AB De Villiers led his South Africa team to their 1st ever ODI series win over the hosts, Sri Lanka when they won the 3rd and final ODI by 82 runs at Hambanthota as the 2nd Week of July produced exciting Test cricket between England and India as well.
South Africa win their first ever ODI series in Sri Lanka
Wicket-keeper and opening batsman Quinton de Kock and Captain AB de Villiers hit aggressive hundreds to carry South Africa to an 82-run win over Sri Lanka in the third and final One-Day International on 12th July. The win gave South Africa a 2-1 series win, its first in an ODI series on Sri Lankan soil.
De Kock smashed 128 off 127 balls, while de Villiers was even more aggressive, taking only 71 balls for his 108. De Villiers reached his hundred off only 66 balls as South Africa posted 339 for 5 at Hambantota, its highest total against Sri Lanka. The home side was restricted to just 257 all out in 44.3 overs, while attempting what would have been a record chase. Sri Lanka began positively, with 57 runs coming inside the first six overs thanks to Kusal Perera (37) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (30). But Dilshan, Kumara Sangakkara (36) and Mahela Jayawardene (2) fell in the space of just six runs, to give South Africa control of the match. For South Africa, Ryan McLaren, the paceman, took 3 for 37 while JP Duminy and Morne Morkel grabbed two wickets apiece.
Sachithra Senanayake banned from bowling
Off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been banned by the ICC for illegal bowling action during Sri Lanka’s tour of England in May. SLC said it had received the ICC Bowling Action Legality Assessment Report pertaining to Senanayake. It was conducted by the Cardiff Metropolitan University – Cardiff School of Sport in England. “The Standard ICC Illegal Action Testing Protocol was used to assess the degree of elbow extension from the point of upper arm horizontal to ball release within the bowling action,” the report said.
India vs England – 1st Test ends in a stalemate
High-scoring 1st Test ended without a result as India and England settled for a draw at Trent Bridge. India scored 457 runs in their 1st innings. Murali Vijay top scored with 146 runs while MS Dhoni made 82 runs. Last pair of Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar scored half-tons in a stunning 113-run partnership for the final wicket. England in their reply made 496 runs with young-gun Joe Root making a brilliant unbeaten 154. Sam Robson and Gary Ballance hit half-centuries for England but the last man James Anderson was the 2nd top-scorer with 81 valuable runs. India scored 391 runs for 9 wickets in their 2nd innings with four half-centuries came off Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Stuart Binny and Bhuveneshwar Kumar.
Mahela Jayawardene announce Test retirement
The Legendary Mahela Jayawardene called it a day for his Test career on 14th July as he announced his retirement from the longest form of the game after the completion of the Pakistan Test series in August. “It was not an easy decision to make given that it has been a great privilege and honour representing my country during the past 18 years.” Jayawardene stated in his official statement. Jayawardene, who made his debut for his country in 1997, has scored 11,493 Test runs, at an average of 50.18. His highest score came in Colombo in July 2006, when he made 374 against South Africa, the fourth best innings in Test history.
Tharanga recalled for South Africa Tests
Left-handed opener Upul Tharanga has been recalled into the Sri Lankan test team after a gap of more than six years. The Lankans made four changes in their 15-man squad to face South Africa in a two-match Test Series. The 29-year-old Upul Tharanga who has been quite a success in the ODI format of the game replaces Dimuth Karunaratne who gets dropped following a modest performance.
Sri Lanka Test Squad: Angelo Mathews (Captain), Lahiru Thirimanne (Vice-Captain), Upul Tharanga, Kaushal Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal (Wicket Keeper), Kithuruwan Vithanage, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Ajantha Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda Eranga, Dhammika Prasad, Chanaka Welagedara
James Anderson and Ravindra Jadeja charged over a misconduct claim
England fast bowler James Anderson has been charged under Level 3 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel by India team manager Sunil Dev following an alleged incident that took place on the second day of the first cricket Test at Trent Bridge and a day later England team manager Phil Neale has charged India’s Ravinda Jadeja under Level 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel over the same incident. Jadeja and Anderson have been charged for their alleged altercation after they left the field for lunch on 10th July. Both players will play the upcoming 2nd Test as the disciplinary hearing has not yet been held.
Jeff Crowe completes his double-century
Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees added another feather to his cap when he became only the third match referee after Ranjan Madugalle (279) and Chris Broad (245) to complete 200 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Crowe achieved this feat when he took to the field for the toss in the second ODI between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Pallekele on Wednesday. In addition to 200 ODIs, Crowe has also officiated in 65 Tests and 46 Twenty20 Internationals.
