KL Rahul Injury, Babar Azam Out And Padikkal Ton- August 15 Cricket Highlights

KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal [Source: X, AFP]

KL Rahul suffered an injury on Day 1 of India’s series-opening first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Babar Azam has been ruled out of the remainder of Pakistan’s warm-up match in England owing to an injury. Devdutt Padikkal smashed an electrifying century against Sri Lanka.

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 Saturday, August 15. 

Devdutt Padikkal tons up on Day 1 for India

Devdutt Padikkal notched up his maiden Test century, scoring 131* runs off 178 balls against Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the series-opening first Test at the Galle International Stadium in Galle. The cricketer belted 12 boundaries and a six in his innings.

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Padikkal’s knock helped Team India reach 288-2 in 73 overs by stumps on a rain-curtailed opening day.

KL Rahul injured, limps off the field

KL Rahul composed 77 runs from 162 balls with nine boundaries and a six against Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the first Test in Galle. However, the elegant Indian opener suffered an injury right after Tea break, prompting him to limp off the field. 

Rahul has seemingly damaged his left thigh as he stumbled while walking up the stairs as he was going back to the Indian dressing room. 

Josh Hazlewood completes 300 Test wickets for Australia

Josh Hazlewood completed a six-wicket haul against Bangladesh on Day 3 of the first Test in Darwin. The legendary Australian speedster conceded just 89 runs from his 28 overs, and completed 300 Test wickets in his career through the course of his spell.

Hazlewood has now become the ninth Australian cricketer to complete the landmark figure, and he is currently sitting on an illustrious tally of 301 wickets in 144 innings spanning 77 Test matches.

Babar Azam ruled out of practice match in England

Babar Azam has been ruled out of the remainder of Pakistan’s warm-up match in England against the Professional County Club Select XI. The legendary Pakistani batter and captain was struck on his hand and was visibly spotted in deep pain. He was quickly attended by the physios of the team.

Babar is currently in race to attain full recovery before Pakistan’s upcoming three-match Test series against hosts England.

World Cup 2027 to get a revised start date

The ICC is reportedly considering to revise the launch date of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia next year. The tournament will likely begin from October 2 onwards, as opposed to the planned October 4 date.

The report states that the ICC is considering October 2 as the tournament’s opening date to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti, India’s freedom fighter with close ties to South Africa.

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