Australia add Steve Smith as replacement for Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad
Pallekele (PTI): Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday approved as replacement for the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, hours before his side's must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here.
Smith thus becomes the 15th member of the injury-hit Australia squad.
"Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful," the ICC said in statement.
Smith had earlier been flown to Sri Lanka as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who missed Australia's opening two matches due to a testicular injury.
The veteran batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial clash.
Smith has not played a T20I since February last year but has been in good form in the format in domestic competitions.
In positive signs for the 2021 champions, Marsh too has returned to training. The skipper batted in the nets while also taking part in running and fielding drills on Sunday.
Australia’s World Cup campaign is hanging in the balance following their 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and they must beat Sri Lanka on Monday to avoid an early exit.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India, South Korea decide to start negotiations to upgrade economic pact
New Delhi (PTI): India and South Korea on Monday agreed to start negotiations to upgrade their comprehensive evaluation partnership pact against the backdrop of increasing trade disruptions in view of geopolitical upheavals.
The two sides announced the decision following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and .
In this era of global tensions, India and South Korea together convey a message of peace and stability,Modi said after the talks.South Korean President Lee Jae Myung
The two sides also resolved to work together to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Following President Lee's visit, we are going to transform our trusted collaboration into a futuristic partnership," Modi said.
The bilateral trade and economic relations gathered momentum following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2010.
"From chips to ships, talent to technology, entertainment to energy, we will realise new opportunities for cooperation in every sector," he added.
The prime minister said both sides will continue to work towards an inclusive Indo-Pacific.
"Through our shared efforts, we will continue to contribute to a peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Indo-Pacific," he said.
The talks also focused on enhancing ties in areas of trade, investments, AI, semiconductors, critical and emerging technologies and people-to-people connect.
