GABBA: Australia secured an eight-wicket win against England on day four of the second Ashes Test, at the Gabba establishing a 2–0 advantage in the series.
England restarted their innings at 134 for 6 but were dismissed for 241. Michael Neser showed a display securing five wickets whereas Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland took two wickets apiece. Brendan Doggett contributed one wicket to conclude England’s innings.
Pursuing a goal of 65 runs Australia easily achieved the total with eight wickets remaining. Travis Head boosted the score of his team by 22 runs. Jake Weatherald was able to contribute 17 runs before his dismissal. Captain Steve Smith stretched the innings further with 23 runs while Marnus Labuschagne, who was batting at the other end, also kept the innings alive with 3 runs.
In the course of the game Australia established a landmark achievement. In an Ashes encounter that dates back to 1882, this is the very first instance when all eleven Australian batsmen have managed to score at least ten runs each in a single innings.
The Australian team had gone on to do such a feat on two other occasions but not in an Ashes Test, one against India in 1948 and another against Sri Lanka in 1992. Nevertheless, this is the first time that the landmark has been hit in an Ashes Test.
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell announces exit from IPL
Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell has announced that he is not going to be a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) anymore thus becoming the latest major international player to decide against the competition.
Maxwell communicated through an Instagram post that he decided not to submit his name for the IPL auction. The renowned all-rounder mentioned that following unforgettable seasons he believed it was the appropriate moment to bow out.
“In my Instagram post, I mentioned that after memorable seasons I have chosen not to enter my name in the IPL auction. I’ve been lucky to share the field with some of the players globally ” Maxwell stated, conveying appreciation for the encouragement he gained during his IPL journey.
Maxwell additionally expressed gratitude, to fans, franchises and teammates for their support throughout the years.
The announcement follows similar decisions by South Africa’s Faf du Plessis and England’s Moeen Ali, both of whom have opted out of the upcoming IPL season. The two cricketers are expected to feature in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) instead.
With the exit of Maxwell, it is upheaval layered upon upheaval as the next IPL season is fast gaining momentum with the flip of the decision of numerous veteran international stars diverting their attention to other leagues and engagements.
