Sports

Illness hits Australian camp ahead of Pakistan series

March 21, 2019
Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell may be rested from the first One-Day International against Pakistan.
Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell may be rested from the first One-Day International against Pakistan.

MELBOURNE — Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell may be rested from the first One-Day International against Pakistan as the tourists recover from a stomach bug that has hit the team in the United Arab Emirates.

Maxwell missed training on Wednesday, two days ahead of Friday's opener in Sharjah. Spinner Nathan Lyon also missed training on Tuesday with illness but joined his team mates in their Wednesday session and is a good chance to be picked in a dual spinning assault with wrist spinner Adam Zampa.

"The stats from here all suggest that spin takes a bigger impact. I'll expect them to spin," captain Aaron Finch said in comments published by Cricket Australia's website.

"We even saw yesterday the training wickets looked how we expect the middle to play. You're never quite sure though, once there's a bit of traffic on it they start to slow up pretty quick and spin a bit. I think that will be a feature, especially the two games in Sharjah."

Paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile re-joined the squad for the five-match series against Pakistan after missing the final three ODIs against India to fly home to Perth for the birth of his second child.

After trailing India 2-0, Australia won the next three games in succession against Virat Kohli's side to claim their first series victory in the format in over two years and enjoy a timely confidence boost ahead of the World Cup.

Coulter-Nile, who is in the frame for the global showpiece while seamers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc struggle with injuries, said there was a good mood around the camp despite fierce competition for spots on the World Cup squad.

"Everyone's performing, that's why we're winning but even when someone has a bad day, they're really supportive of other blokes who have had a good day," he said.

"It's fantastic to see. I don't think it's a conscious effort that anyone makes, just think it's good mates supporting each other. I don't think anybody goes out there thinking, 'I'm not going to worry about selection'. It's just the way everyone is, they're all just good people."

Fleming quits as coach

of Melbourne Stars

Melbourne Stars coach Stephen Fleming has quit after four seasons in charge, having witnessed his team implode to city rivals the Renegades in this year's Big Bash League final. The former New Zealand captain said it was time for change.

"I feel the time is right for me to step down and allow someone else to take the reins and the club forward," he said in a statement late Wednesday. "The club is in very good shape having rebounded from last in BBL 07 to grand finalist this season."

His decision follows fellow former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori opting not to renew his contract with Brisbane Heat, leaving two head coach roles to be filled before the new season starts.

Stars president Eddie McGuire said Fleming had been "a wonderful servant".

"He has left a large footprint on the club which we will be forever grateful for," he added.

Glenn Maxwell's Stars looked on course to win the all-Melbourne BBL final last month.

Chasing 146 to win against Aaron Finch's Renegades, they were 93 without loss and cruising before losing an incredible seven wickets for 19 runs to slump to a 13-run defeat. — Agencies


March 21, 2019
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