Russell back for Windies, Test rankings released and more - Cricket News Today, 25th February 2019

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Welcome to Cricket News Today - a brief compilation of all the important developments from the world of cricket every day.

With the 2019 World Cup looming large, West Indies have called up all-rounder Andre Russell in their ODI squad for the last two matches against England.

Meanwhile, the latest ICC Test rankings have been released. New Zealand have risen to the second spot for the first time in their Test history.

Here are all of today's top news from the cricket world.


AB de Villiers signs with Middlesex for 2019 T20 Blast

AB de Villiers is all set for his maiden stint in the T20 Blast
AB de Villiers is all set for his maiden stint in the T20 Blast

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has signed with Middlesex for the 2019 T20 Blast. The upcoming stint will be the retired modern-day great's maiden tryst with England's premier T20 tournament.

AB de Villiers affirmed, "I have always wanted to play county cricket. Playing at Lord's is always a wonderful privilege, and I'm looking forward to the match at Richmond, a beautiful ground in south-west London. That will be a great experience."

AB de Villiers will join Afghanistan's young spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the Middlesex camp. The 2019 edition of the T20 Blast is slated to take place between July and September across many venues in England & Wales. Middlesex start their campaign against Essex on July 18 at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground.

Bumrah defends Umesh after the last-over fiasco in Vizag T20I

Umesh Yadav was not able to defend 14 runs off the last over
Umesh Yadav was not able to defend 14 runs off the last over

Following India's agonising defeat at the hands of Australia in the first T20I at Visakhapatnam, Jasprit Bumrah has defended fellow pacer Umesh Yadav's disappointing performance.

In a low-scoring match, Australia needed the last ball of their innings to chase down 127. From his four overs, Umesh conceded 35 runs. Defending 14 runs off the last over, the senior pacer struggled to find the blockhole even as the likes of Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson clinched a thriller for the visitors.

Read more on Bumrah's views on the first T20I here

In the aftermath of India's defeat, Bumrah reckoned, "You try your best, and you're clear in your execution. Some days it works, some days it doesn't. Nothing to be worried. We wanted to close the game in our favour but it's okay."

New Zealand rise to second spot in latest ICC Test rankings

New Zealand lead third-placed South Africa by two rating points
New Zealand lead third-placed South Africa by two rating points

Following their shock 0-2 defeat to Sri Lanka on home soil, South Africa have slipped to third spot in the latest ICC Test rankings. As a consequence, New Zealand have reached the second spot for the first time in their history.

India continue to lead the charts with 116 rating points. New Zealand are now at second spot with 107 points. If they win 3-0 in their upcoming series against Bangladesh, the Blackcaps can narrow down India's lead to just seven points.

Upon starting the series with 110 rating points in their tally, South Africa have lost five points due to their unexpected whitewash at the hands of a spirited Sri Lankan team. The Lankans remain at sixth spot despite their epic triumph. However, they have gained four points.

Andre Russell back in Windies squad for last two England ODIs

Andre Russell's last ODI was against Bangladesh in July 2018
Andre Russell's last ODI was against Bangladesh in July 2018

West Indies have called up explosive all-rounder Andre Russell for the last two ODIs against England. He replaces Kemar Roach who is sidelined due to a back injury.

These two matches will provide opportunities for Russell to get back into the groove ahead of the World Cup. He last played an ODI in July 2018. Although the knee injury is expected to hamper the right-arm pacer's exploits with the ball, his hard-hitting ability with the bat can lend power to a promising lineup.

Read more on Andre Russell's ODI comeback here

Courtney Browne, Chairman of Selectors, stated, "We are well aware that although Andre's bowling may be limited due to a knee problem, his tremendous batting ability to power the ball in the back end of the game will be an asset to the team."

The fourth and fifth ODIs between West Indies and England are set to take place on February 27 and March 2 respectively.

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Edited by Amar Anand