Plunkett is signed to replace injured Parkinson in Melbourne

ENGLAND fast bowler Liam Plunkett has signed for Big Bash League side Melbourne Stars following an injury to Matt Parkinson.

Lancashire spinner Parkinson will be unable to take part Down Under due to a stress fracture to his back.

His absence has allowed the Stars to bring in Plunkett, who has played 13 Tests, 74 one-day internationals and 20 Twenty20s for England, as an international replacement.

The paceman is expected to step in for Sandeep Lamichhane while the leg-spinner is at the Bangladesh Premier League.

List manager Trent Woodhill told the Stars’ official website: “It’s disappointing for Matt that he won’t be able to partake in what would have been his first Big Bash season. We’d like to wish Matt a speedy recovery.

“However, in Plunkett we have an experienced and successful whiteball bowler who has excelled for England and Yorkshire.”

■ Cheteshwar Pujara’s first century in Australia helped India recover on the opening day of the first Test in Adelaide.

On a day where it touched 40 degrees at the Adelaide Oval, Pujara provided almost half the runs in India’s 250 for nine. Pujara made 123 from 246 balls before being run out to what proved to be the last ball of the day, stranded by a brilliant direct hit from Pat Cummins.

India had slumped to 41 for four, with some careless batting.

■ New Zealand spoiled Yasir Shah’s record-breaking day as the Black Caps seized control of the series decider against Pakistan.

An unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 212 between Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls took New Zealand to 272 for four – a lead of 198 heading into the final day of the third Test in Abu Dhabi.

Earlier, Pakistan’s Yasir become the fastest bowler to 200 Test match wickets when dismissing William Somerville.