Dhoni steps down as India’s limited overs captain

Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped down as India’s limited-overs captain on Wednesday after a trophy-laden nine-year reign. The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, who rose from the cricketing backwaters of India’s Jharkhand to lead the game’s most passionately-followed team, will stand aside as captain immediately, but will remain available to play in the limited overs series against England later this month.

Mumbai will play Tamil Nadu in exciting Ranji Trophy semi-final1 hour ago

Rajkot, Dec 31: Defending champions Mumbai’s quest for their 42nd Ranji Trophy title will go through a stern test when they take on Tamil Nadu in the semi-final, starting at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium here on Sunday. For the high-profile knockout clash, Mumbai have called up 17-year old Prithvi Shaw to their squad after dropping an out-of-form Kevin Almeida.

BAN vs NZ 2nd ODI: Likely XI for visitors

It is a do-or-die for the Bangladesh as they face hosts New Zealand in the second One-Day International of the three-match series at the Saxton Oval, Nelson on Thursday. New Zealand started off with a dominant 77-run win in the first ODI and will be high on confidence walking into the next fixture, as they eye a series win.

South Africa openers build 165-run lead over Sri Lanka

South Africa’s openers built a 165-run lead over Sri Lanka before rain forced a second delay on Day 3 of the first cricket test at St. George’s Park on Wednesday. South Africa moved to 84-0 in its second innings with another solid partnership from Dean Elgar and Stephen Cook after their 104-run opening stand in the first innings.

Silva hits defiant 43 to keep SL in contention

Eleven wickets fell on a day when a bowler-friendly track proved something of a nightmare for batsmen. Dhananjaya de Silva enhanced his rapidly-growing reputation with an unbeaten 43 as he kept South Africa’s strike bowlers at bay to see Sri Lanka to 181 for seven in their first innings at the end of the second day of the first test on Tuesday.

Ranji Trophy 2016-17: Panchal in talks ahead of Gujarat-Odisha quarter-final tie

The pitch has been helping the batsmen of late, but the early morning moisture this time of the year will also offer the pacers assistance A Getty Images Jaipur: He has already amassed more than 1000 runs this season and the focus will be firmly on Priyank Panchal when Gujarat lock horns with Odisha in their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal cricket match starting on Friday. Gujarat will be boosted by the return of Parthiv Patel from national duty against a team that is playing in the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time since 2001.

Cricket South Africa introduces player milestone programme

Johannesburg : Cricket South Africa has introduced a new Proteas player milestone programme that will recognise all South African players for their achievements across all three formats of the game. The milestone programme is inclusive of both Proteas men and women players and will honour players dating back to South Africa’s re-admission into international cricket in 1991.

England’s Alastair Cook named captain of ICC team of the year

Alastair Cook has been named captain of the International Cricket Council Test team of the year despite leading England to victory in just one of their last eight matches . England have four representatives in the team – more than any other nation – with three Australians and one player apiece from New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka and South Africa in a side picked by former Test greats Rahul Dravid, Gary Kirsten and Kumar Sangakkara for the sport’s world governing body.

Cricket: Nair triple ton puts India in command against England

Karun Nair cracked a brilliant triple century as India took total control against England in Chennai on Monday, posting their highest-ever Test score. Right-hander Nair, who finished on 303 not out, reached the landmark with a boundary before India declared their first innings on a huge 759-7 for a lead of 282 in the fifth and final Test.

Keaton Jennings will lead England Lions in tour of Sri LankaKeaton…

The Durham opener scored a century on his Test debut against India in Mumbai last week and will get another chance to impress the national selectors when the Lions face Sri Lanka A in a four-day and 50-over series in February and March. Fellow batsmen Haseeb Hameed and Ben Duckett, who also made their Test debuts this winter, are included in the travelling party who will play two four-day games and five 50-over contests.