Cricket news round-up October 12: Kohli’s double ton dominates South Africa

Led by Virat Kohli, India dominated Day 2 of the Pune Test. India Women claimed a win in the second ODI against South Africa to clinch the series 2-0. And Anil Kumble is the new head coach of Kings XI Punjab.

Kohli leads the way for India

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane continued with the momentum of Day 1 and concentrated on piling up runs. Rahane scored 59 off 168 before getting dismissed after developing a 178-run partnership with the skipper. Post Rahane, it was Ravindra Jadeja who carried the innings along with Kohli. Jadeja played in a limited-overs style and added 91 off runs 104 deliveries. Unfortunately, he missed his second Test ton by just nine runs.

 At the other end, Virat Kohli kept the show on throughout. He first scored his first Test hundred of this year. Then he went on to score seventh Test double of his career. Kohli was on 254 when Jadeja got out. The captain did not wait for his individual milestone anymore and declared Indian innings with 601/5 on board.

South Africa had a shaky start as Umesh Yadav took two wickets in his two successive overs in the beginning. The visitors were reduced to 36/3 as Mohammed Shami picked up the final wicket of the day.

India Women win ODI series

The second ODI between India Women and South Africa Women saw Indians chasing down 248 runs successfully to clinch a victory by five wickets. This means India Women won the 3-match ODI series 2-0.

The entire top order of South Africa batting line-up performed primarily led by Laura Wolvaardt. Laura ended as the highest scorer with 69 off 98 whereas her opening partner Lizelle Lee scored 54-ball 40. Even in the middle order, Mignon du Preez added 44 runs and Lara Goodall added 38 runs. South African innings was finally ended on 247/6. Shikha Pandey, Ekta Bisht, and Poonam Yadav took two wickets each.

While chasing India were initially in trouble after losing two quick wickets within 13th^h over. But Mithali Raj and Poonam Raut took the charge. Both scored half-centuries and took India almost to the finishing line. Raj scored 66 off 82 and Raut added 65 off 92. Once these two were dismissed in the successive overs, Harmanpreet Kaur took the final responsibility and won the match for India after scoring a 27-ball 39*.

Anil Kumble joins KXIP

Anil Kumble has been appointed as the head coach of Kings XI Punjab for the upcoming season. KXIP, who are looking for their maiden IPL title since the inception, are going through some major team revamp and Kumble’s inclusion is one of those steps.

Mohit Burman, the co-owner of KXIP, informed  ESPNCricinfo that the legendary spinner would make a presentation to the team management on October 19. The idea is to share his plans for upcoming seasons for the team. On the same day, R Ashwin’s fate in the KXIP will also be decided.

Kumble has enough experience in mentoring IPL franchises like Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. He also was the head coach of Indian cricket for a brief period of time.

Landmark parental policy for players by Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia announced a landmark parental leave policy to support professional cricketers through pregnancy, adoption, and other parental responsibilities. The policy that came into effect on July 1 covers Australian players who have state, national or Big Bash contracts.

The players can take up to 12 months of paid leave according to the policy. It also guarantees a contract extension in the following year, in line with the contractual arrangements of the players. For the partners, there will be three weeks of paid leave allotted.  For players who are primary carers, travel support including flights, accommodation and other applicable travel expenses for the child and a carer will be provided as well until the child is four years of age.