Cricket
Sri Lanka openers hold off England attack in Test struggle
Kusal Perera hit a half century as Sri Lanka's openers resisted England's pace and spin attack Saturday after Joe Root's double century took the tourists to a...
They came to the crease after Will Pucovski and David Warner fell early, pushing them to 103 for two at stumps and a strong position with the four-Test series locked at 1-1.
Marnus Labuschagne was not out 67 while Steve Smith reached double figures for the first time this series with an attacking unbeaten 31. Pucovski contributed 62 in an impressive maiden Test innings.
The 50-over competition was relocated to one stadium and will be played behind closed doors, to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
The explosive opener was named in the squad after he sat out the first two Tests with a groin injury and has been badly missed as Australia's top order struggled to build partnerships.
Kane Williamson leaped from third to first after his player-of-the-match effort leading the Black Caps to a 101-run victory over Pakistan this week.
On paper, South Africa are weaker than they were in the previous series with their entire fast bowling attack of Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and others missing through retirement or injury.
International cricket found a way through this year's coronavirus pandemic but the strain of 'bubble life' was evident by the end of 2020.
The Black Caps ended on 156 for five with seven balls to spare after losing the toss and being set a target of 154.
The postponement announcement was made just over an hour before Friday’s day-night match was due to start at Newlands in Cape Town.
This becomes the third player to contract the virus after the team’s entered a boi-bubble in Cape Town to complete the limited-overs series.
Only 2.2 overs were bowled at Mount Maunganui before a downpour forced players from the field with the West Indies on 25 for one after losing the toss and being asked to bat.
Phillips clubbed his century off 46 deliveries, the 10th fastest in the world and one ball faster than the previous New Zealand record held by Colin Munro.
Du Plessis made 58 off 40 balls as South Africa made 179 for six after being sent in on a cool evening.
The Black Caps finished on 179-5 after being set a target of 176 in a match where the innings were reduced to 16 overs because of persistent showers.
The 36-year-old, who played 86 Tests and 117 ODIs for the Proteas, moved to Australia in 2018, where he lives with his sports broadcaster wife and children.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said the unnamed player reported the matter to the body’s anti-corruption unit during the ongoing National T20 Cup.
CSA will schedule this competition in the second half of the 2020/21 season.
The entire New Zealand squad, and all Australian players from New South Wales and Victoria states, will need to enter a 14-day quarantine before the series begins.