Jasprit Bumrah Return, Ben Stokes In BBL And Shakib To Lead- July 31 Cricket Highlights

Jasprit Bumrah and Ben Stokes [Source: AFP, X]

Jasprit Bumrah has cleared the fitness test ahead of India’s upcoming away Test series against Sri Lanka. Ben Stokes will likely be making his BBL debut later this year in Australia. In other news, Shakib Al Hasan has been appointed as captain of a Bangladesh-based team.

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Friday, July 31. 

Alzarri Joseph slams Daren Sammy over Pakistan series claim

West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph fired back at head coach Daren Sammy after the latter claimed that the speedster opted himself out of selection for the upcoming home Test series against Pakistan. 

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Alzarri has claimed that since he recently returned to international cricket, he did not feel physically ready to play yet another demanding Test series. The cricketer added that he also had a chat with the CWI and the head coach before squad selection. 

Shakib Al Hasan to lead Bangladesh Tigers in Asian Legends League 2026

The Bangladesh Tigers team has unveiled its complete squad for the upcoming Asian Legends League 2026 season. Former skipper and legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been named as captain of the team. 

The squad also features fellow former cricketers like Rubbel Hossain, Ariful Haque, Mehedy Maruf and Muktar Ali. Herschelle Gibbs will serve the team as its head coach in the tournament. 

Manav Suthar set to return to Warwickshire

Indian left-arm spinner Manav Suthar is set to return to the Warwickshire cricket club to play their last four matches of the County Championship 2026 season. The cricketer was recently named in Team India squad for the upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka.

Suthar played two matches for the Warwickshire team last month, picking up 11 wickets in just four innings, and also scoring nearly 100 runs with the bat in the process.

Jasprit Bumrah clears fitness test for Sri Lanka series

Legendary Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has cleared the fitness test as mandated by the CoE. The senior paceman has also recovered from his impact injury. Bumrah will now likely be available to make his return to Team India squad for the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka. 

It is worth noting that the 32-year-old recently played a couple of ODI matches during the short three-match series in England. 

Ben Stokes likely to join Sydney Sixers in BBL 2027

Former England captain Ben Stokes will likely join the Sydney Sixers team in this year’s BBL 2026-27 season in Australia. It will mark the first-ever league appearance for the legendary all-rounder since announcing his retirement from international cricket a few days ago in England. Stokes is currently playing the One-Day Cup 2026 season for the Durham cricket team. 

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