Dravid predicts India-England series scoreline, Watson feels KL Rahul best in world and more - Cricket News Today, 1st August 2018

The much anticipated first Test of the five-match series between India and England began today as England won the toss and opted to bat first. English skipper Joe Root looked in control after Alastair Cook's departure and as I write this, the skipper is batting with Dawid Malan after Keaton Jennings freak dismissal.

Bangladesh and West Indies played out their first T20I of the three-match series in Lauderhill. On the other hand, Nepal are playing their first ever One Day International against Netherlands at Amstelveen and have the hosts all out for 189 in the first innings.

There were other news in the cricketing world as well which made the headlines and here are most important five of the lot.

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KL Rahul best in world cricket for Shane Watson

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has said that he loves watching KL Rahul bat and believes the Indian batsman is the best in the world. Rahul was named in the Indian side for the first Test match against England and as Kohli stated after the toss, he would bat at number three.

In a candid chat with India Today, Watson asserted, "He is the best for me in world cricket right now. I just love the way (KL) Rahul plays the game. He is so beautiful to watch. He does it so easily, whether it is against the fast bowlers with the ball swinging around or spin bowling, he has got all shot options."

The Australian stalwart added, "To top it, he (Rahul) has got a great defence too. He is incredibly good. So, I have my fingers crossed that he plays this Test series because I absolutely love watching him play. Whether it is T20 like we saw in this year's IPL, or ODIs or the longer format, he has got all the skills required to dominate against all types of bowling."

Rashid Khan extends county stint with Sussex

Kent Spitfires v Sussex Sharks - Vitality Blast

Afghanistan spin sensation Rashid Khan has extended his county stint with Sussex. He will be available for all the 14 group stage matches of the Vitality T20 Blast.

Sussex head coach and former Aussie bowler Jason Gillespie: "I'm very big on continuity when it comes to tournaments and, as a general rule, I prefer not to have players dropping in for a few games.

"Having said that, Rashid is the number one T20 bowler in the world and so having him in the team for any number of games would have added value - as we have already seen - but to now have him available for the whole of the group stage is absolutely wonderful."

Rashid was delighted to have extended his stay as well.

"I had always wanted to play more than the first seven games so when I heard I was now going to be free, I asked the club straightaway if they would like me to stay for the full 14 matches. Thankfully, they also wanted me to stay," he said.

"I'm really enjoying my time at Sussex so far and I'm looking forward to the rest of the matches here. Let's hope we can win many of them!"

Moeen Ali and Jamie Porter to join county sides

England & India Net Sessions

Moeen Ali and Jamie Porter, who were not named in England playing XI for the first Test match against India have bee released from the squad and will join their respective county sides for Virality T20 Blast.

Ali plays for the Worcestershire Rapids of the North group and captains them as well, while Porter plays for the Essex Eagles of the South group. Ali's Worcestershire have games against Durham on 3rd and Nottinghamshire on 4th. Porter's Essex have games against Kent, Somerset, Surrey and Glamorgan on 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th August, respectively.

The second Test starts on 9th August in Lord's.

Russell powers West Indies to a win against Bangladesh in first T20

ICC World XI v West Indies - T20

After electing to field first, West Indies managed to restrict Bangladesh to 143. Kesrick Williams was the star with the ball for Windies as he bagged as many as four wickets.

Ashley Nurse and Keamo Paul picked two wickets apiece while Andre Russell got one. Mahmudullah was the top scorer for Bangladesh with a knock of 35 runs. Litton Das (24, Shakib Al Hasan (19), Mushfiqur Rahim (15) and Ariful Haque (15) chipped in as well.

In reply, West Indies were handed a revised target of 91 runs in 11 overs and though Andre Fletcher and Evin Lewis fell early, Russell powered Windies to the total. The all-rounder hit 35 runs in 21 balls and was supported by Marlon Samuels who smashed 26 in 13 and Rovman Powell who got 15 from 9.

Windies won the match by 7 wickets with more than an over to go. The second T20I will be played on 5th August.

Dravid predicts India-England series scoreline

England Lions v India A - Day Three

Former India captain Rahul Dravid feels India are the favourites to win the five-match Test series against England. Dravid went on to predict the scoreline of the series as well, saying he feels India will trump it 2-1.

Speaking to BBC 5 Live Sport, he said: “I do think the Indian team has a good chance here but the key would be to take 20 wickets. I have no doubt that we will score runs at some stage but the key is to keep our fast bowlers fit. We have got a good crop of young pacers but it’s five Test matches in six weeks.

“When we won here in 2007, the same bowling lineup played in all three matches and we were lucky that nobody got injured and that made a big difference. If we get our best bowling lineup on the park for at least four of the five games, we will give ourselves a good chance.

“I have to say India, I will say India 2-1."