Cricket news round-up – 1 November: Maxwell takes a break from cricket

Glenn Maxwell takes a short break from cricket due to mental health. A 15-member Pakistan Women squad announced for their two-match ODI series against Bangladesh. Scotland end Men’s World T20 Qualifier with a win against Oman.

Maxwell takes a break from cricket

Glenn Maxwell has decided to take a short break from cricket following his mental health difficulties. Maxwell played first two matches of the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka and hit 62 off 28 in the first game. During the tour, the coach Justin Langer initiated a discussion with Maxwell on his well-being and then Maxwell shared his issues with him.

According to Langer, “It took great courage to tell us that he wasn’t okay. “Behind the mask of the great entertainer and the great talent and the great team man and everything we see publicly – a lot of these guys, they are human and they are hurting a bit. Hopefully, he’ll be fine.”

Team psychologist Dr Michael Lloyd confirmed, “Glenn Maxwell has been experiencing some difficulties with regards to his mental health. As a result, he will spend a short time away from the game. Glenn was proactive in identifying these issues and engaging with the support staff.”

Ben Oliver, the executive general manager of the national teams ensured support for the player on behalf of Cricket Australia.  D’Arcy Short has been called up as a replacement and will join the squad ahead of the final T20I.

Rahul Dravid gets a recall from BCCI

Rahul Dravid has been asked to reappear before BCCI ethics officer Justice (retired) DK Jain on November 12. Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association life member Sanjiv Gupta who had lodged the complaint will be heard too on the same day. But Dravid had already gave an explanation on the same. He had taken leave of absence from his India Cements job and was not involved with the Super Kings in any capacity after joining the academy.

According to a BCCI official’s version to the PTI, “Jain wrote to Dravid on Wednesday night, asking him to depose on November 12 in New Delhi. Gupta too will be heard.”

Moeen Ali joins Cape Town Blitz

Moeen Ali will feature for Cape Town Blitz for the upcoming edition of the Mzansi Super League. But he will play only two opening matches for the Blitz – on November 8 against Jozi Stars and on November 10 against Paarl Rocks. He is joining the Blitz only as a replacement for Wahab Riaz. Riaz will be busy playing for Pakistan to fulfill his international commitments.

“Moeen brings huge international experience to the team and in County cricket, he won the T20 Blast in 2018 with Worcestershire Rapids and he led them to the 2019 final, so we’re looking forward to having him in Cape Town,” Blitz head coach Ashwell Prince said.

Pakistan Women squad announced

Pakistan Women squad for their two-match ODI series at home against Bangladesh has been announced.  Sadia Iqbal, the left-arm spinner, has earned her maiden as Nashra Sandhu, Aroob Shah and Fatima Sana also make to the 15-member squad. Bangladesh will face them in two ODIs on November 2 and November 4 in Lahore.

Squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Aroob Shah, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Nashra Sandhu, Nahida Khan, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sana Mir, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz.

Scotland register win

Batting first Khawar Ali top scored for Oman with 43 off 29 balls. There were contributions from Mehran Khan (29) and Aqib Ilyas (23) as well. But Scotland bowlers ensured that there were wickets at regular intervals. Alasdair Evans took three wickets for 36 runs and was supported by Mark Watt who conceded only 22 runs in his four overs for a wicket.

Bilal Khan yet again gave Oman a perfect start by scalping Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer for a duck in the last ball of the first over. However, Matthew Cross showed his mettle to take Scotland to the finishing line. He scored an unbeaten 61 runs off 45 deliveries with eight fours. His 61-run partnership with Michael Leask was a key factor for Scotland. Leask scored a quickfire 21-ball 38 with three fours and two sixes but got dismissed in the 17th over off Bilal. With 30 runs still required to win Tom Sole (13 off 8) provided the necessary support to Cross and they sealed the match in the 19^th over. Scotland thus finished the tournament in the fifth position.