Gavaskar predicts WC 2019 finalists, Clarke concerned with Indian approach and more - Cricket News Today, 2nd March 2019

Welcome to Cricket News Today - a one-stop destination for all the significant developments from the world of cricket in each day.

India and Australia start a five-match ODI series today and Australia have handed Ashton Turner a debut. There’s another ODI series that will be underway from tomorrow and that is between South Africa and Sri Lanka as the two sides look to build towards the World Cup. New Zealand continued the dominance over Bangladesh in the first Test at Hamilton as they racked up in excess of 700 runs and have almost batted Bangladesh out of the game who have lost four wickets in the second innings as well (they still trail by 307 runs). It was the first time ever New Zealand touched the 700-run mark in Test cricket.

Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar has picked his favourites to reach the upcoming World Cup final and Morne Morkel has raised his concern of South Africa losing more players to Kolpak deals.

Here are all the top news that made headlines in the cricketing world today.

Kane Williamson first New Zealand batsman to score 20 Test centuries

Rare feat: New Zealand top three batsmen score centuries against Bangladesh in first Test

Kane Williamson has been one of the most consistent players in world cricket across all three formats. The Kiwi skipper has been in phenomenal form and he has carried it into the first Test against Bangladesh. After an excellent start from the openers, Williamson played a fabulous knock as his unbeaten 200 helped the hosts take a lead of 481.

There were multiple records that were broken in that knock from Williamson. He completed 6000 Test runs and became the quickest New Zealander to get there. He also registered the highest individual score at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The 28-year-old also became the first Kiwi batsman to hit 20 Test hundreds. Ross Taylor is next on the list with 17 centuries – joint second on the list with the great Martin Crowe.