July 8 Morning Brief: Today's Top news and headlines from cricket world

1. West Indies announce squad for first Test against India

Cricket West Indies has announced a 13-member squad and two reserve players for the first Test against India, which is slated to be played at the Windsor Park in Dominica from 12 to 16 July. (READ MORE)

2. Steve Smith reacts to Jonny Bairstow’s sledging after dismissal 

Jonny Bairstow tried to get into the head of Steve Smith by trolling him after he got dismissed in the second innings of the ongoing Headlingey Test. (READ MORE)

3. English crowd at Headingley jeers and mocks Australian stumper-batter Alex Carey with hilarious chants

The moment Alex Carey stepped out of the pavilion, the crowd at Headingly started booing the wicketkeeper and even started a hilarious chant. (READ MORE)

4. Birthday boy MS Dhoni waves to fans from his balcony

In a video doing rounds on social media, MS Dhoni can be spotted on the terrace of his house, waving to his fans and acknowledging their presence. (READ MORE)

5. Ravichandran Ashwin asks Elon Musk to join ‘Threads’ in hilarious post

The veteran offie in a rather hilarious post, asked Musk to join the newly-launched ‘Threads’ app. (READ MORE)

6. Tilak Varma reveals his parents' reaction after India call-up

Following his selection in the Indian team, the youngster revealed that his parents were emotional as he made a video call to them. (READ MORE)

7.  Jonny Bairstow grounds his bat in crease, stares at Australia players on Day 1 of 3rd Test after Lord's stumping saga

On his second delivery, Bairstow inside-edged onto his pads and stepped out of his crease. However, after understanding the ball's position, he returned to his ground and placed his bat deliberately inside the crease, fixing his eyes on the Australians in the slip cordon. (READ MORE)

8. Tamim Iqbal withdraws his retirement decision after a meeting with PM

After a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the 34-year-old Tamim Iqbal withdrew his retirement decision in a shocking turn of events. (READ MORE)

9. BCCI confirms Impact Player rule for SMAT

The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed that all the teams will be allowed to introduce Impact Players in the upcoming edition of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. (READ MORE)

10. India players share light-hearted moment with local Barbados club cricketers, Mohammed Siraj gifts bat and shoes

Rohit Sharma's Indian team shared a cathartic moment with several young local players and fans in Barbados ahead of its Test series opener against the Windies. (READ MORE)