Let us look at some of the most discussed cricket stories on the news on 8 June.
CWI announce 13-member squad for first South Africa Test
Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a 13-member squad for the first Test of their two-match series against South Africa, starting 10 June in St Lucia. Riding on an impressive stint in the Under-19 World Cup last year, Jayden Seales has received his maiden international call-up.
CWI has also recalled Shai Hope, Kieran Powell and Roston Chase. Hope was dropped from the squad after the England tour last July, while the last Test appearances of Powell and Chase came way back in 2018 against Bangladesh.
They have also retained Kraigg Brathwaite as captain and Jermaine Blackwood as Brathwaite’s deputy.
West Indies squad for 1st South Africa Test: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood (vc), Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales.
T20 Blast: Kent recall Milne as Amir's replacement
Adam Milne, 29, will replace Mohammad Amir as Kent’s overseas professional for the upcoming edition of T20 Blast, starting 9 June. Amir will be unable to take part in the tournament due to the remainder of PSL and Covid-19 travel restrictions.
This is Milne’s fourth spell at Kent. He has picked up 38 wickets in 28 T20 Blast games for them so far. His best bowling figures of 5-11 came against Somerset in 2017. He will be available for selection against his favourite opponent on 28 June.
Sri Lanka announce 24-member squad for England tour
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a 24-member squad for the upcoming England tour. They have recalled Nuwan Pradeep in the limited-overs squad, while Kusal Perera has been retained as their skipper despite uncertainty regarding the player contract issues.
The selected squad will depart for the UK on 9 June. They will play a practice one-day game against Kent on 18 June, and then a practice T20 game against Sussex on 20th. They will have a three-match ODI and T20I series from 23 June at Cardiff.
Sri Lanka squad for England tour: Kusal Perera (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya De Silva, Oshada Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Ishan Jayaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Isuru Udana, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Praveen Jayawickrama.
ICC POTM: Mushfiqur Rahim, two others nominated for May
The ICC nominated Mushfiqur Rahim, Hasan Ali, and Praveen Jayawickrama for the Player of the Month award for May.
Hasan claimed 14 wickets in two Tests against Zimbabwe. Jayawickrama, on debut, bagged 11 wickets at 16.18 in the second Test match against Bangladesh. Mushfiqur, meanwhile, played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s first ever series win over Sri Lanka, amassing 237 runs at 79.
In the Women’s category, ICC has picked Kathryn Bryce, alongside the Irish pair of Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul, for the honours.