West Indies 15-men squad for India-Test series

The West Indies selection panel have announced the 15-member squad against the host India in the two-Test series starting October 4.

"The panel welcomes back Sunil Ambris who missed the last couple of series due to injury, along with Jomel Warrican who adds a second spin bowling option to the attack," said chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne.

Windies will be travelling to India for almost seven weeks starting September 26 with two Tests, five ODIs and three T20 Internationals.

Browne said: "The panel congratulates Jason Holder and his team on the excellent performance against Bangladesh.

Squad: Jason Holder (c), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican.

Nottinghamshire sign Ben Slater until 2021

Nottinghamshire have announced the signing of opening batsman Ben Slater from Derbyshire on a three-year deal promises to keep him at Trent Bridge until 2021.

The 26-year-old will be available for Notts on loan for the rest of this season.

“I’m looking forward to joining with Nottinghamshire and having the chance to play at Trent Bridge week in week out,” said the Chesterfield-born batsman.

Slater has made 3,614 runs, at an average of 31.42, since his first-class debut in 2012.

Mitchell Johnson retires from all forms of cricket

Australia's left-arm speedster Mitchell Johnson has announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket.

The 36-year-old pacer had wished to play Twenty20 leagues until the mid of 2019.

His fitness problems forced him to make this decision. He had some severe back issues during Indian Premier League 2018. He further indicated that he is always open to coaching or mentoring role and other activities related to the game.

Johnson made the decision through an article that he wrote on Perth Now.

“My competitive urge hasn’t left me and hopefully, that’s something I can use to channel into a coaching or mentoring role in the future.”

Johnson played the last two seasons for Perth Scorchers in Big Bash League following his retirement from international cricket in November 2015 and was instrumental in their BBL|06 title.

Five Indian cricketers who might miss out on World Cup 2019

Here are the 5 players who might miss out on the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, to be held in England.

1) Ravichandran Ashwin 

Due to a downfall in Ashwin's performances over the past couple of years, selection to 2019 World Cup looks in jeopardy and the 31-year-old will most likely make it to the squad in case of any injuries to either of Yuzvendra Chahal or Kuldeep Yadav.

2) Ajinkya Rahane

India's No. 4 position, Rahane has found himself out of the limited-overs squad and is facing stiff competition from the likes of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer.

Rahane has scored 279 runs at an average of 46.50 in just 7 innings since 2016.

3) Mohammed Shami

Shami has had struggled with fitness issues throughout his career which has led to his dip in the pecking order of seamers in the playing 11.

With the availability of fast bowlers such as Shardul Thakur, Siddharth Kaul, Umesh Yadav in the limited overs format has made it difficult for Shami to get his place back in the squad.

Even if the 28-year-old stays fit in the coming months, his selection will completely depend upon the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuwneshwar Kumar who have been leading the Indian attack.

4) Rishabh Pant

With sharp batting skills as well as superb displays behind the stumps, Rishabh Pant has taken a huge lead in his small career, making it to India's Test Squad for India A under the guidance of the legendary Rahul Dravid.

Pant, 20, can be an ideal contender for the No. 4 position if given a chance. However, no matter how good he performs domestically, he probably won't get a chance.

MS Dhoni will be the first choice wicket keeper-batsman till he retires, which has eventually blocked Pant's ticket to World Cup for time being.

5) Ambati Rayudu

Over the past couple of years, Ambati Rayudu has failed to cement his place in the Indian squad. The time is running out of his hand, if the right-handed middle-order batsman couldn't prove his fitness before Asia Cup, it would prove too costly for him.

Hat Tip: https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/5-indian-players-who-might-miss-out-on-2019-world-cup-team

Twitter reacts to England's dramatic win against India by 31 runs

England have registered a 31-run victory against India on the fourth day of their first Test at Edgbaston.

The visitors were soon all out for 162 in chase of England's 194.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes scalped three crucial wickets on Saturday, that included the dismissals of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami ending with a figure of 4-40 in the second innings.

The victory gave Joe Root's side a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

The second Test gets underway at Lord's on August 9.

He might be a pal but I am not bias in saying @root66 Captaincy this morning was fantastic ... Tactics and mindset spot on ... #ENGvsIND

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) 4 August 2018

Indian batting just can’t depend on Virat every now & then Indian batting got to perform better then this ..
I hope Hindustan make a strong come back in series ..

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) 4 August 2018

LOVED IT. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏#TestCricket #England #India #EngVsInd pic.twitter.com/g0CbMFxnja

— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) 4 August 2018

Ferocious @benstokes38 was brilliant today, but @CurranSM won this Test for England.
His gutsy, resilient & finally swashbuckling innings turned the game on its head. pic.twitter.com/sEE5KOSF1I

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) 4 August 2018

Credit to Ben Stokes, that's what great players do. They own the situation. Kohli did that as long as he was there and it was Stokes who turned it around for him and England. Well deserved!

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) 4 August 2018