Cricket news roundup – 1st March 2019: Chris Gayle set to ‘unretire’?

Chris Gayle is enjoying his form in ODI cricket to such an extent, he is tempted by the idea of reversing his decision to retire after the World Cup this summer.

Elsewhere, Afghanistan comfortably beat Ireland in the first ODI; Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne joins Hampshire for the first half of the 2019 season; and Mithali Raj calls for DRS to be implemented more consistently in women’s cricket.

Chris Gayle might reconsider retirement

After striking his second-highest ODI score, Chris Gayle has there might yet be a possibility that he will reverse his decision to retire.

The 97-ball 162 in Grenada was Gayle’s second century of the series – he plundered 14 sixes and 11 fours – and though it wasn’t enough to prevent West Indies from losing the fourth ODI, Gayle was clearly enjoying himself.

So much that, he is considering going back on his decision to retire after the World Cup 2019. “I just have to work on the body and then maybe you can see a bit more Chris Gayle, maybe,” he said.

“Things change quickly. Hopefully the body can change in the next couple of months and we can see what happens.”

When prodded further, Gayle said: “What’s the matter with the body? I’m nearly 40. But could I un-retire? We’ll see. We’ll take it slowly.”

England get one back over India in WODI

India had an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, but with ICC Women’s Championship points up for grabs, their tense two-wicket loss in the final Women’s ODI against England still hurt.

India set England a target of 206, but the visitors, led by Heather Knight, the captain, and Danielle Wyatt, guided the chase, despite them slipping to 49/5.

The loss left India at No.2 on the IWC table, but they’re still precariously placed, given they have played more games than other sides. Australia, who lead the table with 20 points, have played 11 games. New Zealand, on third, have played 14, and South Africa and New Zealand, on No.4 and 5, have played 12 each.

India have played 15.

Mithali Raj wants DRS in women’s cricket

Mithali Raj, India’s ODI captain, has urged the ICC to ensure more consistent use of the Decision Review System (DRS) in the women’s game.

Raj, speaking after India’s 2-1 series win over England, said increased use of DRS would not only ensure correct decisions are made on the field, but also the experience would help teams understand the “concept” going into big ICC events.

“We would love to have DRS because when it comes to big events, we have DRS,” said Raj. “We need to get a little more experience for the girls to understand the concept of DRS, how and when to take it. We had it in New Zealand, suddenly we don’t have it at home.

“If it is irregular, it gets difficult for the players to accept a concept like that. It has its own effects. It is good in a way, and it also bad also. Some dismissals go your way, but at crucial stages, some dismissals don’t go your way.

“It’s part of the sport. In perspective of a player, if it’s consistently followed, it will be much better for the girls to understand it more clearly as to when to use and how to use.”

Dimuth Karunaratne joins Hampshire

The Sri Lanka captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, has been signed on by Hampshire for the first half of the 2019 season. He will feature in both the County Championship the One-Day competition for the county.

Karunaratne’s scintillating form in Tests – no opener has scored more than him since 2017 – and his role as captain during Sri Lanka’s historic 2-0 win in South Africa ensured Hampshire were “delighted” with his signing.

“He’s a high-class player and in recent months we’ve seen his quality, not only as an opening batsman at the top of the order, but also as a leader as part of Sri Lanka’s recent historic series win in South Africa,” said Giles White, the Hampshire director of cricket. “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Dimuth to the Club.”

‘Test cricket isn’t dying’ – ICC CEO Dave Richardson

Shashank Manohar, the ICC chairman, recently expressed his belief that Test cricket is dying, but the ICC chief executive, Dave Richardson, doesn’t think that’s the case.

That said, he did admit the format could use the leg-up, and believes the World Test Championship, set to begin after the World Cup this summer, will provide just that.

“What he (Manohar) was meaning to say is Test cricket was calling out for more context,” Richardson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“Yes, there are some iconic contests that take place from time to time, but really, unless you are a part of or a fan of the participating teams that particular series had no real interest (to fans globally).

“And with the introduction of the World Test Championship, that adds interest and helps to promote the Test game worldwide no matter who is playing.

“That is what he was saying: Test cricket needed just that added boost, it needed to be promoted and the World Test Championship hopefully is the answer to that.”

Afghanistan go 1-0 up in ODIs

Gulbadin Naib and Mujeeb Ur Rahman starred as Afghanistan, having coasted through the T20Is, are now 1-0 up in the ODIs after they beat Ireland by five wickets in Dehradun.

Paul Stirling scored a stirring 89, but the knock went in vain as Ireland were bundled out for 161. That was largely down to Mujeeb, who returned a brilliant 3/14 in his ten overs, reducing Ireland to those very same figures in his first spell.

Mohammad Shahzad (43 off 53) and Naib (46 off 61) were the top scorers as Afghanistan chased the target down comfortably in 41.5 overs.Naib was named Player of the Match, having also returned 2/20 to go with his runs.