Adam Hollioake

It came in as a shock to sportspersons and fans alike when a man in Australia posted a startling update on his social media account about former Pakistan cricketer Arshad Khan.

Former England all-rounder Adam Hollioake has joined the team's coaching staff, who have been hit by a COVID-19 outbreak ahead of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia.

Under-fire England head coach Chris Silverwood has tested positive for COVID-19 while quarantining with his family but he is expected to join the team ahead of the fifth Ashes Test in Hobart.

LONDON: All-rounder Adam Hollioake said he was "better equipped" to captain England's one-day team, which is the ultimate job for every English cricketer.

England's preparations for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia took another hit on Sunday after one of their net bowlers tested positive for COVD-19, leading to cancellation of their training session with other net bowlers deemed as close contacts.

Pakistan cricket team director Mohammed Hafeez is causing discontent among players due to his lengthy meetings and lectures during the Australian and New Zealand tour. Some players express restlessness due to the repetition of repetitive information. Hafeez, a former Pakistan captain, was appointed by the chairman of the cricket management committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board before the Australian tour.

Yasir will reach Lahore from London and will leave with the Pakistan white-ball players for New Zealand where five matches are scheduled from January 12.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has been advised by the sports ministry not to proceed with a long-term contract for Mohammad Hafeez, the current director of cricket. Hafeez took over after the 50-over World Cup last year but faces uncertainty about an extended contract. The PCB submitted a long-term contract to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination for approval, but the ministry recommended continuing with a short-term arrangement, which ends after the T20 series in New Zealand.

Skipper Shan Masood has set Pakistan a tough target for their forthcoming tour of Australia -- make history. Pakistan have never won a Test series in the 12 times they have toured down under, with the south Asian side losing the last 14 five-dayers in a row there.

England opener Zak Crawley said he would be prepared to endure tougher health protocols to ensure the Ashes series is completed, adding that the tourists were determined to push back hard at Australia in this week's fourth Test.

Australia extended their lead against Pakistan to 300 runs on day three of the first Test in Perth. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith's partnership was crucial as they reached stumps at 84/2, thwarting Pakistan's hopes of a Test victory on Australian soil since 1995. Josh Hazlewood hinted at a possible declaration, while Nathan Lyon is one wicket away from the elite 500-club.

The cricket management committee running the PCB affairs is expected to take a final decision on this regulation in the next couple of days after two agencies signed on dozens of Pakistani team players and officials for representation.

South Africa clinched a historic ODI series victory against England at Lord's, their first in England since 1998. Matthew Breetzke's impressive 85 propelled the Proteas to 330, securing a 5-run win. England's struggles continue, marked by four consecutive ODI losses and a concerning post-World Cup performance. The final match on September 7 offers England a chance to salvage pride.

Former Karnataka Ranji player and Frontiers Group India (FGI) Director Carlton Saldanha today refuted KSCA President Anil Kumble's allegations and clarified that former secretary Brijesh Patel was never a part of the Sporting Frontiers.

Wary of the "huge threat" the Indian pacers pose to them, Australia's Test opener Joe Burns on Thursday said they will use the tour games to land the first punch and put the visitors on the back foot before the four-match Test series begins on December 17.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag feels current skipper Rohit Sharma could be relieved from captaincy duties from T20Is so that the 35-year-old can manage his workload better. "If the Indian team management has someone else in mind as captain in the T20 format, then I think, Rohit (Sharma) could be relieved," Sehwag told PTI in an interview.

LONDON: Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has admitted that the "young" and "vibrant" South African captain Graeme Smith made him feel "stale" in comparison.

As the clamour for skipper Dhoni's head gets louder, former India captain Sourav Ganguly called for a more rational approach to address the issue of leadership.