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In the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) and among cricketers in the state. Sanju Samson is difficult exclusion from the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season has had no effect on his reputation. At the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) auction on Saturday. The India and Rajasthan Royals batsman solidified his reputation by becoming the most expensive acquisition. For a record INR 26.60 lakh, the Kochi Blue Tigers acquired him. Samson will be playing in his first competitive match since the end of the 2025 Indian Premier League. When he played nine games for the Rajasthan Royals. The team had a poor season, with only four wins and 10 losses, ending ninth. A side strain held Samson out of action for a large chunk of the middle part of the season. After missing out on Vijay Hazare's squad. Samson will also make his debut appearance under the KCA's jurisdiction at the KCL. Due to his failure to attend a training camp prior to the tournament. Sanju Samson was disqualified at the time. Despite the KCA's declaration that they wanted to set a precedent. The India batter said that he had written to the association requesting permission to skip the camp. Sanju Samson Samson, who was named the league's brand ambassador, declined to play in the KCL's first season due to international obligations. After that, his name was removed from the auctions and he was granted a respite. Samson, who most memorably scored three hundred against South Africa and Bangladesh, has since solidified his status as an everyday T20I opener for India. The all-rounder Jalaj Saxena was selected for INR 12.6 lakh. While the second-most expensive pick was Vishnu Vinod, a batsman and wicketkeeper who played for the Mumbai Indians. Vignesh Puthur, a juvenile left-arm wrist spinner. Who impressed in the trials and was signed by the Mumbai Indians for INR 30 lakh. Brought the first edition of the KCL into sharp focus during this year's IPL. He was also brought to South Africa. Where he played for MI Cape Town as a n

Shubman Gill is reportedly being considered for a key leadership position in the upcoming Asia Cup. T20 competition following an outstanding spell as India's Test captain. Under Suryakumar Yadav's guidance. The Test captain is expected to take the role of vice-captain as expectations rise. Media outlets are taking notice of Gill's possible selection as vice captain. India's cricket body (BCCI) is reportedly determined to reinstate him as Suryakumar Yadav's deputy for the 2025 Asia Cup. According to RevSportz sources. Which is scheduled for September 9-28 in the United Arab Emirates. The current deputy, Axar Patel, is probably going to resign. The BCCI's increasing faith in Gill's leadership skills is reflected in this change in leadership. His leadership abilities were greatly enhanced by his dominant performance during the England tour, which included an incredible 754 runs in 10 Test innings. In addition, Shubman Gill's return to the T20I lineup signifies the conclusion of an extended absence. In July 2024, he played against Sri Lanka in the format for the final time. Given the upcoming Asia Cup, his explosive form is crucial. particularly in the 2025 Indian Premier League. When he scored 650 runs in 15 games, ranking second among the Gujarat Titans' top scorers. He is a powerful inclusion. As the Asia Cup begins, selectors are eager to strengthen India's leadership structure before the hectic T20 schedule begins. Preparation preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. A crucial first step in preparing Gill for future all-format captaincy is the appointment of Gill as vice-captain. Beyond debate about leadership, Gill's changing role indicates a change in Team India's strategy. He is already leading the Test team,. This move may indicate that he may eventually lead all formats. The shift appears more likely when older players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire or step down. Gill's leadership at home keeps him relevant. Additionally, he was just selected

In their IPL 2025 season opening against the Chennai Super Kings, the Mumbai Indians will be led by Suryakumar Yadav. Due to his sluggish over rate, regular captain Hardik Pandya was given a one-match ban at the end of the previous season. Hence he is unable to play in this match. Given that Suryakumar has assumed the role of T20I captain in the past year and that Jasprit Bumrah is also out by injury, his candidacy is not shocking. During the preseason press conference, which he attended with head coach Mahela Jayawardene, Hardik revealed that Suryakumar would be captaining the CSK game. "India is also led by Suryakumar Yadav. When asked who the stand-in captain will be for the big match, Hardik said, "He will lead Mumbai Indians in the first match." The Mumbai Indians team has three compatible captains with a track record of success. Currently leading the national squad in Tests and ODIs, Rohit Sharma has captained India in all formats. Additionally, from 2013 to 2023, he led the Mumbai Indians for 11 seasons. The current captain of India for Twenty20 Internationals is Suryakumar, followed by Test captain Jasprit Bumrah. "I am lucky," wrote Hardik. "Three captains are playing with me. To the side, it adds extra experience. I am aware that there are three distinct brains with years of experience who have led India in various capacities in case I need assistance." "They can put the arm around my shoulder and always be there for me," he continued. That's how I see it. Hardik is available for the season's second game, which is against the Gujarat Titans. On March 31, they will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders in their debut home game at the Wankhede Stadium.

Following the first two Twenty20 Internationals against Australia at his home stadium, Sabina Park in Jamaica, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will announce his retirement from international cricket. Russell, 37, presently has 84 caps and has only played in T20Is since 2019. He will retire seven months before the next T20 World Cup, which will take place in February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. In addition, he played 56 ODIs and one Test. There are no words to describe what that meant. "One of the proudest achievements of my life has been representing the West Indies," Russell stated. I never imagined I would reach this level when I was younger, but the more you play and develop a passion for the sport, the more you realize what you are capable of. I wanted to make an impression in the maroon colors and serve as an inspiration to others, so this motivated me to improve. In addition to performing for the West Indies, I enjoy performing at home in front of my loved ones, which allows me to show off my skills and give better performances. I want to be a role model for the upcoming generation of Caribbean cricket players and end my international career on a strong note. Russell will leave international cricket in less than two months, making him the second well-known West Indies player to do so after Nicholas Pooran. It is believed that Russell's announcement caught the West Indies' selectors off guard. In 2012, Russell was a member of the West Indies team that won the T20 World Cup. In 2016, he took the new ball and got rid of Alex Hales in the second over in Kolkata. According to coach Daren Sammy, Andre has always been a hard competitor and the epitome of professionalism. His will to compete and win for the West Indies has never faltered. Whether I was captaining him or am currently coaching him. I hope he continues to inspire future generations and wish him luck on his next journey. Andre Russell Russell will be replaced by Matthew Forde in the roster f

In dramatic fashion, Mitchell Starc reached the 400-wicket club on the third day at Sabina Park. Taking the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history. In just 15 balls after destroying the top order of the West Indies with a triple-wicket opening over. Mitchell Starc produced one of the best opening overs in his 100th Test match. When the left-hander edged a superb outswinger to replacement wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who was filling in for the injured Alex Carey. He removed John Campbell first ball, marking the fourth time in his career that he had done so with the first delivery of an innings. Debutant Kevlon Anderson reviewed the plumbest of lbws despite shouldering arms four balls later as the ball spun around to hit his leg in front of the middle stump. The stumps were destroyed by another delivery that bent back to take Brandon King's inside edge. It was the sixth time a team had gone 0 for 3 in Test history. Mikyle Louis was the fourth Australian bowler to reach the 400th wicket, following Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Nathan Lyon. He survived the hat-trick ball at the beginning of Starc's second over. But he duly took his 400th wicket with another of his signature inswingers, trapping Louis leg before wicket. Two balls later, he added Shai Hope leg before wicket to reach a five-wicket total in just 15 deliveries, breaking the previous record. Which was shared by Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad, and Scott Boland, by four deliveries. The incredible sights continued. Starc used to rule the pink-ball cricket format in Australia. Confirming his position as the sport's king. This is the team's first abroad day-night test.

Veteran Australian seamer Scott Boland is quietly building confidence as Australia prepares to face England's aggressive Bazball strategy in the upcoming Ashes series, set to begin in Perth on November 21. Mix of experience, tactical awareness, and home conditions could make him a key part of Australia's success. Learning from the Past Reflecting on his 2023 stint in England, Boland admits it was a tough assignment. Despite bowling well, the wickets weren't there for him. "I'm a better bowler than I was back then," he said recently, acknowledging personal growth and readiness to face high-octane opposition in familiar conditions. Fans on Reddit agree his home form speaks volumes: "Scott Boland is literally unplayable with his ability to seam it both ways… The only challenge he has… will be Bazball in Aus" Ace Home Conditions Boland emphasized that Australia's typically bowler-friendly wickets will neutralize Bazball's emphasis on aggressive run-scoring. "If the wickets stay similar to what they've been… we're going to be in the game all the time," he said, exuding quiet confidence about the home advantage. His record on Australian pitches marked by seam, swing, and bounce sets him apart from tourists more accustomed to flat decks. Recent Form and Performance Boland's recent Tests confirm he's far from a part-timer. In the 2025 series against India, he excelled taking 4/31 in the first innings and 6/45 in the second at Sydney, claiming a ten-wicket haul and Man of the Match honors. His presence played a pivotal role in Australia securing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Reacting on Reddit, fans were effusive: "Essentially a back up to an already awesome pace attack and he comes in and takes 10/76… Unreal, such a luxury to have… like him available" Strategic Value Against Bazball Australia's other pace stalwarts Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood remain selectors' first preference. Yet, Boland offers critical variety: home-honed swing, impe

R Ashwin believes that other seasoned candidates like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are still valid choices for the position. Even though Shubman Gill is the clear favorite to replace Rohit Sharma as India's next Test captain. The lineup for India's Five-Test series against England. Which begins on June 20, may be chosen in the last week of May. The selection process is dominated by discussions over a potential new captain. "First of all, Gill is regarded as the captain by everyone. They're all heading that way. But why do we overlook Ravindra Jadeja? Jasprit Bumrah is a noisy alternative," Ashwin stated in a YouTube video interview with former Tamil Nadu opener Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan. I would suggest that if you are open to hiring a new captain. Why not assign Gill as an experienced man's understudy for two years before giving him a full-time position? With 3370 runs and 323 wickets from 80 Test matches, Jadeja is the most seasoned player in the Indian squad following the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit from the game. However, Bumrah has only captained India in three Test matches, most recently in the opening and final Tests of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He has no prior experience as a Test cricket captain. R. Ashwin "Why don't we gather all three or four candidates, have them give a presentation, and ask them to explain the team's vision?" Ashwin said. "It takes place in nations like Australia. Why don't we take that route? Following the third BGT Test late last year, Ashwin announced his retirement from all cricket-related activities. He stated that Bumrah should also be given serious consideration and that his recent back issue shouldn't be a barrier. "Look at Pat Cummins, who is currently captaining Australia in Tests and ODIs after having a back stress fracture as well," Ashwin said. In that sense, Bumrah is a national treasure and need to be discussed. He needs to be questioned about his ability to play five Test matches. Can you s

Temba Bavuma chose to bowl on a cloudy morning, and South Africa's pacers were spot on. He struck frequently to put Australia in a position in the opening session of the World Test Championship final at Lord's. Australia entered the lunch break on Day 1 at 63/4. Steve Smith not out at 26. Kagiso Rabada spearheaded the attack with well while Marco Jansen provided good support. Jansen and Rabada, South Africa's new-ball duo, bowled three consecutive maidens while maintaining discipline with the line and lengths. Even as Rabada delivered a hat-trick of maidens to Usman Khawaja, Labuschagne got Australia moving with three pairs off Jansen. He eventually got his reward when he had the left-hander edging to first slip to dismiss him for a 20-ball duck. The batter fell to Rabada, who was beautifully taken by Aiden Markram at second slip. Ending Cameron Green's attempt at number three. They subsequently got through the first hour without suffering any further damage as Smith and Labuschagne hit a couple of boundaries to defeat an outstanding spell from Rabada (6-4-9-2). They also defeated Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder. On the first ball of the second hour, Smith looked at a loose ball from Ngidi for a boundary. The bowler also caught the edge of his bat, but the ball went to the boundary. Mulder attempted to worry Labuschagne a few times without success, while Smith also hit a drive past point off Ngidi. Thirty minutes into the second hour, Jansen came back into the attack and got Labuschagne to edge to the 'keeper, breaking a 30-run stand. This was Jansen's breakthrough. Smith and Travis Head each hit a boundary off Jansen to begin the recovery process anew. The umpire's call spared Smith after he was slapped on the pad after crossing too far to an oncoming Jansen delivery. After that, Jansen struck hard just before lunch, catching Head down the legside on the final ball before the break.

Test vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz is expected to be available for selection in the second match of the current two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Colombo. So Bangladesh can exhale with relief. Mehidy was rested for the premiere of the series after missing the two-day training session. Before the first Test in Galle because of an illness. There were some questions about his availability for the second Test as he had been absent from the ground for the first two days of the Galle Test. Mehidy, however, removed every doubt on Thursday, June 19, by attending the training. The all-rounder is reportedly making a full recovery from the fever and will probably be eligible for selection. A top-order batter Haque Anamul In the first Test. Bijoy took Mehidy's place but was ineffective, scoring a duck in the first innings. Mehidy surely will improve the team as one of Bangladesh's leading run scorers in Test cricket, particularly as the Colombo pitch is predicted to help spinners. June 25 is when the second Test is expected to start. Mushtaq Ahmed, a spin bowling consultant, left Galle on June 17 in advance of the current Test match, according to a BCB official. He is anticipated to return during the ODI series. Which starts in early July. In preparation for the Test series, Mushtaq had trained intensively with the spinners in Galle and Dhaka. "The contract between BCB and Mushtaq is based on the quantity of working days. He arrived during the preparatory stage and departed once his given duties were finished. On July 6, he will be back," Nafees continued.

The England U19s had a thrilling seven-wicket victory at Visit Worcestershire New Road to round off their Youth ODI series against India. The tourists won the series 3-2, but England earned the victory in the last match. After a superb bowling performance held India's strong batting lineup to 210 for nine. All six bowlers took wickets thanks to a great team effort, although Ralphie Albert (two for 24) and Alex French (two for 37) stood out. The only player to surpass 40 was RS Ambrish (66 not out from 81 balls). After that, England easily reached 211 for three with 113 balls remaining. Following Ben Dawkins's (66, 53) third consecutive sixty score, Ben Mayes (82 not out, 76 balls) and Thomas Rew (49 not out, 37) saw their team home at a canter. Following India's decision to bat, French and Matt Firbank each scored in their opening over as England's redesigned seam attack got off to a fantastic start. Before French took the crucial wicket of Vihaan Malhotra, Ayush Mhatre's fruitless series came to an end with a reckless flick to mid-on off Firbank. Malhotra. Who scored a brilliant century in the previous match, nicked a fantastic delivery to wicketkeeper Rew. This time, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14, who scored 322 runs off 162 balls in the series' opening four games, lacked fluency. Prior to slicing Sebastian Morgan to deep third on 33 from 42. He was well-contained despite hitting Firbank for consecutive sixes. Alex Green, a seamer for Leicestershire, kept up the pressure and was rewarded. When Dawkins caught Rahul Kumar well on the long-leg rope. Albert quickly defeated the dangerous Harvansh Pangalia (24, 37) lbw, sweeping, as England started to spin. England U19s Ambrish was left to make sure the innings filled its 50 overs. After Albert added the wicket of Kanishk Chouhan, who was deftly stumped by Rew after being coaxed down the wicket. He achieved this by skillfully shepherding the tail for a half-century. Joe Moores' bottom-edged pluck at Deepesh Davendra

In a significant move ahead of the Andhra Premier League (APL) 2025 season. Dynamic all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been named the captain of the Bhimavaram Bulls. The announcement was made on July 17. Sending waves of excitement among fans of Andhra cricket and followers of the domestic T20 scene. Reddy has already garnered media attention for his outstanding domestic and international cricket performances. He is going to guide the Bulls into the APL's fourth season. August 8-August 24, 2025 is the planned occurrence date at the Visakhapatnam-based Dr. YSR ACA-VDCA Stadium. Rising Star Takes Charge - Nitish Kumar Reddy Nitish Kumar Reddy has rapidly climbed the cricketing ladder, with impressive displays across formats. His leadership appointment reflects the franchise's vision to build a team around a young, aggressive, and tactically aware cricketer. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Reddy's all-round skills are expected to bring a perfect balance to the Bulls' strategy. In 2024, he made his Test debut for India and delivered standout performances in T20 Internationals, showcasing maturity beyond his years. He is currently among the most promising cricket players coming out of Andhra Pradesh based on his career thus far. Bhimavaram Bulls - A Team Reimagined The Bhimavaram Bulls have also unveiled a strong 20-player squad for APL 2025 .With a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting youngsters. The team looks well-equipped to challenge for the title this season. Key players alongside Reddy include Satyanarayan Raju, Hari Shankar Reddy, and Pinniti Tejaswi, among others. This season, the Bulls are expected to adopt a fearless brand of cricket. Nitish Kumar Reddy bringing his aggressive mindset and calm leadership to the forefront. APL 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better The Andhra Premier League has grown in popularity over the years and the 2025. Edition is set to feature seven teams for the first time, up from six

In a new step for developing leadership. Experienced fast bowler Shardul Thakur has been named captain of the West Zone team for the 2025 Duleep Trophy, Which starts on August 28. This decision was made by the zonal selectors on Thursday. It sets the stage for a tough and exciting tournament that kicks off the 2025-26 domestic season in India. Fans often call Thakur "Lord Shardul" because he performs well in tough situations. He has played in all formats for India and his leadership will bring a mix of calm and energy to the West Zone squad. West Zone has a mix of young talent and experienced players. Some key names in the squad are: Yashasvi Jaiswal - The left-handed batter is known for his exciting style and is making a name for himself. Shreyas Iyer - He's back after an injury and wants to prove himself for a place in the national team. Sarfaraz Khan - A top run-scorer in domestic cricket, he adds strength in the middle order. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shams Mulani, and Tushar Deshpande also make up a solid group. Notably, older players like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were left out. This might be a sign that the team is focusing more on younger players. As both have had trouble staying in the national setup. Shardul Thakur's captaincy is real and meaningful. He is known for his hard work and fight on the field. His strong performances in Tests. Especially in Australia and England, have made him a trusted player. In domestic cricket, his bold approach and smart thinking have worked well. His leadership will help players like Ashwin Kotian, Dharmendra Jadeja, and Shaunak Nagwaswala as they try to move up in the ranks. The Duleep Trophy is now more than just a local competition. It's a key event for players aiming to play red-ball cricket for India. Strong showings here often lead to selection in India A or even the senior team. The zonal format, which returned last season. Gives players a chance to play high-level cricket and represent

Matthew Forde, a seamer for the West Indies, will not be playing in the three-match ODI series against Pakistan starting on Friday in Tarouba. He got hurt during a training session on Wednesday. When he tried to catch the ball and dislocated his shoulder. Matthew Forde has been replaced in the squad by Johann Layne. A seam-bowling all-rounder from the West Indies academy. Ian Bishop, who is part of the coaching staff, described Layne as "rangy, tall, and intelligent." He was one of the seamen who made a good impression on Bishop. The West Indies' ODI team includes Jediah Blades, Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, and Jayden Seales as their fast bowlers. Gudakesh Motie is their main wrist spinner. Alzarri Joseph has been rested for this series. The team also loses out on Forde's batting ability. As he broke the ODI record for the fastest fifty, scoring. It in just 16 balls against Ireland in May. The West Indies is aiming to win their fourth consecutive ODI series. After losing the T20I series to Pakistan 2-1 in Lauderhill. The tour is now moving to Trinidad and Tobago. They are playing in just their fifth ODI series. Since the beginning of 2023 and have already beaten Bangladesh 3-0 and England twice, 2-1 each time. In recent years, the West Indies has had a tough time with the 50-over format, losing both ICC ODI tournaments. Their current ranking is tenth, making qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup uncertain. To get automatic qualification, they need to be in the top nine, just one spot above where they are now. They would greatly benefit from a victory versus Pakistan. Who are ranked six spots higher.

England have made just one change to their squad for the decisive fifth Test of the 2025 series against India. All‑rounder Jamie Overton has been brought back into the 15‑member side for the match starting July 31 at The Oval. This is Overton's first involvement in Test cricket since June 2022. When he played his only Test for England at Headingley scoring a magnificent 97 and taking two wickets during that lone appearance. Standing at 6′5″, the Surrey paceman provides both batting depth and seam‑bowling options, making him an ideal candidate to help balance the injury‑stretched England seam attack. Skipper Ben Stokes had flagged the urgent need for fresh legs after the front‑line bowlers grinded through a gruelling 257 overs in the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford. Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and returning pace spearhead Jofra Archer have carried a heavy workload through the series to date. Woakes alone has bowled 167 overs, while Archer just returning from a four‑year break has compiled his heaviest outing ever at Old Trafford with 49.1 overs. Stokes acknowledged that after their exertions, rotation or reinforcement may be essential ahead of the turnaround to Oval. Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue already in the squad but unused at Old Trafford are the likely competition for places. Atkinson recently returned from hamstring injury with a strong outing in Surrey's Second XI. While Tongue has taken 11 wickets in the series so far but has struggled with consistency. The Oval Test Overton's inclusion is not only about workload management. As a local Surrey player, he brings familiarity with the conditions at The Oval. He rejoined Surrey permanently in 2021. After a loan spell, and has seen strong county form throughout the current season - and even featured for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. Selectors have retained all 14 members from the squad that fielded at Old Trafford, with Overton being the single addition to the group. This inclusion r

Shubman Gill's exceptional play on the cricket field has earned him the title of ICC Player of the Month for February. This honor follows a string of outstanding performances, especially during the ICC Champions Trophy, where he was instrumental to India's campaign. Gill is a remarkable player who can score runs in a variety of formats, and his most recent accomplishments have cemented his place among the top batsmen in international cricket. After winning Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performance in the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, Gill's ascent to fame began. He has since kept up his impressive play in both national and international tournaments. His position as an important player for India has been further cemented by his recent performance, which included scoring an undefeated 101 in a pivotal Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh. In addition to highlighting Gill's increasing impact in the cricket community, this ICC Player of the Month award positions him for future success in the IPL and other international competitions. He is a key member of India's cricket squad and a fan favorite due to his reliable form and capacity to execute under stress.

Ireland has revealed their team for the forthcoming home white-ball series against the West Indies, starting on May 21. Paul Stirling will remain the captain of the Ireland team in both T20Is and ODIs, with Lorcan Tucker appointed as his vice-captain. Mark Adair is a notable exclusion from the ODI squad as he is still recovering from an injury. However, he is anticipated to make his comeback for the T20Is. The squad selected by Ireland also includes three players who have yet to earn a cap. But could make their international debuts: Cade Carmichael (right-handed batter), Tom Mayes (fast bowler), and Liam McCarthy (fast bowler). Only the ODIs will feature Carmichael and Mayes. While McCarthy has been selected for both the ODI and T20I squads. Ben White and Ross Adair will be taking part only in the T20Is. The ODI squads do not include them. Ireland T20I & ODI Regarding the chosen teams, National Men's Selector Andrew White lauded the three players without caps for demonstrating their talent during last month's Ireland Wolves tour of the UAE and expressed hope that they would advance to a higher level of cricket. For several years now, Cade Carmichael has been in the pathway. In April, he showcased his talent, stroke play, and resilience for the Wolves. His ascent over the past few years shows how consistent performances and his ability to adapt his game to different conditions have led to an International call-up. Along the same lines, two seam bowlers Liam McCarthy and Tom Mayes have been acknowledged for their reliability and their capacity to elevate their performance. When needed both players contribute uniquely to the team: Mayes with his stature and precision, and McCarthy. Who adds a different dynamic to our offense and will certainly test the batters' techniques. The West Indies will compete in Ireland for the first time since 2019. The series will kick off on May 21 with three ODIs until May 25, followed by a three-match T20I series in June from the 12

The visitors built a huge first innings total, largely due to a century from Pavan Rathnayake, and Australia A's hitters faced a searching test to salvage their two-game series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin. Sri Lanka A totally retaliated against rival captain Jason Sangha's decision to put them in by advancing to declare 486 for 6 on day two of the second four-day match, having started at 263 for 4. At the Marrara Cricket Ground on Monday, the hosts were 76 for 1 at stumps, with Jake Weatherald at 45 and Kurtis Patterson at 19. The first game was tied, leaving them with a mountain to climb to win the series. Nathan McSweeney, the former Test opener for Australia A, was bowled between bat and pad by offspinner Nishan Peiris for 12, failing to duplicate his excellent 94 from the first game. When Rathnayake returned at 43, he took full advantage of a perfect batting strip to reach 122 off 223 balls, his team's second century after Nuwanidu Fernando's 102 on the first day. Sonal Dinusha, who returned on five, joined the run-fest by reaching 88 off 191 deliveries. In 53 overs, he and Rathnayake contributed 170 for the fifth wicket. Rathnayake was tempted into a reckless clip to short midwicket by left-arm spinner Zanden Jeh, who was superbly caught low down by Oliver Peake, ending their stand. Dinusha and Sohan de Livera kept punishing the bowlers, scoring 40 runs in 14 overs when Patterson caught Dinusha at mid-on after he mishit a lofted pull. Zeh, a 22-year-old unknown who was the best of the eight bowlers deployed despite never having played state cricket at the highest level, took a third wicket as a result. As Australian officials continue to look for good left-arm spinners, the Queenslander was selected from the left-field for the opening match. De Livera finished 50 not out at the time of the declaration, being the fifth batter to reach a half-century or more. McSweeney was bowled between bat and pad after hitting two fours in his 20 balls. The home te