Sehwag's take on Kohli-Broad dispute, Irfan breaks all-time T20 record and more - Cricket News Today, 26th August 2018

Pakistan seamer Mohammad Irfan has stormed the headlines by producing a jaw-dropping spell in a Caribbean Premier League match. The Barbados Tridents pacer picked two wickets and conceded just one run from his full quota of four overs.

In other news, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has backed Virat Kohli for giving it back to Stuart Broad during the recently completed Trent Bridge Test. Meanwhile, seamer Basil Thampi shed light on his commendable battle against the Kerala floods in his bid to represent India Blue in the ongoing edition of the Duleep Trophy.

Here are all of today's major developments from the cricket world.

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Mohammad Irfan breaks an all-time T20 record in CPL match

Mohammad Irfan registered the most economical four-over spell in T20 history

Pakistan seamer Mohammad Irfan has broken an all-time record by registering the most economical four-over spell in T20 history. The left-armer produced scarcely believable figures of 2/1 from his full quota of overs during the CPL fixture between Barbados Tridents and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

Jason Holder's fifty helped the Tridents set a target of 148 for the Patriots. With the surface at Kensington Oval offering steep bounce, Irfan hit the deck hard to entangle the opposition top-order. He removed Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis by applying inextricable pressure.

Irfan finished his spell with three maidens and conceded just a solitary run. Despite his brilliance, Barbados lost the game. The 36-year old broke the previous record jointly held by Chanaka Welegedara (4/2) and Chris Morris (2/2).

Hanuma Vihari ready to grab Test opportunity

Hanuma Vihari was part of the India 'A' team which won the 50-over final against England Lions

Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari is eager to grab the opportunity to showcase his Test credentials. Having broken into the national squad for the last two Tests against England, the 24-year old is ready to prove his worth whenever he gets the chance to make his debut at the highest level.

"To be honest, if you see the Indian side, it's tough to get into the side. But once you get into the side you have to make sure that you grab that opportunity. That's the only thing I'm thinking about. I know that the opportunity will come, but I have to be really ready for the opportunity. Once it comes, I really want to grab it and make it my own," Vihari told bcci.tv.

Vihari acknowledged the immense support given to him by India 'A' coach Rahul Dravid before labelling Hyderabadi icon VVS Laxman as one of his inspirations.

Nick Compton credits Duncan Fletcher for India's improved pace attack

Mohammed Shami made his Test debut when Fletcher was India's coach

England opener Nick Compton has attributed the recent upswing in India's pace fortunes to the influence of former head coach Duncan Fletcher. He credited the Zimbabwean for playing a key role in helping the likes of Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami grow into match-winners.

Compton said, "India’s pace attack hasn’t come together all of a sudden. It has taken time and it has happened one by one, as all of these bowlers took their time coming off age. India didn’t have so many pacers at once earlier, but now they do. And all of them, at some point, have played under (coach) Fletcher, so it is a credit to him. This process started long ago and it has come together for India now."

India's pacers have been garnering acclaim from various quarters for picking up 19 of the 20 wickets in the team's memorable victory against England at Trent Bridge.

Basil Thampi overcomes Kerala floods to play in Duleep Trophy

Basil Thampi's inspiring story stands as a testament to his dedication towards the game

Even as persistent rain and incessant overflowing of water have conspired to make life hell for the people of Kerala, a truly inspiring story has emerged from the debris. Fast bowler Basil Thampi battled against all odds by braving the ravaging floods to put himself in contention for India Blue's Duleep Trophy campaign.

Supported by his brother, Basil waded through flood waters by car and entered Tamil Nadu through Kumily. Despite having to overcome a landslide, he somehow managed to join the India Blue squad before the start of their game against India Red. However, the team management preferred not to risk him due to his arduous journey and late arrival. He will be in contention for their next match against India Green.

"The landslide was a frightening experience and we could not cross the Kumily check post. But I was determined to reach Dindigul and once we reached the Tamil Nadu border, it was easier to go to the team hotel (in Madurai). Since I arrived late in Madurai, I could not play this game", Thampi told ESPNCricinfo.

Sehwag backs Kohli's riposte to sledger Broad

Broad was handed a 15 per cent fine and 1 demerit point for his aggressive sendoff to Rishabh Pant

Former opener Virender Sehwag has backed Indian captain Virat Kohli's sharp response to Stuart Broad for his aggressive sendoff to Rishabh Pant in the Trent Bridge Test. The seamer was fined 15 per cent of his match fee and handed a demerit point for breaching the ICC's revised Code of Conduct.

"Broad has played over 120 Test matches, this was Pant's first. You've dismissed him, you've got the wicket (and) there is no need of sledging. Kohli was right in making him (Broad) understand later on", Sehwag told India TV.

After getting the left-hander's wicket in the first innings at Trent Bridge, Broad launched a needless verbal tirade against debutant Pant. When the fast bowler later walked out to bat in England's second innings, Kohli was seen exchanging words with the veteran.