TCU's Youthful Surge Powers Program-Best Start

TCU’s Youthful Surge Powers Program-Best Start

TCU’s remarkable start to the season has been fueled by a blend of experience and youth. The Horned Frogs, who reached the College World Series last year, have replaced key contributors with a group of talented freshmen and transfers who have made an immediate impact.

Three freshmen have played pivotal roles: Sam Myers, Chase Brunson, and Ryder Robinson. Myers leads the team in batting average (.419) and RBIs (10), while Brunson is batting .390 and Robinson has been a versatile presence at third and shortstop, batting .345.

Transfers have also made significant contributions. Peyton Chatagnier, a second baseman from Mississippi, is batting .319 and leads the Big 12 in walks (14). Wichita State transfer Payton Tolle has been a solid weekend starter, along with Kole Klecker and Zack Morris.

Despite some struggles on the mound, TCU’s bullpen has been a strength, led by Zachary Cawyer and Braeden Sloan. The Frogs have a knack for winning close games, with eight of their victories coming by three runs or less, including five by one run.

TCU’s success has not gone unnoticed. Wake Forest remains the consensus No. 1 team in the polls, but Arkansas and LSU are close behind. Arkansas’ pitching staff has been dominant, averaging a nation-leading 14.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

Other notable performances include Ryley Preece of Morehead State, who hit five home runs over the weekend, and Riley Huge of Winthrop, who set a national season high with 20 strikeouts in a single game. Florida’s Jac Caglianone starred on both the mound and at the plate in a series-clinching win over Miami.

Mumbai Thump Tamil Nadu by Innings and 70 Runs to Reach Ranji Trophy Final

Mumbai Thump Tamil Nadu by Innings and 70 Runs to Reach Ranji Trophy Final

Mumbai’s relentless lower-order onslaught on day two proved decisive as they crushed Tamil Nadu by an innings and 70 runs in the Ranji Trophy semi-final at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy ground.

After Mumbai’s first innings ended at 378, thanks to a 272-run partnership between Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande, Tamil Nadu’s top-order collapsed once again. Shardul Thakur and Mohit Avasthi dismissed Sai Sudharsan, N. Jagadeesan, and Washington Sundar cheaply.

B. Indrajith provided some resistance with a 70-run knock, but his dismissal to Avasthi ended Tamil Nadu’s hopes of making Mumbai bat again. The last five wickets fell for just nine runs, with Shams Mulani and Kotian sharing the spoils.

Mulani finished with figures of 4/53, while Kotian took 2/18. Shardul Thakur was named Player-of-the-Match for his all-round performance, which included a 109-run knock in the first innings and two wickets in the second.

Mumbai’s victory marks their 48th appearance in the Ranji Trophy final, a testament to their dominance in Indian domestic cricket. Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, will be left to rue their missed opportunities and inconsistent batting performances.

AB De Villiers Backs Rajat Patidar to Retain Place in Indian Test Team

AB De Villiers Backs Rajat Patidar to Retain Place in Indian Test Team

Legendary South African cricketer AB De Villiers has expressed his belief that Rajat Patidar, despite his disappointing performances in the ongoing Test series against England, could retain his place in the Indian team due to the team’s supportive culture.

In a recent video on his YouTube channel, De Villiers praised the team culture fostered by skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, which he believes provides young players with the time and space to regain their form.

“Rajat Patidar not having the series of a lifetime or the one to remember. But the good thing about this Indian team and the culture is that you will survive in that side because of the great cricket they are playing and the results coming their way,” De Villiers said.

Patidar, who has averaged just 10.5 in his Test career so far, has struggled to make an impact in the ongoing series. However, De Villiers believes that the team’s success could allow them to be more patient with the young batter.

“If Patidar’s attitude is catchy and if he is a likable character in the dressing room, Rohit and the selection panel will have the ability to say, ‘Hold on, we do believe this guy has a future and we see him as a part of the team moving forward. Even though he hasn’t been scoring runs, let’s give him a longer run’,” De Villiers explained.

De Villiers also emphasized the importance of giving young players opportunities to learn and grow, even when they are not performing at their best.

“You need to give these guys a chance to learn and grow. You can’t just throw them in the deep end and expect them to swim. You need to give them a life jacket and help them along the way,” he said.

India will face England in the fifth and final Test match of the series in Dharamsala starting March 7. It remains to be seen whether Patidar will be retained in the team, but De Villiers’ comments suggest that he has the support of the team management and could be given another chance to prove his worth.

West Indies CEO Slams ICC, Accuses Them of Sabotaging Caribbean Cricket

West Indies CEO Slams ICC, Accuses Them of Sabotaging Caribbean Cricket

West Indies Cricket CEO Jonny Grave has launched a scathing attack on the International Cricket Council (ICC) and other top cricketing nations, accusing them of undermining the Caribbean side’s resurgence.

Grave’s outburst came after West Indies’ recent tour of Australia, where they drew the Test series 1-1. However, he believes that the ICC and other cricketing powers are actively working against the West Indies’ recovery.

“I think everyone is a bit sick of the phrase – world cricket needs a strong West Indies – when we definitely feel that world cricket is doing everything they can at almost every level to make sure that West Indies Cricket are never strong again,” Grave told Daniel Gallan in a podcast.

Grave also criticized the ICC’s financial model, which he claims has resulted in West Indies Cricket losing 5-7% of its revenue.

“I think that’s the borne of the frustration of that as Ian Bishop says in his own words that this is a patronising tone. If you really want a strong West Indies Cricket, it would actually not be that hard to do a bit more. ICC are giving us more money in headlines but our percentage of revenue has gone down from 7% to 5%, which we struggle to understand.”

Grave questioned the ICC’s commitment to fostering a strong global cricket community.

“If we all just are looking after ourselves then are we really acting as a community? Are we putting the best product on the field?” he asked.

Grave’s comments have sparked a debate about the state of West Indies cricket and the ICC’s role in its decline. The Caribbean side has struggled to maintain its dominance since the 1970s and 80s, and Grave believes that the ICC and other cricketing nations are not doing enough to help them regain their former glory.

Indian Women's Hockey Team to Undergo Major Overhaul for 2028 Olympics

Indian Women’s Hockey Team to Undergo Major Overhaul for 2028 Olympics

The Indian women’s hockey team’s failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics has sparked a call for a major overhaul. With 16 fewer athletes set to travel to the Games, experts believe it’s time to rebuild the team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Former coach Neil Hawgood emphasizes the need to identify players who will be available in 2028 and start a new project involving junior team players. He suggests using the Pro League as a platform for their growth. Sjoerd Marijne, the team’s coach for the Tokyo Olympics, agrees, stressing the importance of choosing players who will play for India for a long time.

India’s next major tournaments will be in 2026, including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Cup. The Asian Games hold particular significance as a gold medal would secure a direct qualification for the LA Olympics. Hawgood believes India should use the Pro League as an exposure and experimental tournament to inject young blood and build a solid bench strength.

Former captain Pritam Rani Siwach echoes this sentiment, calling for a mix of juniors and seniors to create a core group that can play until LA. She also advocates for a development camp to identify and promote talented players.

One crucial area that needs improvement is penalty corner conversion. Marijne emphasizes the need to work on converting chances into goals. Another key aspect is the exposure given to the second goalkeeper. The reliance on Savita Punia has been overwhelming, and the team could face problems when she retires.

Finally, the search for a new coach is underway. Hawgood believes it’s time for a local coach with a foreign advisor to develop a solid link between senior and junior teams.

New Zealand Women's Squad Announced for England Series, Mair and Halliday Return

New Zealand Women’s Squad Announced for England Series, Mair and Halliday Return

New Zealand’s women’s cricket team has announced its squad for the upcoming five-match T20I and three-match ODI series against England at home. The squad features the return of seamer Rosemary Mair and batter Brooke Halliday, who missed the recent series against Pakistan due to injury.

Mair, who last played for New Zealand in August 2022, has been rewarded for her impressive performances in the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament. She was the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps, including a memorable 4 for 5 in the final.

Halliday, who has been out with a foot injury, made a successful return to action in the Super Smash, scoring 108 in a List A game against Canterbury. Her inclusion in the squad is a boost for New Zealand, as she is a key member of the batting lineup.

Offspinner Leigh Kasperek has also been included in the squad for the last two T20Is. Kasperek played a crucial role in Wellington’s Super Smash triumph, picking up 17 wickets at an economy of 5.38.

The tour will begin with two warm-up T20s in Queenstown on March 10 and 12, followed by the first T20I in Dunedin on March 19. Three standby players will be named closer to the series to cover for Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, or Lea Tahuhu, who are currently playing in the Women’s Premier League in India.

New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his satisfaction with the squad selection, particularly highlighting Mair’s progress and Kasperek’s consistency. He also noted that Georgia Plimmer will only be available for the ODIs, while Eden Carson will play in the first three T20Is and also feature for New Zealand A in the corresponding series against England A.

Tom Hartley Eager to Learn from Nathan Lyon at Lancashire

Tom Hartley Eager to Learn from Nathan Lyon at Lancashire

Tom Hartley, England’s rising star spinner, is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to learn from Nathan Lyon, Australia’s legendary off-spinner, during their time together at Lancashire in the 2024 season. Hartley, who has impressed with his performances in India, believes Lyon’s guidance will be invaluable in his development.

Despite Lyon’s arrival, Hartley remains confident in his abilities. He acknowledges the need to improve his seam presentation, particularly in English conditions, and sees Lyon as the ideal mentor to help him achieve this. Hartley also recognizes the importance of developing his batting skills to become a more versatile all-rounder.

Hartley’s batting prowess has been evident in India, where he has scored 159 runs, including a crucial 34 in the second innings of the first Test. He believes that improving his batting will make him a more valuable asset to both Lancashire and England.

Hartley’s six-hitting exploits have also caught the attention of England’s management. He has struck more sixes than any other England player in the series, a feat that has earned him praise from head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.

Hartley is determined to continue his impressive form in the remaining two Tests against India. He hopes to add to his tally of 20 wickets and potentially surpass R Ashwin’s record of five sixes conceded in a single series.

Mbappe Controversy Overshadows PSG's Champions League Preparations

Mbappe Controversy Overshadows PSG’s Champions League Preparations

Paris Saint-Germain’s preparations for their crucial Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Sociedad have been marred by controversy surrounding coach Luis Enrique’s handling of star forward Kylian Mbappe.

Despite PSG’s comfortable 2-0 lead from the first leg, Enrique’s decision to reduce Mbappe’s playing time has raised eyebrows. The French superstar, who has scored 32 goals in 33 games this season, was benched for the game against Nantes and substituted early in the matches against Rennes and Monaco.

Enrique’s actions have been interpreted as a punishment for Mbappe’s decision to leave PSG at the end of the season. The coach has hinted that he is preparing the team to play without Mbappe, who is expected to join Real Madrid.

However, critics argue that Enrique’s handling of Mbappe is inappropriate and could jeopardize PSG’s chances of advancing in the Champions League. Former PSG defender Alain Roche said, “I don’t understand. I get the impression that ever since he told the club he was leaving he has been punished by the coach.”

Mbappe’s absence from the starting lineup has been particularly noticeable in PSG’s recent matches. The team has struggled to create chances and has failed to win in their last two games.

Enrique’s decision to experiment with Mbappe’s playing time ahead of such an important European fixture has been questioned. PSG have a history of dramatic collapses in Champions League knockout ties, and another exit this time would be disastrous for both the coach and the club.

Tennis Channel Adds Isner and Vandeweghe to On-Air Team for BNP Paribas Open

Tennis Channel Adds Isner and Vandeweghe to On-Air Team for BNP Paribas Open

Tennis Channel has announced the addition of recently retired American tennis stars John Isner and CoCo Vandeweghe to its on-air team for the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. The tournament, scheduled from March 6-19, is considered one of the most prestigious events outside the sport’s four majors.

Isner, a former world No. 8 in singles and 14 in doubles, boasts 16 ATP Tour titles and eight seasons as the top-ranked American men’s player. He holds the record for most aces served in ATP Tour and major singles matches with 14,411. Vandeweghe, on the other hand, was a US Open doubles champion in 2018 and a singles semifinalist at the Australian Open and US Open the year prior. She reached a career-high ranking of No. 9 in singles and 14 in doubles.

Isner and Vandeweghe will join an esteemed on-air team that includes Hall of Famers Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Jim Courier, Lindsay Davenport, and Andy Roddick. Navratilova, a former champion at both Indian Wells and Miami, will provide expert analysis alongside Courier, who won both tournaments’ singles championships back-to-back in 1991. Davenport, a Southern California native, has a strong track record at Indian Wells, having won the singles title twice and the doubles title four times. Roddick, who will be an in-studio analyst during Tennis Channel’s coverage of the Miami Open, has won singles championships at both events.

Tennis Channel’s coverage of the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open will span 25 days, from March 6-31, with over 550 hours of live and encore matches. The network’s platforms, including Tennis Channel, T2, and Tennis Channel Plus, will offer comprehensive coverage of the tournaments, including live competition, match replays, and expert commentary.

The BNP Paribas Open will feature live coverage on Tennis Channel most days, with lead-in show “Tennis Channel Live at the BNP Paribas Open” preceding the matches. The women’s singles final is scheduled for Saturday, March 17, at 2 p.m. ET, followed by the men’s singles championship at 5 p.m. ET.

The Miami Open will follow a similar schedule, with “Tennis Channel Live at the Miami Open” airing at the end of live coverage most days. The women’s singles final is set for Saturday, March 30, at 3 p.m. ET, with the men’s final taking place the following afternoon at the same time.

Tennis Channel Plus will provide live matches during both tournaments and allow viewers to select from multiple courts. All matches from both events will be available on demand after their completion.

Sri Lanka Snatch Dramatic Three-Run Victory Over Bangladesh in T20 Opener

Sri Lanka Snatch Dramatic Three-Run Victory Over Bangladesh in T20 Opener

In a thrilling opening Twenty20 international of a three-match series in Sylhet on Monday, Sri Lanka emerged victorious over Bangladesh by a narrow margin of three runs. Chasing a challenging target of 207 runs, Bangladesh’s lower middle-order batsman Jaker Ali played a valiant innings, scoring a maiden fifty and bringing his team close to victory. However, Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka displayed nerves of steel in the final over, claiming two crucial wickets to secure the win.

Bangladesh’s pursuit of the target began with a solid start, but former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews made an early impact by dismissing two key batsmen. Mahmudullah Riyad then played a crucial role, striking a quickfire 54 off 31 balls to revive the home side’s hopes. However, Shanaka’s heroics in the final over proved decisive.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had set a formidable total of 206-3 after being sent in to bat. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis played key roles, scoring fifties and sharing a 96-run partnership for the third wicket. Stand-in skipper Charith Asalanka also contributed with an unbeaten 44 from 21 balls.

The series marks the start of Sri Lanka’s month-long tour of Bangladesh, which will also include three one-day internationals and two Tests.

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