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The Perth Scorchers were named minor premiers once again after topping the ladder courtesy of a four-wicket victory over the Adelaide Strikers. It was the perfect way to say farewell to the WACA and it set up a tantalising semi-final clash with the Hobart Hurricanes. George Bailey’s men defied the odds to finish fourth in the ladder, and the Strikers became another surprise package by finishing second. They were widely written off after losing key men ahead of BBL7, but Rashid Khan has been absolutely sensational and they deserve their place in the semi-finals. But they face a tough game against the experienced Melbourne Renegades, led by Dwayne Bravo. Here we preview both semi-finals: Perth Scorchers v Hobart Hurricanes The Scorchers have displayed remarkable resourcefulness in topping the ladder despite losing a host of key players to international duty. Coach Justin Langer will now have a selection headache as he heads into the semi-final: does he stick with the guys that got t

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been bought by Rajasthan Royals for whopping Rs 12.5 crore (£1.4m) in the first round of Indian Premier League's bidding. The 26-year-old fetched a massive price at the IPL auction once again and will join Australian skipper Steve Smith after the 28-year-old batsman went for £1.38m. South Africa's Hashim Amla, England's Joe Root and the hard-hitting West Indies batsman Chris Gayle went unsold in the first round of bidding of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Bengaluru. The second and final auction starts on Sunday, with a total of more than 500 players to be picked by the eight IPL franchises. The 11th edition of Indian Premier League begins in April.

England have announced their squad for the two-test match series to be played in New Zealand this March. The Controversial all-rounder Ben Stokes has been named in England's test squad to face Black Caps later this season. Stokes, 26, who arrested back in September after an incident in Bristol, his participation depends on the verdict of his legal case with the Crown Prosecution Service in the UK. The 24-year-old batsman Liam Livingstone has been called up for the first time to replace Yorkshire's Gary Ballance, while fast bowlers Jake Ball and Tom Curran both missed the selection following the Ashes defeat. England's top order batsmen James Vince and Mark Stoneman both retain their places in the squad. The first test will be played on March 22 at Auckland' Eden Park, is a day-nighter and the second test to be held in Christchurch on March 30. England Squad: Joe Root (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Mason Cr

England’s batsman Alastair Cook has become the sixth batsman to reach 12,000 Test runs milestone as England battled to save the fifth Test. The 33-year-old, who is currently playing his 152nd test match - joins an elite quintet of Sachin Tendulkar (15,291), Ricky Ponting (13,378), Jacques Kallis (13,289), Rahul Dravid (13,288) and Kumar Sangakkara (12,400). The right-handed batsman becomes the first Englishman to achieve this milestone with a single off his pads after lunch on the fourth day of the fifth Ashes test at Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday. The records keep on coming for Alastair Cook 🙌 What a moment as the England opener brings up 12,000 Test runs to a standing ovation at the SCG 👌 Stunning effort over the years 👏 #ItsTheAshes #Ashes pic.twitter.com/kt0Qmwq8Fz — The Ashes on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) 7 January 2018 Cook received an ovation from the fans after reaching the milestone in the third over of England’s second innings.