Boult missed the start of the three-match series due to a side strain and could only watch on as Australia sealed a crushing 296-run victory on day four. The left-arm paceman is set to feature in the second Test at the MCG as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson, who suffered a calf injury on day one of his Test debut in the day-night contest this week. Black Caps captain Kane Williamson said: "His (Boult) fitness is looking likely. He was a close one for this so, hopefully, he will be fully fit for the next match." There may be at least one further change to the side in Melbourne after struggling opening batsman Jeet Raval fell for only one in both innings. "I suppose Jeet is like every other batsman in the world and that's that they want more and more runs and you always have good days and bad days," Williamson added. "These are some hard lessons for him and great experiences as well. In terms of looking forward, just having finished this game, it's important we reflect on it and any … [Read more...] about New Zealand hopeful Boult will be back for second Test
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South Africa vs England: Ngidi set to miss Boxing Day Test
Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Sunday (December 15) revealed Ngidi sustained a "significant Grade 1 hamstring muscle tear" during Tshwane Spartans' warm-up for the Mzansi Super League (MSL T20) play-off against the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants on Friday (December 13). The 23-year-old quick has been ruled out of the MSL T20 final versus Paarl Rocks on Monday (December 16). Ngidi looks unlikely to feature in the Boxing Day Test at the start of a new Proteas era under head coach Mark Boucher and it remains to be seen when he will be available to return. CSA chief medical officer Dr Shuaib Manjra said: "Lungi Ngidi sustained an acute hamstring muscle injury during the warm-up prior to the MSL T20 play-off on Friday (December 13). "Scans done on Saturday showed a significant Grade 1 tear of his hamstring muscle and therefore he has been ruled out of the MSL T20 final. "He will commence his rehab and return to play program with the aim of getting him fit to play for the Momentum Multiply Titans … [Read more...] about South Africa vs England: Ngidi set to miss Boxing Day Test
Ben Stokes wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019
England cricket World Cup winner Ben Stokes has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The 28-year-old, who becomes the first cricketer to win the award since Andrew Flintoff in 2005, was recognised after producing some memorable individual performances during an unforgettable summer for the sport.In a public vote, Lewis Hamilton was second and Dina Asher-Smith came third in Aberdeen. Stokes said: "It's an individual award but I play a team sport and one of the great things about that is you get to share special moments with those team-mates, coaches and without that effort you put in, I wouldn't be up here receiving this award so thank you so much."Stokes struck an unbeaten 84 before helping England defeat New Zealand in a Super Over after a nail-biting World Cup final at Lord's in July. A month later, he scored a stunning 135 not out to see England record an extraordinary comeback win against Australia in the third Test of the drawn Ashes series. World heptathlon … [Read more...] about Ben Stokes wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019