Australia retain the men’s Ashes with England thwarted by rain

Australia retained the Urn after day five of the fourth Test at Old Trafford was washed out. They keep their 2-1 lead going into the fifth Test at The Kia Oval this week, looking to win their first series in England outright since 2001. England had dominated the game in Manchester, and needed five wickets to win with Australia still trailing by 61 runs.

Australia have retained the men’s Ashes following the draw at Old Trafford! 🇦🇺

Pat Cummins’ side take a 2-1 lead into the final Test at the Kia Oval, starting on Thursday.#Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/FLq1AhahVY

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 23, 2023

The Harmanpreet Kaur- Bangladesh umpires controversy rumbles on

Bangladesh tied the final match of the ODI series with India, meaning the series ended in a draw. Kaur drew controversy during the match when she smashed her stumps with her bat after being given out lbw. She continued to voice her displeasure at the umpires after the game, saying in the post match press conference: “The next time whenever we are coming to Bangladesh, we’ll have to make sure we have to deal with this kind of umpiring and accordingly, we’ll have to prepare ourselves.”

Bangladesh captain, Nigar Sultana Joty, made her unhappiness at Kaur’s actions clearly known: “It is totally her [Kaur’s] problem,” she said. “I have nothing to do with it. As a player, she could have shown better manners. I can’t tell you what happened, but it didn’t feel right to be there with my team. It wasn’t the right environment. That’s why we went back. Cricket is a game of discipline and respect.”

Why are you only here? The umpires tied the match for you. Call them up! We better have a photo with them as well – Harmanpreet Kaur

Bangladesh Captain took her players back to the dressing room after this incident 😳#HarmanpreetKaur #INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/dyKGwPrnfG

— OneCricket (@OneCricketApp) July 23, 2023

BCCI offer injury updates on Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant and others

The BCCI released updates on the injury of several India players, including Jasprit Bumrah. The fast-bowler has been suffering from a long-term back injury but appears to be on the mend. The update read: “The two fast bowlers [Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna] are in the final stages of their rehab and are bowling with full intensity in the nets. The duo will now play some practice games, which the NCA will organise. The BCCI Medical Team is pleased with their progress and will make a final decision after assessing them following the practice games.”

An update was also given on Rishabh Pant, who is said to have made “significant progress” after sustaining injuries in a car crash.

PAK vs IND: Pakistan win Emerging Teams Asia Cup

Pakistan won the Emerging Teams Asia Cup with a thumping 128-run win over India in the final. The match wasn’t without controversy, however, as Sai Sudharsan was given out to Arshad Iqbal off a tight no-ball call. Sudharsan had put on a 64-run opening partnership off 51 ball with Abhishek Sharma. India A were eventually bowled out for 224. Riyan Parag also claimed a tight low catch, while Nikin Jose was given out off his thigh pad, with scorecards unsure as to whether he was out caught or lbw, though they have since settled on caught.

3rd umpire judges it as a Legal Delivery. pic.twitter.com/WDwDpJAyAq

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 23, 2023

Lahiru Thirimanne confirms retirement from international cricket

Sri Lanka’s Lahiru Thirimanne announced his retirement from international cricket after a 13-year career. He was part of the Sri Lanka side which won the T20 World Cup in 2014. He played 44 Tests, 127 ODIs and 26 T20Is, and last played an international match in March 2022 in a Test match against India. Thirimanne also captained Sri Lanka in five ODIs.