Despite Kohli's flowing form ahead of the T20 World Cup in June, pundits have raised concerns over his strike-rate
cricket2 hours ago
Australia's star batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test beginning on Thursday after suffering concussion, a decision which coach Justin Langer said was a "no brainer".
The 30-year-old Smith - who has scored two centuries and 92 in his three innings in the first two Tests - was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer on Saturday in the first innings of the second Test at Lord's.
Smith's absence will be a huge blow to Australia who hold a 1-0 lead in the five Test series and for whom victory at Headingley would ensure they retained the Ashes.
Their other batsmen have not looked convincing - experienced opener David Warner has totalled just 18 in his four innings - with Smith being the lynch-pin.
"When we followed the protocols he was probably a couple of days off being fit to be selected," said Langer at a press conference.
"It was really a no-brainer. He felt a bit better yesterday but he's not going to have enough time to tick off everything he's got to do."
Langer, who replaced Darren Lehmann as coach when the latter resigned following the ball-tampering scandal that blew up on the tour of South Africa in 2018, said losing Smith was as big a blow as England losing leading wicket-taker Jimmy Anderson in the first Test.
"It's not unlike England losing James Anderson. He's arguably their best bowler and we're going to lose arguably our best batsman for this Test match," said Langer.
"It is always a blow. No doubt about that. When you take your best players out it always has an impact.
"We have to make sure our senior players and the younger guys step up and fill what are almost unfillable shoes because he's the best player in the world."
The team doctor Richard Saw had the final say on whether Smith played or not and he was seen speaking with him during team training on Tuesday.
According to the Cricket Australia website vice-captain Pat Cummins patted Smith on the shoulder and coach Langer wrapped his arm round the former captain as the rest of the squad trained without him.
Smith - who has risen to number two in the world batting rankings - was pictured with his head in his hands and Langer looking glumly at the ground.
Smith, whose two centuries in the first Test were pivotal in Australia taking a 1-0 lead, returned to bat on Saturday despite the blow to the side of the head that felled him. He added 12 runs before being out.
However, he was unable to play on the fifth and final day on Sunday as he awoke feeling "groggy". Australia held on to draw the Test with his concussion substitute Marnus Labuschagne playing a key innings.
The Ashes series is the first being played under the International Cricket Council's new concussion substitute regulations, as part of the inaugural World Test Championship.
Despite Kohli's flowing form ahead of the T20 World Cup in June, pundits have raised concerns over his strike-rate
cricket2 hours ago
Saudi Arabia has begun to explore extracting lithium from sea water
business2 hours ago
Speaking after meeting Lebanese leaders, French foreign minister says there had been "a lot of progress" over the French proposals
mena2 hours ago
The three-shot winner from Japan says he is aiming to become a member of the PGA Tour in the future
sports2 hours ago
Big-hitting Nienaber falters at the finish to settle for secondwhile former Abu Dhabi resident David Horsey takes the third spot at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
sports3 hours ago
The UAE is India's second-largest export destination after the US
economy3 hours ago
Islamabad is seeking a larger long-term agreement with the fund after a current $3 billion standby arrangement expires this month
economy3 hours ago
Prior to halting operations, WCK had distributed more than 43 million meals in Gaza since October
world3 hours ago