Cricket News Today: Arun Lal lashes out at 'poor' Ranji Trophy final pitch, MS Dhoni shuts down critics and more - 10th March 2020

Hello and welcome to the daily roundup of all the major narratives dominating the world of cricket on the 10th of March 2020.

A number of interesting sub-plots came to the fore on Tuesday with Bengal coach, Arun Lal opining on the ‘poor’ nature of the surface dished out for the Ranji Trophy Final whereas Sri Lanka also announced their squad for the upcoming Test series against England.

Elsewhere, MS Dhoni appeared in an advertisement for the Indian Premier League. Wherein the former Indian skipper can be seen shutting down his doubters courtesy his incredibly cool demeanor.

Here is a look at those in further detail.

Also see: Cricket News Today

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#1 Arun Lal slams Ranji Trophy Final surface at Rajkot

Arun Lal lashed out at the pitch at Rajkot

On the 9th of March 2020, Bengal and Saurashtra commenced their battle for Ranji Trophy supremacy at Rajkot. However, on the first day itself, the pitch started playing several tricks, with numerous deliveries shooting along the ground.

Subsequently, many were left fuming at the nature of the wicket, especially considering the occasion and how the strip had invariably contributed to reducing the summit clash as a spectacle.

And, Arun Lal, the head coach of the Bengal outfit, echoed similar thoughts when he lashed out at the track, stating,

"Very poor wicket. The board has to look at things like this. The ball is not coming up. The surface is dusting on the first day. You've got neutral curators, why not send them 15 days before? Imagine, a fast bowler is running in with one slip in the first session of a final, with the knowledge that it won't carry."

He further added,

"It could be a disgrace if the ball starts rolling through on the third day, there's a good chance of it happening as well. This isn't the wicket you prepare for a final, involving two sides that have fought hard to finish at the top."

After the end of play on Day 2, Saurashtra found themselves in a commanding position, having amassed 384 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. However, the hosts have also played out a mammoth 160 overs during their essay, thereby highlighting the docile and rather ordinary nature of the surface on offer.

Read the full article here: Ranji Trophy 2019-20: Bengal coach Arun Lal slams final pitch, calls it a 'disgrace'

#2 MS Dhoni shuts down critics in new advertisement

MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has attracted the gaze of a billion eyeballs throughout his international career and that trend seems to have reached a crescendo in the past few days.

Post India’s heart-breaking semi-final defeat at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, the wicket-keeper has not featured in a competitive encounter, meaning that several have waited with bated breath on his future, especially with the national side.

More recently though, countless fans have rejoiced as the veteran has returned to the pre-season CSK camp and has reportedly looked in pristine touch ahead of the IPL.

And, on Monday, an intriguing advertisement feature Dhoni came out, wherein the former Indian captain can be seen swatting aside his critics in an inimitable calm manner.

CSK begin their campaign on the 29th of March 2020 when they clash swords with the Mumbai Indians in a repeat of the 2019 IPL final.

Read the full article here: IPL 2020: MS Dhoni shuts down trolls in new ad

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#3 Sri Lanka announce squad for Test series against England

Kusal Perera

Sri Lanka are set to lock horns with England in a two-match Test series, which begins on the 19th of March 2020 at the Galle International Stadium. A few days prior to the series, the Islanders named a 16-man squad for the same, wherein there was a recall for Kusal Perera.

Additionally, left-handed batsman, Lahiru Thirimanne was left out, meaning that Oshada Fernando was given the nod to partner skipper, Dimuth Karunaratne at the top of the order.

Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s latest spin sensation, also found himself in the mix, despite nursing a hamstring injury that saw him limp off the field against the West Indies in the recently concluded T20I series.

Having said that though, the Islanders explicitly stated that the leg-spinner would not be available for the first Test and that a replacement would be named in the coming days.

Sri Lanka Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lakshan Sandakan, Wanindu Hasaranga (injured, replacement to be named before first Test)

Read the full article here: Sri Lanka announce 16-man squad for Test series against England

#4 Kevin O’Brien inspires Ireland to Super Over victory against Afghanistan

Kevin O'Brien

Ireland battled Afghanistan in the 3rd T20I of their three-match series at Greater Noida, with the former only playing for pride. However, the dead-rubber produced a thrilling contest as the Irish edged their Afghan counterparts in the Super Over.

Ireland batted first and posted 142 on the board, with Naveen-ul-Haq and Qais Ahmed restricting their batting line-up, grabbing six wickets between themselves in the process.

In reply, Afghanistan stuttered and stumbled and had to rely upon Rashid Khan’s heroics in the final over to take the match to a one-over eliminator.

In the Super Over, Ireland did exceedingly well to contain the Afghans to only 8 runs, meaning that they kept themselves within reach to overhaul the target.

Yet, they somehow found themselves in strife when they required 3 off the final delivery. Fortunately for them though, Kevin O’Brien rose to the occasion and hammered a maximum to ensure that the Irish ended the series on a positive note.

Read the full article here: O'Brien stuns Afghanistan as Ireland win dramatic super over