RABADA SET TO BE FIT FOR OPENER AGAINST INDIA

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada is expected to be fully fit for the World Cup opener against India in Southampton on June 5, according to team doctor Mohammed Moosajee. Rabada, became IPL’S highest wicket-taker with 25 scalps for Delhi Capitals before Cricket South Africa pulled him out as a precautionary measure after he complained of stiff back. Moosajee, though, is yet to put a comeback date for the injured pace duo of Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi, who are out with shoulder and side strain, respectively. Both are expected to travel with the squad to England. If they don’t get fit in time, there are players on stand by, said Moosajee.

De Villiers won’t play in next year’s Big Bash

MELBOURNE: AB de Villiers has gone back on his earlier interest of being a part of the upcoming season of the Big Bash League (BBL). Last month, reports had emerged that de Villiers’ management had indicated to BBL clubs that he was interested in playing in the competition in 2019-20. However, according to a report in cricket.com.au, it has been confirmed that the former

Proteas captain has now flagged to interested clubs his unwillingness to take part in the BBL. The development comes as Cricket Australia have announced that each club in the Big Bash will now be permitted to sign upto six overseas players.

Dhoni is an era of cricket, like leader of a nation: Hayden CHENNAI: Australia’s former star batsman Matthew Hayden has used a variety of superlatives to describe MS Dhoni, calling him an “era of cricket” and “almost like a leader of a nation”. “You know Dhoni, he is not just a player, he is an era of cricket. In many ways, I think MS is like the captain of the gully cricket team, he is one of us, he will do anything,” Hayden said. “You see how he warms up, he bowls his leg spinners, he asks players around on how they are doing and he is so relaxed. I think we can all relate to him.”