Cricket

Say “silly mid-off” or “deep backward square leg” or “a single to long leg” to the average American and it'll trigger a quizzical look.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The return of tried and tested Babar Azam as captain for the Twenty20 World Cup belies the massive changes in Pakistan cricket over the last 18 months.

LONDON (AP) — Fingers crossed. That was the common expression used about Jofra Archer by Rob Key, the managing director of England's men’s cricket, when he announced the squad for the Twenty20 World Cup.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Black Caps fans are bracing themselves for an emotional journey when the Twenty20 World Cup begins next month in the United States and West Indies, looking forward to the tournament with a mixture of hope and fatalism.

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Hyped as the next David Warner by astute judges of his phenomenal batting talent, Jake Fraser-McGurk will have to settle for being next in line if Australia needs backup at the Twenty20 World Cup.

After leading the West Indies to two Twenty20 World Cup titles as a captain, Daren Sammy has to defy history to win again as a head coach.

LONDON — England fast bowler James Anderson will retire from test cricket after the match against the West Indies at Lord's in July, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in the history of the international game.

TORONTO — Saad Zafar is ready for cricket to take the next step in Canada, both on the pitch and in the stands.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan captain Babar Azam is hoping Haris Rauf will regain full fitness after a shoulder injury and make an impact at next month's T20 World Cup.

CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh (AP) — Pacer Taskin Ahmed helped Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by six wickets with nine balls remaining in their second Twenty20 cricket international to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.