Hardik Pandya Turned Down, Babar Azam Rises In ICC Rankings- August 12 Cricket Highlights

Hardik Pandya and Babar Azam [Source: AFP]

Hardik Pandya has been declined by the Gujarat Titans franchise for a possible return as captain. Babar Azam has surged back into the ICC top 10 rankings among men’s batters after his prolific series against West Indies in the Caribbean.

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news stories that emerged on Wednesday, August 12. 

Gujarat Titans turn down Hardik Pandya’s return as captain

Hardik Pandya reportedly had talks with the Gujarat Titans management for a possible return to the franchise for the IPL 2027 season next year. In their meeting, Pandya also put forth the condition of being reinstated as captain. 

However, the franchise reportedly declined the offer as they are willing to continue with national captain and prolific opening batter Shubman Gill as skipper. Pandya, on the other hand, is already desired by franchises like the CSK and KKR.

Babar Azam re-enters top 10 of ICC Test rankings

Babar Azam has returned to the top 10 of the ICC Test rankings for men’s batters. The legendary Pakistani batter recently aggregated 193 runs in four innings spanning two Test matches against the West Indies at a prolific average of 96.50. 

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The cricketer has now ended a two-year wait to re-enter the top 10 ICC rankings for Test batters. Under his leadership, Pakistan also levelled the series 1-1.

Dhananjaya de Silva to lead as Sri Lanka name squad for 1st Test vs India

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named a 16-member Sri Lanka squad for the first Test of their two-match series against Team India this week. 

Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the side, and the squad also consists of fellow star performers like Kamindu Mendis, experienced Dinesh Chandimal, star batter Nishan Madushka, comeback wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella, ace fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, among others.

Washington Sundar unlikely to join India for Sri Lanka series

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar is unlikely to join the national squad for the upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka. The cricketer is yet to fully recover from the leg injury he sustained last month during India’s tour of England. 

As per a report, the BCCI CoE and the Indian team management are unwilling to rush Sundar’s return, considering the Indian team is already struggling with several injury concerns at the moment. 

Scott Boland out of Australia's playing XI for 1st Test vs Bangladesh

Scott Boland has been excluded from Australia’s playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. Experienced pacers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins are all set to helm the fast-bowling attack. 

Jake Weatherald and Travis Head will open the innings for Australia, with the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith and Cameron Green helming the team’s middle order.

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