Steven Smith Joins Washington Freedom ; Joe Root’s Red-Ball Return After Almost 2 Years
Steven Smith’s move to Major League Cricket’s (MLC) Washington Freedom for the upcoming second season has been confirmed.
The seasoned cricketer’s partnership with Ricky Ponting in the US adds an extra dimension to his career trajectory, especially as he contends for a spot in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad.
The strategic alignment between Smith and Washington Freedom was expected, given his previous association as a brand ambassador for the franchise. This move is facilitated by Australia’s cricket schedule, allowing Smith a clear window to participate in MLC starting from July 4.
Notably, Freedom’s recent signings, including Rachin Ravindra from New Zealand alongside retained overseas players Marco Jansen and Akeal Hosein from the previous season, reflect the team’s commitment to assembling a competitive roster.
Smith’s enthusiasm for this new chapter is evident in his statement shared on Freedom’s social media platforms: “I’m super excited about joining the Washington Freedom for season two of the MLC. I can’t wait to meet all of my new team-mates and play in front of some incredible crowds in America. I’m also really looking forward to working with Ricky Ponting again, and his amazing staff.”
While Smith’s focus is on MLC, he also faces a competitive battle for inclusion in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, slated for June. Despite limited recent T20 cricket exposure, Smith remains composed about the selection process, expressing his readiness for any outcome.
As part of a broader trend, Australian players like Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, and Tim David are making significant moves in the MLC landscape, setting the stage for an exciting season post the T20 World Cup. Stay tuned for more updates as the cricketing saga unfolds in the USA and beyond.
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Joe Root Set for Yorkshire Red-Ball Return After Almost Two Years
Joe Root is gearing up for his first red-ball appearance with Yorkshire Cricket Club in nearly two years as he prepares to face Gloucestershire in the upcoming County Championship fixture.
Root’s return to the red-ball format comes after a hiatus that saw him participating primarily in the Hundred for Trent Rockets post-Ashes last year.
Root, who last played first-class cricket for Yorkshire in May 2022, is included in Yorkshire’s 13-man squad for their upcoming match against Gloucestershire. His absence from the opening fixture against Leicestershire was due to his involvement in the India tour. However, Root is slated to feature in the subsequent four rounds, including a match against Northamptonshire starting on May 24. The 33-year-old’s last first-class appearance for Yorkshire was against Warwickshire in May 2022, shortly after relinquishing his Test captaincy.
Additionally, Yorkshire’s promotion aspirations receive a significant boost with the return of Harry Brook, who recently made a stellar comeback with an impressive unbeaten century. Brook’s impactful performance marks his return to action following a break post-India series and sets the stage for Yorkshire’s upcoming matches.
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Root’s upcoming matches with Yorkshire serve as a preparatory phase for his upcoming cricketing commitments, including England’s Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka, commencing from July 10 at Lord’s. This period also includes tours to Pakistan and New Zealand by the end of the year.
Yorkshire, aiming for a Division One return after their relegation in 2022, is optimistic about their prospects with the availability of key players like Root and Brook. Despite challenges faced last season, including a substantial points deduction, Yorkshire is favored to emerge successfully from Division Two this season.
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