Cricket news round-up – March 20: Self-isolation for New Zealand team

New Zealand team members were kept in isolation for 14 days. Andre Ellis retired from cricket after playing at least 100 games in all formats. Hanuma Vihari hoped to continue with his English County season deal.

New Zealand suggested for self-isolation

After returning from Australia, the 15-member New Zealand team along with the support staffs were sent for 14-day isolation in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. On Thursday New Zealand Cricket confirmed that the team followed the protocols suggested by the Government as precautionary measures.

The public affairs manager of NZC Richard Boock said: “They (Black Caps players and touring staff) have all gone into self-isolation. We’ve passed on all the details about what self-isolation means and as far as we know they’re all following it strictly.”

After losing to Australia in the first ODI, the remainder of the Chappell Hadlee series was called off. Australia’s tour of New Zealand to play three T20Is on March 24, 27, and 29 was also postponed in the current situation.

Andrew Ellis retires

Andrew Ellis, the 37-year old all-rounder retired from his cricket career as the only second Kiwi player after Todd Astle to play at least 100 games across all three formats. In his 18 years of career, Ellis played 105 first-class matches, 109 List-A games, and 117 T20 matches.

Ellis scored 8644 runs and picked up 494 wickets and claimed the title of New Zealand’s domestic player of the year twice. The Canterbury player also was a part of their five Plunket Shield winning campaign. Since making his debut for New Zealand in 2011-12, Ellis represented his country in 15 ODIs and 5 T20Is.

The current New Zealand coach Gary Stead said, “Elly will always stand out to me through his work ethic and desire to improve and better himself, especially early in his career when he would often be in hitting balls on the bowling machine at either end of the day. These out of sight and unseen practice hours built his resilience and technique for a very successful career across all formats.”

Hanuma Vihari waiting for Country season

Hanuma Vihari is looking forward to explore the upcoming County season and work on his skills more. In a chat with PTI, Vihari informed, “I was supposed to play four English county games this season. I would only be able to tell you the name when all the paperwork is complete. Right now, it’s on hold due to the unavoidable situation (COVID-19).”

Amid the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is currently working on the contingency plans ahead of this season’s county championship. Vihari said, “Hope once it’s under control, I will be able to play those games. It will be a learning experience for me,” he said.

Vihari played nine Tests for India so far but never featured in any home Test. But his overseas stints were mostly impressive. Speaking about the same, Vihari said, “Adaptability. I believe I have been able to adapt well in all conditions and I have confidence that I can perform any role that the team assigns me,” he said. “I am sure that I will get a chance to play in home conditions as well. My job is to work hard and be prepared for any situation.”

Mustafizur Rahman confident of Test comeback

Mustafizur Rahman, the fast bowler from Bangladesh is working to improve his bowling skills although his injuries have been issues for him.  He underwent shoulder surgery in August 2016 and his bowling action was changed after that. Mustafizur said, “In the beginning a lot of players didn’t know about me but they know me now. I would usually take wickets but it’s tougher now.”

The injury issues are still there but according to Mustafizur, the situation is getting better now.”I think there is something… some issue there. These days it’s going in [block hole deliveries] well again. I am not getting the same confidence and need to be practising well. I think my hand changed slightly since the operation, it’s nothing significant.”

Mustafizur was also left out of the latest list of contracted players. The pacer is still hopeful to play for Bangladesh in all three formats. He is impressed with his last outing against Zimbabwe- in two ODIs he took two wickets and in two-match T20I series he ended as the highest wickets taker with five scalps. He said to Daily Star, “I think it’s going well. The Zimbabwe ODIs were especially good since you get 10 overs and I tried to bring the ball back in during my first spell. It’s not something you can do in a day. I have worked for two weeks on bringing the ball back in with (bowling coach) Ottis [Gibson] and hopefully it will get better as time passes.”