The Extras – Weekly round-up of cricket’s major happenings

Cricket enjoyed a multitude of events in the week gone by. The Under-19 World Cup culminated with a thrilling final. The Bushfire bash ignited past memories of the legend and brought them back on the field. India-New Zealand and South Africa-England continued their meetings while there was plenty happening off the field as well. Here’s a round-up of cricket’s most talked-about events from the last week.

Warner and Perry take centre stage

David Warner and Ellyse Perry headlined Cricket Australia’s award ceremony. Returning from a year’s ban, Warner let his bat do all the talking and picked up his third Allan Border Medal. All-rounder Ellyse Perry also won her third Belinda Clarke medal. “I couldn’t be any prouder to stand here and receive the award. I really had a hunger and determination to come back and really put my foot forward,” Warner said.

India and Bangladesh fight… after the match

After Bangladesh won the U-19 World Cup final by beating India, the players of the two teams were seen pushing and shoving each other on the field. International Cricket Council (ICC) sanctioned five players – three from Bangladesh and two from India. Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain and Rakibul Hasan have been handed six demerit points whereas India’s Akash Singh and Ravi Bishnoi were given five demerit points.

Fight between India U19 and Bangladesh U19 players in ICC #U19CWC2020 #U19WC #U19CWCFinal pic.twitter.com/lbEfNdQzlV

— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) February 9, 2020

Legends unite for Bushfire charity

Australia hosted the Bushfire cricket bash at the Junction Oval in Melbourne. Cricket Australia confirmed that the legends raised funds in excess of AUD 7.7 million. The purpose of the game was to collect donations for the ones affected in the Bushfire tragedy at New South Wales. The game was played between teams, captained by Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting. Sachin Tendulkar also took the field during the mid-innings break. Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry bowled four deliveries at the former Indian batsman. Sachin began with a boundary and finished with his trademark straight drive.

Sachin is off the mark with a boundary!https://t.co/HgP8Vhnk9s #BigAppeal pic.twitter.com/4ZJNQoQ1iQ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 9, 2020

Michael Clarke confirms divorce

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke and his wife Kyly announced their divorce after seven years of marriage. The couple issued a joint statement – “After living apart for some time, we have made the difficult decision to separate as a couple, amicably. With the greatest of respect for each other, we’ve come to the mutual conclusion that this is the best course for us to take while we are committed to co-parenting of our daughter.” The couple has a four-year-old daughter Kelsey Lee.

Image: Twitter (@Launchpadsports)

Dhoni visits Puttaparthi before IPL

M S Dhoni has not been seen on the cricket field since the fateful World Cup semi-final against New Zealand last July. While fans await his arrival in the IPL, the former Indian captain took a trip to Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. He had a darshan of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s samadhi and later visited a nearby super-speciality hospital. Dhoni will be leading Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming season.