Mitch Johnson's retirement, Imran Khan's "massive" cricketing changes, and more - Cricket News of today, 19th August 2018

For the first time so far in the England-India Test series that is going on, India has established what can be called an absolute supremacy over its opponents. Though the visitors could not add much from their overnight score to eventually go all-out at 329, what they did to follow-up with the ball has been so amazing.

As latest news come from the venue, India has restricted the hosts England to a paltry 161 all out, as Hardik Pandya and Ishant Sharma wreaked havoc on the Trent Bridge pitch, with valuable inputs from Mohammed Shami as well. Meanwhile, here we bring you the top cricketing stories from the rest of the world, for today.

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#5 Quadrangular A-team series shifted from Vijayawada to Bengaluru

It is raining heavily at Vijayawada, and no play was possible in the last two days - Photo by ESPN

The teams of India-A, India-B, Australia-A and South Africa-A was scheduled to participate in a quadrangular series that was to begin on Friday, August 17, 2018, at Krishna and Vijayawada districts of Andhra Pradesh. However, the matches listed for 17th and 18th August were washed out totally due to rain, without even a ball being bowled.

And as latest news come from the venue, it is being reported that the series has now been shifted out of Vijayawada due to the same reasons. An official from the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) confirmed the news on Saturday, soon after the fourth game in a row was washed out completely., with the grounds not having the required drainage facilities to bring the pitch back to a working state.

With the weather forecast also predicting heavier rains in the coming week, the decision to move the matches out of Vijayawada was taken, with all the points awarded to the teams so far standing to be nullified.

Bengaluru will now host the remainder of the series, whose fixtures are slated for August 23, 25 and 27 when the league matches will be played. This will be followed by the finals, which will be played on August 29, as per a report published by ESPN.

A few matches including the final will be televised and hence those matches will likely be held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The other matches are expected to take place at Karnataka State Cricket Association's Alur facility on the outskirts of the city.

#4 Sophia Dunkley gives Surrey Stars entry into the finals day

A moment from the Surrey Stars v Western Storm game

Surrey Stars have found their place in the finals day of the 2018 Kia Super League, by emerging on the top in a hotly-contested must-win game against the Western Storms.

A game which swung one way then the other on numerous occasions saw Stars who had to win to advance finally hold sway thanks to Dunkley’s cut over cover under the lights at the Kia Oval.

Batting first, Heather Knight (62 off 47) and Rachel Priest (30 off 20) were the chief contributors to Western Storms' effort of 158 for 5 in 20 overs. Star batswoman Smriti Mandhana disappointed for the first time in the entire season, getting dismissed for 5 runs via a needless run-out.

In reply, Lizelle Lee (48 off 28) and Bryony Smith (39 off 35) gave Surrey a rocking start, which went on to score 90 runs until the fifth ball of the tenth over. Afterwards came Nat Sciver (30 off 22) and Dane van Niekerk (25 off 22), who brought down the chase to 6 needed off 6 balls. Sophia Dunkley then struck a four in the very last ball, to carry Surrey over the finish line.

The two sides meet again in the finals day playoff match in eight days’ time.

#3 Bhuvneshwar Kumar reportedly ruled out of entire England Test series

Kohli will definitely miss his prime weapon if reports of his sidelining are true

Indian pace stalwart Bhuvneshwar Kumar had suffered a back injury during the third ODI against England was not named in the squad for the first three Test matches against the same opponents. And now the sidelining seems to extend to the last two Test matches of the series as well, according to media reports.

After being injured, Bhuvi returned to India and started attending a rehab programme at the National Cricket Academy(NCA), Bangalore. The right-arm swing bowler had also shared a few stories of him lifting weights on Instagram, which looked like positive news for Indian cricket followers.

However, it appears that he hasn't recovered from the injury and will not be available for selection. Due to his unavailability, Shardul Thakur might retain his place in the squad but in all likeliness, he will not be part of the first XI.

The Indian pace attack will now have to function with the likes of Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, and Umesh Yadav, with Jasprit Bumrah's recovery and subsequent selection into the main XI in the third test giving the side a much-needed boost of hope, in spite of Bhuvi's prolonged absence.

#2 Imran Khan planning "massive changes" in Pakistan's cricketing ideals

Imran Khan after swearing in as the new Pak PM - Photo by AFP

Pakistan's newest Prime-Minister-elect, former cricketer Imran Khan has hinted at "massive" changes in Pakistan cricket following his adoption of the new role at the helm of the country.

Imran was sworn in as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan on July 18 at the President House in Islamabad. On the memorable occasion, members of the triumphant 1992 World Cup winning Pak squad were also present amongst other dignitaries, as was Navjot Singh Sidhu, former Indian cricketer-turned-politician.

Imran spoke to former cricketers after the ceremony, and it is being said that he showed a keen desire to bring changes for the betterment of Pak cricket. Based on the steps he may take, it is likely that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi will be removed from his role, with former ICC President Ehsan Mani being a strong favourite for replacement.

He has also reiterated his views about the closure of departmental cricket as he believes that regional cricket should be promoted further, as it will bring forth new talent, which will, in turn, produce quality cricketers.

#1 Mitchell Johnson announces retirement from cricket

No more of these fireballs

Australian maverick pacer, Mitchell Johnson has officially announced his retirement from the sport. He said that he hoped he would feature in various T20 leagues around the world but his "body is starting to shut down".

"It's over. I've bowled my final ball. Taken my final wicket. Today I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket," Johnson wrote for the Perth Now website.

"I had hoped to continue playing in various Twenty20 competitions around the world until perhaps the middle of next year. But the fact is my body is starting to shut down."

He went on to confirm that he won't be featuring for Perth Scorchers in the BBL as well, despite coach Adam Voges wanting him to feature for another season.

"I'm ready to break clear of playing cricket and move on to the next period of my life. He has recently been through retiring himself and I think he understood that when you're done, you're done. If I can't play at 100 percent then I can't give my best to the team. And for me, it's always been about the team.

"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. I'm a believer in sticking to your strengths and cricket is my strength," the left-armer added.

"I saw more highs and lows than most cricketers and I'm proud that I was able to fight back from adversity in the latter part of my career and produce consistent performances. I made mistakes and I learned from them," he concluded. The world of cricket will definitely miss his lusty deliveries that used to breathe fire irrespective of what surface he was playing on.