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Scott Boland's Durham Debut Hampered by Heel Injury

Scott Boland’s Durham Debut Hampered by Heel Injury

By April 18, 2024 0

Scott Boland’s debut for Durham has been marred by a resurfacing heel injury, casting doubt over his availability for the county’s upcoming fixtures. The Australian fast bowler, who is on a short-term contract with Durham, bowled 13 wicketless overs in the first innings of their draw against Warwickshire but did not take the field after the first day.

Boland’s injury has been identified as plantar fasciitis, a common heel condition among fast bowlers. It is the same issue that delayed his arrival in England and caused him to miss Durham’s first game. The club is awaiting further clarity on his fitness and is exploring potential replacements if he is ruled out for an extended period.

Boland’s contract with Durham runs until the end of July and covers both the County Championship and the T20 Blast. However, as a centrally contracted player with Cricket Australia (CA), his workload will be closely monitored. CA’s medical staff will collaborate with Durham on Boland’s recovery, aiming to maximize his playing time while managing his fitness.

Boland’s injury highlights the ongoing challenges faced by CA in managing the workload of its centrally contracted bowlers. Despite not playing a Test since last year’s Ashes, Boland was rested at the start of the Sheffield Shield season in anticipation of rest periods for Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc during Australia’s international commitments. However, the trio played all seven Shield matches, leaving Boland with a relatively quiet summer.

CA’s approach to managing its bowlers has also been evident in the cases of Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Lyon. Bartlett was withdrawn from a stint with Kent just before the start of the Championship, while Lyon’s initial agreement to play a full season with Lancashire was reduced to seven red-ball matches following discussions with Australia’s selectors.

Meanwhile, Ben Stokes spent two days with the Durham squad during their draw at Edgbaston, continuing his recovery from knee surgery. The England all-rounder is gradually increasing his bowling workload as he aims to return to full fitness.

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Glenn Maxwell Joins Australian Trio at Washington Freedom for MLC Season

Glenn Maxwell Joins Australian Trio at Washington Freedom for MLC Season

By April 18, 2024 0

Glenn Maxwell, the explosive Australian all-rounder, has joined Travis Head and Steve Smith in signing with Washington Freedom for the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Maxwell’s decision to join MLC comes after he requested to be omitted from Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) lineup in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Maxwell’s signing with Washington Freedom marks the latest addition of Australian talent to MLC. He will join his national teammates Head and Smith, as well as former IPL coach Ricky Ponting, at the Washington-based franchise. Maxwell expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play in the United States, stating that he has been eager to participate in the tournament since its inception.

The Australian all-rounder cited the presence of familiar faces like Head, Smith, and Ponting as a key factor in his decision to join Washington Freedom. He believes that their familiarity will help him settle in quickly and contribute to the team’s success.

Maxwell’s decision to request omission from RCB’s lineup was not motivated by a need for a mental break, as some had speculated. Instead, he explained that he felt he was not performing at his best and wanted to avoid putting pressure on the team’s captain and coach.

“I was pretty low on confidence,” Maxwell said. “I had a good couple of net sessions and just went out to the ground and felt really tentative. I wasn’t able to really commit to my game plans and just felt like if I had kept playing and playing that role, I don’t think the results would change too much.”

Maxwell’s self-assessment led him to believe that he was not contributing enough to the team and that it was in the best interests of RCB to give another player a chance. He emphasized that he is not taking an extended break from cricket but rather is focused on improving his form and regaining his place in the team.

Maxwell’s absence from RCB’s lineup is likely to continue for the next game against Kolkata Knight Riders, as he is currently nursing a minor hip injury. He understands that he needs to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to return to the team.

“I’ve actually got a little bit of a hip strain so I’ve got a few more days off and during recovery,” Maxwell said. “So I’ve got a little period here where I’m still training, still trying to get myself right. If there is a spot that becomes available, I’ll obviously put my hand up and take it.”

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Dhoni's Six-Hitting Heroics Reignite T20 World Cup Inclusion Debate

Dhoni’s Six-Hitting Heroics Reignite T20 World Cup Inclusion Debate

By April 18, 2024 0

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, may have retired from international cricket in 2020, but he continues to dominate the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his exceptional batting skills. In a recent match against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni once again proved his mettle by smashing three consecutive sixes off Hardik Pandya’s bowling in the final four balls of the innings, leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a thrilling victory.

Dhoni’s unbeaten 20-run knock proved to be the decisive factor in CSK’s 20-run win. His performance has sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

In a viral podcast video, former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist expressed his admiration for Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik, another experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. Gilchrist praised their skills and predicted a bright future for both players.

“Every game, every night everyone is speculating which Indian is going to get a boarding pass to the Caribbean,” Gilchrist said. “The keeper-batsman’s role is to an extent up for grabs. Amazing amount of young keeper-batsmen at your disposal to pick from. And I reckon the two standouts, two youngsters who are really shining, who I reckon they both gonna have a big future when they grow up, be older and more mature – Dinesh Karthik and MSD. I reckon they’re gonna be great players when they grow up.”

Gilchrist’s sarcastic remark drew smiles from India captain Rohit Sharma and former England captain Michael Vaughan. Rohit acknowledged Karthik’s impressive batting performance in recent matches and Dhoni’s impact in the CSK game.

“Yeah, was quite impressed, quite impressed, specially with Dinesh the way he batted a couple of nights back and Dhoni as well, I mean look he came to play four balls, made a huge impact, got those 20-22 runs and that was eventually the difference in the end,” Rohit said.

However, Rohit expressed doubts about Dhoni’s willingness to participate in the T20 World Cup. “Look it’ll be hard to convince MSD for sure to come to West Indies, I guess. He’s sick and tired. He’s coming to US though, to do something else. He’s into golf now, so he’s coming to play golf I guess. DK will be easy to convince I guess,” Rohit said.

Karthik has been in excellent form in IPL 2024, scoring 226 runs from seven matches. Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he smashed a 35-ball 83 while chasing 288 for victory. Despite his efforts, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lost the match by 25 runs.

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Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians to Battle in IPL 2024 Clash

Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians to Battle in IPL 2024 Clash

By April 18, 2024 0

Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians Set for Clash in IPL 2024

Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will face off in a crucial encounter in Match 33 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The match will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali, on Thursday.

Both teams have struggled in the tournament so far, with PBKS sitting seventh and MI eighth in the points table after six matches. PBKS lost their previous match to Rajasthan Royals by three wickets, while MI suffered a 20-run defeat against Chennai Super Kings.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is expected to favor batters, with good stroke play possible. The surface will not provide much assistance to bowlers, making wicket-taking challenging. The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 151 runs.

The weather forecast predicts a temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius, humidity of 28%, and winds at a speed of 1.73 m/s. Cloudy weather is expected during the match, which could aid pacers with movement.

Head-to-Head

In the 31 matches played between these two teams, PBKS’ bowlers have earned the most fantasy points, while MI’s batters have been the top fantasy point-getters.

Fantasy Picks

Captain and Vice-Captain:

* Captain: Sam Curran (PBKS)
* Vice-Captain: Romario Shepherd (PBKS)

Wicket-Keeper: Ishan Kishan (MI)

Batters:

* Suryakumar Yadav (MI)
* Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS)
* Shashank Singh (PBKS)
* Rohit Sharma (MI)

All-Rounders:

* Sam Curran (PBKS)
* Hardik Pandya (MI)
* Romario Shepherd (PBKS)

Bowlers:

* Jasprit Bumrah (MI)
* Gerald Coetzee (PBKS)
* Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)
* Kagiso Rabada (PBKS)

Conclusion

The clash between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians promises to be an exciting encounter. Both teams will be desperate for a win to improve their standings in the IPL 2024 points table. With a balanced team and a favorable pitch, PBKS will be the slight favorites, but MI will be determined to prove their worth and secure a much-needed victory.

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Rohit Sharma Debunks Rumors of T20 World Cup Meeting

Rohit Sharma Debunks Rumors of T20 World Cup Meeting

By April 18, 2024 0

India’s cricket fraternity has been abuzz with speculation regarding a purported meeting between captain Rohit Sharma, BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, and head coach Rahul Dravid to discuss India’s strategy for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, Rohit Sharma has swiftly dismissed these claims as “fake” in an interview on the Club Prairie Fire podcast with Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist.

“I haven’t met anyone,” Rohit clarified. “Ajit Agarkar is somewhere in Dubai playing golf and Rahul Dravid is actually watching his kids play in Bengaluru… We haven’t met, to be honest.”

Rohit emphasized the importance of relying on credible sources and cautioned against believing unverified reports. “In today’s day and age, unless you hear it from either myself or Rahul himself or Ajit himself or someone from BCCI coming and talking in front of the camera, everything is fake.”

Despite the denials, the speculation surrounding India’s T20 World Cup squad continues to intensify. One of the key talking points has been the potential inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, whose remarkable comeback from a car accident in December 2022 has sparked discussions about his selection.

Pant has amassed 194 runs in six matches since his return, maintaining a strike rate of 157.72. Former England pacer Stuart Broad has been a vocal advocate for his inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad, citing a particular shot played by Pant against Kolkata Knight Riders as evidence of his exceptional talent.

With the BCCI set to unveil India’s T20 World Cup squad in the first week of May, every IPL fixture gains heightened significance as players vie for limited spots. The tournament serves as a critical platform for players to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a place in the national team, amidst a backdrop of intense scrutiny and speculation.

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Candidates Tournament: Nepomniachtchi Takes Sole Lead as Indians Slip

Candidates Tournament: Nepomniachtchi Takes Sole Lead as Indians Slip

By April 18, 2024 0

The Candidates Tournament, a prestigious event that determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship, has reached its penultimate stage with the standings in constant flux.

In Round 11, Indian prodigy D Gukesh faced a time crunch against Fabiano Caruana and had to settle for a draw. Fellow Indians R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi suffered losses, further complicating the race for the title.

Ian Nepomniachtchi, a two-time Candidates winner, showcased his resilience by securing a victory with Black against Vidit Gujrathi. Despite facing two lost positions in a marathon game, Nepomniachtchi managed to turn the tables and move into sole lead. Vidit’s decision to push for a win in a seemingly equal position proved costly, as he missed multiple winning chances and ultimately handed Nepomniachtchi a crucial victory.

Hikaru Nakamura joined Gukesh in second place with 6.5/11 after defeating Praggnanandhaa with Black. Praggnanandhaa’s time constraints allowed Nakamura to maintain pressure and convert an edge into a vital win.

Caruana expressed relief with his draw against Gukesh, acknowledging that his opponent had created a slight advantage. “The main thing was not to lose,” Caruana said.

In the women’s section, Tan Zhongyi extended her lead to 7.5/11 with a victory over Kateryna Lagno. Humpy Koneru and Vaishali Rameshbabu also secured wins, while Lei Tingjie and Anna Muzychuk drew.

Round 13 pairings will see Nakamura face Alireza Firouzja, Gukesh take on Nijat Abasov, Caruana play Vidit Gujrathi, and Nepomniachtchi face Praggnanandhaa.

In the women’s tournament, Lagno will face Lei Tingjie, Muzychuk will play Vaishali Rameshbabu, Aleksandra Goryachkina will meet Humpy Koneru, and Nurgyul Salimova will challenge Tan Zhongyi.

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Rajasthan Royals Triumph Over KKR, Avesh Khan's Catch Steals the Show

Rajasthan Royals Triumph Over KKR, Avesh Khan’s Catch Steals the Show

By April 18, 2024 0

Rajasthan Royals’ remarkable run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 continued on Tuesday as they pulled off a thrilling two-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. The win propelled RR to the top of the standings with 12 points, putting them on the cusp of securing a playoff berth.

The match witnessed two scintillating centuries from KKR’s Sunil Narine (109 off 56) and RR’s Jos Buttler (107 off 60). However, it was a spectacular fielding effort by Avesh Khan that stole the show.

In the fourth over of KKR’s innings, Khan outstretched his arm to grab a stunning catch off Phil Salt’s shot. The improbability of the catch, coupled with Khan’s subsequent celebration with Sanju Samson, made it an unforgettable moment.

This catch was particularly significant given Khan’s frustration with Samson during RR’s previous match against Punjab Kings. In that game, Samson ignored Khan’s call for a catch, leading to a dropped opportunity. Khan’s frustration was evident, and the catch against KKR seemed to be a redemption of sorts.

KKR, batting first, posted a formidable 223/6 thanks to Narine’s blistering knock. RR’s chase got off to a shaky start, but Buttler’s heroics turned the tide. The English opener played a match-winning innings, hitting 10 fours and 6 sixes to guide his team to victory.

The win was a testament to RR’s resilience and determination. Despite losing early wickets, they never gave up and fought back valiantly. Buttler’s century was a masterclass in batting, while Khan’s catch showcased the team’s fielding prowess.

With just a few games remaining in the league stage, RR is well-positioned to secure a playoff spot. Their impressive performances have made them one of the favorites to lift the IPL 2024 trophy.

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Sivaramakrishnan Slams Bhogle for CSK Remarks

Sivaramakrishnan Slams Bhogle for CSK Remarks

By April 18, 2024 0

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has taken a sharp dig at renowned cricket commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle over his remarks on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Bhogle had suggested that CSK were 20 runs short of the par score during their IPL 2024 match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium.

Sivaramakrishnan, however, blasted Bhogle for his prediction, accusing him of bias against CSK and Chennai players. He questioned Bhogle’s contribution to Indian cricket and suggested that he was more interested in promoting Mumbai teams.

Despite Bhogle’s prediction, CSK bowlers executed their plans to perfection, restricting MI to 186/6 in the chase and winning the game by 20 runs. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticized MI skipper Hardik Pandya for his leadership qualities, while MI batting coach Kieron Pollard defended Pandya and expressed frustration over the criticism directed at him.

Sivaramakrishnan’s comments have sparked a debate on the role of commentators and analysts in cricket. Some have defended Bhogle’s right to express his opinions, while others have accused him of being biased and lacking objectivity.

The incident highlights the importance of impartiality and professionalism in cricket commentary. Commentators and analysts should strive to provide fair and balanced analysis, avoiding personal attacks or bias towards particular teams or players.

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Kiwi Cricketer Ish Sodhi Tries His Hand at Punjabi Commentary, Mistakenly Calls Babar Azam “Babar Zaman”

By April 18, 2024 0

New Zealand cricketer Ish Sodhi recently showcased his linguistic skills by attempting Punjabi commentary in a blooper reel. The video, shared by Pakistan Cricket’s official social media handle, captured Sodhi’s humorous commentary on a previous encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Sodhi’s commentary focused on his own bowling and that of teammate James Neesham. He humorously narrated his bowling to Pakistani players Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam. “Fir aya Ish Sodhi aur Fakhar Zaman ne fir chakka mareya, aur nahi, catch hogya, shukar hai Fakhar Zaman out ho gaya, bahut tang karte hai,” he said, describing how Zaman hit a six but was eventually caught out.

A light-hearted moment occurred when Sodhi accidentally referred to Babar Azam as “Babar Zaman.” “Yeh dekho Babar Zaman ne fir chauka maar diya,” he said, meaning “Look, Babar Zaman has hit another boundary.” He quickly realized his mistake after being corrected, adding a comedic element to the video.

The Pakistan men’s cricket team will face New Zealand in an upcoming T20 international series, part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup in June. The series begins in Rawalpindi on April 18 and is highly anticipated as both teams look to fine-tune their squads ahead of the global tournament.

Sodhi’s Punjabi commentary has garnered attention on social media, showcasing his playful nature and the camaraderie between the two teams. The upcoming T20 series promises to be an exciting contest, with both Pakistan and New Zealand aiming to make a strong statement ahead of the World Cup.

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Stuart Law Appointed as Head Coach of USA Men's Cricket Team

Stuart Law Appointed as Head Coach of USA Men’s Cricket Team

By April 18, 2024 0

Stuart Law, the former Australian batsman, has been appointed as the new head coach of the USA men’s cricket team. Law’s first assignment will be the three-match T20I series at home against Bangladesh ahead of the T20 World Cup in June, which the USA will co-host with the West Indies.

Law expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, “It is an exciting opportunity to join USA cricket at this time. USA is one of the strongest Associate nations in the sport, and I believe that we can mold a formidable squad going ahead.” He added, “The first task will be to prepare the team for the series against Bangladesh and then set our sights on our home World Cup, which will be huge.”

USA Cricket chairman Venu Pisike praised Law’s experience and accomplishments, saying, “Stuart is one of the most accomplished coaches in the sport. He brings a lot of experience to USA Cricket with his varied assignments, particularly in developing international sides over the years.” Pisike continued, “His appointment will only help the team grow to their full potential. We are excited to have Stuart on board just before the World Cup and look forward to lots of successes together.”

Law has a wealth of coaching experience, having previously served as head coach for Bangladesh, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan on an interim basis. He has also coached the Bangladesh Under-19s and led Bangladesh to their first Asia Cup final in 2012. In Australia, Law has held various roles, including batting coach to the national team, a position with CA’s Centre of Excellence, and coaching the Under-19 team.

USA will face Bangladesh in three T20I matches at Prairie View, where they recently defeated Canada 4-0 in a T20I series. Law’s appointment is expected to bolster the USA team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup and help them achieve their full potential.

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