Cricket news round-up – September 5: Misbah assumes dual roles, Australia 170/3

Pakistan have appointed Misbah-ul-Haq as head coach and chief selector, and Waqar Younis as bowling coach; Australia reached 170/3 by stumps on a rain-hit Day 1 at Old Trafford; India A need another 137 in 104 balls with 9 wickets in hand; Essex Eagles knocked out Lancashire Lightning to qualify for the 2019 Vitality Blast semi-final; and Trinbago Knight Riders won the CPL 2019 opener.

Misbah coach, chief selector

Once a surprise choice as Pakistan captain, Misbah-ul-Haq has been named head coach and chief selector of the national cricket team. Never has a Pakistan cricketer been authorised with power to this extent.

Misbah pipped Mohsin Khan and Dean Jones in the race for head coach. He will assume the role for three years. Working alongside Misbah as bowling coach will be Waqar Younis, who had been head coach during Misbah’s tenure as captain. Waqar was PCB’s default option following Mohammad Akram’s withdrawal.

Australia reach 170/3

After being reduced to 28/2 by Stuart Broad (2/35), Australia reached 170/3 by stumps on a rain-hit Day 1 of the fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes, at Old Trafford. The tourists were rescued by a 116-run partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith, both of whom scored four fifties in as many innings in the ongoing series.

While Labuschagne was bowled for 67 by Craig Overton, who returned to the side as replacement for Chris Woakes, Smith is still out there with 60.

Dhawan cuts loose before rain ends play

India A were 56/1 in 7.4 overs in pursuit of 193 in 25 overs when rain prevented further play at Thiruvananthapuram. Anrich Nortje (1/26) claimed Shubman Gill early before Shikhar Dhawan (34* in 21) kept the hunt going. The match will resume today.

South Africa A had scored 137/1 in 25 overs when rain stopped play (the target was subsequently adjusted). Reeza Hendricks top-scored with a 70-ball 60 not out, while Heinrich Klaasen hit 3 sixes in his 12-ball 21*. Rahul Chahar (1/18) took the only wicket.

Eagles knock out Lightning

Essex Eagles knocked out North Division tables toppers Lancashire Lightning with an easy 6-wicket win at Chester-le-Street. Asked to bat, the Lightning lost wickets to Aaron Beard (3-0-31-2) and Ravi Bopara (4-0-28-2), and reached 159/5 thanks to Alex Davies (80* in 55) and Dane Vilas (41 in 36).

Despite losing Tom Westley in the second over, the Eagles were never under pressure in response. Cameron Delport got a 30-ball 44 before Ryan ten Doeschate (45* in 31) and Bopara (39* in 18) saw them home.

Trinbago open CPL opener

Trinbago Knight Riders beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 11 runs in the opening match of CPL 2019. Asked to bat, the Knight Riders were reduced to 20/3 in 4 overs by Sheldon Cottrell (4-0-13-3) before Denesh Ramdin (33 in 32 balls), Jimmy Neesham (33 in 30), and Kieron Pollard (47 in 32) took them to 152/7. Rayad Emrit took 4-0-39-3.

The Patriots had the chase under control, especially when they needed just 80 in 57 balls with 9 wickets in hand. Then they lost 4 for 6 in 19 balls to lose the tempo before Fabian Allen (30 in 14, 4 sixes) and Usama Mir (24 in 10) put up a resistance. Then they lost 3 for 1 in 5 balls, and the match was over. Neesham had 2.4-0-18-3, Mohammad Hasnain 4-0-36-3, and Khary Pierre 4-0-20-2.