India-Australia Rivalry Transforms into Respect, Says Virat Kohli

India-Australia Rivalry Transforms into Respect, Says Virat Kohli

India-Australia Rivalry Evolves into Respect, Says Virat Kohli

The intense rivalry between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has undergone a significant transformation over the years, according to batting maestro Virat Kohli. Initially characterized by fierce competition and heated exchanges, the relationship has shifted towards mutual respect, particularly after India’s consecutive Test series victories in Australia.

Kohli, who has been at the forefront of this rivalry, believes that both teams have developed a deeper understanding and admiration for each other’s abilities. “It was quite intense at the beginning, but I think since the time we had won two Test series in Australia, the rivalry has turned into respect,” Kohli said in a Star Sports promo for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“We are not taken lightly now as a Test team. The respect looks quite visible when you play against Australia since we have beaten them for back-to-back series wins at their own backyard,” he added.

The upcoming five-match Test series, which begins on November 22, will be the first between the two teams since 1991/92. It will be a crucial test for India, who currently sit atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.

A 3-0 series win against New Zealand at home would secure India’s place in the WTC final, scheduled for Lord’s in June 2025. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will then become a matter of pride for the world’s No. 1 team.

Kohli’s comments reflect the changing dynamics of the India-Australia rivalry. While the intensity and competitiveness remain, there is now a greater sense of respect and camaraderie between the two teams. This evolution is a testament to the growth of both teams and the enduring legacy of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Haddin Praises Rohit Sharma's Leadership in India's Kanpur Test Victory

Haddin Praises Rohit Sharma’s Leadership in India’s Kanpur Test Victory

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin has lauded Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for his astute leadership in guiding India to a remarkable victory in the rain-affected Kanpur Test against Bangladesh. Haddin believes that India’s aggressive approach and unwavering determination to win, even in challenging conditions, bodes well for their upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia.

Despite losing two days of play due to rain and a wet outfield, India managed to pull off a stunning victory by dismissing Bangladesh for 146 in their second innings and chasing down a modest target of 95. Haddin praised India’s attacking mindset, which allowed them to create opportunities to bowl out Bangladesh within the remaining time.

“They gave themselves a chance to win the game,” Haddin said. “It was not about ‘How many runs I score’, it is about finding enough time to bowl Bangladesh out. They played a great brand of cricket, but it was all about giving them enough time.”

Haddin highlighted Rohit Sharma’s leadership as a key factor in India’s success. “Rohit had nothing to lose,” he said. “How good was it to watch! It’s a wonderful way to win Test cricket.”

Haddin believes that India’s performance in Kanpur is a testament to their ability to adapt and overcome adversity. “The mindset of Rohit Sharma to find a way to manipulate a result… teams are scared to go 10 runs/over in 20 overs cricket! So, I take my hats off to India,” he concluded.

As India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, Haddin is optimistic that they can replicate their aggressive and determined approach. “I actually do (If India will play same cricket in Australia). Because if you look at this result… the worst result for India would have been a draw. There was no way India would have lost it,” he said.

The Border-Gavaskar series kicks off on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. India will be aiming to retain the trophy they won in 2018-19, while Australia will be eager to reclaim it on home soil.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka Clash in Women's Asia Cup Opener

Pakistan and Sri Lanka Clash in Women’s Asia Cup Opener

Pakistan and Sri Lanka kicked off the Women’s Asia Cup 2023 in Sharjah with a thrilling encounter. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana opted to bat first, citing the slow wicket and low bounce. Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, on the other hand, was content to chase, given her team’s recent success and the abundance of spin options in their arsenal.

Pakistan’s batting lineup featured Muneeba Ali, Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Diana Baig, and Omaima Sohail. Sri Lanka’s team included Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu, Harshita Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sachini Nisansala, and Udeskhika Prabodani.

Despite Pakistan’s slight edge in the head-to-head record, Sri Lanka had won the last three matches between the two sides. The match was poised to be a close contest, with both teams eager to start the tournament on a positive note.

Tilly Corteen-Coleman Named in England's Under-19 World Cup Squad

Tilly Corteen-Coleman Named in England’s Under-19 World Cup Squad

Tilly Corteen-Coleman, the 17-year-old spinner who impressed in the Women’s Hundred, has been named in England’s 15-player squad for the upcoming Women’s Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.

Corteen-Coleman made a strong debut for Southern Brave in the Hundred, dismissing Australia’s Meg Lanning. She also impressed for South East Stars in domestic competitions, claiming 5 for 19 against Northern Diamonds.

Davina Perrin, who was part of England’s squad that lost to India in the inaugural Under-19 tournament in 2023, is also included. A captain will be named closer to the tournament.

Sixteen teams will participate in the 41-match event from January 18 to February 2, 2025. England has been drawn in Group B alongside Ireland, Pakistan, and USA.

Chris Guest, Performance Lead for the women’s Under-19 set-up, said he is excited to guide another group of young players through their maiden global event. He emphasized the importance of the tournament for player development, citing the examples of Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Hannah Baker, Seren Smale, and Charis Pavely, who have all represented the senior team after playing in the Under-19 World Cup.

Guest will be joined by assistant coaches Dan Helesfay and Beth Morgan. Morgan, a former England international, currently works as a Regional Talent Manager for Southern Vipers.

Richard Bedbrook, Head of England Women Performance Pathways, said the quality of the squad highlights the work of the regional teams. He expressed hope that the players and staff will benefit from the experience.

Five non-travelling reserves have also been selected: Maria Andrews, Sophie Beech, Daisy Gibb, Poppy Tulloch, and Annie Williams.

Legspinner Usman Qadir Retires from Pakistan Cricket

Legspinner Usman Qadir Retires from Pakistan Cricket

Usman Qadir, the 31-year-old legspinner, has bid farewell to Pakistan cricket, ending a four-year journey that began with a return from Australia and a commitment to his homeland.

Qadir’s international debut came in a T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he made an immediate impact with eight wickets in three matches, earning him the Player of the Series award. At his peak, he was considered Pakistan’s primary legspinner, briefly eclipsing Shadab Khan in the T20I side.

However, Qadir’s career was marked by inconsistency and disciplinary issues. In 2018, he expressed his desire to represent Australia, making his debut for Western Australia and playing for the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder in the BBL.

In a surprising turn of events, Misbah-ul-Haq named Qadir in a Pakistan squad for a series in Australia in late 2019, even before he had publicly committed to playing for Pakistan. The decision came shortly after the passing of Qadir’s father, Abdul Qadir, Pakistan’s most famous legspinner.

Qadir’s inconsistency continued with Pakistan, and his last international appearance came at the Asian Games in October 2023. In recent months, his relationship with the PCB deteriorated, with Qadir accusing the board of mismanaging his injury.

In his retirement announcement, Qadir expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career and paid tribute to his father’s legacy. He did not specify his future plans but hinted at continuing his involvement in cricket.

Qadir’s retirement marks the end of an era for Pakistan cricket, as he was one of the last remaining players from the generation that followed the golden era of the 1990s and early 2000s.

PCB Blamed for Pakistan Cricket's Downfall, Tension Between Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi

PCB Blamed for Pakistan Cricket’s Downfall, Tension Between Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan cricket has been in a downward spiral, with lackluster performances at the 2023 ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup, as well as their first-ever Test series defeat to Bangladesh on home soil. Former Pakistan opener Mudassar Nazar blames the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the escalating tension between senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, which he believes has contributed to the team’s decline.

Nazar believes the PCB should have provided Babar with ample support and time to assert his leadership. He criticized the board for constantly changing the captaincy, which has created instability and uncertainty within the team. He also pointed out that Pakistan has an abundance of talented players, but they are becoming lost within the system.

Nazar compared Babar Azam to Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, stating that Kohli is undoubtedly one of the greatest in the history of the game, while Babar still has a long way to go to make a name for himself. He praised Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Kohli, expressing that he could watch them bat for hours.

Nazar’s comments highlight the need for the PCB to address the mounting issues within Pakistan cricket. The board must provide its captain with the necessary support and stability to lead the team effectively. It must also address the systemic issues that are hindering the development of talented players. Only then can Pakistan cricket regain its former glory.

Pakistan Women Opt to Bat First in T20 World Cup Clash Against Sri Lanka

Pakistan Women Opt to Bat First in T20 World Cup Clash Against Sri Lanka

Pakistan Women Elect to Bat First in T20 World Cup Clash Against Sri Lanka

In a highly anticipated clash at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan Women have won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka Women. The match marks a significant moment for both teams, as Sri Lanka aims to continue their impressive form while Pakistan seeks to make a strong start to the tournament.

Sri Lanka has enjoyed a remarkable year, securing their first-ever Women’s Asia Cup title last July with a commanding victory over India. Captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed her team’s underdog status and their determination to play without pressure.

“We are coming with underdog tag all the time. So, we don’t have any pressure. I don’t want to take too much pressure on my shoulders and my teammates’ shoulders. But we keep it simple. I have a very young team, so we have a few seniors as well. I hope we can continue our best performance, because we’ve been playing really good cricket the last 16 months. This is a different format and different conditions, so we have to start again, fresh days. So, keep it simple, one ball one time, one game one time.”

Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana, will be eager to prove their mettle against a formidable Sri Lankan side. The team features experienced players like Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz, as well as promising youngsters like Muneeba Ali and Tuba Hassan.

“I will try to enjoy myself, express myself and back myself as well (as captain). Actually, our whole management is supporting me, and they told me that you just take a brave decision on the field, so just try to do this, be calm and just do whatever you want.”

The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting strengths and ambitions. Sri Lanka will look to maintain their momentum and upset the more fancied Pakistan side, while Pakistan will be determined to make a statement and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

India Aims for Historic Double: Women's T20 World Cup Title After Men's Triumph

India Aims for Historic Double: Women’s T20 World Cup Title After Men’s Triumph

India’s quest for their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title is fueled by the recent triumph of the men’s team, who ended a long trophy drought by winning the Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. The Indian women’s team is eager to replicate that success and make history by becoming the first nation to win both the men’s and women’s T20 World Cups in the same year.

Batter Jemimah Rodrigues expressed the team’s renewed determination after witnessing the men’s team’s victory. “Seeing them win just before our World Cup made it feel so much more real,” she said. “That desire and passion to win was ignited when we saw Rohit Sharma and the team lifting the trophy.”

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur echoed Rodrigues’ sentiments, stating that a victory would be a special moment for Indian fans and cricket history. “It would be very special,” she said. “If we win, it will create a similar moment for Indian fans and for cricket history back home.”

India’s path to the title begins with their opening match against New Zealand on October 4 in Dubai. They will then face Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia in their Group A games. Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur believes that the men’s team’s victory has given them hope and inspiration. “When the boys won, it gave us hope that we could replicate it,” she said.

Opener Shafali Verma added that a victory would be a joyous occasion for the nation. “Yes, the men’s team winning the World Cup was an emotional moment for the entire country,” she said. “If we win too, then it will be two World Cups in a year, which is a big thing for both us and the nation.”

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana emphasized the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome. “Winning two trophies in a year would be a different achievement, but winning the World Cup itself will be very special,” she said. “It’s important for us to follow the process and take it one match at a time.”

Flintoff to Lead England Lions Squad to South Africa for Training Camp and Unofficial Test

Flintoff to Lead England Lions Squad to South Africa for Training Camp and Unofficial Test

Andrew Flintoff, the newly appointed England Lions head coach, will lead a 19-man squad to South Africa next month for a training camp and an unofficial four-day Test against South Africa A. The tour, scheduled from November 20 to December 14, aims to replicate the training methods of the senior men’s squad, who will be playing a Test series in New Zealand during the same period.

The squad includes six new inclusions, including Jafer Chohan, the Yorkshire legspinner who recently earned his first senior white-ball call-up. Chohan, the first graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy to be named in an England squad, will have a limited role due to prior Big Bash League commitments.

Other notable inclusions are Josh Hull, who withdrew from the ongoing Test tour of Pakistan with a quad injury, and Matt Hurst, the Lancashire wicketkeeper-batter making his first Lions tour. The squad also features several recent graduates from England’s Under-19 set-up, such as Harry Moore, a highly-rated 17-year-old Derbyshire fast bowler, and Freddie McCann, the Nottinghamshire opener who played a crucial role in preserving his team’s top-flight status in the County Championship.

Flintoff expressed his excitement about the potential of the squad, stating, “We’re delighted to have such a high-potential group of players heading to South Africa. We have a mix of well-established performers who’ve been in the England setup and excelled in the domestic game, through to some of the most exciting young talent coming through.”

England Men’s performance director, Ed Barney, emphasized the alignment of the selection with England’s short and long-term needs across all formats, particularly in supporting pace bowlers. He added, “We are also excited about the competitive match opportunities, with a four-day fixture against South Africa A offering the opportunity for the squad to enjoy putting their skills on show against strong opposition.”

The full coaching and support staff for the tour will be announced shortly.

Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Guessing Game on The Great Indian Kapil Show

Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Guessing Game on The Great Indian Kapil Show

Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Moment on The Great Indian Kapil Show

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma recently graced the popular comedy show The Great Indian Kapil Show, along with teammates Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube. The episode was filled with laughter and entertainment, including a hilarious mimicry segment.

During the segment, Rohit was tasked with guessing a famous cricketer’s identity based on Axar Patel’s imitation. However, Axar’s attempt to mimic MS Dhoni’s signature shot left Rohit clueless. It was only when Suryakumar Yadav stepped in and recreated Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot that Rohit finally recognized the impersonation.

Rohit’s response was filled with humor as he playfully scolded Axar for not thinking of the helicopter shot earlier. The moment was captured on camera and shared on social media, much to the delight of fans.

Speaking at an event in Rashin, Maharashtra, Rohit shared how winning the 2024 T20 World Cup had transformed his life. He expressed his joy and satisfaction, stating that after India’s long-awaited triumph, “Our big goal was to win the World Cup, after winning the World Cup, my life has come to life.”

The victory ended an 11-year drought for India in ICC tournaments, with Rohit leading the team to glory after several near misses. The triumph brought immense joy to the Indian cricket fraternity and solidified Rohit’s legacy as one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history.

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