Rohit's T20 records, 'dying' Test cricket and more - Cricket News Today, 8th February 2019

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The New Zealand-India T20I are heading for a finish, while T20 leagues in Bangladesh and Australia are also nearing their end. At Sportskeeda, fans will always be in touch with the sport. Be it match day or even a boring, non-match day, there's loads to catch up on the cricketing front.

Here are some of the headlines from the world of cricket:

# Rohit Sharma becomes T20I's highest run-getter

India's interim captain Rohit Sharma became the highest run-getter in T20I cricket, overtaking New Zealand's Martin Guptill after the second T20I at Auckland. His 16th T20I half-century powered the Indian team to a win, helping the side level the series 1-1.

During his innings, he also completed 100 sixes in T20I cricket, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. He is only the third batsman, after Martin Guptill and Chris Gayle, to complete a century of maximums in T20I cricket.

Incidentally, Rohit Sharma also entered the top-5 list of most sixes by a player in international cricket.

# ICC Chairman admits Test cricket is dying

Shashank Manohar ahead of an ICC Board meeting

In a surprising statement, ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar has said that Test cricket 'is dying' and that T20s are ruling the TRP world.

"We are trying to see whether Test championship can generate interest. Because Test cricket is actually dying to be honest," Manohar said.

"So to improve the situation, we are trying ways and means. The (ICC) board directors came to the conclusion that if we start a Test championship, it would keep Test cricket alive and generate more interest in the game".

The World Championships are set to begin after the 2019 World Cup, and will go on until the mid-2021.

"If you look at the TRPs of the broadcasters, T20 has the maximum TRP. It is because of being the shorter version of the game. Nowadays, people don't have five days time to watch a Test match."

# Yuvraj backs Dhoni ahead of 2019 World Cup

Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni

Yuvraj Singh has backed MS Dhoni, who is set to play his fourth World Cup, ahead of the tournament's 2019 edition, stating that the veteran wicket-keeper's presence is important in decision-making for the team.

During a media interaction in Mumbai, Yuvraj said: “I think Mahi has a great cricket brain. And as a wicket-keeper, you are in the best position to monitor the game and he has done that fantastically over the years. He has been a great captain, always with the young players and guiding Virat all the time".

Yuvraj, who finished as the Man of the Tournament in the 2011 edition, was at the other end when Dhoni hit the World Cup-winning six. He added that Dhoni's recent return to form in Australia is a welcome sign.

"I feel his presence is very important in decision-making. He had a fantastic tournament in Australia and it is good to see him hit the ball how he used to do, and I wish him all the best,”

# Ponting returns to Australia setup for World Cup

Australia Net Session

Cricket Australia have roped in Ricky Ponting ahead of the 2019 World Cup, for the role of assistant coach, replacing David Saker. He will be working alongside batting coach Graeme Hick for the event that begins on May 30.

Head coach Justin Langer, who played under Ponting, was all praise for his ex-captain after his inclusion in the setup: "Ricky knows what's required to win World Cups, and I know he will be a valuable mentor to not just the batting group, but the broader squad as we focus our attention on defending our World Cup title".

"Ricky and I have worked together with the Australian men's team in the past, he is an extremely driven coach who is fully invested in the players' development and improving Australian cricket".

"He has an impressive understanding of the game, he knows what's required to prepare and perform at the elite level, and we can't wait for him to get started working with the squad."

Ponting led the Australian team to World Cup title wins in 2003 and 2007. He also won the tournament as a player in 1999.