Stokes' Doppelganger Steals the Show at England vs Sri Lanka Test

Stokes’ Doppelganger Steals the Show at England vs Sri Lanka Test

Ben Stokes’ Doppelganger Makes a Grand Re-Appearance at England vs Sri Lanka Test

The ongoing England vs Sri Lanka first Test in Manchester witnessed a delightful spectacle on Friday as Ben Stokes’ doppelganger made a grand re-appearance, much to the amusement of the England skipper and the crowd.

In his latest guise, Stokes’ doppelganger showcased his Test jersey during the second session on Day 3, leaving the Old Trafford crowd in awe. The Stokes look-alike first gained prominence during the second Test between England and West Indies in Nottingham last month.

Upon being spotted and displayed on the giant screen, Stokes was seen giving a thumbs-up to his doppelganger. The doppelganger then revealed his Test jersey, emblazoned with ‘no.55 and Stokesy,’ eliciting cheers and smiles from all corners of the stadium.

The re-emergence of Stokes’ doppelganger brought a touch of lightheartedness to an otherwise somber occasion. The England captain was recently ruled out for the rest of the season due to a torn hamstring. The 33-year-old all-rounder sustained the injury while batting for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred on Sunday.

Vice-captain Ollie Pope has taken over as Test skipper for the three-match series against Sri Lanka. Despite his absence, Stokes’ doppelganger ensured that his presence was felt at Old Trafford, providing a moment of joy and camaraderie amidst the competitive atmosphere.

Pakistan's Pitch Surprise: Rawalpindi Surface Baffles Assistant Coach

Pakistan’s Pitch Surprise: Rawalpindi Surface Baffles Assistant Coach

Pakistan’s assistant coach, Azhar Mahmood, expressed surprise at the unexpected behavior of the Rawalpindi pitch during the third day of the Test match against Bangladesh. Pakistan had anticipated a seam-friendly surface, but the pitch proved to be slow and low, favoring the batters.

Mahmood revealed that Pakistan’s decision to field an all-pace attack was based on their belief that the pitch would aid seam bowling. However, the pitch dried out quickly, altering its characteristics. “We were hoping for pace and bounce, but the wicket dried out faster than we expected,” Mahmood said.

Pakistan’s frustration was evident as Bangladesh ground through the early sessions, accumulating runs at a slow pace. Despite regular wickets, an unbeaten 98-run partnership between Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim dashed Pakistan’s hopes of securing a substantial lead.

Mahmood acknowledged that the pitch was not the sole factor in Bangladesh’s success. Pakistan’s bowling discipline deteriorated in the final overs, allowing the batters to score freely. “We were not disciplined enough in the last 12 overs,” Mahmood admitted.

The assistant coach also expressed mild bemusement at the pitch’s unexpected behavior. “Anyone who looked at the wicket would have thought it would be a seaming track,” Mahmood said. “We didn’t make a mistake reading the pitch, it just didn’t play like we thought it should.”

Pakistan has been working with Australian curator Tony Hemmings to improve the pitches at Rawalpindi. Mahmood indicated that they will continue to seek Hemmings’ expertise to create surfaces that suit their plans.

Babar Azam's Test Captaincy Return Demanded by Fans Amidst Pakistan's Struggles

Babar Azam’s Test Captaincy Return Demanded by Fans Amidst Pakistan’s Struggles

Babar Azam’s Return to Test Captaincy Demanded by Fans Amidst Pakistan’s Struggles

Babar Azam, the star Pakistani batter, has emerged as the popular choice among fans to reclaim his former role as Test captain, despite not currently holding the position. During the third day of the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, a video captured the crowd’s fervent support for Babar’s return to leadership.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, showcases the spectators’ unwavering admiration for the talented batsman. The stump microphone clearly recorded the crowd’s chant, which reverberated through the stadium: “Humara Kaptaan Kaisa Ho? Babar Azam Jaisa Ho.”

Babar’s decision to step down as Pakistan’s captain across all formats came after a disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup held in India last year. Shaheen Afridi, who took over as the new skipper, faced challenges and was subsequently removed from the role. Babar was then reinstated as the leader of the Men in Green in the white-ball formats.

Meanwhile, Shan Masood remains the captain of Pakistan’s red-ball team but is yet to secure his maiden victory in the longest format of the game.

The match between Pakistan and Bangladesh witnessed a spirited fightback from the visitors, with four of their top seven batters scoring defiant fifties. Bangladesh reached 316-5 in response to Pakistan’s 448-6 declared.

Babar Azam’s potential return to Test captaincy has sparked discussions among fans and experts. Some believe that his experience and leadership qualities would benefit the team, while others argue that it may disrupt the current setup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet made any official announcement regarding Babar’s future as Test captain. However, the crowd’s enthusiastic support for his return is a clear indication of his popularity and the high regard in which he is held by Pakistani cricket fans.

Ashton Agar Returns to Boost Northamptonshire for Vitality Blast Quarter-Final

Ashton Agar Returns to Boost Northamptonshire for Vitality Blast Quarter-Final

Northamptonshire Steelbacks have secured the return of Australian spinner Ashton Agar for their Vitality Blast quarter-final clash against Somerset on September 5. Agar, who was signed as a replacement for Sikandar Raza during the group stage, played a pivotal role in Northants’ qualification from the North Group in second spot, helping them secure four wins out of five.

The club is also exploring the possibility of bringing back Matthew Breetzke, the South African opener who is currently Northants’ leading run-scorer in this year’s Blast with 460 runs at a strike rate of 153.84. However, head coach John Sadler emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with Cricket South Africa.

Breetzke was recently involved in South Africa’s Test tour of the West Indies but is not part of the squad currently playing a three-match T20I series. “We’re hopeful that Matt will be able to get over, but we’re not sure how that’s going to pan out,” Sadler said. “We obviously want to get him back because he’s been brilliant for us, but we’ll see how it unfolds.”

Sadler acknowledged that the situation is beyond the control of both Northants and Breetzke. “I know he’s desperate to come back, but he’s on the verge of playing for South Africa in all three formats, so that’s understandably his main driver,” Sadler said. “I also know that he so wants to come back and play for us that he’s happy to fly in, play, and fly back out, but that is a situation that we’ll have to negotiate with Cricket South Africa.”

Agar, who opted to go freelance earlier this year, will be available after completing a stint at the Global T20 Canada. His return strengthens Northants’ options ahead of the sold-out game at Wantage Road against the defending champions. “Ashton is in, he’s booked to come back, and he’s incredibly excited,” Sadler said. “He has been over at a tournament in Canada, so he’s off back home to spend some time with his family, but then he’ll be back with us, so we’re absolutely delighted with that.”

Jay Shah's ICC Move Sparks BCCI Secretary Succession Speculation

Jay Shah’s ICC Move Sparks BCCI Secretary Succession Speculation

Jay Shah’s potential move to the International Cricket Council (ICC) as Chairman has sparked speculation about his successor as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary. With Shah’s term ending in October 2025, the BCCI faces the task of finding a suitable replacement.

Among the potential candidates is Rajiv Shukla, the current BCCI Vice-President. Shukla, a Congress MP in the Rajya Sabha, could be asked to take on the role for a year. Another contender is Ashish Shelar, the BCCI Treasurer and a prominent figure in Maharashtra BJP. However, Shelar’s political commitments may limit his availability.

Arun Dhumal, the IPL Chairman, possesses the necessary experience to lead the BCCI. He has previously served as Treasurer and now heads the lucrative Indian Premier League. A swap of roles between Dhumal and Shukla could be a viable option.

Devajit ‘Lon’ Saikia, the BCCI Joint Secretary, is another potential candidate. While not as well-known, he plays a crucial role in the current BCCI administration.

Younger administrators such as Rohan Jaitley, the DDCA President, and Avishek Dalmiya, the former CAB President, could also be considered. Other young state unit officials include Dilsher Khanna (Punjab), Vipul Phadke (Goa), and Prabhtej Bhatia (Chattisgarh).

The possibility of a completely new face taking over the top job cannot be ruled out. However, the BCCI’s power structure typically favors individuals who have been part of the system.

Ishan Kishan Surprises with Bowling Debut in Buchi Babu Tournament

Ishan Kishan Surprises with Bowling Debut in Buchi Babu Tournament

In a rare and unexpected turn of events, Jharkhand captain and star wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan showcased his bowling skills during a Buchi Babu invitational tournament match against Hyderabad in Chennai. A viral video captured Kishan bowling off-spin with Jharkhand facing an uphill battle after a disappointing batting performance in the first innings. Despite the team’s struggles, Kishan’s bowling proved effective, as he conceded only five runs from his two overs.

This surprising display of bowling prowess comes on the heels of Rishabh Pant’s own bowling experiment during the Delhi Premier League (DPL). Notably, Kishan has never bowled for the Indian team or in the Indian Premier League. However, he has bowled five overs in First Class cricket, albeit without claiming a wicket.

Kishan’s bowling debut in the Buchi Babu tournament was not his only notable performance. He also excelled with the bat, helping Jharkhand secure a victory over Madhya Pradesh earlier this week. In the first innings, he scored a brilliant 114 off 107 balls. In the second innings, he remained unbeaten on 41, guiding Jharkhand to a two-wicket win.

Kishan’s return to red-ball cricket has been a resounding success. His decision to participate in the Buchi Babu tournament, despite not being initially included in Jharkhand’s long list, has paid off handsomely. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Kishan has also expressed his desire to return to the Ranji Trophy fold during the 2024-25 season.

Kishan’s last domestic first-class game was in December 2022. His absence from the Ranji Trophy towards the end of the 2023-24 domestic season proved costly, as he was removed from the central contract list for not prioritizing domestic cricket. However, his recent performances suggest that he is fully committed to regaining his place in the Indian team.

Fan's One-Handed Stunner Lights Up England-Sri Lanka Test

Fan’s One-Handed Stunner Lights Up England-Sri Lanka Test

A Fan’s Incredible One-Handed Stunner Steals the Show at England-Sri Lanka Test

In a thrilling moment that captivated the crowd at the England-Sri Lanka Test in Manchester, a fan became an instant sensation with an extraordinary one-handed catch. The incident occurred on the third day of the first Test, leaving spectators in awe and commentators praising the fan’s athleticism.

As England’s Mark Wood attempted a pull shot off a bouncer from Asitha Fernando, the ball soared into the deep mid-wicket stands. Amidst the anticipation, a fan with a pint in one hand extended his other hand and executed a flawless one-handed catch. The crowd erupted in cheers, and even England coach Paul Collingwood couldn’t help but be impressed.

The fan’s remarkable catch not only showcased his exceptional reflexes but also highlighted the passion and excitement that permeate the sport of cricket. It served as a reminder that even in the midst of a high-stakes Test match, moments of pure joy and camaraderie can emerge.

The incident also underscored the importance of fan engagement in sports. The fan’s catch became a viral sensation on social media, with many praising his skill and the unique atmosphere it created at the match. Such moments help foster a sense of community and shared experience among fans, making sporting events even more memorable.

India A Bowlers Fight Back, Australia A Extend Lead in Women's Test

India A Bowlers Fight Back, Australia A Extend Lead in Women’s Test

India A’s bowlers put up a valiant fightback on the second day of the unofficial one-off women’s Test against Australia A, but the hosts extended their overall lead to 192 runs.

India A captain Minnu Mani completed her match haul of 10 wickets, but Kate Peterson’s impressive 5/16 gave Australia a slender 28-run lead in the first innings. Resuming at 100/2, India A looked set to take a substantial lead, but Peterson’s incisive bowling derailed their plans.

Tejal Hasabnis (32) and Shweta Sehrawat (40) were the first to fall, triggering a collapse that saw India A lose five wickets for 27 runs. However, Sayali Satghare (21), Mani (17), and Mannat Kashyap (19) added 56 runs to deny Australia a larger lead.

Mani then turned the tables with the ball, dismissing Georgia Voll and Charli Knott for ducks in consecutive overs. She also accounted for Nicole Faltum (16) and Tess Fintoo, leaving Australia A reeling at 0/4.

Emma de Broughe held firm for the hosts, scoring a gritty 58 off 117 balls. Wicketkeeper Maddy Drake played a crucial role in Australia’s recovery, hitting an unbeaten half-century (54 not out off 100 deliveries).

Drake and Maitlan Brown (26 off 45) added 54 for the sixth wicket before Brown became Mani’s tenth victim. At the end of play, Australia A were 164/7, with Drake and Darke at the crease.

Rohit Sharma Vows to Continue Winning Trophies for India

Rohit Sharma Vows to Continue Winning Trophies for India

India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma has expressed his unwavering determination to continue winning major trophies for his country. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Awards, Rohit emphasized the team’s commitment to pushing themselves and striving for excellence.

“There is a reason I won five IPL trophies. I am not going to stop, because once you get the taste of winning games, and winning Cups, you do not want to stop and we will keep pushing as a team. We will keep striving for better things in the future,” Rohit declared.

Rohit acknowledged the team’s upcoming challenges, including the tour to Australia, the ICC Champions Trophy, and the ICC World Test Championship final. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome these obstacles.

“We have got a couple of solid tours coming up, very challenging ones as well. For us, it never stops. Once you achieve something you always look forward to achieving more. That is what I will be doing. I am pretty sure my teammates will be thinking on the same line,” he said.

Rohit attributed his success as captain to the support of his “three pillars”: former head coach Rahul Dravid, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. He emphasized the importance of creating an environment where players can play freely without excessive focus on statistics and milestones.

“It was my dream to transform this team and not worry too much about the stats, the results, to make sure that we create that environment where people can go out there and play freely without thinking too much. That is what was required. I got a lot of help from my three pillars, who are Mr Jay Shah, Mr Rahul Dravid (and the) chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar,” Rohit said.

The Indian skipper also praised the contributions of his players, particularly Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah, who played pivotal roles in the T20 World Cup victory. He thanked the nation for celebrating the team’s triumph.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test Series to Feature Rest Day for Presidential Elections

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test Series to Feature Rest Day for Presidential Elections

The upcoming Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test series, commencing on September 18 in Galle, will feature a unique twist: a rest day scheduled to accommodate Sri Lanka’s presidential elections on September 21. This marks the first instance of a rest day in a Test match since 2008, when Bangladesh and Sri Lanka accommodated a parliamentary election.

The two-Test series forms part of the 2023-2025 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Sri Lanka last hosted a rest day in a Test match in 2001 against Zimbabwe, due to a full moon being a public holiday in the Buddhist nation.

Historically, Sundays were designated as rest days in Test matches in England until the 1990s. However, this practice has since faded into obscurity.

New Zealand and Sri Lanka last met in a Test series in early 2023, with New Zealand emerging victorious 2-0 on home soil. New Zealand’s last tour of Sri Lanka in 2019 resulted in a 1-1 draw in the Test series and a 2-1 victory for New Zealand in the T20Is.

New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka follows a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida. The Black Caps have a busy summer of cricket ahead, with Test series against India and England before Sri Lanka returns to New Zealand in December for three T20Is and three ODIs.

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