Find the latest cricket news globally on Wisden’s daily wrap of stories and updates from the cricketing world for January 9, 2024.

Keshav Maharaj confirms requesting devotional song to be played while walking out to bat vs IND

Even as Usman Khawaja finds himself in a battle with the ICC for wearing shoes with a “humanitarian” message, Keshav Maharaj confirmed that he requested the media lady to play the devotional song ‘Ram Siya Ram’ every time he walked out to bat against India in the recent series.

He confirmed to PTI: “Obviously, something that I put forward to the media lady and requested that song to be played. For me, God has been my greatest blessing, giving me guidance and opportunity. So, it’s the least that I can do, and it also just gets you in your zone. It’s a nice feeling walking out (into the ground) to hear ‘Ram Siya Ram’ playing in the background.”

Usman Khawaja expresses views on Steve Smith the Test opener

Reports have suggested that Steve Smith could be Australia’s next Test opener following David Warner’s retirement, but teammate Khawaja has cautioned against moving Smith up from No.4: “I just wouldn’t want to sacrifice someone who is in my opinion the second-greatest ever Test batsman off the position that he’s been batting in for so long. The beauty of Steve Smith is he’s a beautiful No.4 batsman. He can bat against pace. He’s really good against spin.”

Mohammed Shami reveals interest in playing the T20 World Cup

Shami, who last played a T20I in the 2022 T20 World Cup has wanted more clarity over his T20I future, saying he “doesn’t understand” whether he is in the scheme of things or not. Speaking after winning the Arjuna Award, Shami said: “Whenever it comes to T20s, many times I don’t understand that whether I am in scene or not. But what I feel is that you have IPL before the T20 World Cup and that is the best opportunity to bring in momentum, and if management will ask me to play, I’ll be available.”

Afghanistan to play all-format series against Sri Lanka, Ireland

Afghanistan will first tour Sri Lanka for a one-off Test and three ODIs followed by as many T20Is between February 2 to 21 before they host Ireland. The series against Ireland will also comprise one Test, three T20Is and three ODIs and will be played between February 28 and March 18 in the UAE.

Sri Lanka name squad for Zimbabwe T20Is; Hasaranga to lead, Mathews returns

Sri Lanka have recalled Angelo Mathews to their T20I side for the first time since March 2021 for the series against Zimbabwe beginning on January 14. Wanindu Hasaranga, who missed the ODI World Cup last year due to an injury, taking over from Dashun Shanaka.

Shreyas Iyer picked in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad

After being excluded from the three T20Is against Afghanistan, Shreyas has been named in Mumbai’s squad for the 2023/24 Ranji Trophy clash against Andhra on January 12. He replaces Sarfaraz Ahmed, who along with pacer Tushar Deshpande, will play for India A against England Lions.

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