Cricket news round-up – 19 April 2019: Plenty of surprises as Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka name World Cup squads

Mohammad Amir found no place in Pakistan’s 15-man World Cup squad, but Jeevan Mendis – who last played ODIs in 2015 – returned to the Sri Lanka side in their own squad. Elsewhere, Hashim Amla was included in South Africa’s 15, as the tally of teams to have named their World Cup squads rose to eight.

Elsewhere, Virat Kohli lauded MS Dhoni and Mumbai Indians rose to No. 2 in the IPL 2019 table after victory over Delhi Capitals.

Plenty of culls and comebacks in Sri Lanka World Cup squad

Jeevan Mendis made a stunning comeback to the 15-man Sri Lanka squad for the World Cup 2019 – he played his last ODI in the 2015 World Cup. Milinda Siriwardana and Jeffrey Vandersay, both who last played in 2017, were also recalled to the side.

However, all of Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Dinesh Chandimal, Upul Tharanga and Akila Dananjaya were all left out in a stunning development. Oshada Fernando, Angelo Perera, Kasun Rajitha, and Wanindu Hasaranga were placed on standby.

Amla in, Hendricks out of South Africa squad

South Africa became the second team on Thursday to announce their 15-man World Cup squad, and the big news was the inclusion of Hashim Amla, the veteran. He edged out Reeza Hendricks in the side that will be led by Faf du Plessis.

However, South Africa didn’t name a reserve wicket-keeper for specialist Quinton de Kock, also an opener. Aiden Markram’s inclusion ensures South Africa have solid options for the opener’s job. JP Duminy will glue the middle order, along with du Plessis, David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen.

All of Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Dale Steyn, Anrich Nortje and Dwaine Pretorius have been included as pace options, with Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi checking the spinners’ slots.

Amir left out of Pakistan World Cup squad

There was no place for the much-vaunted Mohammad Amir in the 15-man Pakistan World Cup squad. He was left out to accommodate the 19-year-old Mohammad Hasnain in what was the biggest surprise in Pakistan’s squad.

Amir, however, was included in the ODI squad to face England next month and if he impresses there, he might yet make the World Cup squad, with teams allowed to make changes till May 23. Asif Ali, the big-hitting batsman, is another player who is in the squad for the England series, but not the World Cup.

Abid Ali was preferred to Shan Masood as back-up opener, but all of Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Shinwari and Yasir Shah – all named in the probable squad – missed out.

Mumbai see off Delhi comfortably

Mumbai Indians needed the Pandya brothers to put on a 54-run stand and post a competitive total – 168/5 – but that proved more than enough against a Delhi side that couldn’t capitalise on an opening stand of 49.

Only two of the remaining nine batsmen reached double digits as Rahul Chahar returned an excellent 3/19 as Delhi were restricted to 128/9.

The result meant Mumbai moved upto No.2 in the table, just two points behind leaders Chennai Super Kings. Delhi are at No.3 with 10 points.

Kohli lauds Dhoni

Virat Kohli lauded MS Dhoni’s inputs from behind the stumps, and said he was crucial to India’s think-tank at the World Cup.

Kohli, in an interview to India Today, said it was “unfortunate” that Dhoni receives as much flak as he does from sections of the media and fans.

“He [Dhoni] is one person who knows the game inside out, who understands the game from ball one to 300 on the field,” Kohli said. “I won’t say it is a luxury to have him, but I am fortunate to have a mind like that behind the stumps. At the end of the day, I want to be involved in strategy with the team management with Mahi bhai and Rohit [Sharma].

“It’s just about the field placements and bowling changes. We say, ‘you know the angles, you know the pace of the pitch’, and that’s why there is so much trust and respect between the two of us.”