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DARWIN: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes his team is ready for the pace and bounce of Australian conditions as the visitors prepare for their first Test on Australian soil in more than two decades. Bangladesh will face Australia in Darwin in their first Test in the country since 2003. The unfamiliar conditions are expected to provide a major challenge, particularly against an Australian attack capable of generating significant pace and bounce. Bangladesh’s preparations suffered an early setback when they were bowled out for just 54 against a Cricket Australia XI in a practice match. Shanto, however, insisted the result had not damaged the team’s confidence after spending around 10 to 12 days preparing in Darwin. “Tackling the bounce is the key,” Shanto said at his pre-match press conference, adding that Bangladesh had spent recent months preparing on bouncy pitches at home. The captain acknowledged that the opening phase against the new ball could be Bangladesh’s toughest test but urged his batters to remain disciplined and trust their natural game. Bangladesh arrive with reasons for optimism. They defeated Australia 2-1 in an ODI series in June, securing their first bilateral series victory over the 2023 ODI World Cup champions. The matches were played on relatively quick pitches, giving the visitors useful experience before their Test assignment. Their improvement has also been reflected in the World Test Championship standings. Bangladesh currently sit fourth after completing a 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan in May, compared with seventh place in the previous WTC cycle. Shanto said the team had made steady progress, particularly with the ball, but believed greater consistency from the batting unit could take Bangladesh to another level. The visitors are also considering a combination of three fast bowlers and two frontline spinners, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam. Mehidy heads into the match with confidence after scoring a century in the tour game. Shanto expects the Darwin pitch to offer opportunities for both batters and bowlers. “There’s grass on the wicket, but it’s a good wicket where both batters and bowlers will find help,” he said. For Bangladesh, the Test represents more than a difficult overseas assignment. It is an opportunity to measure their recent progress against one of cricket’s strongest teams in conditions that demand patience, discipline and adaptability.

DUBAI: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has climbed back into the ICC’s top 10 Test batting rankings after producing a series of important performances against the West Indies. Babar moved up five places to 10th in the latest rankings released on Wednesday, marking his first return to the elite group since September 2024. The rise comes as the Pakistan captain looks to rebuild his standing in Test cricket following a prolonged period outside the top 10. The 31-year-old played an important role in Pakistan’s campaign in the Caribbean, particularly during the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval. Pakistan won the match by eight wickets, securing an away Test victory after a wait of more than three years and levelling the two-match series 1-1. Babar made a significant contribution in the decisive match, scoring 88 runs in Pakistan’s first innings before finishing unbeaten on 24 during the successful chase. He had also made 23 and an unbeaten 58 in the opening Test, although Pakistan eventually suffered a 90-run defeat. His consistent performances have now been reflected in the latest rankings, providing another boost to the Pakistan captain as the team prepares for its upcoming Test assignments. Babar was not the only Pakistan batter to make substantial progress. Abdullah Shafique made one of the biggest jumps in the rankings after an outstanding return to the Test side. Playing his first Test since October 2025, Shafique struck an unbeaten 160 in the second Test. His innings helped Pakistan secure a 43-run first-innings lead and played a key role in setting up the victory. Shafique climbed an impressive 25 places to 32nd in the Test batting rankings. Pakistan also saw movement in the bowling and all-rounder rankings. Off-spinner Sajid Khan rose five places to 30th among Test bowlers after his performances in the Caribbean. He also climbed five spots to 32nd in the Test all-rounders’ rankings. At the top of the batting chart, Australia’s Travis Head retained the No. 1 position, while India’s Jasprit Bumrah remained the leading Test bowler. India’s Ravindra Jadeja continued to dominate the Test all-rounders’ rankings. Babar’s return to the top 10 gives Pakistan another reason for optimism, while Shafique’s rapid rise underlines the growing depth of the team’s batting options.

DARWIN: Australia have backed experience and pace, selecting Josh Hazlewood ahead of Scott Boland for the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon makes his return from a long-term injury. The first of the two-Test series begins on Thursday at Marrara Oval, marking Australia’s return to red-ball cricket after a lengthy break. The match also launches a demanding period that could see the world’s top-ranked Test side play as many as 21 Tests over the next 12 months. Hazlewood’s return is one of the biggest talking points. The fast bowler missed Australia’s entire 2025/26 home Ashes campaign because of injury, allowing Boland to feature in all five Tests. Boland impressed during the series, but his performances were not enough to displace a fit-again Hazlewood. The selection means Hazlewood will once again join Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in Australia’s pace attack, a combination that has been a defining feature of the side for years. Cummins acknowledged that leaving Boland out was a difficult decision. “They’re both pretty class,” the Australia captain said while explaining the selection. He added that the team had been keen to bring Lyon back into the side and that the final decision involved determining the balance of the pace attack. “There’s not much you can say to Scotty other than obviously there’s a lot of cricket coming up,” Cummins said. Lyon’s return adds another major dimension to Australia’s attack. The experienced off-spinner underwent hamstring surgery after his Ashes campaign was cut short and now gets an opportunity to resume his Test career. Australia have also retained all-rounder Cameron Green, who will bat at No. 5, while Beau Webster occupies the No. 7 position with wicketkeeper Alex Carey between them. Jake Weatherald is set to open alongside Travis Head, followed by Marnus Labuschagne at No. 3 and Steve Smith at No. 4. Josh Inglis was the only other player from the original squad to miss out on selection. The Darwin Test carries historical significance as well. It will be only the third Test played in the tropical northern city and the first there since Sri Lanka’s visit in July 2004. After Darwin, the series moves to Harrup Park in Mackay next week, where Australia and Bangladesh will play the venue’s first-ever Test. With Hazlewood back, Lyon restored and Australia’s leading pace trio reunited, Bangladesh face a formidable challenge as the hosts begin another demanding chapter of their Test calendar. Australia Playing XI for first Bangladesh Test Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

KOLKATA: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel has been arrested by Kolkata Police in connection with a case involving allegations of rape and other sexual offences, with a court remanding the 23-year-old cricketer to three days of police custody. Porel was arrested on Monday night and produced before the High Court the following day. The development comes as police investigate allegations made against the emerging cricketer. The allegations have not been proven in court. The case was filed on June 23. During an earlier hearing on July 14, the court was informed that police needed to take further steps to seize electronic devices allegedly linked to the accused. According to court proceedings, investigators were seeking the devices because they allegedly contained obscene photographs of the complainant. The court directed police authorities to continue efforts to apprehend the individuals concerned and seize the devices to prevent the alleged material from being circulated. During the August 11 hearing, the court was informed through a message from the officer in charge of Mogra Police Station that one of the respondents had been arrested on the night of August 11. Police subsequently sought additional time to complete the required legal and investigative procedures. Porel, who bats left-handed and keeps wicket, has emerged as one of India’s promising young domestic cricketers. He has represented Bengal and has played 32 first-class matches, while also featuring in 35 Indian Premier League games. His most recent competitive cricket came during the 2026 IPL season, when he appeared in four matches for Delhi Capitals before the tournament concluded. The arrest is likely to draw significant attention because of Porel’s growing profile in Indian cricket. However, the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and no conclusion about his guilt can be drawn from the arrest alone. The police investigation is expected to focus on the allegations, the electronic evidence mentioned in court and statements from those involved in the case.

BECKENHAM: Pakistan batter Shan Masood has taken another important step towards returning to Test cricket, resuming batting practice with the national squad ahead of the three-match series against England. Masood, 36, suffered a fractured index finger during the opening Test against the West Indies in Tarouba, despite scoring a century in the first innings. The injury forced him to miss the second Test, but the former Pakistan captain remained with the squad to continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now confirmed that Masood participated in a training session at Kent County Cricket Club in Beckenham, where Pakistan players worked through batting and bowling drills. “Under the supervision of the medical team, he carried out batting practice,” the PCB said in an update. Masood’s progress will be closely monitored as Pakistan prepare for a demanding series against England. His availability for the first Test will depend on his recovery and clinical assessment. The opening Test is scheduled to begin at Headingley on August 19, leaving Masood only a limited window to prove he is fit enough for the challenge. Before the series begins, Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up match against PCC Select XI starting Wednesday. The fixture will provide the squad with valuable preparation in English conditions. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27, followed by the final match at Edgbaston from September 9. For Pakistan, Masood’s return could provide a significant boost to the batting line-up. His century in the Caribbean showed his ability to make an impact, and his recovery now gives the team hope that the experienced left-hander could be back when the England challenge begins. Pakistan squad Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Abdullah Shafique, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel* (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

LONDON: Pakistan’s national shooting team delivered an impressive performance at the F-Class British Open 2026, winning 13 medals, including seven gold medals. The team was led by Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez. Pakistan competed with a relatively small contingent compared with several other participating countries but still produced strong results. The F-Class British Open was held from August 3 to 8 in Bisley, United Kingdom. Around 185 elite shooters from 24 countries took part in the prestigious international competition. Pakistan participated with a 12-member shooting team. Despite the limited size of the contingent, Pakistani shooters produced notable results in both individual and aggregate events. The team secured a total of 13 medals. These included seven gold, two silver and four bronze medals. The performance highlighted the consistency and competitive ability of Pakistani shooters against some of the world’s experienced F-Class rifle competitors. The British Open was also considered an important preparation event for the 7th F-Class World Championship. The world championship is being held in Bisley from August 10 to 16. Following their strong showing at the British Open, Pakistani shooters are now competing at the world championship. They are facing some of the leading teams and top shooters from around the world. Officials associated with the team said the results at the British Open demonstrated Pakistan’s growing strength in long-range competitive rifle shooting. They said Pakistani shooters have shown that they can compete successfully at the highest international level. The national team, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez, will now aim to build on its medal-winning performance at the F-Class World Championship.

MULTAN: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a star-studded commentary panel for the National Champions Cup 2026, adding further excitement to a tournament that could prove important in shaping Pakistan’s future international squad. The seven-match competition will be played at Multan Cricket Stadium from August 11 to 18, with four teams — Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues and Pakistan Gold — competing in a single round-robin format. Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt will headline the commentary team alongside Ali Younis, Tariq Saeed, Aimen Anwar and Raja Asad. Their experience and analysis are expected to provide viewers with deeper insight into the performances of established players and emerging prospects. Under the tournament format, each team will face the other three sides once. The two teams collecting the most points at the end of the league stage will advance to the final. The Champions Cup carries added significance as the PCB looks ahead to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. Selectors will use the competition to closely monitor players competing for national recognition, while younger cricketers will have an opportunity to make a strong impression. The PCB has selected 44 players across the four squads, with another 13 players included in a reserve pool. Reserve players can replace members of the main squads only in cases involving injury or concussion. With established internationals sharing the field with promising domestic talent, the tournament is expected to offer a revealing look at Pakistan’s emerging cricketing depth. For selectors, every match could become an audition. For players, the Champions Cup may represent a crucial step towards earning a place in Pakistan’s plans for the 2027 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Squads Pakistan Greens Playing XI: Shadab Khan (c), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Farhan Yousuf, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saad Baig (wk) and Sameer Minhas. Pakistan Whites Playing XI: Saim Ayub (c), Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Mohsin Riaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan (wk). Pakistan Blues Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Jahandad Khan, Rohail Nazir (wk), Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim, Taimur Khan (wk). Pakistan Gold Playing XI: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdul Samad, Abdul Subhan, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Kamran Ghulam, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Nawaz, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Muhammad Imran and Saad Khan.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reduce Babar Azam’s media commitments during the upcoming Test tour of England, warning that the Pakistan skipper could face intense scrutiny from the English press. Pakistan have arrived in England for a three-match Test series, with Babar returning to the leadership role in red-ball cricket. The series begins at Headingley in Leeds on August 19 and will continue at Lord’s before concluding at Edgbaston in September. Speaking on a television programme, Latif described an England tour as a challenging assignment and suggested that the PCB should carefully manage Babar’s interactions with the local media. According to the former wicketkeeper-batter, the English press can generate considerable attention around visiting teams, potentially creating distractions away from the cricket. “An England tour is a difficult assignment,” Latif said, adding that the PCB should consider keeping Babar away from frequent media appearances. His suggestion is not to isolate the captain completely, but rather to share the responsibility of representing the team with other experienced players. Latif specifically recommended Shan Masood, who previously led Pakistan in Test cricket and has considerable experience of playing in England. He believes Masood is well equipped to handle difficult questions and media pressure. The former captain also identified Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Abbas as players who could take on media duties during the tour. Babar was reappointed Pakistan’s Test captain in July, replacing Shan Masood after his stint in charge. The PCB confirmed Babar as captain for both the West Indies and England Test tours. Pakistan’s immediate challenge will be to carry the momentum from their recent Test victory over the West Indies, where they secured an eight-wicket win in Port of Spain to level the two-match series 1-1. The England assignment will test Babar both as a batter and captain. With the spotlight likely to remain firmly on him, Latif’s advice raises an interesting question: could fewer media commitments help Babar focus more sharply on Pakistan’s battle in English conditions? The first Test will be played in Leeds from August 19–23, followed by Lord’s from August 27–31 and Birmingham from September 9–13. Pakistan squad for England Tests Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

Liverpool have moved to strengthen their defence by signing Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona, giving the Uruguay international a fresh opportunity after falling down the pecking order at the Spanish club. Barcelona confirmed on Monday that Araujo will spend the 2026-27 season at Anfield, with the agreement running until June 30, 2027. The Catalan club did not reveal the financial terms, but reports in the Spanish media indicate that Liverpool will cover his wages and have an option to make the transfer permanent for €55 million ($63.5m). The move marks a significant change for Araujo, who had been regarded as one of Barcelona’s key defensive players. The 27-year-old renewed his contract with the Catalan giants in 2025, extending his deal until 2031. However, his position became increasingly uncertain under Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. Young defender Pau Cubarsi emerged as a central figure in the back line, while Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin also competed for defensive roles. Araujo made 35 appearances across all competitions last season but spent several weeks away from football because of mental exhaustion. After returning in January, he struggled to regain a regular starting position. His move to Liverpool comes at a crucial time for the Premier League club. Liverpool need defensive reinforcements after Ibrahima Konate departed for Real Madrid, while Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are currently injured. Araujo could therefore find himself playing an important role alongside experienced captain Virgil van Dijk, particularly as Liverpool begin a new chapter under Spanish coach Andoni Iraola. The Uruguayan defender, who was part of Uruguay’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but did not feature, said he was eager to begin his Liverpool journey. “I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history,” Araujo said. “I’m excited to meet my team-mates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated.” He described the transfer as the right move at this stage of his career, suggesting that regular football was an important factor behind his decision. Liverpool have also strengthened their defensive options by signing young French defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. For Araujo, the challenge is clear: turn a difficult period at Barcelona into a new beginning at Anfield—and prove that he still belongs among Europe’s elite defenders.

The West Indies face another difficult route to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 after failing to secure automatic qualification for the tournament. The two-time world champions are currently 10th in the ICC ODI rankings and cannot move into the required top-eight positions before the September 30, 2026 cut-off date. Their remaining two ODI matches against India will therefore not be enough to rescue their hopes of direct qualification. Under the qualification system, the top eight ranked teams, excluding hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, will earn automatic places in the 2027 World Cup. The tournament will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Afghanistan recently became the latest side to secure automatic qualification after defeating Ireland in a thrilling contest in Belfast. They join defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and Bangladesh among the teams already assured of their places. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will also feature as hosts. For the West Indies, however, the road to the World Cup will now become considerably longer. They are set to compete in the World Cup Qualifier in February 2027, where they will need to perform strongly to secure a place in the main tournament. The situation is particularly painful because the Caribbean side experienced a similar setback during the qualification campaign for the 2023 World Cup. The West Indies entered the Qualifier in Zimbabwe but failed to reach the tournament after finishing fifth in the Super Six stage. It was a historic disappointment as the Caribbean team had previously appeared in every ODI World Cup since the competition began in 1975. The West Indies won the first two editions of the World Cup in 1975 and 1979, establishing themselves as one of cricket’s earliest dominant forces. Their failure to qualify for the 2023 tournament also resulted in their absence from the 2025 Champions Trophy, ending a long sequence of appearances dating back to 2013. Now, with another Qualifier ahead, the West Indies face a crucial opportunity to avoid repeating recent history. Their performance in February 2027 could determine whether one of cricket’s most celebrated teams returns to the global stage—or suffers another major setback.