The Extras – Weekly round-up of cricket’s major happenings
While there’s no shortage of action in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, there’s plenty happening in the other parts of the cricketing world as well. From a famous cricketer following his football passion to an ex-cricketer’s India escapades, we bring you an update of all the on-field and off-the-field action that you may have missed, in this week’s ‘The Extras’!
Rohit Sharma’s El Clasico experience
It’s a well-known fact that star India batsman Rohit Sharma is passionate about football and a huge fan of the legendary club Real Madrid. On Sunday night (March 1), the cricketer was spotted enjoying the famous ‘El Clasico’ game at Spain’s iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Accompanying Rohit to tick off his bucket-list item was his wife Ritika and daughter Samaira. After Real Madrid’s emphatic 2-0 win over Barcelona, the La Liga giants honoured the Indian opener with a customised Los Blancos jersey featuring his name and Team India jersey number (45).
In December 2019, Rohit became the first-ever non-footballer to be appointed as La Liga’s brand ambassador to India.
Janneman Malan, the ‘dragon slayer’
On Wednesday (March 4), 23-year-old South African batsman Janneman Malan scored his maiden international hundred in only his second ODI outing. Dubbed as the ‘dragon slayer’ by his brother Andre, Janneman struck 7 fours and 4 sixes en route his unbeaten 129. What’s even more remarkable is that his first ton on the big stage turned into a match-winning one. As a result, South Africa have now grabbed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series against the visiting Australians.
? for Janneman Malan! ?
His first international century ? #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/TaikBdC31m
— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2020
Pollard’s 500th
On the same day that Malan announced himself in Protea land, a T20 giant created history on the Sri Lankan island. West Indies power-hitter Kieron Pollard became the first-ever cricketer in the world to play 500 T20s, in the first T20I against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele ground in Colombo. Pollard scored a brisk 15-ball 34 and completed 10,000 T20 career runs in the process. There couldn’t have been a better time for the mighty Pollard to fill up his record books!
A historic first for Daren Sammy
Player? Head coach? Honorary citizenship? Right now is a pretty darn good time to be Daren Sammy. The West Indies cricketer is all set to play the dual role of coach-cum-player for Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League with immediate effect. An entertainer in the true sense, Sammy is a popular figure among the Pakistani cricket fans and has been praised by Prime Minister Imran Khan for his contribution to reviving cricket in the country.
Credit: PCB Media Twitter
The 36-year-old will be receiving his honorary citizenship from the Pakistan government on March 23.
A holy dip for Jonty Rhodes
We bet you haven’t seen half of what a certain someone has, in every nook and corner of a beautiful country like India. Former South Africa cricketer and one of the world’s best fielders, Jonty Rhodes has never shied away from expressing his love for India’s picturesque locales. From taking up a cycling trip across states to experiencing the finest Indian cuisines, Jonty has done it all. It’s no surprise that he was last seen taking a soothing dip in the holy Ganges river at Rishikesh. The South African legend, along with his wife, is an active propagator of health, wellness and nutrition.
Credit: Jonty Rhodes Instagram
