Shakib Al Hasan’s request of break from international cricket hasn’t gone down well with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan. Citing mental and physical fatigue, Shakib, on Sunday, expressed doubts over touring South Africa later this month. The veteran all-rounder stated that he’s feeling burdened amid regular international cricket, and that a break would help him to rejuvenate.

Reacting to the same, the BCB boss said he’s surprised with Shakib’s request as the former Bangladesh captain had ‘promised’ to play against South Africa. Notably, the southpaw had initially planned to skip the two-match Test series in South Africa amid an expected assignment in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. He anyway was ready to feature in the preceding three-match ODI series.

Team England will have a point to prove as they take on hosts West Indies in a three-match Test series, starting on March 8. England’s last Test assignment saw them suffering a 0-4 humiliation in the Ashes earlier this year. As numerous loopholes in the team were exposed, the England selectors have made some major calls for West Indies Tests.

Veteran pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been dropped for the series and hence, England will have to field a young and pretty much inexperienced bowling unit. With Anderson and Broad being two of England’s highest wicket-taker in Tests, many reckon their absence will give West Indies a major boost. However, the home team’s head coach Phil Simmons is not of the same opinion.

Former veteran South African allrounder Lance Klusener has been appointed as the Zimbabwe men’s national team as batting coach. The appointment was confirmed by the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) board during a meeting conducted on March 7 (Monday). The 50-year old previously served as Zimbabwe’s batting coach between 2016 and 2018. He then worked head coach of the Afghanistan national team, before resigning from his post from January 1, 2022.
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