Big day coming up for India ODI hopefuls, Ian Bell opens up on possible England return and more - Cricket News Today, 31st August 2018

The start of September is shaping up to be a massive day for quite a few Indian hopefuls as the selectors gear up to pick the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Senior batsman Ian Bell has increased the clamour surrounding his possible comeback into the England Test team. He smashed a stellar double century in Warwickshire's Division Two County game against Glamorgan.

Here are all the major news from the cricket world.

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Ian Bell keen to make dramatic Test return

Bell raised murmurs of a possible Test comeback by scoring a double century for Warwickshire

Veteran batsman Ian Bell has put himself in the frame for a dramatic late-career comeback into the England Test team. Even as Joe Root's troops continue their struggles in the batting department in the ongoing India series, the 36-year old has shored up his chances by hammering a sublime double century for Warwickshire.

Speaking to BBC WM after his 204 against Glamorgan, Bell affirmed, "It was nice to go through, get a big 100 for the team and that puts us in a good place. (Thinking of a Test comeback) isn't anything I'm carrying into this game, but right now I'm happy."

He added, "I'm playing well, I'm moving well and enjoying my cricket and the expectation and drive is here. Who knows what the next 12 months holds? (If the selectors call) I'm sure I'll answer the phone."

Mohammad Nabi and Afghanistan complete special milestone

Mohammad Nabi has become a trailblazer for the next generation of Afghan aspirants

The second ODI of the 3-match series against Ireland was a special one for Afghanistan cricket. They became the 14th team to complete the landmark of 100 ODIs. Talisman all-rounder Mohammad Nabi played every single match of those century of appearances in the 50-over format.

Not including the ongoing third ODI against Ireland, Afghanistan have won 52 of their 100 appearances. Aside from two no-results, they have lost 46 matches.

Nabi has become the first cricketer to play every match of his team's first 100 ODIs. The next best in the all time list is former skipper Steve Tikolo who took part in each game of Kenya's first 49 ODIs.

Rashid Khan re-signs with Sussex Sharks for 2019 T20 Blast

Rashid Khan has enjoyed a productive stint in the 2018 season of the T20 Blast

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has extended his contract with Sussex Sharks for the 2019 edition of the T20 Blast. In the ongoing season of the tournament, the 19-year old played a key role in propelling the Sharks to the Finals Day.

From 11 matches, Rashid picked 17 wickets at an average of 14.35 and economy-rate of 6.59. Unfortunately for Sussex, he will not be available for their crucial semifinal against Somerset on September 15. Rightfully so, the wrist-spinner will be turning out for his country in the Asia Cup.

Rashid stated, "I'm so happy and pleased to be back with Sussex in the 2019 T20 Blast. I had the best time this year; my teammates, the coaching staff and the management staff were amazing. I really enjoyed my stay and can't wait to come again and play for Sussex next year."

Mitchell Johnson gives Pakistan the upper-hand for Asia Cup

India and Pakistan will meet each other for the first time since the 2017 Champions Trophy final

Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson believes Pakistan will hold the edge during the upcoming Asia Cup. Highlighting their familiarity with the nature of pitches seen in the UAE, the left-armer also urged India to rely on seamers Umesh Yadav and Hardik Pandya to dent Sarfraz Ahmed's team.

Johnson insisted, "Pakistan will have an upper-hand and will enjoy playing in UAE due to prior experience of playing in the PSL and knowing the weather and pitch conditions inside out."

The 36-year old added, "Against Pakistan, India’s age-old cricketing rival and neighbour (and) keeping UAE’s pitch conditions in mind, I think seamers like Umesh Yadav and Hardik Pandya would work in India’s favour."

India set to announce Asia Cup squad on September 1

Ambati Rayudu will be hoping to return to India's ODI squad

On September 1, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will announce the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. With not much of a downtime between the fifth Test against England at The Oval and the first match of their campaign in the 50-over continental tournament, it will be interesting to see if the selectors deliberate on resting a few of their all-format stars.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who returned to action for India 'A' in the third-place match against South Africa 'A', is expected to be named in the Asia Cup squad. The attention will also be on Ambati Rayudu as the selectors aim to bolster the fragile middle-order.

Rayudu had initially been selected for the ODI series against England. But he failed the mandatory yo-yo test and was subsequently axed from the squad. Having bounced back by clearing the fitness test and then impressing for India 'A' in the Quadrangular series, the 32-year old will be hopeful of making a comeback.