Australia weigh Webster-Green combo, West Indies forced into World Cup Qualifier — cricket digest 11 Aug 2026

· Cricombo Editorial

West Indies consigned to 2027 World Cup Qualifier as Associates criticise late format tweak

West Indies will have to take the long way to the 2027 men’s ODI World Cup, with their ranking leaving them unable to break into the automatic qualification places by the September 30 cut-off. Afghanistan’s win over Ireland in Belfast secured their own spot in the top bracket, while West Indies, ranked 10th, cannot climb high enough even with two upcoming ODIs against India before the deadline.

The ICC’s revised qualification structure has also drawn a sharp response from Cricket Scotland and the Netherlands board, who said they had received no reply after seeking written clarification in meetings more than two weeks ago. They raised concerns about both the impact on Associate opportunities and the process, with the new Super Series stage meaning the 12th, 13th and 14th qualifiers will play a tri-series for a single place in the second round.

Webster backs long-term partnership with Green as Australia shape up for Bangladesh Test

Beau Webster says he does not view Cameron Green as a rival for a single allrounder slot, with both expected to play in Australia’s XI for the Darwin Test against Bangladesh and potentially together beyond that. Webster, 32, said the past year has convinced him his domestic game stands up at Test level, after arriving late to international cricket and initially questioning whether he was ready.

Green, 27, has been moving through roles in the batting order across recent Tests, and there was still no clear indication on Tuesday where he will slot in. Webster argued the pairing gives Australia extra bowling and tactical flexibility in the top seven, and added he would be keen to explore ODI opportunities as well, having spoken to selectors after a strong recent List A season for Tasmania.

Adrian Birrell named Sharjah Warriorz head coach for ILT20 season five

Sharjah Warriorz have appointed Adrian Birrell as head coach ahead of the fifth ILT20 season, which runs from November 22 to December 20 in an earlier-than-usual window. Birrell, 65, previously coached Ireland from 2002 to 2007 and later worked as South Africa’s assistant coach between 2013 and 2017, before moving into franchise cricket.

He arrives after leading Sunrisers Eastern Cape to three SA20 titles and while also serving as head coach of Sunrisers Leeds in the Women’s Hundred. The Warriorz finished last in the previous ILT20 season and are still chasing a first title.

In brief

  • Afghanistan sealed qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup by edging Ireland by three wickets in a thriller in Belfast, with Rashid Khan making 37 not out and taking 3 for 44.
  • The Men’s Hundred playoff race remains tight after Trent Rockets missed direct passage to the final, with Sunrisers Leeds’ match against Manchester Super Giants set to shape which sides join Rockets in the knockouts.
  • Southern Brave chased down Trent Rockets in the Men’s Hundred, winning by six wickets after Tristan Stubbs’ unbeaten 52 and Marcus Stoinis’ 46 overhauled 158 for 5.
  • Nat Sciver-Brunt played down her calf issue after her 32 off 19 from No. 7 helped Trent Rockets beat Southern Brave by three wickets and book a place in the Women’s Hundred final at Lord’s.
  • Australia opener Jake Weatherald heads into the Darwin Test against Bangladesh after adjusting his set-up at the crease following problems with full, straight bowling during the Ashes.
  • Legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane has replaced Rohit Paudel as Nepal’s ODI captain, with his first series in charge set to be the ACC Men’s Premier Cup from August 30 in Malaysia.
  • A new stats query looks at whether any bowler has taken a ten-wicket match haul and then been left out for the next Test, prompted by Mohammad Abbas being dropped after taking eight in the first Test in the West Indies.
  • Men’s ODI cricket has reached 5000 matches, with a new infographic charting how scoring rates, six-hitting, centuries and five-fors have shifted across 55 years.

Sources: ESPNcricinfo