Cricket news round-up – December 19: All-round India coast second ODI, level series 1-1

India fought back to level the series in the second ODI against West Indies, with dominant centuries from KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, and a Kuldeep Yadav hat-trick. Elsewhere, South Africa named Jacques Kallis their batting consultant, and Wasim Jaffer was appointed batting coach of Kings XI Punjab.

Rohit, Rahul and Kuldeep lead India to dominant win

India secured a 107-run win in the second ODI to level the series against West Indies in Vizag on Wednesday.

Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul scored centuries to help India post a mammoth 387/5, with valuable contributions from Shreyas Iyer (53 off 32) and Rishabh Pant (39 off 16).

Then, Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling efforts, taking a hat-trick to return 3-52, as West Indies snuffed out for 280.

Kallis named South Africa batting consultant

In their latest move towards revamping the South Africa cricket, legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis has been named batting consultant of the team for the duration of the summer.

The 44-year-old will be part of South Africa’s set up for the duration of the summer, starting with the visit of England this month and through till the end of the Australia’s tour later. Kallis joined the squad in Pretoria on Wednesday.

England’s tour will comprise four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is, with the series beginning with the first Test on Boxing Day at The Centurion.

Wasim Jaffer appointed Kings XI Punjab batting coach

India domestic legend Wasim Jaffer has been seemingly appointed batting coach of IPL side Kings XI Punjab, according to the franchise’s official website.

Jaffer, according to reports, signed the deal after being approached by Anil Kumble, the new coach of the franchise.

Jaffer told Times of India: “I’m thankful to Kumble. He’s the one who approached me. It was an honour to play under him for India. I’ve got so much to learn from him. Though I’m currently coaching in Bangladesh (he’s the batting coach at the Bangladesh Cricket Board academy), this is obviously a good opportunity, and I’m looking forward to this experience.

Shaheen Shah Afridi links up with Hampshire

Pakistan pace sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi will play the T20 Blast next season with Hampshire, it was confirmed on Wednesday.

“I am delighted to sign with Hampshire for the upcoming Vitality Blast competition,” he said. “I have always enjoyed playing in England in front of the fantastic fans and I look forward to joining this historic club for my first experience of county cricket.”

Giles White, the Hampshire director of cricket, said Afridi “adds an extra dimension” to the Hampshire bowling unit.

Trent Boult in line to play Boxing Day Test

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult is hopeful of playing the Boxing Day Test against Australia after missing the Perth Test with a side-strain.

Boult is hopeful of playing getting overs under his belt during the tour game against Victoria XI, after which the management will assess his readiness to play the marquee Test. “It’s about being confident with the overs under my belt and having enough behind me,” he said. “Feel like I’m in that place and ticking the right boxes. It’s a day-by-day thing, it’s about getting through each session. As I’m tracking right now, touch wood it keeps going that way. I’m very eager to get out there.