August 18 Evening Brief: Today's Top news and headlines from cricket world

1. Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc ruled out of Australia’s South Africa tour

Australia cricketers Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins will miss the white-ball affair against South Africa due to injuries. (READ MORE)

2. Revenue generated by India helps young domestic cricketers in Pakistan: Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar stated that excessive pressure from the Indian media on Men in Blue is one of the primary reasons behind some of their losses and not the lack of talent. (READ MORE)

3. Sri Lanka Cricket accepts Lahiru Thirimanne's resignation

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has accepted Lahiru Thirimanne's letter of resignation from all formats of international cricket.  (READ MORE)

4. 61-year-old Kevin Watson set to play in England Seniors squad

At 61, Watson is all set to showcase his skills as part of the 14-strong England Seniors team participating in the Canada Masters tournament. (READ MORE)

5. AB de Villiers reveals dressing room secret about former coach-captain clash

Legendary South Africa skipper AB de Villiers has opened up about the fight between former Proteas captain-coach combo of Graeme Smith and Ray Jennings during their playing time. (READ MORE)

6. Ravichandran Ashwin explains 'colleagues not friends' comment

Ravichandran Ashwin clarified that because there are different teams for different formats nowadays, players don't get to spend much time together like before, and that is why they don't end up being friends. (READ MORE)

7. Deal Elgar lambasts CSA for prioritising SA20 over Test cricket

Former South African Test captain, Deal Elgar, has raised concerns about the prioritisation of Cricket South Africa's (CSA) new T20 franchise league over the Test format. (READ MORE)

8. Captaincy in India's Ireland series will only help Jasprit Bumrah to understand his body better: Saba Karim

Saba Karim reckoned that the role of captaincy in the Ireland series will not add more burden on the speedster but instead, the leadership role will help the pacer understand his body better. (READ MORE)

9. Bazball had Australia scratching their head as to how they were going to combat it: Ricky Ponting

Legendary Australia skipper Ricky Ponting reckoned that England's 'Bazball' approach left the Kangaroos "scratching the head," in the recently concluded Ashes. (READ MORE)

10. Devdutt Padikkal ruled out of action for three to four weeks due to thumb injury

Young emerging talent Devdutt Padikkal has been ruled out of action for the next three to four weeks due to a thumb fracture sustained during the Deodhar Trophy earlier this month. (READ MORE)