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England vs. Pakistan: Odds, Live Stream for 2019 Cricket World Cup

Jun 2, 2019
England's Joe Root holds onto the ball after taking a catch to dismiss South Africa's Imran Tahir off the bowling of England's Ben Stokes during their Cricket World Cup match at the Oval in London, Thursday, May 30, 2019. England won the match by 104 runs. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
England's Joe Root holds onto the ball after taking a catch to dismiss South Africa's Imran Tahir off the bowling of England's Ben Stokes during their Cricket World Cup match at the Oval in London, Thursday, May 30, 2019. England won the match by 104 runs. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

2019 Cricket World Cup co-hosts England are favourites to beat Pakistan in Nottingham on Monday after their winning start against South Africa raised confidence they can win the tournament for the first time.

Even so, Pakistan tend to raise their game at a World Cup. It means this one-day international should be closer than the pre-tournament meetings between the two.

                                 

Date: Monday, June 3

Time: 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET

TV Info: Sky Sports Cricket

Live Stream: Sky Go.

                     

Odds

England: 1-4

Pakistan 10-3

Odds according to Oddschecker.

             

The psychological edge surely belongs to an England team that was good enough to beat Pakistan 4-0 in a Test series earlier this year. That result proved the co-hosts can pile up the runs while also having the talent to wreck Pakistan's batting order.

A similar pattern looks set to play out again, especially given the emergence of breakout bowling talent Jofra Archer. The 24-year-old drew rave reviews after dismantling South Africa.

He posted 3-27 off seven overs, with the Guardian's Ali Martin applauding both Archer's accuracy and pace: "It is not only the speeds that England’s box fresh right-armer generates from that frictionless cruise to the crease—or, indeed, the subtle changes that see him flit from a breezy 87mph up to an unsettling 93mph—but that his line is so laser-precise with it."

Martin also noted how Mark Wood gives England another fast-bowling option.

Both he and Archer can play a key role in upsetting Pakistan's talented openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman. Their performances are usually key to their side's fortunes.

It was no coincidence the West Indies were able to win by seven wickets on Friday after wasting little time getting both out. Zaman went early, falling victim to Andre Russell after Ul-Haq had put just two runs on the board in Nottingham.

England can do the same if Archer repeats his recent heroics. It will also help to have Ben Stokes repeat the strong form he displayed in the opener:

If Archer and Stokes get into the Pakistan order early, England should power their way to another win.

Cricket World Cup 2019 Results: Wicket-Takers, Top Run-Scorers After Saturday

Jun 1, 2019
Australia's captain Aaron Finch plays a shot during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Afghanistan and Australia at Bristol County Ground in Bristol, southwest England, on June 1, 2019. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)
Australia's captain Aaron Finch plays a shot during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Afghanistan and Australia at Bristol County Ground in Bristol, southwest England, on June 1, 2019. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)

New Zealand and Australia both enjoyed wins at the 2019 Cricket World Cup on Saturday. The day began with New Zealand seeing off Sri Lanka by 10 wickets at Cardiff, before Bristol watched defending champions Australia beat Afghanistan by seven wickets

Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry joined the top wicket-takers at the tournament, while Martin Guptill moved among the most prolific run-scorers following New Zealand's win.

Meanwhile, David Warner and Aaron Finch join Guptill after helping Australia slog their way to 209.

          

Saturday Scores

  • New Zealand (137-0) bt. Sri Lanka (136)
  • Australia (209-3) bt. Afghanistan (207)

     

Standings (Rank, Team, Won, Lost, Points, Net Run Rate, per ESPNcricinfo)

1. West Indies: 1, 0, 2, 5.802

2. New Zealand: 1, 0, 2, 5.754

3. England: 1, 0, 2, 2.08

4. Australia: 1, 0, 2, 1.86

5. Afghanistan: 0, 1, 0, -1.86

6. South Africa: 0, 1, 0 -2.08

7. Sri Lanka: 0, 1, 0, -5.754

8. Pakistan: 0, 1, 0, -5.802

          

Top Wicket-Takers

1. Oshane Thomas, West Indies: 4

2. Lockie Ferguson, New Zealand: 3

3. Jofra Archer, England: 3

4. Matt Henry, New Zealand: 3

5. Mohammad Amir, Pakistan: 3

         

Top Run-Scorers

1. David Warner, Australia: 89

2. Ben Stokes, England: 89

3. Martin Guptill, New Zealand: 73

4. Quinton de Kock, South Africa: 68

5. Aaron Finch, Australia: 66

All statistics, per the tournament's official website.

   

New Zealand tore into Sri Lanka's batting order, with Henry and Ferguson leading the way. They were helped by Sri Lanka's top order faltering, notching a mere 14 runs at the price of five wickets.

Ferguson allowed just 22 runs and took a trio of wickets from a little more than six overs to help New Zealand take control. Meanwhile, Henry took the wickets of Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis. The latter went for a duck as Sri Lanka's order crumbled amid only meek resistance.

New Zealand also benefited from two spectacular showings with the bat. Guptill was 73 not out, while fellow opener Colin Munro also thrived:

Skipper Kane Williamson has to be impressed by how effective his squad was in both phases. It's a warning this team can't be easily overlooked.

Afghanistan later delivered a valiant performance at the wicket to set Australia a chase of 208. Only some clutch bowling slowed Afghanistan down:

https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1134842197289951232

Australia quickly set about the chase, with Finch soon clocking up a half century. The skipper wasn't intimidated by Afghanistan's many skilled spinners.

Finch put up 66 before he was caught out by Gulbadin Naib. Australia were still looking strong, though, on 103-1.

It meant the stage was set for Warner, and he duly delivered by bringing up 89 and finding the boundary on eight occasions. Batting power like this is why Australia remain the team others will fear.

Bangladesh face South Africa in London in Sunday's lone game.

Cricket World Cup 2019 Results: Top Run-Scorers, Points Tables After Thursday

May 30, 2019
England's Ben Stokes walks back to the pavilion after victory in the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between England and South Africa at The Oval in London on May 30, 2019. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)
England's Ben Stokes walks back to the pavilion after victory in the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between England and South Africa at The Oval in London on May 30, 2019. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Ben Stokes inspired England to victory in the opening match of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup on Thursday, as his team beat South Africa by 104 runs at the Oval. 

The all-rounder top-scored for England in their innings having been put in to bat by the Proteas, making a fine 89 as the hosts posted 311 for eight from their 50 overs.

In response, South Africa failed to cope with the speed and accuracy of England's Jofra Archer, as he took a number of crucial wickets. With the game petering away from South Africa late in the day, Stokes then produced this stunning catch to dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo:

https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1134130850839351298

That was enough to completely take the wind out of South Africa, and in the end, they finished up all out for 207.

        

Table - (Matches, Wins, Points)

1. England (1,1,2)

2. Afghanistan (0,0,0)

3. Australia (0,0,0)

4. Bangladesh (0,0,0)

5. India (0,0,0)

6. New Zealand (0,0,0)

7. Pakistan (0,0,0)

8. Sri Lanka (0,0,0)

9. West Indies (0,0,0)

10. South Africa (1,1, 0)

   

Top Run-Scorers

89 - Ben Stokes (England)

68 - Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

57 - Eoin Morgan (England)

54 - Jason Roy (England)

50 - Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)

     

Top Wicket-Takers

3 - Jofra Archer (England)

3 - Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)

2 - Ben Stokes (England)

2 - Imran Tahir (South Africa)

2 - Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

       

Recap

England are blessed with so much batting firepower, but a number of their key players were left frustrated out in the middle by some canny South African bowling.

While they lost Jonny Bairstow on just the second ball of the innings, England recovered well, as Jason Roy and Joe Root made half-centuries. 

Per BBC Sport, the duo enjoy playing together:

However, neither were able to push on to post a big score, as they were each dismissed in the space of three balls for loose shots. From there, it was up to Eoin Morgan and Stokes to steady the ship, which they did so brilliantly.

Morgan also failed to press on, but Stokes was at least around in the final overs, helping England move past 300. 

The all-rounder was patient to begin with and sought to be more aggressive late on. However, even he was noticeably agitated at not being able to time his shots to the bowling of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

Still, he was able to pick up runs all around the wicket, with his 89 the crucial score in England's total of 311 for eight:

Although it wasn't a mammoth total for South Africa to chase down, it was always going to be tricky on a wicket that appeared to have plenty in it for the bowlers.

That much was evident early on, as Archer rattled Hashim Amla with a short ball that forced the South Africa opener to temporarily retire. The fast-bowler then struck twice in quick succession to put England back on top in the contest.

He snaffled the wicket of South Africa captain Faf du Plessis:

https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1134105839046922240

At this stage, it was clear De Kock was the key wicket for England, as he continued to score freely despite the loss of other wickets. The wicketkeeper also enjoyed an amazing stroke of fortune while batting:

https://twitter.com/SkyCricket/status/1134108714284277762

However, he eventually lofted a shot down the throat of Root at square leg, seeing him depart for 68 and prompting a South African mini-collapse.

Van der Dussen did his utmost to settle the Proteas and was able to reach a half-century before he too was done by the pace of Archer. Sambit Bal was impressed with what he was seeing from the England bowler:

Stokes then produced his magical moment in the field to effectively make the game safe for England. Sports journalist Daniel Storey commented on how stunned the crowd was:

From there, the belief drained from South Africa and Stokes took the ball late on to cap off his excellent day with a couple of wickets.

England are next in action against Pakistan on Monday, while South Africa take to the field on Sunday, when they will be big favourites versus Bangladesh.

Ben Stokes Leads England Past South Africa in 2019 Cricket World Cup Opener

May 30, 2019
South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen (R) plays a shot as England's wicketkeeper Jos Buttler looks on during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between England and South Africa at The Oval in London on May 30, 2019. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)
South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen (R) plays a shot as England's wicketkeeper Jos Buttler looks on during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between England and South Africa at The Oval in London on May 30, 2019. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Cricket World Cup hosts England (311-8) won their first match of the tournament against South Africa (207-10) on Thursday, easily holding off the Proteas to win by 104 runs.

Four batsmen scored half-centuries for England, with Ben Stokes the standout, scoring 89. South Africa fell behind the required run rate early and never came close to chasing down the target of 312.

England and Wales will host the World Cup, set to run until July 14.

Per Nick Hoult of The Telegraph, home-field advantage was negated by weather, with rain leaving the pitch greener than the hosts would have hoped:

The Proteas won the toss and opted to bowl, sending out spinner Imran Tahir. He promptly got the World Cup off to a flying start for South Africa, taking the wicket of Jonny Bairstow in the first over:

The hosts soon started to find their groove, however. Fellow opener Jason Roy cruised to a half-century, one of four English batsmen to do so on Thursday, and he finished with figures of 54 from 53 balls.

Joe Root (51 from 59) and Eoin Morgan (57 from 60) also had excellent knocks, but the standout was Stokes, who blasted 89 from 79 before he was finally caught by Hashim Amla.

Sports writer Patrick Boyland noted the 27-year-old played well when needed:

Stokes' excellent knock was sorely needed, as his playing partners in the final 10 overs didn't produce much. Jos Buttler scored 18 from 16, Moeen Ali just three from nine and Chris Woakes 13 from 14. Stokes' wicket was the final to fall, and Liam Plunkett and Jofra Archer combined for 16 runs not out.

Lungi Ngidi led the Proteas with three wickets, but the 23-year-old also gave up 66 runs in 10 overs.

Per cricket writer Mohandas Menon, the Proteas had their work cut out for them:

Per ESPNCricinfo, they appeared happy with their work with the ball, but their projected total was well below 300:

Amla retired early with a head injury—another blow to the Proteas' bid. Even worse was the loss of star batsman Faf du Plessis, as he was caught after scoring just five from seven. Their win probability took a huge dive as a result:

Archer took both his wicket and that of Aiden Markram (11 from 12), bowling well early. He also got Rassie van der Dussen's wicket in the 32nd over.

Quinton de Kock got the Proteas to 100 with a big four at the start of the 21st over, keeping the side within striking distance of the required run rate. He didn't last much longer, however, as he was caught in the 23rd over, ending the match with figures of 68 from 74.

And once De Kock left the pitch, South Africa's innings fell apart. Jean-Paul Duminy (8 from 11) and Dwaine Pretorius (one from one) quickly followed:

England's highlight with the ball was this incredible catch from Stokes:

Van der Dussen got a half-century for South Africa, scoring 50 from 61, but that wasn't nearly enough to chase down the target. Amla returned from his injury but only mustered 13 from 23.

Archer finished with three wickets in seven overs, giving up 27 runs.

Pakistan and West Indies will meet in Nottingham on Friday. South Africa face Bangladesh on June 2, one day before England play Pakistan.     

England vs. South Africa: Odds, Live Stream for 2019 Cricket World Cup

May 29, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy of England come together in the middle during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm Up match between England and Afghanistan at The Kia Oval on May 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy of England come together in the middle during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm Up match between England and Afghanistan at The Kia Oval on May 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup gets under way on Thursday, when England take on South Africa at The Oval.

England go into this competition as hosts and favourites, having built up a reputation as the standout one-day international side in the game under the guidance of skipper Eoin Morgan. They'll be keen to start the group stage of the competition in style.

South Africa are considered one of the powerhouses of the cricketing world and will be expected to be in the mix for the title this year. They have an experienced squad that should excel in the tournament, with the likes of Faf du Plessis, Dale Steyn and Hashim Amla all well-versed in big matches.

Here are the odds for the game, as well as the key viewing details and a preview of what's to come.

     

Odds

England win (1-2)

South Africa (2-1)

Odds courtesy of Oddschecker.

        

Date: Thursday, May 30

Time: 10:30 a.m. (BST), 5:30 a.m. (ET)

TV Info: Sky Sports Main Event (UK), Willow TV (U.S.)

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK)

        

Preview

At the previous World Cup, England were hammered by a number of their rivals and played stodgy cricket throughout the competition. Four years on, the transformation in the team has been exceptional.

Morgan has been a breath of fresh air as captain and has transformed the mindset of the team. While they were all about safety first in 2015, England are now aggressive and enterprising when it comes to limited overs matches.

Their ascension to become the top team in the world has been forged on the back of their batting firepower. Jos Buttler has been the star man in the middle order:

The 28-year-old has developed into a man for all scenarios, as he's adept at hammering runs quickly or steadying the ship when required. When he does get on a roll, there aren't many bowling attacks in the game that can contain him.

He's the key man in what is a well-balanced lineup. At the top of the order, Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow have developed a fine partnership, while Joe Root is rock solid at No. 3, with Morgan a livewire coming in after him.

Cricket statistician Mohandas Menon noted England have been the fastest-scoring side in the world since 2015:

While the batting lineup has been settled, Morgan has decisions to make in terms of his bowling attack. The captain chose to include the dynamic Jofra Archer in the squad ahead of the more dependable David Willey.

Archer is a raw talent who is capable of taking wickets, having impressed in domestic action and the recent Indian Premier League.

India captain Virat Kohli recently said he thinks the England bowler can make a big impression at the World Cup:

It will be fascinating to see Archer, should he get in the XI, up against some of the wily batsmen in the South Africa lineup.

Although the Proteas are now without the inventive brilliance of AB de Villiers, De Plessis and Amla are renowned for their stubbornness at the crease. They are dangerous with the ball too, with Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Andile Phehlukwayo capable of producing rapid deliveries.

England's variety with the bat should ensure they get over the line in this encounter, though. While they may have to negotiate a tricky spell when South Africa get the new ball, the team's middle order is adept at pushing the hosts to a huge score or a successful chase.

New Zealand vs. Bangladesh Test Cancelled After Christchurch Mosque Shootings

Mar 15, 2019
A security official stands guard outside the Masjid al Noor mosque after a shooting incident in Christchurch on March 15, 2019. - Attacks on two Christchurch mosques left at least 40 dead on March 15, with one gunman identified as an Australian extremist -- apparently livestreaming the assault that triggered the lockdown of the New Zealand city. (Photo by Tessa BURROWS / AFP) (Photo credit should read TESSA BURROWS/AFP/Getty Images)
A security official stands guard outside the Masjid al Noor mosque after a shooting incident in Christchurch on March 15, 2019. - Attacks on two Christchurch mosques left at least 40 dead on March 15, with one gunman identified as an Australian extremist -- apparently livestreaming the assault that triggered the lockdown of the New Zealand city. (Photo by Tessa BURROWS / AFP) (Photo credit should read TESSA BURROWS/AFP/Getty Images)

Bangladesh's third Test against New Zealand has been cancelled after the touring team narrowly avoided a terrorist attack on a Christchurch mosque that saw at least 40 people killed on Friday. 

Most of the Bangladesh squad were outside the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch's city centre and were about to step off their bus to go inside at the time of the attack, per AFP (h/t Sky Sports).

Spokesperson for the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Jalal Yunus, told AFP: "They are safe, but they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel."

Mohammad Isam of ESPN Cricinfo wrote that players escaped to the nearby Hagley Oval, where the third Test was set to take place on Friday, after the attack began. 

New Zealand Cricket CEO David White said: "We are shocked and appalled as I am sure all New Zealanders are. We are offering support to all those within the teams affected by the situation and are continuing to take advice from authorities on the ground."

Isam posted a video walking alongside members of the Bangladesh squad through Hagley Park just after the attacks took place:

An attack was carried out at a second mosque in Christchurch that saw seven people killed, with three men and a woman taken into custody. One man was charged with murder, with a court appearance in Christchurch set for Saturday.

One person was later released.

Bangladesh team manager Khaled Mashud confirmed the team were ending their tour early:

The Guardian's Lisa Martin reported 20 people were also left injured across both attacks in what was "the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's history." 

New Zealand Cricket issued a statement:

Those responsible for the shootings were also said to have attached a number of improvised explosive devices to vehicles in the area, which were disarmed by authorities before detonating.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern responded to the attacks:

"There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence, which it is clear this act was. This is significant and I can tell you now this is and will be one of New Zealand's darkest days. I would describe it as an unprecedented act of violence, an act that has absolutely no place in New Zealand. This is not who we are."

Ardern also said New Zealand's national security threat level had been increased from low to high:

New Zealand Cricket has also cancelled a women's match between Australia Under-19s and a New Zealand development team that was scheduled to take place at Lincoln's Bert Sutcliffe Oval. 

India Cricket Captain Virat Kohli Named to Time's 100 Most Influential People

Apr 19, 2018
India's captain Virat Kohli receives the Nidahas triangular Twenty20 cricket series champion's trophy from Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, March 18, 2018, after his team won against Bangladesh. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
India's captain Virat Kohli receives the Nidahas triangular Twenty20 cricket series champion's trophy from Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, March 18, 2018, after his team won against Bangladesh. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

India cricket captain Virat Kohli has been named as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people of 2018 following an extraordinary rise to prominence in the cricket world, per Time. 

Kohli ended 2017 with 2,818 international runs, the third highest in history, in what was a remarkable year for the 29-year-old.

In the accompanying Time article, by India legend Sachin Tendulkar, Kohli was described as a "household name and a champion in cricket."

Kohli's numbers last year were incredible. He hit 610 in a three-Test series against Sri Lanka in December 2017, the most ever by an Indian and the fourth highest in history, which included 293 in the final Test, the most ever by an Indian captain in a Test match.

More recently, his 92 for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Mumbai Indians on April 17 made him the all-time leading runscorer in the Indian Premier League.

It is no wonder, then, that Kohli was praised so highly by Tendulkar. "My father always told me that if I focused on what I was doing, over time, detractors would become followers. Virat seems to have a similar outlook when it comes to his game," he said. "I wish him all the best for his career ahead and am confident he will continue to bring pride and glory to India through cricket."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have recently granted Kohli's request to play county cricket this summer in preparation for India's five-Test tour of England, per Nagraj Gollapudi for ESPN Cricinfo.

This record-breaking cricketer, now revered as one of the most influential people in the world, looks set to be strutting his stuff in England over the coming months. Playing so consistently for club and country, it wouldn't come as a surprise should Kohli continue to break scoring records in county cricket.

Gautam Gambhir's Release by Kolkata Highlights IPL Player Retention 2018 Results

Jan 4, 2018
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir plays a shot during the 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad at The Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium in Kolkata on May 22, 2016. ----IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE----- / GETTYOUT / AFP / Dibyangshu SARKAR (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir plays a shot during the 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad at The Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium in Kolkata on May 22, 2016. ----IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE----- / GETTYOUT / AFP / Dibyangshu SARKAR (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Indian Premier League champions Mumbai Indians confirmed the retention of India internationals Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah on Thursday. 

The big news of the day saw Kolkata Knight Riders opt against re-signing longstanding captain Gautam Gambhir for the campaign. Unsurprisingly, Royal Challengers Bangalore kept India captain Virat Kohli again for the 2018 term, as well as South African AB De Villiers.

The eight teams involved each confirmed the names of the players to return and those who will go to auction.

CricTracker provided the full rundown of the retentions from Mumbai:

The IPL auction, where the rest of the squads will be put together, will be held on January 27 and 28 in Bangalore.

          

IPL 2018 Preview

While there are often few surprises when it comes to player retentions, the parting of Kolkata and Gambhir is a significant one.

The left-hander joined the Knight Riders in 2011 and has been one of the best players in the history of the franchise. Gambhir captained the team to glory in the competition in 2012 and 2014.

The Knight Riders opted to retain Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. They paid tribute to both on their Twitter account:

After their two-year suspension from the competition, two-time winners Chennai Super Kings will be back again this season, and they have will have some familiar faces among their ranks.

As noted above, India stars MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja are all poised to don the all-yellow again. The team posted clips on Twitter of the trio agreeing their deals, including this one of the wicketkeeper-batsman Dhoni:

The Rajasthan Royals have also missed the last two seasons due to suspension, and they decided to retain just one.

They will be delighted with that solitary figure, though, as Steve Smith has been in exceptional form in all formats for a long time. The Australia skipper is part of the side that has dominated the Ashes series against England; he's scored three centuries in four Tests.

Australia's captain Steve Smith celebrates scoring his century against England on the final day of the fourth Ashes cricket Test match at the MCG in Melbourne on December 30, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / William WEST / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRIC
Australia's captain Steve Smith celebrates scoring his century against England on the final day of the fourth Ashes cricket Test match at the MCG in Melbourne on December 30, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / William WEST / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRIC

He's the best batsman in the world for many at the moment, although Bangalore fans would argue that point, as Kohli is one of few who can match Smith across all formats. 

As noted by ESPNcricinfo's Bharath Seervi, the Royal Challengers appear aware of what a precious player they have:

Despite their stellar lineup, Bangalore toiled last season, failing to qualify for the playoffs. More will be expected of them this term.

Elsewhere, the Sunrisers Hyderabad have kept hold of their prized assets, with Australia batsman David Warner and Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar staying part of their squad. They were the top run-scorer and top wicket-taker in the 2017 tournament, respectively.

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner plays a shot during the 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore at The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on April 30, 2016.
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner plays a shot during the 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore at The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on April 30, 2016.

Players to look out for in the auction include England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was crowned most valuable player last season for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant.

In other news, the Delhi Daredevils confirmed that Australian batting icon Ricky Ponting will take over as coach for the competition.

Ben Stokes Arrested, Released Without Charge After Bristol Incident

Sep 26, 2017
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: England player Ben Stokes in action during England nets ahead of the 1st ODI against West Indies at Old Trafford on September 18, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: England player Ben Stokes in action during England nets ahead of the 1st ODI against West Indies at Old Trafford on September 18, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

England Test vice-captain Ben Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning after an incident in Bristol, it was confirmed on Tuesday.

The English Cricket Board released the following statement on their website, confirming Stokes and team-mate Alex Hales will miss Wednesday's one-day international with the West Indies, per PA Sport:

BBC Sport's Test Match Live relayed a bulletin from Avon and Somerset Police:

According to ESPNcricinfo, Stokes was held in prison overnight but has been released without charge. The altercation happened in the hours after Stokes' 75-ball 73 helped England to a 124-run victory over the West Indies.

TMS added the pair are set to miss both of the games remaining in the ODI series with the Caribbean outfit.

It's also noted Hales is helping police in Bristol with their investigation and that Stokes suffered a hand injury in the skirmish. 

England's director of cricket, Andrew Strauss, had the following to say on the matter:

Not only does this leave England without two key players for the upcoming match at the Oval, the timing is far from ideal for the selectors; the squad for the Ashes tour of Australia is set to be announced on Wednesday.

CARDIFF, ENGLAND - JUNE 5 : Sam Billings, Alex Hales and Ben Stokes of England react during a net session at the Swalec Stadium ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy match between England and New Zealand at Swalec Stadium on June 5, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (P
CARDIFF, ENGLAND - JUNE 5 : Sam Billings, Alex Hales and Ben Stokes of England react during a net session at the Swalec Stadium ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy match between England and New Zealand at Swalec Stadium on June 5, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (P

Stokes has been in trouble with the law previously, having been arrested and cautioned for obstructing a policeman in his duty in 2012. He was also sent home from an England Lions tour in 2013 for persistent late-night drinking.

The 26-year-old all-rounder has since become a vital member of the squad and was named England's Test vice-captain in February. Hales has shone in limited overs cricket for England but has struggled when seeking to carry that form into Test matches.

James Anderson Becomes 6th Bowler to Reach 500 Career Test Wickets

Sep 8, 2017
England's James Anderson holds up the ball as he celebrates taking his 500th Test match wicket during the second day of the third international Test match between England and West Indies at Lords cricket ground in London on September 8, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
England's James Anderson holds up the ball as he celebrates taking his 500th Test match wicket during the second day of the third international Test match between England and West Indies at Lords cricket ground in London on September 8, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

England star James Anderson became only the sixth man to claim 500 career Test wickets on Friday after a dismissal of Kraigg Brathwaite in the Test against the West Indies.

The ICC confirmed the mark:

Per The Independent, the fast bowler needed just 129 matches to pass the 500 mark. Dan Walker of the BBC noted the 35-year-old is still going strong and could add to his tally:

Anderson is the first Englishman to crack 500 Test wickets, joining an exclusive group. Australians Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka, Anil Kumble of India and Courtney Walsh of the West Indies previously managed the feat. Muralitharan holds the total record with an astonishing 800 wickets.  

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