a brilliant end to the BBL season. It will be interesting to see if his presence at the crease spooks Afghanistan, who are adamant they haven’t devoted too much of their plans on him.

While Afghanistan’s slew of quality spinners deservedly attracts plenty of attention, seam bowling allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai stole the show against England with his maiden five-wicket haul of his professional career. He was particularly superb at the death with three wickets when the game was on a knife’s edge. Omarzai’s emergence has helped Afghanistan better balance their attack and they are no longer merely reliant on their spinners for success. He’ll need to back up that performance against a formidable Australia batting-order and his canny, skiddy bowling will need to be on point against big-hitting openers Travis Head and Matthew Short. If he can strike early breakthroughs then Afghanistan will be right in the hunt.

Team news: Sean Abbott for Spencer Johnson?

Due to the inclement conditions, team lists weren’t even announced for the Australia-South Africa clash. It makes predicting Australia’s line-up somewhat difficult. The team is mostly settled, but they might be tempted to tweak their bowling attack that leaked 351 runs against England. Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson might be in the selection gun after he was overlooked for the death overs against England. But his pace and bounce could be a weapon against Afghanistan’s top order. Australia, who trained indoors on match eve, will also consider bowling allrounder Sean Abbott, who offers a point of difference and strengthens the batting, and legspinner Tanveer Sangha given Marnus Labuschagne’s part-time legspin played a role against England.

Australia (possible): 1 Matthew Short, 2 Travis Head, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Josh Inglis (wk), 6 Alex Carey, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Sean Abbott/Spencer Johnson, 9 Ben Dwarshuis, 10 Nathan Ellis, 11 Adam Zampa

After such a momentous victory, Afghanistan are likely to go unchanged for the third straight game and back their spin strength in subcontinental conditions. The trio of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad will present considerable challenges for the Australians.

Afghanistan (possible): 1 Ibrahim Zadran, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3 Sediqullah Atal, 4 Rahmat Shah, 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Gulbadin Naib, 9 Rashid Khan, 10 Noor Ahmad, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pitch and conditions

Both teams are now well acquainted with the conditions in Lahore, which have been considerably batting-friendly. While it’s been mostly tough going for pace bowlers, spinners have had an impact despite minimal turn off the surface. After the washout between Australia and South Africa, rain again threatens to spoil the party although the forecast is better from the late afternoon onwards. But with plenty of rain cascading on the ground in the lead-up, drainage could also be an issue.

Stats and trivia

Maxwell is 17 away from 4000 ODI runs. His strike rate of 126.68 is the best in ODI history [minimum of 500 balls faced].

Rashid Khan is one wicket away from becoming the first Afghanistan bowler to claim 200 ODI wickets. His bowling average of 20.4 is the ninth best in ODI history [minimum of 1000 balls].

Rahmat Shah needs 37 runs to become the first Afghanistan batter to reach 4000 ODI runs.

Australia have won all four ODIs against Afghanistan.

Quotes

“If the whole match rains out, I think that means we go through to the semi-finals, but obviously we’d love to be able to win the game tomorrow and finish top in the pool.”
Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne on the possible rain factor

“We have been planning for all of the Australian team. I know that he played really well in the 2023 World Cup, but that’s part of history. We beat them in the T20 World Cup….we are not coming to the ground to plan on [just one] individual player.”
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi says his team won’t be entirely focused on Maxwell

Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth

The post Rain threatens high-stakes Afghanistan-Australia clash appeared first on Cricket National.

Labuschagne has ‘no issues’ playing against Afghanistan

admin — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 14:48:52 +0000

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne has “no issues” with playing against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy on Friday. The two sides take each other on in their final group games in Lahore with plenty on the line for both; victory for either side guarantees qualification to the semi-finals.

However, invariably, there is attention around Australia’s decision to boycott any bilateral cricket against Afghanistan in protest at the Taliban’s decision to ban women and girls in the country from playing cricket, and their broader social exclusion. Australia have continued to play them in ICC events since the Taliban took over in 2021, with the two sides playing at each of the 2022 T20 World Cup, the 2023 ODI World Cup, and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“It’s an ICC tournament,” Labuschagne said. “And our game, as the schedule came out, we’re playing Afghanistan. Personally, for me, which I can speak of, I’ve got no issues about playing tomorrow. But obviously there has been some stances from us at Cricket Australia in the past. But we’re just focusing on tomorrow where we are playing Afghanistan.”

Australia are not the only side to opt for different approaches to bilateral and ICC events when playing Afghanistan. On Wednesday, England’s game against Afghanistan went ahead after the ECB rejected calls by dozens of UK politicians to boycott the game. Afghanistan’s English coach, Jonathan Trott, told the BBC earlier this week the men’s team knew the situation in Afghanistan was “not right”, and a number of Afghanistan players over the last year have put out public statements of protest against the increasing restrictions of Afghan women in public life. Afghanistan eventually won a close contest by eight runs to eliminate England from the tournament.

It leaves them within touching distance of making the semi-finals of their second successive ICC event in front of what is likely to be a de facto home crowd in Lahore. It is something Australia have plenty of experience dealing with.

“We’d love to win tomorrow and silence the crowd,” Labuschagne said. “But for us it’s all about making sure we stick to our process and really engage in the game. We must be ready to play and whatever gets thrown at us – doesn’t matter what the situation is – that we come out and perform at our best.”

However, they may not even get that chance. Australia’s training was forced indoors due to rain in Lahore on Thursday, while Afghanistan cancelled an optional training session. There is further heavy rain forecast overnight, as well as for the earlier part of Friday. Eight years after multiple rain-affected games saw Australia eliminated from the 2017 Champions Trophy in the group stages, a rained-out game here would have the opposite result; it guarantees Australian progression to the semi-finals.

“I think as players you always want to play,” Labuschagne said. “Obviously if the whole match rains out I think that means that we go through to the to the semi-finals – but obviously we’d love to be able to win the game tomorrow and finish top in the pool. I think that’s something that we want to aim to do and make sure we’ve won all our matches leading up to the semi-finals. But those things are out of our control, so I will have to make sure we’re ready to go tomorrow if it is a shortened fixture.”

The post Labuschagne has ‘no issues’ playing against Afghanistan appeared first on Cricket National.

Kuhnemann ‘never doubted’ his bowling action, looks to the future

admin — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:38:53 +0000

Australia spinner Matt Kuhnemann said he had “never doubted” his bowling action despite being reported following the Test series in Sri Lanka; he was cleared following ICC testing on Wednesday.

The outcome of the testing process was confirmed and Kuhnemann was given the green light to continue bowling in international cricket. Commenting for the first time since the Test series where he took 16 wickets in two matches, Kuhnemann thanked those who had supported him and added he felt the process had been fairly handled.

“I am very grateful for all the support I have received from my family, friends and team-mates, and to Cricket Australia who stood by me throughout the process,” he said in a statement issued through Cricket Australia. “It was a disappointing way to finish what was such a successful Test series for Australia. I’ve never doubted my bowling action throughout my career and I’m always looking to improve the art of spin bowling in different conditions.

“I thought the process itself was quite fair and I appreciated the professional manner in which testing was explained to me and then conducted.”

Kuhnemann, who had never previously had his action questioned in a career dating back to 2017, could have continued to play domestic cricket while the testing process took place but sat out the previous round of the Sheffield Shield to manage the thumb injury he bowled with through the Sri Lanka series. But he suggested he could return before the end of the season with two rounds of the Shield remaining.

“I’m looking forward to finishing the season with Tasmania once my thumb has fully healed and then getting into my off-field preparations,” he said.

Kuhnemann is a likely inclusion for the three-match Test series in the West Indies in June-July where conditions at some of the venues may be conducive to two spinners, and he shapes as a key figure for Australia’s next subcontinent Test series, against India in early 2027.

“We are pleased for Matt that this matter is now resolved,” Ben Oliver, CA executive general manager national teams, said. “It has been a challenging period for Matt, however he has carried himself exceptionally well.

“He has had the full support of Australian cricket and he can now move forward to the next phase of his international career with great confidence.”

During the series in Sri Lanka, Kuhnemann was termed Australia’s best bowler by Nathan Lyon, while stand-in captain Steven Smith had voiced his surprise at Kuhnemann having been reported.

India spinner R Ashwin has previously spoken about how Kuhnemann’s wrist action when he delivers can create an optical illusion about the action.

“An interesting feature of his action is his loading,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel during Kuhnemann’s debut Test series against India in 2023. “For Kuhnemann, his wrist breaks during his loading. So sometimes it will look like there is an elbow extension. There is nothing like that in his action. But there is wrist involvement, for sure.”

The post Kuhnemann ‘never doubted’ his bowling action, looks to the future appeared first on Cricket National.

Group B scenarios: How can Afghanistan qualify? Are South Africa favourites to finish on top?

admin — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 22:29:50 +0000

Afghanistan’s win against England means it’s now a three-way battle for semi-finals qualification from Group B, with two games to go. Australia (three points, NRR 0.475) take on Afghanistan (two points, NRR -0.99) in Lahore on Friday, while South Africa (three points, NRR 2.14) face England on Saturday. Here’s an explainer on who will qualify based on those two results.

If Australia and South Africa win

Australia and South Africa will qualify with five points each. The top spot in the group will be decided by the win margins, with South Africa favourites to finish first, given their comprehensive win against Afghanistan. Assuming a one-run win for South Africa after scoring 300, Australia need to win by 87 runs (with the same first-innings total) to go past South Africa’s NRR.

If Australia and England win

Australia will top the group with five points, while South Africa will still finish second on three.

If Afghanistan and South Africa win

South Africa will top with five points, while Afghanistan, with four points, will finish second ahead of Australia.

If Afghanistan and England win

Afghanistan will finish on top with four points. The second place will then go to either Australia or South Africa, who will both finish on three points. South Africa are well ahead on net run rate currently, which means they’ll have to suffer a big loss to England for Australia to move ahead on NRR. For instance, if Australia lose by just one run after Afghanistan score 300, South Africa will have lose by 87 chasing the same target, for their NRR to slip below Australia’s.

If Australia-Afghanistan is washed out

There’s a possibility of showers in Lahore on Friday. If points are shared in that game, Australia will go up to four points and will be assured of qualification.

If South Africa beat England they will top the group with five points, but if England win, then South Africa and Afghanistan will finish on three points, which will bring NRR into the equation. Afghanistan (NRR -0.99) will almost certainly be eliminated, as they’ll need South Africa to lose by at least 207 runs (chasing 301) to move up to second place and qualify.

The post Group B scenarios: How can Afghanistan qualify? Are South Africa favourites to finish on top? appeared first on Cricket National.

Kuhnemann cleared of suspect bowling action by ICC

admin — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:20:17 +0000

Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann has been cleared to bowl in international cricket by the ICC. He had been reported for a suspect action following the two-Test series in Sri Lanka where he had picked up 16 wickets in the series as Australia won 2-0.

Kuhmemann, who had never previously been reported in a professional career dating back to 2017, was tested in Brisbane and learnt of the outcome on Wednesday.

“He…underwent an independent bowling assessment at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane on 15 February, where it was revealed that the amount of elbow extension for all his deliveries was within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations,” an ICC statement said.

Kuhnemann could have continued playing domestic cricket while his action was assessed although the thumb he dislocated during the BBL has kept him out of action since. It is not known yet if he will be fit in time for Tasmania’s next Sheffield Shield game against Queensland in Hobart from March 6. He is a strong chance of being selected for the Test tour of West Indies in June and July.

During the testing process, Kuhnemann went through a session that lasted more than one hour, where he was asked to bowl at a similar speed and with similar revolutions to what he did in the second Test in Galle. ICC experts were at hand to observe the proceedings as Kuhnemann bowled, wearing markers on his body and surrounded by several high-speed cameras and a 3D motion analysis system.

“We are pleased for Matt that this matter is now resolved,” Ben Oliver, CA executive general manager national teams said in a statement. “It has been a challenging period for Matt, however he has carried himself exceptionally well.

“He has had the full support of Australian cricket and he can now move forward to the next phase of his international career with great confidence.”

Not long after he had been reported, his Australia team-mates rallied behind him, with Steven Smith, Australia’s captain in Pat Cummins’ absence, saying, “It’s come as a bit of a surprise to me. He has been playing for eight years in professional cricket and nothing has been said in that amount of time.

“I am thinking of him, at present, he has to go through the process. We’re confident he will pass. He will go through that process back home. We wish him all the best.”

Kuhnemann has taken 25 wickets in five Tests at 22.20.

The post Kuhnemann cleared of suspect bowling action by ICC appeared first on Cricket National.