England all-rounder Ben Stokes was involved in a no-ball bowling spree in the 1st Ashes Test match between Australia and England. Off the 4th delivery of his first over, Stokes cleaned up David Warner, but replays showed that he had overstepped. Simon Taufel said, "They are supposed to be checking every ball. I really can't explain it".

But then, the matter does not end there. It has now transpired that Stokes had overstepped in the first 4 balls of his very first over upon his return to international cricket. The footage of the video has come out, and it clearly shows Stokes overstepping. You can see the video of the same below.

Read Also: Ashes 2021-22: Cricket Australia confirms the fifth test will be a day-night one

When should the third umpire signal a No-ball?

Now, let us turn to the rulebook that is in place for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The rules state that the third umpire will review a bowler's front foot landing and if the bowler has overstepped, this will be intimated to the on-field umpire, who will signal the No-ball.

"The third umpire shall review television replays of the bowler's front foot landing. And, if he/she is satisfied that any of these three conditions have not been met, he/she shall immediately advise the bowler's end umpire who shall in turn immediately call and signal No-ball," state the rules.

England skipper Joe Root admitted that Stokes overstepping is frustrating for the England side. "Slightly frustrating but we can't let that get to us," said Root.

Simon Taufel, one of the best umpires in the history of the sport opined that every ball bowled by the bowler needs to be checked. "They are supposed to be checking every ball. I really can't explain it," said Taufel.

Also Read: South Africa vs India 2021: Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the new ODI captain

In the ongoing 1st Test of the Ashes 2021-22, Australia has bowled out England for 147 runs. However, Australia is still batting on 343-7 on Stumps, Day 2. The hosts have gained a good lead of 196 runs in the 1st innings.

On Friday, Cricket Australia (CA) officially announced that David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban has been lifted. Thus, Warner can captain his side in the Big Bash League, which is Sydney Thunder. 

The 37-year-old David Warner received this after 6 years of his exile. The decision was made after a thorough review by an independent three-member panel.

Why was David Warner banned?

In 2018, Warner was involved in the Sandpaper scandal known as “Sandpaper Gate,” during the third test against South Africa at Cape Town. Cameron Bancroft, who actively participated in the scandal, and Steve Smith, under whose leadership it happened, were the two names involved.

Warner, who was the vice-captain of the Australian team at the time, was alleged to be the main instigator behind the scandal. As a result, he received a one-year suspension from playing cricket, and a lifetime ban from leadership.

The then-captain, Steve Smith, received a 12-month leadership ban, while Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months for his direct involvement in tampering with the ball.

Warner's lifetime leadership lifted as he followed all the restriction

Earlier this month, Warner appealed to the independent review panel. He not only presented his case but also presented references from the present Australian captain Pat Cummins, coach Andrew McDonald, and his former IPL teammate Kane Williamson.

The panel unanimously found Warner to have fulfilled all the criteria required for the ban to be lifted. The panel noted Warner’s "respectful and contrite tone" and acknowledged his “genuine remorse” for his actions.

"David Warner's conduct and behavior since the imposition of the sanction have been exemplary," the panel said, highlighting his substantial personal growth. 

They were also confident that Warner would not further engage in similar conflicts in his remaining career. Not only that, the panel has highlighted his sportsmanship and that he no longer involves himself in sledging or provoking his opponents.

Cricket Australia’s Statement and Future Prospects

Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia, expressed satisfaction after Warner's lifetime captaincy ban has been lifted. 

"We updated the Code of Conduct to ensure a fair and rigorous process for reviewing long-term sanctions," Hockley said. "David has shown immense growth, and we are pleased he is now eligible to assume leadership positions again."

With Warner's lifetime ban being lifted, he is all set to captain Sydney Thunder in the upcoming BBL season. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2024, Warner’s renewed eligibility for leadership roles opens up new opportunities for him in domestic competitions.

A good opening partnership sets the tone wonderfully for a side to take control in cricket. Their task gets a lot more difficult in Test cricket, where they have to see through new ball trouble to ensure the batters following them can score freely. Like the ODI and T20 world cups, the International Cricket Council (ICC) opted to appease Test cricket with the World Test Championship. Although it had only just begun in 2019, it had seen some excellent opening partnerships along the way with stellar averages. Let's take a look at those opening pairs that have the highest opening partnership average in WTC history.

Also Read: Most Runs in WTC 2023-25

Highest opening partnership average (WTC)

1# Yashasvi Jaiswal & Rohit Sharma (IND)

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal set the record for the fastest fifty-plus partnership in Test cricket history during the fourth day of play in the second Test match between India and Bangladesh at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. The Indian duo batted at a run-rate of 14.34 making them the first pair to register a half-century at a scoring rate of more than two runs per ball. 

In 22 matches, the Indian pair scored 1163 runs with three centuries and 5 half-centuries, maintaining an impressive average of 52.86. 

2# Zak Crawley & Ben Duckett (ENG)

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett's opening partnership has been one of the most crucial parts of England's successes in the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era, which has drawn to an end the decade of insecurity in establishing a long-term pairing at the top of the order. But beyond the stability, they’re starting to establish themselves among the most prolific England opening partnerships from years gone by.

In 31 innings, the duo scored 1314 runs with an impressive average of 42.38. They also amassed one century and 10 half-centuries together, with their highest score being 233.

Also Read: World Test Championship qualification: India needs to win 5, draw 1

3# Usman Khawaja & David Warner (AUS)

Australia’s opening batters Usman Khawaja and David Warner have grown up together since junior cricket and have had a long-term association in international cricket. The duo have batted together in 64 innings in Test cricket and have scored 2771 between themselves. 

Khawaja and Warner batted together in 40 innings and scored 1493 runs with an outstanding average of 38.28. They smashed 3 centuries and 9 half-centuries, with a highest score of 156 in WTC.

4# Devon Conway & Tom Latham (NZ)

Devon Conway and Tom Latham possess an opening pair that might just go on to become the envy of the world. Since his debut in Test cricket in February 2014, Latham has been a fixture at the top of New Zealand's order in Test cricket. While in 2022, Conway became the fastest New Zealand batter to 1000 Test runs, getting there in 19 innings.

In 23 innings, the Kiwi duo scored 872 runs with an impressive average of 37.91. They also amassed two century and five half-centuries together, with their highest score being 183.

Also Read: Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship

5# Pathum Nissanka & Dimuth Karunaratne (SL)

Sri Lankan pair of Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne is a fresh one when it comes to opening together in Test Cricket. They have made a hugely impressive start to their alliance at the top in WTC cycle. Nissanka and Karunaratne have opened together in 12 innings in WTC and have scored 444 runs as a pair at an average of 37.00, with two hundred stands.

In multiple interviews, David Warner mentioned that he doesn't want to leave Australia in a hanging situation where the youngsters look clueless about their strategies. But with Warner leaving the circuit, Australia looks clueless with its opening pair.

The high-profile Border Gavaskar Trophy is knocking on the door. After 10 months of Warner's retirement, Usman Khwaja is lacking a partner to open with. The search for an opener dominated headlines last summer, and even though some names have been thrown around, the answer remains elusive.

Steve Smith, always looked comfortbale at the 4th spot but might have to be promoted to the top. But that will create a vacancy in the middle order, with no solution. 

On the other hand, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Cameron Green are hesitant about opening. Green is blessed with a back injury that adds a better reason to add complexities.

The first rounds of Sheffield Shield may provide some answers, but for now, the selectors are struggling to make a decision.

Steve Smith: The Reluctant Opener

With Cameron Green returning to the middle, CA decided to promote Smith to the opening spot, which was a tactical move and was fruitful initially. He played an impressive innings of 91 runs at Gabba against the West Indies. 

However, he looked inconsistent with time, failing to mark his name against New Zealand. Smith himself seems ambivalent about continuing in the role, expressing comfort with batting wherever the team needs him but showing no enthusiasm for opening.

While turning the pages of his stats at 4th position, he has over 5,966 runs at an average of 61.50. Even Khwaja supports Smith at 4.

But in that case, who will fill the void at the top?

Is Marnus Labuschagne a Natural Choice?

Marnus Labuschagne has prior experience of opening 15 matches in first-class cricket for Glamorgan in the County Championship. But shifting him to Australia's 3rd position looks risky.

His number in 3rd position gives him enough support to stay—11 centuries and an average of 51.78. Moving him to the opener might fix one problem but create another.

It is not an issue with Marnus but an issue for Australia. Marnus has the tactical capabilities to adapt to the new role. But is Australia courageous enough to be flexible with him and destabilize the middle?

Travis Head: The Wildcard Option

Travis Head, the ultimate trauma to all the Indians, certainly looks like an option for opening, for his aggressive approach.

Head stepped into the opener’s role during Australia’s Test series in India last year, where he performed well, averaging 55.75 in five innings. His aggressive approach at the top could serve Australia well, particularly on fast Australian pitches.

However, it is Head himself who feels opening to be a "headache" for him. He strongly believes that his counter-attacking abilities should be an asset to the middle order.

This may, thus, push the selectors to drag him to the middle order. Not only that, there are also concerns about his vulnerability to short-pitched bowling, especially against India’s pace attack.

Again, the opening position feels unsorted having an overcrowded middle order.

Cameron Green: An Experiment Waiting to Happen

Before Steve Smith was promoted to opener, Cameron Green was considered a potential replacement for Warner. Although Green has never opened at the first-class level, some cricket pundits believe he has the skill and mindset to succeed as an opener. His powerful stroke play and ability to handle fast bowling make him a tempting option.

However, Green’s back injury in the United Kingdom complicates matters. Depending on his recovery, he may be unavailable to bowl, but selectors could still consider him a specialist batter. If Green is fit, he could be the answer Australia is looking for, but his inexperience at the top raises questions.

Mitchell Marsh: A Dark Horse for the Role

Marsh is believed to have sound technical abilities to face the new. Such abilities were showcased in limited-over cricket, as he has a better performance against fast bowlers.

He is actually someone the management can trust to thrust into the opening slot because of the proactive, aggressive approach he has shown in one-day cricket.

However, like Head, Marsh has found a comfortable niche in the middle order, particularly at No. 6. His reluctance towards opening in Test cricket has again disrupted the selectors to experiment with his position.

Cameron Bancroft: The Specialist Opener in Waiting?

While the internal options continue to be debated, one name from outside the Test XI is gaining traction—Cameron Bancroft. 

The Sheffield Shield has witnessed this guy amassing 1,728 runs at an average of 54.00 over the past two years. In case Australia is wandering around like a delirium, Bancroft should be on their plate.

But here again, another confusion may arise! The inclusion of Bancroft means dropping one specialized name from the middle order. Now, who will be ready to be the scapegoat for the team? That is something to keep an eye on!

Confusion with no solution

Australia faces a difficult decision as the home summer looms. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting next month, the camp is in utter confusion and a hurry as well to come to a commendable conclusion.

The next few weeks of Sheffield Shield cricket will be critical in determining Australia’s plan.

Hopefully, the mighty Aussies will find a better replacement for the retired Warner to face the pace attack from India.

The World Test Championship was started in 2019 to make Test cricket interesting. The Championship has changed the way Test Cricket is being played. Though England has shown their aggressive brand of cricket which has taken the world by storm but failed to win the title. New Zealand and Australia have won the World Test Championships in the first two editions while India played the final on both occasions. Joe Root, the former test captain of England till now has scored the test centuries in the World Test Championship.

Here are the players with the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship.

Also Read: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

1. Joe Root | 14

England's Joe Root has the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship. So far he has scored 14 centuries in 100 innings of 56* matches. Root is also the batsman who has scored the most runs in this tournament with 4598 runs with an average of 49.97.

His best knock came against India in 2021 when he scored 228 in Chennai to help his side win the game. 

2. Marnus Labuschagne | 11

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne has scored 11 centuries in his Test career and all have been scored in the World Test Championship. In 45 matches, he has also scored 3904 runs at an average of 52.05 during the Test Championship.

Marnus have been a key factor for Australia's success in the recent years and has stepped up in demanding situations.

3. Kane Williamson | 10

Kane Williamson has batted amazingly in the World Test Championship. He has played only 23 matches so far in this tournament but managed to score 10 centuries in his 40 innings.

Williamson has the best average (63.58) among the top 50 batsmen who have scored the most runs in the tournament. During the Test match versus South Africa, the former Kiwi skipper scored two tons in the same game. 

4. Rohit Sharma | 9

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is the only Indian batter included in the 'most Test centuries in the World Test Championship' list. Rohit has played 32 matches during the Test Championship since 2019. In his 54 innings, he has scored 9 centuries and 7 half-centuries with his bat.

With 2552 runs in the World Test Championship in just 29 Tests, Rohit is the highest scorer for India in WTC history with an average is 50.03.

Also Read: Most Test Hundreds for India since 2021

5. Steven Smith | 9

Australia's Steve Smith also has the same number of centuries as Rohit Sharma i.e. 9. The Aussie top-order batter has been the best test batter of this generation and has scored runs all around the world. Smith is known for his unorthodox and yet effective batting style which keeps on annoying the opponent's bowling lineups.

Till now in WTC, Steve Smith has scored 3486 runs at an outstanding average of 50.52

6. Babar Azam | 8

The former Pakistan skipper has scored 8 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle. In 30* matches, he has also scored 2661 runs at an average of 54.30 during the Test Championship.

The 29-year-old isn’t in the greatest of form currently but on his day Babar Azam is a delight to watch. One of his most memorable knocks came against Australia in Karachi in 2022. Babar Azam scored 196 while chasing a huge total in the 4th inning of the game.

7. Dhananjaya de Silva | 8

Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya De Silva might be one of the surprising names on this list. He has the same number of centuries as Babar Azam. The Sri Lanka captain has been one of the best batters in his country despite lacking support from the other end, most of the time.

So far he has scored 8 centuries in 44 innings of 25* matches. Dhananjaya also scored 2032 runs, with an average of 52.10, during the Test Championship. 

8. Usman Khawaja | 7

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has hit 7 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle. In 32 matches, he has scored 2686 runs at an average of 49.74. The Southpaw batter is a treat to watch when he is in song and restored his career with some outstanding scores for the current WTC champions.

He was also the second-highest-scoring batsman in the 2021–2023 WTC cycle with 1,621 runs, the highest by an Australian batsman.

Also Read: Most Wickets in Test Cricket

9. Ben Stokes | 7

Ben Stokes is the only proper allrounder in this list (yes, we know Root and De Silva also bowl for their country). The former England captain has had some iconic knocks in WTC history. Who can forget the Headingley Ashes test in 2022 where he took England home single-handedly with an unbeaten 135.

So far he has scored 3101 runs in 48 innings of 88 matches with an average of 37.81. Stokes has also hit seven tons and sixteen fifties in the World Test Championship so far.

World’s best batters fight for glory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup every two years. They show their hitting skills, leaving fans amazed with their six-hitting abilities. The T20 World Cup 2024 is the 9th edition and will be played in the West Indies and USA from June 1 to 29, 2024. But who among the modern-day batting greats tops the list of total runs scored in the T20 World Cup? Let's take a look at the most ICC Men's T20 World Cup runs list below. 

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Squads of Every Team

Most ICC Men's T20 World Cup Runs

1. Virat Kohli | 1141 Runs

Virat Kohli has the most ICC Men's T20 World Cup runs. Kohli has scored 1141 runs in 27 matches at an average of 81.50, which also includes 14 fifties at a strike-rate of 131.30. His highest score in the tournament is 89 not out, which he scored in the 2016 edition of the T20 World Cup against West Indies. In addition to his overall record, Kohli also holds the record for the most runs in a single T20 World Cup tournament, having scored 319 runs in six matches during the 2014 edition.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Highest run scorers in every T20WC edition

2. Mahela Jayawardene | 1016 Runs 

Following Kohli is former Sri Lanka cricket team batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who ranks second in the list of most ICC Men's T20 World Cup runs. Jayawardene participated in five editions of the tournament between 2007 and 2014, amassing 1,016 runs in 31 matches at an average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 134.74. He also became the first Sri Lankan player to score a century in T20 World Cups during that tournament. 

3. Chris Gayle | 965 Runs

Caribbean batter Chris Gayle occupies the third position in this list. Gayle has smashed 965 runs in 33 matches, at an average of 34.46 and a strike rate of 142.75 with the help of 2 centuries and 7 half-centuries. He scored the first hundred in the T20 World Cup and won two world cups.

4. Rohit Sharma | 963 Runs

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma made 963 runs in 36 spells, which includes nine half-centuries. Hitman comes fourth on the list of most ICC Men's T20 World Cup runs. 79 is the top score for Rohit. He hasn't scored any 100s till now. Rohit has played in all the eight T20 World Cups so far.

5. Tillakaratne Dilshan | 897 Runs

Tillakaratne Dilshan played his last World Cup in the shortest format in 2016 but is still at the fifth place in the list of most runs in T20 World Cup. He mustered 897 runs in 34 innings with six fifties for Sri Lanka at the mega event with the highest score being 96*. More often than not, Dilshan opened the innings and was also instrumental in Sri Lanka lifting the trophy in 2014. 

Also Read: Youngest Men's player to score a T20I century

6. David Warner | 806 Runs

David Warner is set to play his last T20 World Cup in 2024 and will open the innings yet again for Australia. Having played since 2009 at the event, the southpaw has amassed 806 runs so far in 34 innings at a strike rate of 133.22 and has surprisingly, not scored a single ton yet. Warner has a chance to bow out on a high and also climb up in this list with a sensational T20 World Cup this year.

7. Jos Buttler | 799 Runs

Jos Buttler led England to T20 World Cup title in 2022 and is again the captain for the 2024 edition. He is playing the event since 2012 and has scored 799 runs so far sitting at the seventh place in the list of most runs in T20 World Cup. He has smashed the runs at an average of 42.05 and a strike rate of 144.48 with a century and four fifties to his name. Apart from leading from the front with the bat, Buttler will be aiming to defend England’s title this time around. 

8. Shakib Al Hasan | 742 Runs

Shakib Al Hasan is the only other player apart from Rohit Sharma to feature in all editions of T20 World Cup (including the upcoming one). He has played 36 matches for Bangladesh at the event scoring 742 runs at an average of almost 24 and a strike rate of 122.44 with three fifties. He has won a lot of matches for Bangladesh with his all-rounder skills and will be aiming to do so in what could be his last ICC event in the format.

9. AB de Villiers | 717 Runs

AB de Villiers last played the mega event in 2016 itself but it still among top 10 in the list of players with most runs in T20 World Cup . Playing for South Africa, he amassed 717 runs in 29 innings at an average of almost 30 and a strike rate of 143.4 that is impeccable for a middle-order batter. He also hit five fifties and played some memorable knocks for Proteas during his playing time.

Also Read: 5 players who played more than 50 matches in every format

10. Kane Williamson | 699 Runs

New Zealand have again reposed faith in Kane Williamson to lead New Zealand in the upcoming T20 World Cup edition. The man is playing in the tournament since 2012 and has scored 699 runs in 24 innings at an average of 33.28 and a strike rate of 113.84 with three fifties to his name. Despite the fact that his stocks are going down in the shortest format, Williamson remains a key member for the Kiwis having led them to final of T20 World Cup 2021.