Let us look at some of the most-discussed cricket stories on the news on 10 July.
Perry pulls out of Women’s Hundred for personal reasons
Ellyse Perry is the latest prolific name to pull out of the inaugural season of the Women’s Hundred, starting 21 July. A part of the Birmingham Phoenix, she has ruled herself out of the tournament citing personal reasons.
Beth Barrett-Wild, head of the women's Hundred, confirmed Perry’s withdrawal; ‘We are obviously very disappointed that Ellyse Perry has had to withdraw from the Hundred due to personal circumstances, but we completely understand her decision and wish her all the best.’
Last month, Sophie Devine, another Birmingham player, had also opted out from the tournament. She needed to ‘be in the best position to prepare for international cricket, particularly with the ICC Women's World Cup due to be held in her native New Zealand in February.’ Devine was later replaced by Shafali Verma.
Pankaj Singh retires from all cricket
Pankaj Singh has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing an end to his 17-year career. He said he had to listen to his body after Covid-19 left him weak.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Pankaj said: ‘I was down with Covid, and once I recovered, the post-Covid symptoms left me drained.’
Pankaj played a pivotal role in Rajasthan’s back-to-back Ranji Trophy-winning campaigns in 2010/11 and 2011/12. He also played two Tests and an ODI for India.
Pope doubtful for first India Test
Ollie Pope is a doubtful starter for the opening Test against India. He suffered a thigh injury during a Vitality T20 Blast fixture for Surrey on 2 July.
ECB confirmed Pope’s injury in a statement: ‘Pope has been ruled out until England's LV= Insurance Test Series against India after suffering a left thigh muscle injury.’
The five-match series between England and India will begin on 4 August, at Trent Bridge.
Ashwin to play for Surrey against Somerset
Surrey have added R Ashwin to the squad for their County Championship fixture against Somerset, starting 11 July at the Oval. Ashwin replaced Kyle Jamieson after the latter sustained an injury last week, against Hampshire, and ruled himself out of the rest of the tournament.
Surrey released a media statement: ‘Ashwin will join the group for this match only. Sean Abbott was originally expected to be Surrey's second overseas player in this fixture, alongside Hashim Amla, but a hamstring injury sustained during the County Championship meeting with Gloucestershire ended his time at The Kia Oval early.’