The United States of America (USA) cricket team has unveiled their ODI squad for the upcoming World Cup League 2 (WCL-2) tri-series, set to begin on Friday. The selection committee has decided to stick with the same squad that successfully toured Namibia in September for the WCL-2 games. However, a notable exclusion from the squad is star batter Aaron Jones.

Aaron Jones dropped but not due to form or fitness

Notably, Jones�omission from the squad was not due to concerns about his form or fitness. Instead, the decision stems from his choice to prioritize playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) over representing the national team.

Jones chose to skip the Namibia tour with the USA in favor of fulfilling his contract with the St. Lucia Kings in the CPL. This decision reportedly did not sit well with USA Cricket’s selection committee and management, particularly as it came despite ‘warningsâ€?from the cricket board.

While Jones was able to play in the CPL as a local player without needing a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from USA Cricket, the circumstances around his absence from the national team appear to have led to his exclusion.

Also READ: An Exclusive Interview with USA all-rounder Geetika Kodali: Rol?e mode??ls, Fitness regime, favourite cricketing memories

Strong performances in Jones’ absence influenced decision

During the Namibia tour, the USA team thrived without Jones, remaining unbeaten across their four ODI games. The success of the squad in his absence may have strengthened the selectors’ resolve to make the bold call of dropping Jones. Although he was later recalled for the T20I series, thanks to his remarkable performance in the CPL final, Jones struggled during the Nepal T20I series last week, increasing the likelihood that his spot in the T20I team may also be under threat.

USA squad for WCL-2 Tri-series

Monank Patel (?captain), Smit Patel, Sai Teja Mukkamalla, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Andries Gous, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Juanoy Drysdale, Utkarsh Srivastava, Jasdeep S??ingh, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Yasir Mohammad, Sushant Modani

Also READ: An Exclusive Interview with USA rising star Anika Kolan:?? Role models, U19 leadership, all-ti??me favourite cricketers

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The much-anticipated third Test between Pakistan and England commenced in Rawalpindi with both teams eager to claim victory in a series tied at 1-1. England, having won the toss, opted to bat first, aiming to set a formidable total. However, it was Pakistan’s Sajid Khan who quickly made headlines with a stunning delivery that dismissed Harry Brook behind the?? legs, marki??ng a significant moment on Day 1.

Sajid Khan shatters Harry Brook’s stumps

In a pivotal over, Sajid showcased his exceptional spin bowling skills. After two forward defensives and two attempted sweeps, Brook misjudged the line of Sajid’s delivery. As he moved across his stumps, the ball spun sharply, crashing into the leg stump and leaving Brook bewildered. This dismissal not only highlighted Sajid’s talent but also reflected Brook’s struggles in Pakistan, where his batting average now dipped into “mere Bradman territory”—a stark reminder of the challenges posed by subcontinental conditions.

Also READ: PAK vs ENG, 3rd Tes?t: Top 5 key battles to watch out for in Rawalpindi

Here’s the video:

Star spin duo dictating the p?roceedings on the first morning 👏

Duckett and Brook also depart ☝️#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/RgjaDcKwXE

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 24, 2024

Sajid’s 6-fer destroys England

Despite a solid start with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett contributing to a 50-run partnership, England soon found themselves in trouble. After reaching 110 runs at lunch, they suffered a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets for just 37 runs. The combination of Sajid’s spin and Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack proved too much for England’s middle order. The dismissal of key players like Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope added to their woes, leaving them at 11??0/5 by the end of the session.

Eventually, England were bundled out for 267, with Jamie Smith playing a crucial knock of 89 runs down the order. Sajid ended up taking 6 wickets while Noman Ali bagged ??one and it was en?ough to explain the narrative that England does struggle against spin. The opening day ended with the hosts losing 3 wickets for 73, trailing England by 194 runs.

Also READ: PAK vs ENG: England names their playing XI for Rawalpindi Test, includes 3 spinners

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Test cricket in India has often been a stage for spinners to showcase their artistry, especially when conditions favour them. In a rare and remarkable feat, there have been instances where spinners have claimed all ten wickets of a side’s first innings on the very first day of a Test match. The most recent example of this occurred during the second Test between India and New Zealand in 2024.

Instances where spinners grabbed all ten first-innings wickets on Day 1 of a Test match in India

1. India vs New Zealand, Pune, 2024

The most recent example of this incredible achievement occurred on Day 1 of the second Test between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The Indian spinners, led by Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin, ran through the New Zealand batting order, dismissing them for 259. Sundar was the standout performer, taking 7 wickets at an impressive economy of 2.50, while Ashwin chipped in with 3 wickets. The spinners’ dominant display set the tone for the match from the very first day.

2. India vs England, Dharamshala, 2024

In another recent encounter, this time during the fifth Test between India and England at Dharamshala, the spinners once again took center stage. England were bowled out for 218 in their first innings, with Kuldeep Yadav leading the charge with a five-wicket haul. Ashwin was once again among the wickets, claiming 4, while Ravindra Jadeja added 1 to complete the ?spin dominance. This marked yet another instance of Indian spinners making full use of home conditions to dismantle a visiting side.

Also WATCH: Tim Southee knocks out Rohit Sha??rma for a 9-ball duck with a near-perfect delivery on Day 1 of 2nd Test | IND vs ??NZ

3. India vs England, Chennai, 1973

Back in January 1973, in the third Test between India and England at Chennai’s iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, spinners once again stole the show. England were dismissed for 242 on Day 1, with Bhagwath Chandrasekhar emerging as the star, claiming 6 wickets. Bishan Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna contributed 2 wickets each, making it a complete spin affair. The pitch in Chennai was notoriously spin-friendly, and Chandrasekhar’s performance was pivotal in India’s strategy.

4. India vs Australia, Chennai, 1964

During the third Test between India and Australia in October 1964, spinners led India’s attack on the opening day, bowling Australia out for 211 at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Left-arm spinner Salim Durani took 2 wickets, while AG Kripal Singh added 3. However, the star of the show was Bapu Nadkarni, who claimed a five-wicket haul. Despite India eventually losing the match by 139 runs?, the first-day spin dominance was a memorable aspect of the game.

5. India vs Australia, Kolkata, 1956

One of the earlier instances of this feat occurred during the third Test between India and Australia in November 1956 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Australia were bowled out for 177 on Day 1, thanks to a spectacular performance by Indian spinners. Ghulam Ahmed was the standout, taking 7 wickets, while Vinoo Mankad and Subhash Gupte shared the remaining three wickets. Despite their efforts, India could not capitalize, and Australi??a eventually won the match by 94 runs.

6. England vs India, Kanpur, 1952

One of the earliest records of spinners taking all ten wickets on Day 1 of a Test match in India came in January 1952, during the fourth Test between England and India in Kanpur. However, this time it was England’s spinners who dominated, dismissing India for just 121 runs in their first innings. Left-arm spinner Malcolm Hilton took 4 wickets, while right-arm off-spinner Roy Tattersall was brilliant, claiming 6 w?ick??ets. The English spinners exploited the conditions perfectly to secure a strong start to the match.

Also WATCH: Washingto??n Sundar cleans up Tim Southee with a peach of a delivery on Day 1 of Pune Test

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Sri Lanka sealed the three-match ODI series against the West Indies with a dominant performance in the second game, thanks to Maheesh Theekshana’s spin brilliance. The off-spinner was instrumental in breaking the Caribbean batting order, dismissing key players, including Alick Athanaze, in a display that captiva??ted fans and secured a 2-0 lead for Sri Lanka.

Maheesh Theekshana’s magic delivery cleans up Alick Athanaze

In the third over of the West Indies innings, Theekshana delivered what could be described as the ball of the match. Facing Caribbean promising batter Athanaze, Theekshana unleashed a tossed-up delivery that drifted into the middle stump, forcing Athanaze to lean forward. The ball spun sharply away, beating the batter’s outside edge and clattering into the top of the off-stump. Athanaze could only watch as his stumps were shattered, departing for just 1 run off 3 balls. Theekshana’s joy was evident as he jumped and punched the air, celebrating a dream delivery.

Here is the video:

#ICYMI: Tricky Theekshana grabbed 3/26 and earned the Player of the Match award as Sri Lanka sealed the ODI series in clinical fashion. 💪#SLvWIonFanCode pic.twitter.com/vstSJGh952

— FanCode (@FanCode) October 24, 2024

Theekshana’s impact didn’t stop with Athanaze. The spinner continued to dominate, claiming two more vital wickets. He bowled Keacy Carty for 6 and later dismissed Hayden Walsh for just 1, ending with remarkable figures of 3 wickets for 25 runs in his 9 overs. His exceptiona?l economy rate of 2.80 played a pivotal role in stifling the Caribbean batting lineup.

For his match-winning efforts, Theekshana was rightfully named the???? Player of the Match.

Also R?EAD: All-round Sri ??Lanka seals the ODI series against West Indies

Sri Lanka clinches series 2-0

Despite Theekshana’s dominance, West Indies found some resistance in Sherfane Rutherford, who played a lone hand for his side. Rutherford top-scored with a well-compiled 80, which included seven fours and four towering sixes??. However, his effort wasn’t enough as the West Indies were bowled out ?for a modest total of 189.

Alongside Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga also delivered a standout performance with the ball. The leg-spinner picked up 4 wickets in his 8-over spell, further weakening the West Indies’ chances of putting up a challenging score. Together, the Sri Lankan spinners ensured that West Indies could never build momentum.

In response, Sri Lanka made light work of the 190-run target, chasing it down with 5 wickets in hand under the DLS method. Captain Charith Asalanka led from the front, anchoring the chase with a composed knock of 62 not out. His knock, featuring 7 boundaries and a six, ensu??red Sri Lanka crossed the line comfortably.

With this comprehensive win, Sri Lanka wrapped up the series 2-0, having just one match left in the three-match series. The team’s clinical performance with both bat and ball underscored their dominance, while Theekshana’s brilliance provided a highlight that will be remembered for some time.

Also WATCH: Wanindu Hasaranga roars in celebration ?after removing Brandon King in the 1st ODI ??| SL vs WI

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On the first day of the third Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi, October 24, 2024, England were bowled out for 267 in their first innings. Pakistan, in response, ended the day at 73/3 after 23 overs, trailing by 194 runs. The day saw exceptional bowling from Sajid Khan, who took six wickets, while Jamie Smith�/strong>s 89-run knock was a s??tandout performance for England