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Australia are currently scheduled to play five ODIs against Pakistan in the UAE in March

George Dobell20-Dec-2018Wasim Khan, the incoming managing director of the PCB, hopes that Australia can be persuaded to return to Pakistan for the first time in more than 20 years in the early months of 2019.Australia, who last played in Pakistan in late 1998, are currently scheduled to play five ODIs against Pakistan in the UAE in March. But Wasim is keen to ensure any perceived security gaps are closed so that Australia can be persuaded to play matches in Pakistan at the start of that series in an attempt to bring regular international cricket back to the country.”I will ask the question,” Wasim told ESPNcricinfo. “We will continue to offer them the highest level security and, if they have any concerns, we will act to meet them.”Pakistan have been obliged to play the vast majority of their international cricket in the UAE since a terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team convoy in Lahore in March 2009. While Zimbabwe played some limited-overs games in Lahore in 2015, Sri Lanka returned for a one-off T20I in 2017 and there have also been appearances by a World XI (2017) and West Indies (2018), the return of Australia would mark a significant step in the nation’s rehabilitation as a cricketing venue.Wasim will also invite an MCC team to tour the country in the coming months – it is understood the subject has already been broached with the MCC chief executive Guy Lavender – and invite county teams to use the excellent academy facility in Lahore as part of their pre-season training plans.Leicestershire, where Wasim remains chief executive until the end of January, are the obvious candidates. They currently have no pre-season trips planned in 2019, with Wasim accepting that such a visit may have to be sponsored by the PCB.A few PSL matches have also returned to Pakistan over the last couple of years, with a number of foreign players involved. Eight fixtures are due to be staged there, split between Karachi and Lahore, in the 2018 season, which starts in February.”It will probably be a process of baby steps,” Wasim continued. “I need to sit down with other boards and ask them: where are the gaps in our plans that worry you? What can we do to assure you? What will it take to get you to come back? I want to hear what concerns they have and find a way of meeting them.”We have excellent facilities. We have a great passion for the game. If we can get more foreign players coming to Pakistan more often, hopefully we can normalise playing in the country again.”

Shamsa Hashmi, former general manager of the Pakistan women side, criticised the former captain’s tactics, and said that she had been trying to control Mir’s ‘manoeuvring and hegemony by counselling’

Umar Farooq05-Oct-2017Sana Mir, recently axed from captaincy, has found herself back in the spotlight as the former women’s general manger Shamsa Hashmi said that she had been trying to control Mir’s ‘manoeuvring and hegemony by counselling’. She criticised Mir’s captaincy over the years, saying she had been discouraging players, and had taken shocking on-field decisions. Mir will be replaced by Bismah Maroof as captain, a decision that is part of the PCB’s revamp of its women’s cricket set-up following the team’s poor performance at the World Cup in June. Shamsa was herself dismissed as general manager.”I never spoke earlier in public about what Sana had been saying, because I was part of the PCB, and I do like to follow the organisation’s obligations,” Shamsa told reporters in a rare media appearance at her home. “I heard she didn’t want to work with the management of the women’s wings, but still she had been working with us for the last two-and-a-half years. Now I don’t know what suddenly went wrong. There may be a lot of factors behind it but she never conveyed those to me, except one. She wanted to have her former fellow players appointed to the selection committee, and one of them she wanted to have as women’s team trainer. I didn’t want to be a part of it, and I told her that I would have to think about it. So if that was the problem, then I can’t do anything about it.”Mir, the team manager, and a couple of senior players had been singled out for blame for Pakistan’s winless World Cup campaign. In a damning report, coach Sabih Azhar accused Mir of adopting a “negative approach” and of being completely self-obsessed. He also complained that Ayesha Ashar – who has been sacked from the managerial post and made interim general manager women wings – paid most of her attention to some senior players and was “cold” towards the younger players.”If we recall our World Cup performance this year, it wasn’t bad at all,” Shamsa said. “But the way players are being used, with rapid batting order changes and unorthodox changes in bowling – these are the things that let us down. I want to recall the England match in which Heather Knight and (Natalie) Sciver scored hundreds, and most of their runs were on the leg, but the field wasn’t adjusted accordingly.”Against South Africa, for example, we lost by [a small margin]. We actually lost the game by conceding 16 runs in the second-last over. Scoring 16 runs in last two overs while chasing is always difficult and I believe that over should have been given to your best bowler which the captain didn’t do. Against Sri Lanka, we lost only because we didn’t take the Powerplay and that was the responsibility of the captain in the middle. So these are the critical things to notice.”Mir, 31, had, before the World Cup, hinted at retiring from the game. The PCB top brass then came up with the suggestion of giving Mir a graceful exit, but later decided to retain her for a few series and assess her individual performance. Mir had also stepped down as captain of the T20 side after 2016 Women’s World T20. “I do respect Sana as a player and since she is captain, I wanted to give her a graceful exit,” Shamsa said. “But as far as her manipulation and hegemony is concerned, I told her we should abide only by merit.”

Sri Lanka Cricket has earmarked Rs 200 million for the construction of two new cricket stadiums in the Northern and North Central Provinces

Sa'adi Thawfeeq06-Sep-2016Sri Lanka Cricket is investing in the development of cricket in parts of the country less exposed to the game by earmarking funds for the construction of two new cricket stadiums in the Northern and North Central Provinces.The executive committee of SLC has given its approval for the two projects to go ahead. The projects, on which work is due to begin in the near future, are expected to cost Sri Lankan Rs 200 million (approximately 1.38 million USD).”We have allocated Rs 100 million each for the construction of a cricket stadium at Polonnaruwa and one at Jaffna,” Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan de Silva, said. “The projects are due to begin very soon.”De Silva said plans for the Polonnaruwa stadium have been finalised and that work would commence soon. The stadium would be part of a larger sports complex that is being constructed in the area. In the case of Jaffna, SLC is still searching for a suitable site close to the main road so that people would have easy access to the stadium.”There is tremendous enthusiasm generated by the Tamil diaspora for a cricket stadium in the north,” de Silva said. “The Jaffna District Cricket Association is taking all steps to make it a reality.”We will initially construct the two stadiums as first-class cricket venues and later develop them into hosting international cricket matches. We want to develop cricket in the north and east and enhance the quality of the game in those areas.”Cricket in the north was hit very badly by the 30-year civil war between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government. Since the end of the war, seven years ago, there has been large-scale development in the region, with sports being one of the key areas.

Led by Dale Steyn, who became the second-quickest bowler to 400 Test wickets, South Africa chipped away at Bangladesh’s line-up reducing the hosts to 246 for 8 at the end of the first day

The Report by Firdose Moonda30-Jul-2015
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details2:21

Trott: Steyn could get 600 wickets

Dale Steyn became the 13th bowler to take 400 Test wickets but South Africa’s part-time spinners enjoyed most of the success on an absorbing day of grind on both sides. South Africa’s bowlers showed more intent and aggression than in the first Test but were made to toil on a slow, dry surface that had been run ragged as early as day one.There were signs of substantial turn, which will suit Bangladesh later on, and it placed added importance on the hosts making the most of what will likely be the best batting conditions of the game. Mushfiqur Rahim’s 65, which included a 94-run fourth-wicket stand with Mahmudullah formed the core of the Bangladesh challenge, which started off strongly but fell away later on. Mushfiqur’s dismissal prompted a collapse of 4 for 31 in the third session to hand South Africa the advantage.The predicted rain did not arrive but clouds lurked around the Shere Bangla stadium for most of the morning session. The moisture they held did not provide any swing for Steyn but he was still South Africa’s best bowler, much-improved from the first Test.He should have had a wicket in the third over of the day when Tamim Iqbal flayed at a full delivery but the resultant edge was out of reach of debutant wicketkeeper Dane Vilas and Dean Elgar could not hold on as the ball dipped on him. Steyn did not have to wait too long for his milestone, though. Tamim could not resist the tempting length and was loose again in Steyn’s next over when he chased a wide ball and edged to first slip, where Hashim Amla collected at chest height.That wicket made Steyn the joint-fastest seamer to 400 Test wickets, equalling Richard Hadlee’s 80 appearances, and the second fastest to the landmark overall. He is the second South African bowler in the 400-plus Test wickets club after Shaun Pollock, who finished with 421 wickets. After the early success, Steyn seemed set to add a few more to his tally but, until he generated reverse-swing later in the day, Bangladesh defied him.Imrul Kayes and Mominul Haque showed impeccable judgment outside off stump and the temperament to withstand the pressure the South African attack piled on them. As a pack, the South Africa pacers forced the batsmen to play more than they did in Chittagong with more attacking lines and lengths. They also used the bouncer more frequently, with Morne Morkel, bowling first change, relying on his stock short ball to intimidate the batsmen.Bangladesh, to their credit, were not so easily bowled over. Imrul and Mominul got into good positions to play the pull and rode the bounce, while waiting to target the spinner. Simon Harmer was introduced in the 12th over and showed confidence in tossing the ball up. The batsmen showed equal confidence in dispatching it.The runs they took off Harmer and part-timer Stiaan van Zyl provided the cushion to see out the pre-lunch squeeze. Steyn returned for a spell, and South Africa only gave away 12 runs in seven overs before the break, but Bangladesh clung on.JP Duminy made his first appearance in the second session and it proved to be a good move. Mominul tried to play a late dab off him but was cramped for room and he edged to Vilas, who took his first Test catch. Nine deliveries later, Duminy rapped Imrul on the back pad in front of middle and off to push Bangladesh towards a mini-collapse.Vernon Philander’s afternoon spell asked questions of Bangladesh’s discipline, particularly when he found some movement as the clouds cleared. He got shape into the right-hander and fished for the edge. Steyn’s reverse-swing threatened to take out the captain when a ball shaved Mushfiqur’s off stump on its way through to Vilas, but no damage was done. Steyn was denied again when Mahmudullah, on 18, was given out lbw off his bowling but the review and replays showed an inside edge.Bangladesh enjoyed relief off Harmer and Morkel, whose threat was negated by the batsmen’s growing confidence, and went to tea in a strong position at 154 for 3. Mushfiqur brought up his half-century, off 79 balls, as the final session got underway and was readying to ensure the day belonged to Bangladesh. He rotated strike with Mahmudullah and milked the spinners as South Africa seemed to be allowing the game to, as Amla would say, “drift.”The captain brought Steyn back as soon as he felt initiative needed to be regained and he struck. Mahmudullah sent a full, straight delivery with a hint of reverse-swing to short midwicket where Temba Bavuma was stationed. Still, Bangladesh were in control, with Shakib Al Hasan joining Mushfiqur.The pair built steadily. Shakib targeted Harmer and the batsmen looked settled when Amla pulled a rabbit out of the hat. With substantial turn on offer, Elgar was brought on for some part time left-arm spin and snagged the big wicket. Mushfiqur came forward to defend a loopy delivery outside off, the ball turned away and bounced and seemed to take the edge on the way through to Vilas. Paul Reiffel gave him out but Mushfiqur reviewed. Snicko showed only a faint spike which may have been the bat hitting the ground but the decision was upheld. Mushfiqur was visibly upset as he walked off, leaving Shakib to marshal the rest.Liton Das showed none of the composure of the first Test when he got a leading edge to sweep Duminy into Elgar’s hands. The Bangladesh tail was staring at facing the second new ball but Amla kept Elgar on, perhaps for a little longer, hoping to take advantage of the turn. Shakib switched to attacking mode to try and add what he could but his fun ended when Steyn and Morkel were brought back on. With the ball still reversing, Morkel got one to swerve across Shakib and took a top edge to gully. Steyn bagged one more to end South Africa’s day strongly and leave Amla with the option of calling on the new ball tomorrow morning.

ESPNcricinfo’s preview of the first Twenty20 between Australia and Sri Lanka in Sydney

The Preview by Brydon Coverdale25-Jan-2013

Match facts

Shaun Marsh’s BBL form has earned him a recall to Australia’s side•Getty Images

January 26, Stadium Australia
Start time 1935 (0835 GMT)

Big Picture

Sri Lanka didn’t quite manage to win the one-day series but they will fancy their chances in this two-match Twenty20 contest. The No.1-ranked T20 side in the world, they are taking on an outfit led by George Bailey that sits in seventh place on the ICC rankings. Not that Bailey’s team bears that much of a resemblance to the side that played at the World T20 last year: of the 12 men in the squad for this game, only six were part of the World T20 group. The selectors have instead rewarded BBL form, allowing men like Shaun Marsh, Adam Voges, James Faulkner and Ben Laughlin another chance at international level. The Sri Lankans, on the other hand, have plenty of international experience in their line-up. The two matches also mark the end of Sri Lanka’s near two-month tour and after their disappointing Test series and shared result in the ODIs, they will be keen to finish on a high.

Form guide

(Most recent first)
Australia LLWWW
Sri Lanka LWWWT

In the spotlight

Twelve months ago, Shaun Marsh‘s international career was on life support. Three months ago it appeared the situation was terminal. A big night out in South Africa during the Champions League did Marsh’s reputation no good – although plenty of Perth Scorchers team-mates had also been out partying – and when the players returned home his form was so poor that he was dropped from the state side. But a productive BBL in which he was the leading run scorer encouraged the selectors to give Marsh another chance in the national T20 side. If he grabs it, 2013 might be a much more pleasing year for Marsh than 2012.Something about T20 cricket just agrees with Lasith Malinga. Only Dirk Nannes has taken more wickets in the format than the 191 Malinga has collected. At times in the BBL he was devastating as batsmen struggled to handle his yorkers, slower balls and bouncers. Although he was overshadowed in the ODIs by Nuwan Kulasekara, Malinga is back in his best format and looms as the key man for Sri Lanka.

Team news

Australia’s batting line-up appears settled, with their main decision surrounding the make-up of the attack. There are four fast men in the squad – Ben Cutting, James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc and Ben Laughlin – along with the spinner Xavier Doherty and the allrounder Glenn Maxwell. They can also extract some overs of spin from Adam Voges.Australia (possible) 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Shaun Marsh, 4 Adam Voges, 5 George Bailey (capt), 6 Matthew Wade (wk), 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Ben Cutting, 9 James Faulkner, 10 Mitchell Starc, 11 Xavier Doherty.Sri Lanka might choose to give the teenage spinner Akila Dananjaya his first outing of the tour, while Ajantha Mendis is also a likely inclusion.Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 2 Mahela Jayawardene, 3 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 4 Angelo Mathews (capt), 5 Lahiru Thirimanne, 6 Jeevan Mendis, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Lasith Malinga, 10 Ajantha Mendis, 11 Akila Dananjaya.

Pitch and conditions

This will be Stadium Australia’s second international match, after it debuted last summer with a Twenty20 between Australia and India. In the four BBL games there this season scores were not particularly high, although that was perhaps as much more to do with the Sydney Thunder’s poor form as the venue.”A couple of low scoring games here [during the BBL] so we’ll have a look at that,” Bailey said. “It can be a little slow and the other thing with the drop-in wickets is you don’t get much pace off the square either so a little bit of adjustment. But it is always tempting to see how short it is straight here too.”

Stats and trivia

• Australia and Sri Lanka have met in six T20 internationals. Sri Lanka have won four and Australia two
• This will be Australia’s 59th T20 international and if Cutting debuts, he will be the 60th player to represent Australia in T20s

Quotes

“It’s the same game but just with accelerated decision-making and upping the ante a little earlier [than ODIs]. But I don’t think there’ll be too much as far as new shots or anything like that. I certainly don’t have that up my sleeve. And for those who haven’t been playing the one-dayers it’s perfect preparation – they’ve just come out of the BBL.”

“We would probably say the top seven batters [not just Warner], they’re really good, so we’re not concentrating on any individual, but we as a team have been doing really well in the one day series and we hope to continue in the T20 form as well.”

Abdul Razzaq has said Pakistan must be cautious in their policy of picking young players and should ensure only those cricketers with real talent are given a chance.

Umar Farooq12-Dec-2011Abdul Razzaq, the Pakistan allrounder, has said Pakistan must be cautious in their policy of picking young players and should ensure only those cricketers with real talent are given a chance. In the last two years, Pakistan have handed 11 different players Test debuts, while another five players have earned their first ODI cap. Razzaq said that rebuilding was necessary, but the selectors should be sure the players they back can be successful at international level.”Bringing in young players is a good move and that is an ongoing process,” Razzaq told ESPNcricinfo. “But only talented players, who are tough and have superb class, should be called up.”Pakistan experimented on their recent tour of Zimbabwe and have a couple of young, untested fast bowlers – Mohammad Talha and Mohammad Khalil – in their squad for the Tests in Bangladesh. Razzaq, though, said players should not only be tried against low-profile opposition. “I remember when I debuted in 1996 my seniors gave me a benchmark, and said I had to prove my ability by performing against teams like Australia, South Africa and England. All the newcomers should be tough enough to face that kind of opposition in order to be prosperous and play at least ten years of cricket.”Razzaq, who is set to depart for Australia to play for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, said his next aim in international cricket was to play in the 2012 World Twenty20.He said he would concentrate on the shorter formats of the game. “I still have some cricket left in me and the upcoming World Twenty20 is what I am focussing on. Test cricket is behind me; it’s too late for a comeback. I want to make a final call on that but it’s a decision that needs to be taken with the PCB in the loop.”

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, who was rested for the Twenty20 series against Pakistan, picked up three wickets on the second day of the tour game between New Zealand Cricket XI and the Pakistanis at Cobham Oval (New) in Whangarei

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jan-2011Pakistanis 234 for 8 (Misbah 99*, Vettori 3-26, Marin 3-52) trail NZC XI 384 all out (McCullum 206, Tanvir 4-63, Gul 3-61) by 150 runs

ScorecardMisbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, defied the New Zealand bowlers with an unbeaten 99•Getty Images

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, who was rested for the Twenty20 series against Pakistan, picked up three wickets on the second day of the tour game against the Pakistanis, who were struggling in Whangarei despite captain Misbah-ul-Haq’s unbeaten 99. New Zealand, who ended the first day on a comfortable 342 for 4, collapsed to 384 all out on the second morning. Fast bowlers Umar Gul and Sohail Tanvir, who shared seven wickets between them, ran through the New Zealand middle and lower order as New Zealand lost 6 for 42.The Pakistani innings got off to a disastrous start as Chris Martin’s early burst left them reeling at 22 for 3 after seven overs. Mohammad Hafeez was the first to go, caught behind off Martin in the first over before Taufeeq Umar was dismissed similarly in Martin’s next over. Younis Khan soon followed, also caught behind for 7.At 39 for 4, when Azhar Ali was trapped lbw by Trent Boult, a familiar Pakistani batting collapse looked imminent but it was avoided through Misbah’s efforts. He had a solid first Test series as captain, scoring three-half-centuries in two matches against South Africa and he continued to be in good touch. He and Asad Shafiq steadied the innings with a 52-run fourth-wicket partnership before Shafiq was dismissed by Vettori.That brought wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal to the crease, who played positively, hitting seven boundaries in his 31-ball 35. His partnership of 57 with Misbah carried Pakistan to 148 before he was dismissed by James Franklin. Misbah also received good support from Abdur Rehman (20) and Umar Gul (24), as the Pakistani lower order showed some fight. Vettori dismissed both Rehman and Gul and Pakistan ended the day on 234 for 8, still trailing New Zealand by 150 runs with Misbah unbeaten on 99.The first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand begins in Hamilton on January 7 and while the visitors will be pleased at how their bowlers bounced back on the second day, the indifferent form of their batting will be a worry.

The West Indies captain has said he is fully motivated for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia

Cricinfo staff03-Feb-2010West Indies captain Chris Gayle has said he is fully motivated for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia. It’s been a over a month since West Indies returned home after being beaten 2-0 in the three Test series in Australia, but Gayle stayed behind to represent Queensland Bulls in the Twenty20 Big Bash. However, he said he was focused on coming out trumps in the five ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals.”I am feeling really good. I’m happy to be back in the groove and representing the West Indies,” Gayle told . “We are without two key batsmen, Shiv [Chanderpaul] and [Ramnaresh] Sarwan but this is a chance for other players to grab the opportunity and make a name. It will be a challenging tour but I know we are capable of winning.”With injuries also sidelining bowlers Fidel Edwards and Jerome Taylor, West Indies have been forced to turn to more untested players. Fast bowler Kemar Roach has played just seven ODIs, while fellow seamer Ravi Rampaul has played 36 games over a six-year span. Another paceman Gavin Tonge has managed just five.However, Gayle believed the unit possessed enough quality and backed them to perform against the in-form Australians. “The Aussies are a good team and they played well against Pakistan, but they are beatable,” he said. “We have been watching the series and we have seen what the Australians have to offer.”On our side we have a lot to offer. We have depth, and we have players who are capable match-winners. Everyone knows what is required.”West Indies have just one warm-up match before the series kicks off in Melbourne on Sunday and Gayle said the team was taking the tour game, against a Matthew Hayden-led Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval tomorrow, very seriously.”We know the Aussies will come hard against us and we know we have to be on the money,” Gayle said. “We need a good start and we will be looking to start well against the Prime Minister’s XI. This will be a very serious game for us. We want a solid start and we want all the players to be in the right frame of mind when we take to the field on Thursday.”

Connolly had played just four first class games and was wicketless from his 96 deliveries before his Test debut in Galle

Tristan Lavalette06-Feb-20250:40

Connolly: ‘I like to be aggressive while I’m playing red-ball cricket as well’

From the moment his clutch batting memorably lifted Perth Scorchers to the BBL title almost exactly two years ago, Cooper Connolly quickly became a fan favourite and there was plenty of intrigue over the potential of this promising left-arm spinning allrounder.But even his legion of admirers out west could not have foreshadowed his rise to Test cricket would be so swift. After just four first-class matches, the 21-year-old Connolly became Australia’s 471st men’s cricketer after he replaced offspinner Todd Murphy in Australia’s XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He became Australia’s fourth debutant in as many Tests.With his emotional parents standing nearby, Connolly, 21, was presented with his baggy green cap by former Test batter and fellow Western Australian Simon Katich.Related

• 'I earned my opportunity' – Connolly reflects on whirlwind Test debut ahead of Shield return

• Cummins and Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy

• Travis Head expects Sam Konstas to open in WTC final

• Sri Lanka hope for Nissanka boost as Australia target rare series win in Asia

• Sri Lanka's 'strength is spin', but it's a game Australia can play too

His selection for this Test had been murmured in recent days with expectations that the surface used for this match would be notably dry and especially favourable to spin.Connolly’s selection has raised some eyebrows given he is wicketless from 96 deliveries in his first-class career so far. But all three of his Shield matches have been at the pace-friendly WACA ground, while he bowled only six overs against India A in Mackay in early November which was his last first-class match.Albeit a different format, but Connolly did take six wickets in the recent BBL season – where he was named player of the tournament after scoring the most runs in the league stage – highlighted by a strong performance against Sydney Thunder in favourable spinning conditions at the Showgrounds.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

If the surface for the second Test does spin sharply, Connolly could prove dangerous and provides another left-arm spinning option alongside Matthew Kuhnemann, who had so much success in the series opener.”From what I’ve seen in the nets he bowls some really good balls,” stand-in captain Steven Smith said on Wednesday. “He was pretty consistent when he was bowling in Dubai and in the nets here.”That’s kind of all you’ve got to do in these conditions, just try and bowl as many good balls in a good area and let the conditions take over.”Connolly’s inclusion also underlines bolder selections from Australia’s hierarchy who have shown a willingness to experiment ever since picking 19-year-old Sam Konstas for the Boxing Day Test against India.Cooper Connolly receives his debut cap from Simon Katich•Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

With Australia’s spot in the World Test Championship final secured, Connolly edged veteran Glenn Maxwell for a spot on the Sri Lanka tour having made his T20I and ODI debuts in the backend of last year. Undoubtedly, selectors have an eye towards the future – Australia’s next tour of India is just two years away – but they will insist his selection in the second Test is a decision based on specific conditions.At this stage of his fledgling career, Connolly is certainly a much stronger batter and adds significant depth to Australia’s order at No. 8. He has already scored three half-centuries from his six first-class innings, starting with 90 off 115 balls on debut at No. 7 in last year’s Shield final between WA and Tasmania.It was an elegant knock on a tricky WACA surface that instantly drew comparisons to former WA great Shaun Marsh. But given his all-round skills and X-factor ability, with an uncanny knack of hitting the most mesmerising shots, Connolly has been likened to Maxwell and Travis Head.”It’s pretty cool to be honest. You dream of it as a kid watching them smack it around,” he told ESPNcricinfo last December about the comparisons to Maxwell and Head. “I feel proud of myself… it’s a dream to put on a baggy green.”

The 96-run stand between Jess Duffin and Harmanpreet Kaur went in vain for Renegades, who remain stuck at the bottom of the pile

Tristan Lavalette08-Nov-2023Late hitting from Bridget Patterson powered defending champions Adelaide Strikers past struggling Melbourne Renegades at Karen Rolton Oval in their WBBL fixture on Wednesday.Despite a gulf between the teams on the ladder, Strikers were made to work and the target of 149 was not easy on a tricky surface. But Patterson was superb at the death, finishing unbeaten on 36 from 26 balls as Strikers claimed victory with an over to spare.Renegades’ total had been built around a 96-run fourth-wicket partnership between Harmanpreet Kaur and Jess Duffin after they had slumped at 41 for 3.After that, Renegades needed early wickets under lights, but were thwarted by aggressive opener Katie Mack in the powerplay. She used her feet to great effect against offspinner Hayley Mathews and capitalised on wayward short bowling from 16-year-old quick Sara Kennedy.Bowling at speeds close to 120kph, Kennedy has impressed in her debut season but struggled for rhythm, and conceded 15 runs in the third over amid Mack’s flier.Mack had the boundary in her sights on almost every delivery before holing out to Matthews after scoring 24.Captain Tahlia McGrath became the second Strikers batter to pass 2000 WBBL runs and was untroubled along with Laura Wolvaardt. They were in cruise control at the halfway mark before both fell after the drinks break to seamer Georgia Prestwidge.Danielle Gibson, the hero in their thrilling chase against Perth Scorchers, was set to again lead Strikers over the line before falling to Kennedy with 26 runs still needed. But Patterson calmly stepped up as Strikers moved back to the top of the ladder.Jess Duffin’s half-century helped Melbourne Renegades get to a competitive total•Getty Images

Renegades’ finals hopes, however, appear forlorn after losing their sixth straight game.Propping the ladder, Renegades were major underdogs but their only victory of the season had been against Strikers, who they had routed for 86 at the Junction Oval.After electing to bat on a lively surface, Renegades desperately needed Matthews to find form after she had scored just 99 runs from seven innings.She didn’t face up immediately with Tammy Beaumont smashing a first-ball boundary from offspinner Georgia Adams and added another lusty blow three balls later.But on the last ball of the over, when she finally went on strike, Matthews was cramped for room attempting a cut shot to be caught behind for a golden duck. It was the second time this season Matthews had fallen to Adams and the fourth time she has failed to reach double-figures.Renegades’ top-order woes continued when a frustrated Courtney Webb was stumped after being lured out of her crease by a looping delivery from legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington that spun sharply off the pitch.Beaumont, who had been reprieved on 12 when legspinner Anesu Mushangwe dropped a tough return catch, was bowled by Gibson as Renegades stared down the barrel.In a familiar tale, the pressure was on Harmanpreet, who again dug Renegades out of trouble. She targeted Wellington down the ground and also played with trademark inventiveness, including several well-executed scoops, as she mastered the two-paced surface.Duffin provided strong support and after a slow start she overtook Harmanpreet with a slew of belligerent strokes. Both batters fell at the death with Harmanpreet brilliantly caught by McGrath low to her left at cover.Mushangwe deservedly picked up the wicket of Duffin to finish with 1 for 18 off four overs in a disciplined performance that the Renegades bowlers were unable to replicate later in the night.