Sports

England bat first, Smith remains out with injury

England won the toss and chose to bat first on Sunday ahead of their second ODI against Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester. talismanic batsman Steve smith remains unavailable for the match despite Cricket Australia saying earlier that he had been cleared to take part.

At the time of going to the press, in reply to England’s 231 for 9 in 50 overs, Australia were struggling at 166 for 7 in the 40th over.

CA, in a statement released shortly after the toss on Sunday, said that Smith has been rested as “an extra precaution.”

England, on the other hand, have selected Tom and Sam Curran in place of fast bowler Mark Wood, who sits out with an ankle niggle, and all- rounder Moeen Ali.

“It’s the same wicket as the other day,” said England captain Eoin Morgan. “It might potentially get a little bit worse this afternoon. It probably didn’t spin as much as we thought it was going to [on Friday] but if you hit the right area, there’s a bit on offer.”

“We’d have batted first on this wicket, it being a used wicket,” said Australia skipper Aaron Finch. “We’ve gone with the same team. (Mitchell) Starc is fine, he’s ready to go. the way we fought back against the spin was really impressive and in the first ten overs we bowled nicely.”

Australia lead the three-match series 1-0.

Our Bureau

Recent Posts

Russia Targets Ukraine’s Power Grid Again With Massive Missile And Drone Strikes

Over 40 missiles and 70 drones hit Ukraine's energy facilities, targeting gas infrastructure. Despite air…

1 hour ago

Look At Global Leaders Reaction To Gaza Ceasefire Deal After 15-Month Conflict

World leaders, including President Biden, UN Secretary-General Guterres, and European officials, welcomed the ceasefire deal,…

1 hour ago

Cristiano Ronaldo Set To Extend Saudi Arabia Stay Becomes Co-Owner Of Al Nassr: Report

Cristiano Ronaldo’s new contract with Al Nassr will not only keep him at the club…

2 hours ago

Missi Roti Sparks Global Debate After Being Ranked Among World’s Worst Foods

Missi Roti, a nutritious Indian flatbread, ranks 56th on Taste Atlas' 'worst foods' list, causing…

2 hours ago

South Africa’s Illegal Gold Mine Crackdown Kills 78, Hundreds Rescued

South African authorities rescued 246 survivors and recovered 78 bodies from an illegal gold mine.…

2 hours ago

Micheal Martin Set To Lead Ireland Again As Prime Minister In New Coalition Deal

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is set to reclaim Ireland’s premiership under a new coalition…

2 hours ago