Matthew Mott Joins Sydney Sixers as Assistant Coach

Matthew Mott Joins Sydney Sixers as Assistant Coach

Matthew Mott, the former head coach of the England Men’s white-ball team, has joined the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) as an assistant coach on a three-year deal. Mott’s appointment comes after his departure from the England setup following their semi-final exit at the 2023 T20 World Cup.

Mott, who previously coached Australia Women for eight years, will reunite with Greg Shipperd at the Sixers, replacing Cameron White, who was appointed head coach of the Melbourne Renegades earlier this year.

“I’m delighted to join back up with the Sydney Sixers,” Mott said. “Having started my coaching journey in Sydney many years ago, it’s a place that evokes both great memories and a comforting sense of familiarity, which I’m looking forward to.”

Mott’s spell as England’s white-ball coach began with a triumph at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, but ended after a disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup and a semi-final exit at the 2023 T20 World Cup.

Prior to his time with England, Mott coached the New South Wales men’s side from 2007. His return to the state’s system will see him reunite with Rachael Haynes, who was a key member of the Australia Women’s team he coached to numerous successes.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Motty committed for the next three years with the club,” said Haynes, Sixers’ general manager. “When the opportunity arises to bring a coach of Motty’s calibre into your ranks, it’s a no-brainer.”

“His coaching resume speaks for itself. He has an incredible track-record of success around the world, and he’s proven he knows what it takes to build, and sustain, a winning culture.”

In the recent BBL draft, the Sixers retained James Vince and surprised many by selecting Yorkshire legspinner Jafer Chohan as their last pick. They had previously secured West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Cook for Their Kids, Emphasize Routine

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Cook for Their Kids, Emphasize Routine

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli is currently enjoying a well-deserved break from cricket, spending quality time with his family in London. After being rested for the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024, Kohli has been spotted interacting with fans and exploring the city.

Kohli, who last played for India in an ODI series loss to Sri Lanka in August, was recently seen clicking pictures with fans in London. However, he appeared to be in a hurry as he had to catch a train.

Kohli and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, welcomed their second child, a son named Akaay, earlier this year. Since then, Anushka has been residing in London with their children, while Kohli visits them whenever he is not on the cricket field.

Anushka recently made a public appearance at an event in Mumbai, where she revealed that both she and Virat cook for their kids. She jokingly admitted to “cheating a bit” by calling her mother for recipes.

“We had this discussion at home that if we don’t make the food our moms made at home, then we won’t be passing these recipes on to our kids. So, sometimes I cook, and sometimes my husband cooks, and we really try to replicate the way our mothers did. I cheat a little by calling my mom to ask for recipes, but it’s so important. It’s like you’re passing on something valuable to your children,” Anushka said at an event organized by Slurrp Farm.

Anushka also emphasized the importance of routine for their children. “I am very particular about routine. We travel a lot as a family, and my kids experience many changes in their lives. So, by creating a routine for them, I am giving them a sense of control. Meal times are fixed-no matter where we are, we eat at the same time and sleep at the same time. It helps them regulate themselves much better,” she added.

Kohli is expected to return to action during the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

Jasprit Bumrah: The Gujarat Selectors' Once-in-a-Generation Find

Jasprit Bumrah: The Gujarat Selectors’ Once-in-a-Generation Find

Jasprit Bumrah’s remarkable journey to becoming one of the world’s most formidable bowlers began with a pivotal decision by the Gujarat selectors in 2013. Had they overlooked him, the Indian cricket landscape would have been vastly different.

Growing up in Ahmedabad, Bumrah honed his skills in the humble confines of his apartment complex. Despite his aspirations, a lack of progress led him to contemplate abandoning cricket in 2012. However, his inclusion in the district team ignited a spark that would forever alter his destiny.

The Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament in 2013 proved to be a turning point. Bumrah’s impressive performance caught the attention of John Wright, then coach of the Mumbai Indians. His distinctive stiff-arm action and exceptional death-overs bowling earned him an IPL debut that same year.

Bumrah’s rise was meteoric. Within three years of his IPL debut, he had earned a call-up to the Indian team. His ODI debut against Australia in 2016 was followed by his T20I debut three days later. In 2018, he made his Test debut against South Africa in Cape Town.

Bumrah’s consistency and wicket-taking prowess have cemented his status as a once-in-a-generation bowler. However, his injury history and fragile back have necessitated careful workload management.

Despite these challenges, Bumrah remains a vital cog in the Indian cricket team. His ability to bowl yorkers with precision and control has made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide. As he continues to scale new heights, the Gujarat selectors can take pride in their foresight in recognizing his exceptional talent.

Pakistan Cricket Team Faces Backlash After Bangladesh Test Series Defeat

Pakistan Cricket Team Faces Backlash After Bangladesh Test Series Defeat

Pakistan’s recent Test series defeat to Bangladesh has sparked widespread criticism, with captain Babar Azam facing the brunt of the backlash. The team’s poor performance has raised questions about Azam’s leadership, temperament, and ability to deliver under pressure.

Azam’s struggles have been particularly evident in recent months, including the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Bangladesh Test series. His inability to meet expectations has led to doubts about his suitability as captain and his overall skill level.

The criticism has extended beyond the field, with Pakistani YouTubers mocking Azam’s performance. Some have even suggested that he would not be worth a bid of Rs 130 in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Pakistani players are not allowed to participate.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Test skipper Shan Masood has acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and apologized to the nation. He admitted that the team was not prepared for the rigors of red-ball cricket and that they need to improve their fast bowling stocks.

Masood emphasized the need to develop a pool of fast bowlers who regularly play red-ball cricket. He also acknowledged the absence of Shaheen Afridi in the second Test and the failure of the team’s new faces to step up.

Going forward, Masood believes the team must focus on improving their Test cricket performance. He stressed the importance of tolerating failures and giving consistent chances to players who are committed to the red-ball format.

Kapil Dev's Iconic 175: A Tale of Heroics and Humor from the 1983 World Cup

Kapil Dev’s Iconic 175: A Tale of Heroics and Humor from the 1983 World Cup

Kapil Dev’s Iconic 175: A Tale of Heroics and Humor from the 1983 World Cup

On June 18, 1983, the Indian cricket team found themselves in a precarious position at the 1983 World Cup. Facing a daunting Zimbabwean bowling attack, India had crumbled to a dismal 17 for 5. Enter Kapil Dev, the legendary all-rounder who would single-handedly turn the tide of the match.

With an audacious display of aggressive batting, Kapil launched into a blistering assault on the Zimbabwean bowlers. He smashed 16 fours and 6 sixes in his whirlwind innings of 175 not out off just 138 balls. His remarkable knock not only propelled India to a competitive total of 266/8 but also ignited the team’s belief in their ability to win the World Cup.

While Kapil was creating history on the field, a humorous incident unfolded in the Indian dressing room. Syed Kirmani, the wicket-keeper, recalled the moment with a chuckle:

“I was in the dressing room, enjoying a toast and a towel around me. Suddenly, I heard someone shout from outside, ‘Hey Kiri, pad up.’ I thought it was just someone pulling my leg, so I ignored it. But then, within minutes, someone shouted again, ‘Arey kya kar raha hai yaar (what are you doing), pad up!'”

Kirmani continued, “I quickly grabbed my towel, still holding the toast between my teeth, and rushed to the scoreboard. To my horror, it read 17/5. My toast and towel dropped to the floor. I looked around, but the dressing room was empty.”

Despite the initial setback, India went on to win the match by 31 runs, bowling out Zimbabwe for 235. Kapil’s heroic innings not only secured a crucial victory but also inspired India’s remarkable journey to their first-ever World Cup triumph.

In the final, India faced the mighty West Indies, who were considered the overwhelming favorites. However, the Indian team, buoyed by Kapil’s leadership and the belief instilled by his iconic 175, pulled off a stunning 43-run victory to lift the coveted trophy.

Kapil Dev’s 175 not out remains one of the most legendary innings in limited-overs cricket history. It was a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and the indomitable spirit of the Indian team.

Mark Watt’s “Long Ball” Tactic Sparks Debate Over Cricket Law

In the inaugural T20I between Australia and Scotland, the spotlight shifted from Travis Head’s explosive batting to the unconventional tactics of left-arm spinner Mark Watt. Watt’s “long ball” strategy, where he delivers the ball from a distance of 25 yards, has sparked debate over the interpretation of Law 20.4.2.5.

During the match, Watt’s delivery to Josh Inglis resulted in a “dead ball” call after Inglis stepped away late. The umpire deemed Inglis unprepared, but Watt believed he was ready to face the ball. A similar incident occurred with Marcus Stoinis, prompting boos from the crowd.

The Law states that a “dead ball” should be called when the striker is not ready and makes no attempt to play the ball. However, the definition of “adequate reason” for the batter to pull away is left to the umpire’s discretion.

Watt’s tactic aims to catch batters off guard by delivering the ball before they are fully prepared. In the T20 World Cup earlier this year, a similar situation arose when Oman batter Khalid Kail was “bowled” after stepping away. Umpire Chris Brown called dead ball, but commentator Tom Moody argued that Kail was ready.

Australia was aware of Watt’s tactic from their previous encounter in the T20 World Cup. Inglis and Stoinis, who were part of the Australian squad, had faced Watt’s “long ball” deliveries.

The debate over Watt’s tactic highlights the gray areas in the Law and the challenges umpires face in interpreting it. While the “dead ball” calls may not have impacted the result, they have sparked discussions about the balance between innovation and fair play in cricket.

Singapore Demolishes Mongolia with Record-Low T20I Score

Singapore Demolishes Mongolia with Record-Low T20I Score

Singapore Crushes Mongolia with Record-Low Score in T20 World Cup Qualifier

Singapore’s cricket team has achieved a remarkable victory in the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier A, crushing Mongolia by nine wickets and 115 balls remaining. The match witnessed a historic collapse by Mongolia, who were bowled out for a mere 10 runs, equaling the lowest score ever recorded in a men’s T20 International (T20I).

The Mongolian batting lineup crumbled under the relentless bowling of Singapore’s Harsha Bharadwaj, who claimed an astonishing 6 for 3 in four overs. Bharadwaj’s exceptional performance, the second-best figures in a men’s T20I, included two wickets in the opening over and five of the six wickets Mongolia lost during the powerplay.

Mongolia’s dismal batting display saw five of their batsmen dismissed for ducks, contributing to their unfortunate record of holding three of the four lowest totals in men’s T20Is, all of which occurred in 2024. The Mongolian innings lasted a mere ten overs, with three maidens being bowled.

In contrast, Singapore’s chase of the paltry 11-run target was a swift and decisive affair. Despite losing a wicket on the first ball, Raoul Sharma smashed a six off his first delivery. William Simpson then sealed Singapore’s victory with a four off the penultimate ball of the first over, completing the chase in just five balls.

This victory marks Singapore’s second win in the competition, while Mongolia remains winless after four matches and languishes at the bottom of the table. Bharadwaj’s exceptional bowling performance has cemented his place as a rising star in Singaporean cricket.

Pakistan's Test Cricket Woes Deepen with Historic Defeat to Bangladesh

Pakistan’s Test Cricket Woes Deepen with Historic Defeat to Bangladesh

Pakistan’s Test cricket woes reached a new low on Tuesday as they suffered a humiliating 2-0 series defeat at the hands of Bangladesh. It was the first time the Tigers had ever triumphed in a Test series against Pakistan, marking a historic low for the once-formidable side.

The series loss has sparked widespread criticism, with former batter Salman Butt emerging as a vocal critic. However, Butt has taken aim at those who have called for Pakistan’s batters to increase their strike rate in Test cricket.

“The strike rate mafia and intent mafia are basically illiterates of cricket,” Butt said in a video on his YouTube channel. “They have no idea about the format they are talking about.”

Butt argued that Test cricket is about patience and building partnerships, not about scoring runs quickly. “You lose within four days and come back, what are you going to do by playing fast? You played just 46 overs. What hurry do you have? Why don’t you understand that your job is to bat long?”

Butt also questioned the logic of comparing Pakistan’s batters to the likes of Joe Root, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, who are known for their aggressive approach in limited-overs cricket. “Do the greats of the game play like highlights? Do they score runs in this fashion?” he asked.

Pakistan’s Test ranking has plummeted to eighth, their lowest since 1965. The series loss to Bangladesh is the latest in a string of setbacks for the side, which has also suffered a historic whitewash in their two-match home Test series against England.

The defeat has had a significant impact on the ICC World Test Championship standings. Bangladesh’s 2-0 series win has seen them leapfrog England to number four, while Pakistan has dropped to eighth position.

Jasprit Bumrah: The Unplayable Force in World Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah: The Unplayable Force in World Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, has emerged as one of the most formidable fast bowlers in international cricket. His unique bowling action, exceptional pace, and pinpoint accuracy have made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide.

Bumrah’s rise to prominence began with his debut for India in 2016. Since then, he has established himself as a key player across all formats, excelling in both Test matches and limited-overs cricket. His ability to generate pace and bounce, combined with his deceptive swing and variations, has made him a potent weapon in India’s bowling arsenal.

Bumrah’s impact on the Indian team has been profound. He played a pivotal role in India’s historic T20 World Cup triumph in 2022, finishing as the Player of the Tournament with 15 wickets at an astonishing economy rate of 4.17. His ability to contain runs and take crucial wickets in the death overs proved invaluable for India’s success.

Bumrah’s exceptional skills have earned him accolades from cricket legends around the world. Chris Gayle has praised his deceptive reverse swing and yorkers, while Wasim Akram has hailed him as the best bowler in the world. Allan Donald has lauded his ability to close out games in tight situations, and Michael Vaughan has declared him the number one fast bowler across all conditions and formats.

Bumrah’s dominance extends beyond the field. He is the first bowler in history to be ranked Number One in the ICC Rankings in all three formats of the game. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his versatility and consistency as a bowler.

Bumrah’s success is not only a matter of individual brilliance but also a reflection of the hard work and dedication he has put in. His unique bowling action, which involves a high-arm release and a slinging motion, is the result of years of practice and refinement.

Off the field, Bumrah is known for his humble and down-to-earth nature. He credits his success to the support of his family and coaches and always puts the team’s success ahead of his own.

As Bumrah continues to scale new heights in his career, he remains an inspiration to young cricketers around the world. His exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and humble demeanor make him a true role model for the sport.

Bangladesh's Historic Win Dents Pakistan's WTC 2025 Hopes

Bangladesh’s Historic Win Dents Pakistan’s WTC 2025 Hopes

Bangladesh’s historic victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Rawalpindi has dealt a significant blow to the hosts’ hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final. Pakistan’s consecutive Test losses have dropped them to eighth place in the WTC points table, leaving them with an uphill battle to qualify for the prestigious event.

Despite their recent setbacks, Pakistan still has a mathematical chance of finishing in the top two, which would secure their place in the WTC final. However, this requires them to win all their remaining matches in the current WTC cycle.

Pakistan’s upcoming challenges include a three-match Test series against England at home, followed by two-match series against South Africa and the West Indies. If they can secure victories in all seven upcoming Tests, their PCT% will rise to 59.52.

However, the upcoming five-match series between India and Australia could potentially open up an opportunity for Pakistan to finish in the top two. If India and Australia draw or lose any of their matches, it could create a scenario where Pakistan can qualify with a strong performance in their remaining fixtures.

On the other hand, if Pakistan fails to win any of their remaining seven Tests, their chances of qualifying will be severely jeopardized. They may be eliminated from contention if other teams perform well in their respective series.

Pakistan’s recent Test defeats have highlighted the need for improvement in their batting and bowling departments. The team has struggled to post competitive totals and has been unable to consistently take wickets.

As they prepare for their upcoming challenges, Pakistan will need to address these weaknesses and find a way to regain their winning form. The WTC 2025 final remains a distant dream, but it is still within their reach if they can turn their fortunes around.

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