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Category: Cricket

Empty Seats at Lord's Raise Concerns About Test Cricket's Affordability

Empty Seats at Lord’s Raise Concerns About Test Cricket’s Affordability

By September 1, 2024 0

England’s emphatic Test victory over Sri Lanka at Lord’s was marred by a disappointing turnout, raising concerns about the affordability and accessibility of the format. Despite the team’s impressive performance, thousands of tickets for the fourth day went unsold, leaving swathes of empty seats in the iconic stadium.

The low attendance has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the high ticket prices, the accelerated pace of Test matches under the “Bazball” approach, and the heavy schedule of cricket this summer. England’s dominant wins have often resulted in matches concluding earlier than expected, leaving fans feeling short-changed.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord’s, has acknowledged the issue and pledged to review fourth-day pricing. However, the club’s reluctance to cut prices at short notice has drawn criticism, with some arguing that lower ticket prices could have attracted more fans and ultimately generated more revenue through matchday spending.

The empty seats at Lord’s stand in stark contrast to the packed crowds that attended the Hundred final at the same venue two weeks earlier. While the Hundred offers a more affordable and accessible alternative to Test cricket, it would be misleading to suggest that the difference in attendance reflects a shift in fan preferences.

Despite the low turnout at Lord’s, Test cricket remains popular in England. However, the empty seats serve as a reminder that fans are not willing to pay exorbitant prices for a format that is increasingly seen as inaccessible. If administrators want to ensure the long-term health of Test cricket, they must address the issue of affordability and find ways to make the format more appealing to a wider audience.

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Northern Diamonds Triumph with Kalis Century and Turner's Six-Wicket Haul

Northern Diamonds Triumph with Kalis Century and Turner’s Six-Wicket Haul

By September 1, 2024 0

Northern Diamonds’ Sterre Kalis and Phoebe Turner starred in a dominant performance against Lancashire Thunder, securing an 86-run victory and propelling their team to the top of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy standings.

Kalis notched her maiden List A century, scoring a remarkable 100 runs off 94 deliveries. Her innings, coupled with a 58-run knock from Beth Langston, propelled the Diamonds to a formidable total of 290 for 6.

Lancashire Thunder’s chase got off to a promising start, with Alice Clarke and Emma Lamb putting on 38 runs in the opening five overs. However, Rachel Slater’s double strike, dismissing both batters, halted their momentum.

Eve Jones and Seren Smale steadied the Thunder’s innings, but their 100-run partnership was broken by Turner, who bowled Smale for 48. Langston then struck twice in a double-wicket maiden, removing Jones and Ellie Threlkeld.

Turner continued her impressive spell, claiming the remaining Thunder wickets to finish with a remarkable six for 20. Her performance sealed a five-point victory for the Diamonds, who now sit atop the table with 37 points.

Earlier, Lauren Winfield-Hill and Emma Marlow had laid the foundation for the Diamonds’ innings with a 95-run opening stand. However, the Thunder fought back, taking two wickets in quick succession.

Kalis and Langston then combined for a crucial 111-run partnership, reviving the Diamonds’ innings. Kalis reached her century before being dismissed, while Langston contributed a valuable 58.

The Diamonds’ total proved too much for the Thunder, who were bowled out for 204 despite Jones’ 57 runs.

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Surrey's Title Charge Stalled by Nottinghamshire Draw

Surrey’s Title Charge Stalled by Nottinghamshire Draw

By September 1, 2024 0

Surrey’s pursuit of a third consecutive Division One title hit a minor roadblock as they were forced to settle for a draw against relegation-threatened Nottinghamshire in the Vitality County Championship at Trent Bridge.

Despite a record-breaking 10-wicket match haul from teenage off-spinner Farhan Ahmed, Surrey’s declaration at 177 for 9 in their second innings left Nottinghamshire with a target of 298 from a minimum 48 overs. The home side responded with a resolute batting display, reaching 121 without loss at the close of play, with openers Haseeb Hameed and Ben Slater both scoring half-centuries.

The draw reduces Surrey’s lead at the top of the table to 24 points, while Nottinghamshire remain 10 points clear of Lancashire in the battle to avoid relegation.

Rory Burns, who had scored 161 in the first innings, added 71 in the second, while Liam Patterson-White finished with five for 94 for Nottinghamshire. However, it was Ahmed who stole the show, becoming the youngest player to take 10 or more wickets in a first-class match in Britain since WG Grace in 1865.

Ahmed’s remarkable achievement overshadowed the efforts of England off-spinner Will Jacks, who had also taken seven wickets in the first innings. Surrey’s decision to declare just shy of an hour after lunch may have been a tactical error, as Nottinghamshire were able to bat cautiously and avoid defeat.

Despite the draw, Surrey remain in a strong position to secure the title, while Nottinghamshire’s hopes of survival have been boosted.

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Jack Leach Determined to Reclaim England Test Spot After 12-Wicket Haul

Jack Leach Determined to Reclaim England Test Spot After 12-Wicket Haul

By September 1, 2024 0

Jack Leach, the left-arm spinner for Somerset, has expressed his unwavering determination to reclaim his place in the England Test team after his impressive 12-wicket haul against Durham. Leach, who was England’s first-choice spinner under Ben Stokes’ captaincy, has been sidelined by injuries in recent months, but his recent performance has reignited his hopes of a return to the international stage.

Leach’s 15 wickets in England’s 3-0 Test series win in Pakistan in December 2022 serve as a testament to his abilities. Despite the emergence of Shoaib Bashir, his Somerset teammate, Leach believes he can regain his spot in the pecking order ahead of England’s tour to Pakistan in October.

“I totally understand why Bash has been selected,” Leach said. “I rate him really highly and think he is already a very good bowler with a lot of promise for the future. But there is a tour to Pakistan coming up and if England need me, I am more than happy to go.”

Leach’s long spells against Durham have boosted his confidence, and he feels he is nearing his best form after overcoming a series of niggling injuries. He acknowledges the possibility of England selecting multiple spinners for the Pakistan tour and sees no reason why he and Bashir cannot both make the squad.

“I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I am as determined as I ever have been to play for England,” Leach said.

Somerset’s victory over Durham has kept them in contention for the County Championship title, and Leach is eager to contribute to his team’s success. He believes the upcoming match against Surrey at Taunton will be crucial in their title aspirations.

“We are still right in the fight for the title, which is where we wanted to be at this stage of the season,” Leach said. “I think the pitch against Durham suits our style of cricket. You had to be patient as a bowler, but if you kept putting the ball in the right place you were rewarded.”

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Yorkshire and Middlesex Draw High-Scoring Clash, Promotion Race Heats Up

Yorkshire and Middlesex Draw High-Scoring Clash, Promotion Race Heats Up

By September 1, 2024 0

Yorkshire and Middlesex played out a high-scoring draw in their Vitality County Championship clash at Headingley, with both teams eyeing promotion to Division One in 2025.

Yorkshire declared their first innings on 601 for 6, with Harry Hill (169*) and Jonny Bairstow (160) leading the charge. Middlesex responded with 522, thanks to centuries from Ryan Higgins (155) and Sam Robson (108).

Dom Bess was the standout performer for Yorkshire, taking 7 for 179 in Middlesex’s first innings. The off-spinner bowled a marathon 70.4 overs, showcasing his endurance and skill.

Yorkshire’s second innings began shortly before lunch, with a lead of 79. They reached 150 for 2 from 35 overs before bad light stopped play. Adam Lyth (62) and James Wharton (50*) were at the crease, ensuring Yorkshire took 13 points from the draw. Middlesex earned 11 points.

Despite the high-scoring nature of the match, only two batters across both sides failed to reach double figures. The placid pitch made it difficult for bowlers to make inroads, with the scoring rate remaining below three runs per over.

Yorkshire and Middlesex remain in contention for promotion, with just one point separating them in the Division Two standings. They will battle it out with leaders Sussex for the two top-flight places available in 2025.

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Mohammad Wasim Reveals Challenges in Dealing with Babar Azam as Chief Selector

Mohammad Wasim Reveals Challenges in Dealing with Babar Azam as Chief Selector

By September 1, 2024 0

Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Wasim has shed light on the challenges he encountered as chief selector of the team, particularly in dealing with former all-format captain Babar Azam. Wasim, who served as head coach from December 2020 to December 2022, described Babar as “very stubborn” and prone to frustration when the selection committee made changes to the squad.

“It was a pain to make him accept changes. He was very stubborn and sometimes, I had to overstep my boundaries just to get him on board with certain decisions,” Wasim said, as quoted by PakPassion.

Wasim’s comments come amidst Babar’s recent struggles in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. After managing scores of 0 and 22 in the first Test, Babar scored 31 in the first innings of the second Test in Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile, Wasim has taken on a new role as head coach of the Pakistan women’s team. He is joined by former Pakistan bowlers Junaid Khan and Abdur Rehman as assistant coach and spin-bowling coach, respectively. Notably, no batting coach has been appointed, with Wasim expected to take on that role himself.

Wasim’s coaching credentials stem from his successful tenure with Northern, a team in Pakistan’s domestic structure. Under his leadership, Northern achieved successive runners-up finishes in the revamped Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. His focus on nurturing young talent culminated in a National T20 Cup victory in the 2019-20 season.

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Sussex Dominate Derbyshire with Carson's Match-Winning Performance

Sussex Dominate Derbyshire with Carson’s Match-Winning Performance

By September 1, 2024 0

Sussex’s dominance in the Vitality Championship’s second division continued as they secured a resounding innings and 59-run victory over Derbyshire, their sixth triumph of the season. The victory solidifies their position at the top of the standings, with two home games remaining and a clear path to the title.

Off-spinner Jack Carson emerged as the star performer for Sussex, contributing both with the bat and ball. His innings of 97 was followed by match figures of 11 for 157, the best return of his career. His second-innings haul of 6 for 67 was another personal best, bringing his wicket tally to 20 in the past two games.

Derbyshire’s resistance was led by Harry Came and Wayne Madsen, but their efforts proved futile as they lost their last eight wickets for just 54 runs in 25 overs. The match marked a return to form for Sussex after their heavy defeat to Glamorgan.

On the final morning, Derbyshire resumed on 141 for 2, needing 176 runs to avoid batting again. Came and Madsen showed resilience, but the introduction of the new ball proved decisive. Jaydev Unadkat struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Madsen and David Lloyd, turning the tide in Sussex’s favor.

Carson continued the onslaught, removing Came and Zak Chappell in quick succession. Aneurin Donald’s aggressive approach backfired as he was caught at backward square leg, and Jack Morley followed suit. Carson then claimed Daryn Dupavillon and Anuj Dal to complete his match-winning performance.

Sussex’s victory extends their lead in the second division, and with two home games remaining, they are now firm favorites to secure the title.

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Kerala Cricket League Set to Revolutionize Cricket in the State

Kerala Cricket League Set to Revolutionize Cricket in the State

By September 1, 2024 0

Cricket’s landscape in Kerala is poised for a transformative shift with the launch of the inaugural Kerala Cricket League (KCL) at the Sports Hub in Thiruvananthapuram. This franchise-based T20 league, backed by prominent business houses and film personalities, aims to revolutionize the sport in the state and provide a platform for budding cricketers to showcase their talent on a global stage.

The dwindling presence of Kerala players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in recent years and the success of T20 leagues in neighboring states have prompted the Kerala Cricket Association to establish a new league in the state. Six teams – Trivandrum Royals, Aries Kollam Sailors, Alleppey Ripples, Thrissur Titans, Kochi Blue Tigers, and Calicut Globstars – will compete for the coveted title in this cricketing extravaganza. The winner will receive a prize of ₹30 lakh, while the runner-up will take home ₹20 lakh. The third and fourth-placed teams will each receive ₹5 lakh.

The opening match of the league will feature Alleppey Ripples, led by the dashing batter Mohammed Azharuddeen, taking on Thrissur Titans, captained by Varun Nayanar. Azharuddeen, as captain and icon player of the Ripples, will be eager to rediscover his mojo in white-ball cricket. Varun, a former Under-19 Indian player, has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the side ahead of the team’s icon Vishnu Vinod.

The league’s most expensive buy, M.S. Akhil, and Mohammed Enaan will be the center of attention when Trivandrum Royals face Kochi Blue Tigers in the second match of the day. The organizers have planned a brief opening ceremony after the first match, with film stars Mohanlal and Keerthy Suresh expected to attend. However, the inclement weather in the city, which has received heavy rainfall in recent days, may pose a challenge to the event.

The KCL is expected to provide a much-needed boost to cricket in Kerala. It will offer a platform for young players to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. The league will also help identify and nurture future stars who can represent the state and the country at the highest level.

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Tim Paine's Witty Social Media Post Pokes Fun at Spinner's Botched Delivery

Tim Paine’s Witty Social Media Post Pokes Fun at Spinner’s Botched Delivery

By September 1, 2024 0

Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has once again showcased his witty side on social media, this time poking fun at a spinner’s hilarious delivery. Paine, who was recently appointed as the head coach of the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, shared a video on Twitter of a spinner hilariously botching a delivery, with the ball slipping out of his hand and falling far short of the pitch.

The video, originally posted by @SENTassie, joked about the Strikers’ potential interest in the hapless spinner, stating, “We’ve heard the Strikers have committed to selecting this world-class spinner with their pick.” Paine joined in the fun, quipping, “If only we had some space left in the salary cap for this mystery spinner.”

Paine’s appointment as the head coach of the Strikers marks the latest step in his rapid ascent through the coaching ranks. After serving as an assistant to Jason Gillespie last season, Paine was named head coach following Gillespie’s departure. His new role will see him leading a Strikers team that has shown great promise, particularly with their strong finish to the last BBL season, where they secured a spot in the finals.

Paine’s light-hearted approach on social media contrasts with his serious commitment to his coaching duties. He has already been active in the development of young talent, including his involvement with NT Strike in the Top End T20 series and his previous stint as an assistant coach for Australia A.

As Paine prepares to lead the Strikers into BBL14, fans can expect a blend of his cricketing acumen and his characteristic humour, both on and off the field. Paine’s appointment as head coach is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his ability to connect with players and fans alike.

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Ahmed Shehzad Questions Pakistan's Decision to Drop Shaheen Afridi

Ahmed Shehzad Questions Pakistan’s Decision to Drop Shaheen Afridi

By September 1, 2024 0

Pakistan’s decision to drop star pacer Shaheen Afridi for the second Test against Bangladesh has sparked controversy, with former batter Ahmed Shehzad questioning the team’s logic.

While acknowledging Afridi’s recent struggles, Shehzad argued that he cannot be solely blamed for Pakistan’s poor performances. He pointed out that the team has suffered defeats against Zimbabwe, Ireland, the USA, India, and now Bangladesh.

“Is Shaheen Afridi only responsible for all of this?” Shehzad asked in a video posted on social media. “Shaheen Afridi won’t be solely responsible for all of this. So, bring all those people who were involved in all of this. Tell this country.”

Shehzad also criticized the performances of other players, including Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, and Babar Azam. He emphasized that dropping Afridi alone will not solve Pakistan’s problems.

“There are some decisions that will have to be taken. And those people who are involved in all of this, whose performances are low, they will also have to be held accountable,” he said.

The first day of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh was washed out due to heavy rain. The toss could not even take place, leaving the match in limbo.

Pakistan’s decision to drop Afridi has raised questions about the team’s strategy and the future of its bowling attack. The team has struggled to find consistency in recent months, and the loss to Bangladesh has further highlighted their weaknesses.

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