The Cricket Bulletin : Major Talking Points

Ireland women’s team for T20 World Cup announced

Ireland have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales. Gaby Lewis will lead a side full of a number of first-time call ups like Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Aimee Maguire and Lara McBride. Ireland will share Group 2 in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup alongside hosts England, Sri Lanka, Scotland, West Indies, and the defending champions New Zealand.

Ireland squad: Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride

My priority is Australian cricket: Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins said that Australian cricket is his No. 1 priority for the next few years amidst the controversy related to Australia’s players turning their backs on national duty to play franchise cricket. Cummins is already set to miss upcoming white-ball tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh due to his IPL commitments. But speaking at an event he clarified about his priorities.

“Nothing has changed for me, my priority is Australian cricket, No. 1, particularly Test cricket. As Test captain, I never want to miss any Test cricket and make myself available for as many Aussie games as I can.” He added, “The IPL is good in that it normally fits in our holiday break, so that’s the obvious one, but they are probably my main focuses and I don’t see that’s going to change at all for the next few years for me at least.”

Shan Masood calls for structural changes to improve Pakistan Test cricket

After losing the two-match Test series to Bangladesh, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood called for structural changes that are needed to improve the team’s Test cricket scenario. Pakistan lost four consecutive Tests to Bangladesh and seven away Tests in a row. Addressing the situation Pakistan captain spoke about his intentions to improve Pakistan Test cricket.

“[The] changes needed are structural. For those changes you address root causes and put aside emotions. We are hurt and always offer our sincerest apologies. We won’t look at it emotionally though, just how we can improve it. If we talk about the series, yes, it’s never a good place to lose games.” He further added, “My intentions are clean. I took on this job to improve our Test cricket. There are things that need to be discussed with the board and the decision is always the board’s. But my intentions have always been on how to improve this side because [I feel] you should always take on challenges and accept opportunities.”