Cricket news round-up – 22 August: Dilruwan Perera returns for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka were boosted by the news that Dilruwan Perera, the veteran off-spinner, had recovered from injury and is in line for a spot in the XI for the second Test. Elsewhere, England are set to host West Indies and Pakistan in Tests next year, Paytm continues as India’s title sponsor, and all the results from the latest round of the County Championship.

Dilruwan Perera joins Sri Lanka squad

Dilruwan Perera, the veteran off-spinner, has joined up with the Sri Lanka squad ahead of the Colombo Test, having missed the first Test in Galle through injury.

His inclusion will boost experience in the side’s spin department, although his inclusion could mean Lasith Embuldeniya, who impressed in Galle, has to make way.

With Akila Dananjaya reported for suspect action, and his role in Colombo in doubt, the return of Perera is a timely one for Sri Lanka.

England announce 2020 home schedule

England will play 6 World Test Championship matches in 2020, as well as 6 T20Is – in the lead-up to the T20 Men’s World Cup – and as many ODIs, against four teams in all.

The Tests begin with the visit of West Indies for a three-Test series, starting at The Oval, before Australia return for a second consecutive year for a white-ball series. Pakistan then visit for 3 Tests and as many T20Is, with Ireland capping off the summer for a 3-match ODI series.

“The ICC World Test Championship will add significance and context to the Test series against West Indies and Pakistan,” said Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive. “Where every Test matters, there will be lots of points to play for as England continue their efforts to reach the inaugural World Test Championship final in June 2021.”

Paytm ink new deal as India title sponsor

Paytm has signed a new four-year deal with the BCCI to continue to sponsor international and domestic matches in India, in a contract worth INR 326.80 crores. Paytm first bagged the rights in 2015, in a deal worth INR 203.28 crores.

“I’m pleased to announce Paytm as the BCCI home series title sponsor. Paytm is one of the new generation companies of India and we at the BCCI are proud of Paytm continuing its long-standing commitment with Indian Cricket,” Rahul Johri, the BCCI CEO, said.

County Championship Division 1 round-up

Essex beat Kent by 3 wickets, chasing down their target of 153 in 42.1 overs after being made to work for it.

The clash between Hampshire and Surrey ended in a draw after Ollie Pope’s double century helped Surrey declare on 579/5, with Hampshire making 367 and 253/5 in their two innings.

Somerset beat Warwickshire by 5 wickets after making light work of the 258-run target set by the hosts.

Yorkshire saw off Nottinghamshire by a healthy 143-run margin after setting them a target of 387 in the fourth innings, and bundling them out 243, with Keshav Maharaj returning 6/95 in the innings.

County Championship Division 2 round-up

Gloucestershire made a 263-run chase on the final day look easy, after Derbyshire declared for 481/6, with James Bracey making a century.

Durham and Leicestershire played out a draw after Durham scored a mammoth 544/9 in the first innings, and the Leics were kept to 236 and 363/8.

Lancashire made easy work of Glamorgan, scoring 545 in their first innings, before bundling out Glamorgan for 257 and 138 for an innings-and-150-run victory.

Northamptonshire were all over Worcestershire, securing a 10-wicket victory after keeping the Worcs second-innings lead to just 33 runs.

Sussex eased to a seven-wicket victory over Middlesex, after bundling out Middlesex for 75 in the first innings, and eventually chasing down their 145-run target in just 37.2 overs.