Tim Southee Age, Biography, career, stats, networth, Ranking & News

Representational image of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup trophy | AFP / Jewel Samad

New Zealand Squad, Schedule, Date, Time, And Venue For 2021 T20I World Cup

Published on September 18, 2021

New Zealand led by Kane Williamson will be a team to watch out for. The Kane Williamson-led New Zealand always enters the big ICC events with the tag of the underdog and does something stunning to earn praise from the cricket fans and experts. They have been consistently performing well for the last few years in limited-overs cricket.

The seventh edition of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is all set to begin on October 17 and the final of the tournament will take place on November 14. Notably, the tournament was shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and OMAN due to the Covid-19 scare in India. However, BCCI still holds hosting rights.

Bangladesh vs New Zealand. Image Credits: Twitter

New Zealand Reached The 2015 And 2019 ODI World Cup Finals And Was Crowned WTC 2021 Winners

New Zealand reached the finals of the 50-over World Cup in 2015 and 2019. Also in the longest form of the game, they have been performing exceptionally well. Recently, they participated in the finals of ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021 against Virat Kohli-led India and they won the match to be crowned the inaugural champions. New Zealand is placed in Group B of the tournament, alongside India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Notably, Team New Zealand won four back-to-back T20 international series heading into the T20I series against Bangladesh. However, they had a terrible run in the 5-match T20I series against the Bangla Tigers. In the first match, they got bowled out on 60 and lost the game by 7 wickets. Meanwhile, in the 2nd T20I, they lost the game by 4 runs. Overall they faced a T20I series loss against Bangladesh by 3-2.

New Zealand's Kane Williamson celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the final of the ICC World Test Championship. Photograph: John Sibley/Reuters — New Zealand’s Kane Williamson celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the final of the ICC World Test Championship. Photograph: John Sibley/Reuters

So far the Blackcaps haven’t won the ICC T20 World Cup trophy. However, looking at the team’s recent performance there is no doubt that they have full potential to win the T20 World Cup 2021. Also, new faces like Devon Conway and Kyle Jamieson are expected to play a huge role for Kiwis in the T20 World Cup 2021. Meanwhile, veterans like Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Martin Guptill will provide much-needed experience to the side.

New Zealand’s complete squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2021:

T20 World Cup New Zealand Image Credit: ICC Twitter

Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Adam Milne (injury cover).

Like England, New Zealand also does not have a good track record of the ICC T20 or ODI World Cups. Apart from the ICC Champions Trophy and inaugural WTC 2019-21, they have never won an ICC event. That is why the team is considered one of the unluckiest teams of the ICC cricket world cup history.

The group features an all-star bowling group – Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, and Tim Southee alongside the likes of Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, and Todd Astle. Seamer Adam Milne has been selected as the 16th man and will join the team for the tournament but can only be called upon to replace a player in the squad in the event of an injury.

New Zealand’s complete schedule for ICC T20 World Cup 2021

Tuesday, October 26, 2021: vs Pakistan, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, in Sharjah. (7:30 PM IST)

Sunday, October 31, 2021: vs India, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in Dubai. (7:30 PM IST)

Wednesday, November 3, 2021: vs Qualifier (B1), at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in Dubai. (3:30 PM IST)

Friday, November 5, 2021: vs Qualifier (A2), at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, in Sharjah. (3:30 PM IST)

Sunday, November 7, 2021: vs Afghanistan, at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. (3:30 PM IST)

Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021)

IPL 2021: Complete List Of Players Who Have Come In As Replacements For The UAE Leg

Published on September 15, 2021September 15, 2021

IPL 2021, the much-awaited second phase of the cash-rich league is all set to resume from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reigning champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on three-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the opening game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

However, ahead of the resumption of the fourteenth season, many players have withdrawn from IPL 2021 citing various reasons. While some have opted to stay out for fitness concerns and personal reasons, others focused on the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021, which will start right after the lucrative league. Due to this, IPL franchises have also announced replacements for those players who will not be available for the remainder of IPL 2021.

IPL 2021: Complete List Of Players Who Have Come In As Replacements For The UAE Leg

Wanindu Hasaranga replaces Adam Zampa (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

RCB, who had a great run so far, has roped in Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga as a replacement for Australia’s Adam Zampa. Wanindu Hasaranga was the star performer for Lanka in the recently concluded series against India.

Wanindu Hasaranga was brilliant in the T20I series against India and also played an important role with the bat in the last two matches to help Sri Lanka clinch the series. The legspinner and lower-order hitter was impressive in India’s series against Sri Lanka picking up 7 wickets from 3 matches to be Man of the Series.

Dushmantha Chameera replaces Daniel Sams (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Sri Lanka and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pacer Dushmantha Chameera is reputed for his pace, control, and round-arm action. He also boasts an excellent yorker and an effective slower ball in his arsenal. With 31 wickets in as many T20Is at an economy rate of 7.76 and an average of 17.26, Dushmantha Chameera is fifth on the list of highest wicket-taking pacers for Sri Lanka in the shortest format.

Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Rajasthan Royals (RR) signed him for Rs. 50 lakh in 2018, but he never featured for them. Three years later, he was signed by the RCB as a replacement for Kane Richardson for the second leg of the IPL 2021 season, which will soon start in the UAE.

George Garton replaces Kane Richardson (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Royal Challengers Bangalore has signed English fast-bowler George Garton as a replacement for Australian bowler Kane Richardson for the remainder of VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The left-arm quick has featured in 38 T20s and has taken 44 wickets with a bowling average of 20.06. As a batsman, George Garton has a batting average of 20.77 in the T20s, with a strike rate of 124.66. This will be his debut season in IPL 2021.

Tim David replaces Finn Allen (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Tim David (Image Source: timdavid8- Instagram) — Tim David (Image Source: Instagram)

Australian batsman Tim David, who plays for Singapore, has so far scored 558 runs in 15 T20Is at an impressive strike rate of 158.42. He also has 1186 runs to his name in 50 T20 matches at 155.84 including six half-centuries. Finn Allen of New Zealand is part of the T20I and ODI squads for the tours of Bangladesh and Pakistan.

While the Bangladesh tour concludes well before the IPL 2021 resumes, the Pakistan tour clashes directly with the cash-rich league. Since ICC has accorded T20 International status to all its 106 member nations, Tim David has played 14 T20 Internationals with 558 runs in his kitty at a strike rate of 158 plus. Overall, he has played 49 T20 games, factoring in his appearances in the BBL and PSL with a tally of 1171 runs at a strike rate of 155 plus.

Akash Deep replaces Washington Sundar (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Washington Sundar, Akash Deep. Image Credits: Twitter

Bengal cricketer Akash Deep, who is with Royal Challengers Bangalore as their net bowler, has been named as injured Washington Sundar’s replacement. Washington Sundar has played 42 IPL matches since 2017 managing 217 runs and picking 27 scalps. In 6 matches in IPL 2021, he picked 3 scalps and scored 31 runs.

RCB will be without their allrounder Washington Sundar for the UAE leg of IPL 2021 after he failed to fully recover from a finger injury. Washington Sundar had sustained the injury in the UK last month which ruled him out of the ongoing Test series between India and England as well. Washington Sundar hurt his finger during a warm-up match in the lead-up of the five-match series.

Glenn Phillips replaces Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals)

24-year-old Glenn Phillips represents Auckland in New Zealand’s domestic cricket and made his international debut for New Zealand during a bilateral T20I series against South Africa in 2017.

The top-order batsman has 506 runs to his name in 25 T20Is with a strike rate of 149.70 and has also been involved in various cricket leagues around the world, most recently in The Hundred and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). England pacer West Indies-born Jofra Archer was ruled out from IPL 2021 and for the rest of the year following an elbow injury.

Tabraiz Shamsi replaces Andrew Tye (Rajasthan Royals)

Tabraiz Shamsi, the world’s number one ranked T20I bowler in ICC rankings, will be joining the Rajasthan Royals squad as a replacement for Australian pacer Andrew Tye for the remainder of IPL scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 19. Tabraiz Shamsi had earlier played four IPL matches in which he picked up three wickets for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who had recruited him as a replacement player during the 2016 season.

Nathan Ellis replaces Riley Meredith (Punjab Kings)

Aussie pacer Nathan Ellis has signed for an IPL franchise for the 2021 season | Courtesy: @HurricanesBBL | Photo Credit: Twitter

PBKS have signed Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis for his country teammate pacer Riley Meredith. Nathan Ellis recently was in the limelight following his hat-trick on his international debut against Bangladesh earlier this month. The right-arm pacer is also one of the reserve players in Australia’s 2021 T20I World Cup squad.

Adil Rashid replaces Jhye Richardson (Punjab Kings)

Punjab Kings rope in Adil Rashid. (Image Credit: PBKS Twitter) — Punjab Kings’ rope in Adil Rashid. (Image Credit: PBKS Twitter)

Punjab Kings have signed Adil Rashid as a replacement player for the UAE leg of IPL 2021. The 33-year-old England leg-spinner, the joint-highest wicket-taker at The Hundred, replaces Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who along with compatriot Riley Meredith, has withdrawn from the second half of the tournament.

Adil Rashid, who hasn’t played in the IPL before, is currently ranked fourth in ICC’s list of T20I bowlers and has taken 232 wickets from 201 T20 matches at an economy of 7.43. He will also be one of three leg-spinning options for KL Rahul alongside the Indian pair of Ravi Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin.

Adil Rashid is ranked fourth in the ICC table for T20I bowlers, behind South Africa’s Tabraiz Shamsi, who recently signed with the Rajasthan Royals, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, now a Royal Challengers Bangalore replacement player, and Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan stalwart who has been a star for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Aiden Markram replaces Dawid Malan (Punjab Kings)

Aiden Markram(twitter) — Aiden Markram (twitter)

Punjab Kings suffered a big blow just eight days ahead of the second phase of IPL 2021 as their star player Dawid Malan pulled out of the tournament. No sooner the England player made himself unavailable for the second leg, the red brigade roped in South African batsman Aiden Markram in their side.

PBKS recent recruit Aiden Markram of South Africa is equally a competent batsman who would be playing his inaugural edition in the second phase of IPL 2021. The 26-year old has a fine T20 record. He has played 53 innings, amassed 1424 runs, and returned with an average of 30.95. He has played 26 Tests, 34 ODIs, and 15 T20Is and averages above 35 in Tests and T20Is.

Dawid Malan, who played his inaugural edition of IPL this season was bought by the PKBS for INR 1.5 crores during the IPL 2021 auction. In the first leg, however, the explosive batsman played just one match for the team where he scored 26 runs.

Tim Southee replaces Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Tim Southee is the third-highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket, with 99 strikes in 83 games Associated Press

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Tim Southee for the remaining 31 games of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pacer Tim Southee, understandably, comes in place of Australian pace all-rounder Pat Cummins who has pulled out of the IPL 2021 second leg, citing personal reasons.

Having featured in the IPL for six consecutive years, Tim Southee went unsold in the 2020 auction. His most recent appearance came in the 2019 edition when he turned up for RCB, finishing with an economy rate of 13 in the three games he played. The 32-year-old right-arm pacer had previously played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

In 40 IPL games, he has picked 28 wickets at an economy rate of 8.47. Pat Cummins picked 12 wickets in 14 games that included a 4-wicket haul in the 2020 IPL season. He bowled well in IPL 2021 picking 9 scalps in 7 games averaging 26.33 besides scoring 93 runs averaging 31.

Sherfane Rutherford replaces Jonny Bairstow (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Sunrisers Hyderabad rope in Sherfane Rutherford for remainder of IPL 2021. (Twitter Photo) — Sunrisers Hyderabad rope in Sherfane Rutherford for the remainder of IPL 2021. (Twitter Photo)

Sunrisers Hyderabad have signed West Indies batsman Sherfane Rutherford as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow for the UAE leg of IPL 2021 slated to begin from September 19. Sherfane Rutherford has featured in only one IPL season as he represented Mumbai Indians in 2019 and managed to score just 73 runs across 7 games.

Sherfane Rutherford, who has made 1102 runs in the T20 format at a strike rate of 138.26, is currently plying his trade with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League and is having a good season. He’s scored 202 runs in 7 games including 3 fifties.

Notably, SRH has had a disastrous campaign so far winning only one of the seven games in the first phase of IPL 2021 and are currently placed at the bottom of the table.

Ben Dwarshuis Replaces Chris Woakes (Delhi Capitals)

Ben Dwarshuis is the sixth-highest wicket-taker in the BBL Getty Images

Chris Woakes was part of the Delhi Capitals and took five wickets in three games in the first half of IPL 2021 at 16.40 apiece. The franchise announced Australian seamer Ben Dwarshuis as his replacement on Monday. Ben Dwarshuis has taken 100 wickets in 82 T20 matches at an average of 23.73.

The 27-year-old, who plays for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, is the sixth-highest wicket-taker in the history of the tournament with 85 wickets in 69 matches. Delhi Capitals confirmed that English all-rounder Chris Woakes has pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons.

Evin Lewis And Oshane Thomas Too Replaces Jos Buttler And Ben Stokes Of RR

Evin Lewis & Oshane Thomas Signed By Rajasthan Royals Image: ICC/Twitter/AP

Rajasthan Royals have signed West Indies opening batter Evin Lewis and fast bowler Oshane Thomas as replacements for Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes, for the second leg of IPL 2021, which will run from September 19 to October 15 in the UAE. Evin Lewis is West Indies’ fifth-highest run-getter in T20Is, with 1318 runs, including 103 sixes. Only Chris Gayle (121) has hit more sixes for West Indies in T20I cricket.

Oshane Thomas picked 5 wickets in his maiden IPL season in 2019 before being benched by Rajasthan Royals. Evin Lewis played two seasons in the IPL for Mumbai Indians in 2018 and 2019, scoring 430 runs from 16 games at 26.87. Oshane Thomas who made his international debut in 2018, has picked up 27 wickets in 20 ODIs, and 19 wickets in 17 T20Is.

Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga. (Getty Images)

Cricket/News

Wanindu Hasaranga And Dushmantha Chameera Won’t Play In IPL 2021 Playoffs If RCB Qualifies

Published on August 29, 2021August 29, 2021

Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lankan stars have received No Objection Certificates from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The duo will be available to play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second phase of IPL 2021 until October 10. The 2021 edition of the IPL will resume on September 19 in the United Arab Emirates.

Royal Challengers Bangalore are one of the top contenders to win the league championship this year. However, RCB will have to play without their Sri Lankan stars if they qualify for the playoffs.

Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera will play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second phase of IPL 2021 (Image Source: Instagram) — Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera will play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second phase of IPL 2021. (Image Source: Instagram)

Wanindu Hasaranga And Dushmantha Chameera Won’t Play The Playoffs If RCB Qualifies

SLC has allowed Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera to be a part of the IPL only till October 10, the date on which Qualifier 1 is scheduled to happen. The two Sri Lankan players will leave RCB and join their national squad to play in the warm-up matches of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 after October 10.

“The ‘No Objection Certificate’ to the duo was issued for them to join the IPL teams starting from 15th September (following the completion of the South Africa Tour of Sri Lanka).

“The two players will join the Sri Lanka squad on 10th October 2021 to play in the two warm-up games prior to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers,” an official statement from SLC read.

Wanindu Hasaranga Celebrates A Wicket in 1st T20I @SLC

The 24-year-old Wanindu Hasaranga was impressive in the three-match T20I series against India, taking seven wickets at an economy rate of 5.58, while 29-year-old Dushmantha Chameera was the second-highest wicket-taker in the series with four wickets at an economy rate of 5.25. Other replacements for RCB are Dushmantha Chameera for Daniel Sams, left-arm quick George Garton for Kane Richardson, and Tim David for New Zealand’s Finn Allen.

Wanindu Hasaranga And Dushmantha Chameera Hasn’t Played Even A Game In IPL Before And May Debut In IPL 2021

Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera could make their IPL debuts this year. While Wanindu Hasaranga received his first-ever IPL contract from RCB this year, Dushmantha Chameera was part of the Rajasthan Royals team in IPL 2018.

However, the Sri Lankan fast bowler did not get a single game. It will be interesting to see how the two Sri Lankan cricketers perform for the Virat Kohli-led outfit in IPL 2021.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals has brought in New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Glenn Phillips as a replacement for England’s Jofra Archer. The No.1 T20I bowler Tabraiz Shamsi has also joined the Royals as Andrew Tye’s replacement. On the other hand, Punjab Kings have roped in Nathan Ellis and Adil Rashid for the remainder of IPL 2021 while New Zealand veteran Tim Southee joined Kolkata Knight Riders.

As of 31 December 2018, the top nine ranked ICC Full Members, alongside hosts India, qualified directly for the 2021 tournament. Of those ten teams, the top eight ranked sides qualified for the Super 12s stage of the tournament. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh did not qualify for the Super 12s, instead of being placed in the group stage of the competition

Cricket/News

Sri Lanka Cricket Gives Permission To Dushmantha Chameera And Wanindu Hasaranga To Play IPL 2021

Published on August 29, 2021August 29, 2021

Sri Lanka Cricket announced that permission has been granted to Sri Lankan cricketers Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga to take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The permission for the players was granted by the SLC in consultation with the Technical Advisory Committee.

The ‘No Objection Certificate’ to the duo was issued for them to join the IPL teams starting from 15th September (following the completion of the South Africa Tour of Sri Lanka). The two players will join the Sri Lanka squad on 10th October 2021 to play in the two warm-up games prior to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

Sri Lanka Cricket Allows Wanindu Hasaranga And Dushmantha Chameera To Play In The IPL 2021

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have roped in Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera as replacements for Adam Zampa and Daniel Sams respectively for the 14th edition of IPL.

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that permission has been granted to National Players Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga to take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The permission for the players was granted by the SLC in consultation with the Technical Advisory Committee,” the release issued by Sri Lanka Cricket said.

Sri Lanka Cricket(Photo credit: SLC Twitter)

“The ‘No Objection Certificate’ to the duo was issued for them to join the IPL teams starting from 15th September (following the completion of the South Africa Tour of Sri Lanka). The two players will join the Sri Lanka squad on 10th October 2021 to play in the two warm-up games prior to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers,” Sri Lanka Cricket added.

The 14th season, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume on September 19 in Dubai with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. The action will shift to Abu Dhabi where Kolkata Knight Riders will square off against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, George Garton, And Tim David Are RCB’s Replacements For IPL 2021

The Virat Kohli-led side has roped in Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga as a replacement for Australia’s Adam Zampa. Wanindu Hasaranga bagged a total of 7 wickets, including a 4-wicket haul in the final T20I during the recent limited-overs series against India. Other replacements for RCB are Dushmantha Chameera for Daniel Sams, left-arm quick George Garton for Kane Richardson, and Tim David for New Zealand’s Finn Allen.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals has brought in New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Glenn Phillips as a replacement for England’s Jofra Archer. The No.1 T20I bowler Tabraiz Shamsi has also joined the Royals as Andrew Tye’s replacement. On the other hand, Punjab Kings have roped in Nathan Ellis and Adil Rashid for the remainder of IPL 2021 while New Zealand veteran Tim Southee joined Kolkata Knight Riders.

IPL 2021 Player replacements –

Injured / Replaced Player	Team	Replacement Player
Adam Zampa	RCB	Wanindu Hasaranga
Daniel Sams	RCB	Dushmantha Chameera
Kane Richardson	RCB	George Garton
Finn Allen	RCB	Tim David
Jofra Archer	RR	Glenn Phillips
Andrew Tye	RR	Tabraiz Shamsi
Riley Meredith	PBKS	Nathan Ellis
Jhye Richardson	PBKS	Adil Rashid
Pat Cummins	KKR	Tim Southee

Cricket/News

Kolkata Knight Riders Have Signed New Zealand Pacer Tim Southee For IPL 2021 UAE Leg Replacing Pat Cummins

Published on August 27, 2021

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Tim Southee for the remaining 31 games of the Indian Premier League (IPL). A franchise official has confirmed the signing of the New Zealand pacer on Thursday (August 26). Pacer Tim Southee, understandably, comes in place of Australian pace all-rounder Pat Cummins who has pulled out of the IPL second leg citing personal reasons.

Having featured in the IPL for six consecutive years, Tim Southee went unsold in the 2020 auction. His most recent appearance came in the 2019 edition when he turned up for RCB, finishing with an economy rate of 13 in the three games he played.

Tim Southee Playing For RCB © BCCI

Kolkata Knight Riders Signed Tim Southee

The 32-year-old right-arm pacer had previously played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). In 40 IPL games, he has picked 28 wickets at an economy rate of 8.47.

“Tim has been a strong player and has been the spearhead of the New Zealand team. In the UAE conditions, we hope he will be very effective,” a KKR official said.

The exact amount of signing has not been known but Pat Cummins was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise for 15.5 crores in the 2019 IPL auction.

Kolkata Knight Riders' Pat Cummins — Kolkata Knight Riders’ Pat Cummins[photo: Twitter]

Tim Southee, who will be the third New Zealander in the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, was expected to be a part of the New Zealand team for their twin tours of Bangladesh and Pakistan but he did not figure in the final squad under Tom Latham. He will join the country’s young pacer, Lockie Ferguson, and top-order keeper batter Tim Seifert in the KKR squad.

Brendon McCullum Will Take Charge Of KKR In UAE

Kolkata Knight Riders head coach former New Zealand keeper Brendon McCullum, who has stayed away from Caribbean Premier League (which starts on Thursday), is expected to take charge of KKR in UAE.

“He will be back for the IPL,” said the official of KKR, which owns the Trinbago Knight Riders team in the CPL.

Kolkata Knight Riders are in seventh place in the IPL points table with four points with two wins in seven games. They are hoping Tim Southee will provide the impetus.

“He will be a backup to Lockie Ferguson. With his new ball skills, he should be very effective in the UAE conditions,” the KKR official said.

Pat Cummins, who was signed for Rs 15.5 crores for IPL 2020 season, has been a key member of their side, and this season he played all their seven games, taking nine wickets and scoring 93 runs, including a career-best 66 not out against Chennai Super Kings.

Pat Cummins picked 12 wickets in 14 games that included a 4-wicket haul in the 2020 IPL season. He bowled well in IPL 2021 picking 9 scalps in 7 games averaging 26.33 besides scoring 93 runs averaging 31. Pat Cummins’ KKR teammates Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy, Sandeep Warrier, and Tim Seifert had tested positive for Covid-19 leading to the indefinite postponement of IPL 2021.

Tim Southee is the third-highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket with 99 wickets in 83 matches and has been part of Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past. He will now reunite with his former captain Brendon McCullum, the head coach of KKR.

Tim Southee happens to be a great addition and acquisition by KKR, as the Kiwi pacer is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in Twenty20 Internationals, having claimed 99 wickets in 83 matches at an economy of 8.39. In T20s, he has 224 scalps to his name from 201 at 8.30.

However, it is unclear if Tim Southee would get the nod ahead of his Kiwi teammate Lockie Ferguson. Although the latter is currently recovering from COVID-19, he is expected to recover on time and make it to the playing XI.

Cricket/News

New Zealand’s Pakistan Tour Subjected To Security Clearance After Taliban’s Afghanistan Takeover

Published on August 20, 2021

New Zealand will go ahead with its tour of Pakistan subjected to clearance from security consultant Reg Dickason after some Kiwi players expressed concerns about touring the country following the militant group Taliban’s takeover of neighbouring Afghanistan.

New Zealand is due to reach Islamabad on September 11 to play three ODIs and five T20 Internationals in Rawalpindi and Lahore until October 3.

New Zealand Appointed International Security Consultant And Expert Reg Dickason To Visit Pakistan To Advise Whether Tour Will Go Ahead After Assessing Security

However, New Zealand Cricket officials have now commissioned an international security consultant and expert, Reg Dickason to visit Pakistan later this week to carry out thorough security and COVID-19 assessment before advising them whether they should send their team to Pakistan.

“Dickason has been a regular visit to Pakistan to carry out security and other cricket related assessments for the International Cricket Council and other boards in recent years so we are confident there is no one better than him to give a compressive report on the security situation in the region following the events in Afghanistan,” an official source in the Pakistan Cricket Board, said.

New Zealand is already set to field a depleted team with seven to eight of their leading players, including the captain, Kane Williamson, not coming due to their IPL commitments.

Kane Williamson and senior players like Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Siefert, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchel Santner have skipped the tour because of their commitments in the T20 event, while others like Tim Southee and Devon Conway are also unavailable for the Pakistan tour.

Tom Latham To Lead New Zealand In The Limited Overs Pakistan Tour In Several Cricketers Absence For IPL Commitments

New Zealand Cricket said on Wednesday that the players would have the right to withdraw from the tour if they felt uneasy about touring Pakistan even if the tour went ahead on the advice of Reg Dickason and other assessments.

New Zealand batsman Tom Latham acknowledges the crowd after reaching his century (Photo: AFP)

New Zealand will be captained by senior batsman Tom Latham during the tour, which will be their first to the country since 2003. New Zealand cricket also has sent one of their officials and a security consultant in Bangladesh for a reconnaissance visit as their team first visits Bangladesh and then flies to Pakistan. New Zealand takes on Bangladesh in five T20Is in September, followed by three ODIs and five T20Is in Pakistan.

New Zealand has also named 15 member squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup under the leadership of Kane Williamson. Ross Taylor, the veteran Kiwi batsman, and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme are the major exclusions from the squad. New Zealand last toured Pakistan in November 2003 when they played five ODIs.

New Zealand T20 World Cup squad: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Adam Milne (injury cover).

Squad for Bangladesh T20Is and Pakistan ODIs: Tom Latham (capt, wk), Finn Allen, Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell (wk), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry (ODI only), Scott Kuggeleijn, Cole McConchie, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears (T20 only), Blair Tickner, Will Young.

Squad for Pakistan T20Is: Tom Latham (capt, wk), Finn Allen, Todd Astle, Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell (wk), Mark Chapman, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears, Blair Tickner, Will Young.

Cricket/News

Dale Steyn Knew Mohammed Siraj Was Going To Have A Good Test Career

Published on July 29, 2021

Dale Steyn, the South African legendary former pacer believes Mohammed Siraj has the right attitude and skills to succeed in England, picking the Indian pacer to have a successful Test career. Dale Steyn also praised Shardul Thakur who has played only 2 Tests.

Mohammed Siraj had troubled England batsmen on lifeless Indian pitches while bowling match-winning figures in Australia as he spearheaded the pace attack and was India’s highest wicket-taker with 13 scalps. But experienced Ishant Sharma was preferred ahead of him in the final.

Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj. Pics/AP, PTI

Dale Steyn Knew Mohammed Siraj Was Going To Have A Good Test Career As He Brings A Good Attitude To The Game Which Was In Show In Australia Tour

In a column, Dale Steyn analyzed the Indian pace attack. Praising Mohammed Siraj, the South African wrote that he brings a good attitude to the game.

“I think he (Mohammed Siraj) brings a good attitude to the game. That’s another thing we tend to forget when you’re playing in English conditions. It’s not just about where you put the ball but also the attitude you bring, getting in people’s faces, making them play shots they don’t particularly want to play – I think Siraj is somebody who can do that.

“I saw parts of that little bit of fight when he played in Australia, and I immediately knew he was going to have a good Test career. Don’t forget about the attitude of a fast bowler too.”

Mohammed Siraj has played five Tests for India, claiming 16 wickets at an average of 28.25. He played a key role in India’s wins in the Melbourne and Brisbane Tests in the Australian tour picking up a maximum of 13 Test wickets.

The 25-year-old pacer made his debut in the second Test in Melbourne and immediately made his mark in international cricket. Eventually, he ended up as the highest wicket-taker for India with 13 wickets in the Border- Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21. What makes his performance even more praise-worthy was that Mohammed Siraj had lost his father when he was touring Australia for series.

Dale Steyn Compares Shardul Thakur’s Ability To Swing With Tim Southee

Dale Steyn reckons India would have relished playing the pacer in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. But he agreed that that would have come at the cost of another batter or a bowler who could bat better. India went ahead with Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami in the WTC final, which they lost to a spirited New Zealand side.

Dale Steyn emphasized fitness being the crucial parameter for Indian pacers to be successful in England. The 38-year-old also praised Shardul Thakur and compared his ability to swing with New Zealand’s Tim Southee’s.

“I like what they (India) have got right now. All those bowlers bring something different to the party. My advice is to stay fit. Five Test matches – that requires a lot of bowling. It’s a lot of wickets to take, and if you’re going to rely on your seamers to do a lot of bowling, you have to stay fit.”

“I like Shardul Thakur. He does swing the ball beautifully, and when he learns how to get the ball that stays straight on batters, that’s when he might find a lot more edges. He’s another guy like Tim Southee who can swing it beautifully. But he needs to learn how to bowl that kind of scrambled ball that just holds the line, and he can find the edges,” Dale Steyn wrote.

Dale Steyn also pointed out Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav’s ability to swing the ball at a good pace. He said that whoever among the two bowls is better in the nets should start in the Tests. The two-Test old Shardul Thakur was mighty impressive in the only longest format game he played in the away series against Australia this year, picking up seven wickets and scoring a half-century in Brisbane.

Cricket/News

I Think India Played With Fewer Batsmen In WTC Final: Irfan Pathan

Published on July 1, 2021July 1, 2021

Irfan Pathan, former India all-rounder has said Virat Kohli’s team needed to play one more batsman in their line-up for the recently-concluded World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand.

Last week, Kane Williamson-led New Zealand defeated India in the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC) by 8 wickets to grab the Test mace at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton. The Kiwis are also currently placed in the number one spot in Tests in the world.

Irfan Pathan: India’s Batting In The 2nd Innings Was Disappointing

Irfan Pathan said Indian batsmen attempting pull shots to the bouncers bowled at them by the New Zealand seamers instead of using their body was a sign of their ‘lack of commitment.’

India lost eight wickets in a session and a half in the Reserve Day of the WTC final and was bowled out for 170 in their second innings, which took the draw almost out of the equation as New Zealand needed only 139 runs in the remaining 53 overs to win the match.

“I think India played with fewer batsmen — which I highlighted before the ICC World Test Championship final. I feel there was a need for one more batsman in the team. We do not have quality fast-bowling all-arounder — which New Zealand possesses — and it is hard to find one.

“Now, If we talk from a proper cricketing point of view — what went wrong for India? I think the first innings went great, but Team India’s batting in the second inning was disappointing,” said Irfan Pathan on Star Sports’ show ‘Follow The Blues’.

“The ball wasn’t swinging as much in the second innings, and Indian batsmen could have batted more responsibly. I am aware of Rishabh Pant’s capabilities as a batsman and how he can hit balls very well, but that does not mean you hit a fast bowler outside — a sense of responsibility was required.”

“Indian batters were using a lot of pull shots on bouncers; instead of using their body and this showed a lack of commitment. These questions are tough, but I hope Indian batsmen have the strength to give their answers in the future.

“And now we are back on the same topic — Kiwi batsmen were able to make 140 runs with the loss of two wickets, but our Indian team lost eight wickets building the same score,” he added.

Rishabh Pant was India’s highest scorer with 41 in the second innings but his approach of continuously charging the seamers left Irfan Pathan unimpressed. New Zealand chased down the target with eight wickets in the bank as two of their most experienced players captain Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor stitched an unbroken 96-run stand for the third wicket.

Irfan Pathan: India Didn’t Get Enough Match Practice As Bowlers Were Tired And Should’ve Opted For More Bouncers

While the batters struggled against a potent New Zealand pace attack, the Indian bowlers couldn’t threaten the opposition. Mohammed Shami was the only effective bowler who returned with 4 wickets under his belt while Ishant Sharma managed to pick three wickets in the first innings. Jasprit Bumrah returned wickless and may face the axe in the upcoming 5 match Test series against hosts England.

Talking about how the Indian bowling attack lacked match practice heading into the WTC final, Irfan Pathan said: “By the time we (Team India) started fielding for the second session, our bowlers were already tired. This happened because India didn’t get enough match practice. When a team gets less match practice, they don’t have the kind of match fitness required for a particular game.”

Irfan Pathan claimed a hat-trick against Pakistan in Karachi in 2006(ICC/Twitter)

“I feel this will improve eventually. I think Indian bowlers should’ve opted for more bouncers — the way Neil Wagner did. And improvement is required in length because we witnessed a lot of cut shots and back-foot punches from Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor.”

A complete effort on the Reserve Day saw New Zealand edging India in a final which had its ebbs and flows in the first innings. The Kiwis made full use of the slender 32-run first-innings lead and the Kane Williamson-led side bundled out India cheaply for 170 in the second innings to get a target of just 139 which was achieved quite comfortably in the end.

The architects of New Zealand’s victory were Kane Williamson(49 and 52*), Kyle Jamieson (5/31 in the 1st innings), and Tim Southee (4/48 in the 2nd innings). New Zealand was so disciplined with the ball throughout the match that they didn’t let an Indian batsman score a fifty in the entire Test.

Cricket/News

Shane Jurgensen Considers Winning The WTC Final Against India Was His Greatest Coaching Achievement

Published on June 29, 2021June 30, 2021

Shane Jurgensen, a New Zealand bowling coach considers winning the inaugural World Test Championship title as his greatest coaching achievement while terming the pace quartet of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, and Kyle Jamieson as the best in the world.

New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets at Southampton last week to claim the WTC crown, their second ICC trophy after Champions Trophy 2000.

Shane Jurgensen Image Source : GETTY IMAGES — Shane Jurgensen Image Source: GETTY IMAGES

Shane Jurgensen: Personally, Winning The WTC Final Against India Was My Greatest Coaching Acheivement

Shane Jurgensen feels New Zealand has the best bowling assault in international cricket. The Blackcaps bowling coach trusts the World Test Championship final execution offered convincing evidence about the New Zealand bowling attack.

“I think for me this is about, for all of New Zealand really, from people that have always gone to (put) the extra effort from New Zealand Cricket’s staff, board, sponsors, the caterers at the ground we play at, the curators at all the grounds, the physios, the domestic coaches and the CEOs – everyone has had an input into this somewhere and a valuable contribution and it really means a lot to us now,” he said.

“I think, at times, I’ve been really emotional in my room, and also for me personally my wife because she puts up with me being away a lot. For me, personally, this is my greatest coaching achievement,” Jurgensen was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Shane Jurgensen revealed that he was still crying tears of joy and was watching the final day’s play over and over again while being in isolation after returning home.

“I’ve seen a few highlights. I’ve sort of been reading a lot and watching a bit on YouTube, so looking at it from all different angles,” he said.

“But for me what is different this time is the reflection on me personally and also you know for me in my area – the bowling unit what they have achieved…I think the morning of the last day to be able to make the vital breakthroughs with Kyle (Jamieson) and Tim (Southee) and Trent (Boult). It was a fantastic effort to put ourselves in a position to chase a reasonably low total.”

Shane Jurgensen has held coaching roles with Bangladesh, Fiji, Scotland, and New Zealand was effusive in his praise for his pace quartet Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, and Neil Wagner.

“I think so. I’ve been thinking that (New Zealand have the best attack) for a while. So it’s just me and my role and belief in these bowlers; what they bring to us as a team and the challenges they have overseas,” he said.

The New Zealand bowlers put on a masterclass in Southampton as they helped New Zealand beat India by eight wickets in the debut WTC final. Ross Taylor hit the winning runs.

Shane Jurgensen: Winning WTC Final Isn’t A Fluke

Shane Jurgensen said that now people will sit up and take notice of the fact that this wasn’t a fluke.

“But, I think they are and we can probably strongly say that right now – this hasn’t been a fluke and it has been happening for a long time. As I said, the belief in the bowling group – how they plan, how fit they are, how strong they are and how much they believe in each other. The trust is amazing and we got four or five bowlers in the final, but all do different things. Kyle’s height and accuracy, to be able to swing it both ways at a good pace. Tim’s accuracy, new-ball execution – unbelievable. He can adapt to use the crease – over and around – to left-handers and right-handers.”

“We know Trent’s ability with the new ball, but he took wickets with the old ball; he’s been doing that for a while, so it’s nothing new for me and the team. We know that Neil (Wagner) makes people uncomfortable on the back foot and the front foot with the lengths he bowls, but he’s now getting guys out like Trent. So, he’s building up a different skill set to be able to swing the ball both ways and seam it,” he added.

The New Zealand pace attack is viewed as quite possibly the most adjusted one having many varieties in Test cricket. Trent Boult and Tim Southee are two of the best swing bowlers. The option of Kyle Jamieson has added another measurement to an all-around compromising attack. Shane Jurgensen hailed the assortment the New Zealand bowlers have in red-ball cricket. Neil Wagner has added another stunt to his ordinance.

Cricket/News

Kyle Jamieson Escaped To The Bathroom To Avoid Watching Tense WTC Final On Reserve 6th Day

Published on June 29, 2021

Kyle Jamieson, the New Zealand pacer admits that he was so nervous during the final moments of the World Test Championship final against India that he had to hide in the bathroom while his teammates batted.

Kyle Jamieson produced a man-of-the-match performance claiming 5 wickets in the first and 2 in the second innings to help New Zealand claim the World Test Championship over India last week, taking seven wickets at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Kyle Jamieson Escaped To The Bathroom To Avoid Watching Tense Final 6th Day When New Zealand Batted

While he was ruthless on the field, Kyle Jamieson says he had to, at times, retreat to the bathroom to escape the “nerve-racking” final day as his teammates batsmen Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor brought it home with the bat.

“It was probably the toughest period of cricket I’ve been a part of, in terms of watching,” Jamieson told Country Sports Breakfast on Gold AM.

“We were sitting inside and actually watching on TV. There was a bit of a delay but it seemed like every ball the Indian crowd was up and about and I was like ‘jeez it’s a wicket’ or something like that, but it turned out it was just a block or a single. It was pretty tough to watch. I actually tried to at times to go to the bathroom where there was no noise to just get away from it for a while because it was quite nerve-racking. But it was nice to have Kane and Ross out there, two of our greatest ever batters really to calm the nerves and finish the job the way they did.”

Ross Taylor in action against India on Day 6 of the WTC final (Twitter/BlackCaps)

Ross Taylor hit the final runs to secure an eight-wicket victory in one of New Zealand cricket’s most famous wins, as it wasn’t too long until celebration time.

“It was good. Nothing too crazy,” Jamieson said about the post-game celebrations. “We just spent time in the changing room and back in the team room. Obviously with the whole Covid situation, there wasn’t a whole lot of getting out and about.

“It was just nice, to be fair, to spend time together and enjoy the time together after a couple of years of hard work and a long tour as well. Just to sit back and enjoy each other’s company was quite nice.”

The architects of New Zealand’s victory were Kane Williamson(49 and 52*), Kyle Jamieson (5/31 in the 1st innings), and Tim Southee (4/48 in the 2nd innings). New Zealand was so disciplined with the ball throughout the match that they didn’t let an Indian batsman score a fifty in the entire Test.

Kyle Jamieson Back On The Field Playing T20 For Surrey Within 48 Hours

Kyle Jamieson was back on the plane to London shortly after the brief celebrations for winning the final to join the English county side, Surrey. He says he was back on the field playing Twenty20 as early as within 48 hours of the WTC final.

“It was certainly tough to say goodbye to those guys. Coming off a high of what we just experienced and that moment we all enjoyed together, to go and say goodbye was quite tough. It was a quick turnaround. I think within 48 hours I was back on the park playing T20 for Surrey. It’s kind of the life we live a little bit. But it’s nice to stay on and to experience county cricket for the next few weeks.”

WTC final: Pleasing to dismiss Virat Kohli, he's 'world-class' batter, says Kyle Jamieson | Photo Credit: AP — WTC final: Pleasing to dismiss Virat Kohli, he’s ‘world-class’ batter, says Kyle Jamieson | Photo Credit: AP

Kyle Jamieson admitted that the time spent away from home hasn’t always been easy, but he was thankful to be able to continue playing and developing as a player in multiple forms of the game.

“Yeah I am a little bit,” he said when asked if he was missing home. “It’s been about three months and will be about just over four months by the time I get out of MIQ. It’s been a long time and I’ve certainly loved my time at home. So it’s been tough at times but I guess it’s been the environment we’re in. Look, I’m pretty fortunate to be able to still have our jobs and to be able to go around the world and work. I’m pretty grateful for that but I’m looking forward to getting home in a few weeks’ time.”

Kyle Jamieson has had a terrific start to his Test career so far. In just 8 Tests, he has picked up 46 wickets at a scary average of just 14.17 with the ball and also boasts of an impressive average of 42.66 with the bat.

Tim Southee

New Zealand Reached The 2015 And 2019 ODI World Cup Finals And Was Crowned WTC 2021 Winners

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