Morne Morkel Appointed Bowling Coach of Indian Men's Cricket Team

Morne Morkel Appointed Bowling Coach of Indian Men’s Cricket Team

Morne Morkel Appointed Bowling Coach of Indian Men’s Cricket Team

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has been appointed as the bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Wednesday. Morkel’s tenure will commence from September 1, 2023.

Morkel, 39, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for South Africa. During his illustrious career, he claimed a total of 544 international wickets, establishing himself as one of the most formidable bowlers of his generation.

Morkel’s appointment reunites him with chief coach Gautam Gambhir, with whom he worked at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The duo will be tasked with guiding the Indian team to success in upcoming tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Morkel’s appointment has been met with praise from the Indian cricket fraternity. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar hailed Morkel as “a great choice” for the role, citing his experience and knowledge of the game.

“Morne Morkel is a great choice for the bowling coach of the Indian team,” Gavaskar said. “He has a lot of experience and knowledge of the game. He will be a great asset to the team.”

Morkel’s appointment is expected to bolster the Indian team’s bowling attack, which has been a concern in recent times. The team has struggled to find consistency in their bowling, particularly in the death overs. Morkel’s expertise and experience will be invaluable in addressing these issues.

The Indian team is currently preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from August 27 to September 11. Morkel’s appointment is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the team’s preparations for the tournament.

Yuzvendra Chahal Joins Northamptonshire for One-Day Cup and County Championship

Yuzvendra Chahal Joins Northamptonshire for One-Day Cup and County Championship

Yuzvendra Chahal, the renowned Indian leg-spinner, has joined Northamptonshire for the remainder of their Royal London One-Day Cup and County Championship campaigns. Chahal’s arrival bolsters Northamptonshire’s bowling attack, adding experience and wicket-taking prowess to their squad.

Chahal, 34, has a distinguished record in international cricket, having played a pivotal role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. Despite not featuring in the tournament, he remains a valuable asset for the Indian team, particularly in the shortest format.

Northamptonshire head coach John Sadler expressed his excitement about Chahal’s addition to the team. “Yuzvendra is a high-profile overseas player who brings a wealth of experience and incredible skills,” Sadler said. “His wicket-taking ability will add strength to our attack.”

Chahal’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Northamptonshire, who are currently struggling in the One-Day Cup Group A table. With just one win from seven matches, they are one place off the bottom. Chahal’s experience and skill could prove invaluable in helping the team improve their fortunes.

In addition to the One-Day Cup, Chahal will also feature in the remaining five County Championship fixtures for Northamptonshire. This will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his red-ball skills and stay match-fit ahead of potential international commitments.

Chahal’s signing is a significant boost for Northamptonshire, who will be hoping to climb the standings in both competitions. His experience and wicket-taking ability could make a significant difference in their quest for success.

Babar Azam Retains ODI Batting Crown, Rohit Sharma Surges to Second

Babar Azam Retains ODI Batting Crown, Rohit Sharma Surges to Second

Babar Azam remains the undisputed king of ODI batting, holding onto the top spot in the ICC rankings. However, Rohit Sharma has made significant strides, climbing to the second position after his impressive performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Rohit’s consistent batting in Sri Lanka, where he amassed 157 runs at an average of 52.33, has propelled him up the rankings. His scores of 58, 64, and 35 have earned him 765 points, just behind Babar’s 824 points.

Shubman Gill, who previously held the second spot, has dropped down to third, while Virat Kohli remains in fourth place. Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka has made a notable rise, moving up one spot to eighth.

Sri Lanka’s batting lineup also saw some impressive performances. Avishka Fernando (137 runs), Dunith Wellalage (108), Kusal Mendis (103), and Nissanka (101) were the key contributors. Nissanka’s consistent performance has solidified his position in the top ten, while Mendis and Avishka have made significant gains in the rankings.

Wellalage’s bowling prowess was also on display, particularly his 5 for 27 in the final ODI. This performance has earned him a jump of 17 spots to 59th among bowlers.

In the Test arena, South Africa’s Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj have made notable progress. Bavuma’s 86 in the first innings and 15 not out in the second have moved him up two spots to 16th on the batters’ table. Tony de Zorzi’s scores of 78 and 45 have also earned him a rise of 29 spots to 85th.

Maharaj’s exceptional bowling performance, with returns of 4 for 76 and 4 for 88, has earned him the Player-of-the-Match award and a jump of seven spots to joint 21st on the Test bowlers’ table.

India Poised for Third Consecutive Test Series Victory in Australia, Says Ravi Shastri

India Poised for Third Consecutive Test Series Victory in Australia, Says Ravi Shastri

India’s formidable bowling attack and exceptional batting lineup have positioned them as strong contenders for a third consecutive Test series victory in Australia, according to former head coach Ravi Shastri.

With Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja leading the bowling charge, India possesses a potent arsenal capable of dismantling Australia’s batting order. Shastri believes that if the Indian batsmen, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, can rise to the occasion, India has every chance of completing a hat-trick of series wins Down Under.

Despite Ricky Ponting’s prediction of a 3-1 series win for Australia, Shastri remains confident in India’s ability to overcome the challenge. He emphasizes that the Indian bowlers have the experience and skill to deliver success, provided the batsmen provide adequate support.

The upcoming five-match series in Australia, commencing in Perth in November, is highly anticipated. India has emerged victorious in the previous two Test series in Australia, retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2015.

Shastri acknowledges that Australia, boasting a potent bowling lineup of their own, will be eager for revenge after suffering back-to-back series defeats. However, he believes that India’s batting prowess and bowling strength will prove too formidable for the hosts.

The clash between India’s batting and Australia’s fast bowlers is expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the series. Shastri highlights that the Indian bowling attack will also be under scrutiny, as they aim to replicate their success in previous tours of Australia.

Pakistan Test Skipper Masood Stresses Need for Home Advantage

Pakistan Test Skipper Masood Stresses Need for Home Advantage

Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has emphasized the importance of establishing a winning mentality at home for the team’s long-term success. He believes that until Pakistan can consistently triumph on home soil, they cannot aspire to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

Masood’s appointment as Test captain followed Babar Azam’s resignation after Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup. Since international cricket returned to Pakistan in 2019, the Test side has struggled to make an impact at home. Australia and England have both comfortably won series in Pakistan, while the hosts have also failed to defeat New Zealand.

Critics have accused the PCB and team management of preparing flat pitches against Australia, England, and New Zealand in 2022-23, fearing defeats. Pakistan’s last Test series win came against South Africa in January 2021.

Masood believes that Pakistan’s lack of home advantage stems from their decade-long isolation from international cricket. “In Test cricket, you have to be familiar with certain conditions,” he said. “We still haven’t found our ideal way of playing at home that suits our batting, bowling, and overall style.”

Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, former Australian pace bowler Jason Gillespie, hopes that playing seven out of nine Tests at home this season will help the team find the right formula. “I think we still need to figure out exactly what surfaces we want to be playing on which gives us the edge,” said Gillespie.

Masood is determined to create conditions that favor Pakistan’s strengths. “We need to determine how we can create conditions that suit us more and put us in the driving seat, rather than just thinking about how we can cope with the opposition,” he said.

Pakistan’s upcoming international assignments in July will provide a crucial test for Masood and his team. If they can establish a winning habit at home, they will take a significant step towards their goal of becoming a formidable unit on the international stage.

Umpires Admit Super Over Blunder in Sri Lanka-India ODI

Umpires Admit Super Over Blunder in Sri Lanka-India ODI

Umpires Admit Error in Not Enforcing Super Over in Sri Lanka-India ODI

In a surprising turn of events, match officials involved in the tied first ODI between Sri Lanka and India have acknowledged that they mistakenly failed to enforce a Super Over as per the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) playing conditions.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Raveendra Wimalasiri, along with match referee Ranjan Madugalle, TV umpire Paul Reiffel, and fourth umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, have internally admitted to misinterpreting the ODI playing conditions. The rules clearly state that in the event of a tie, teams must contest a Super Over to determine a winner.

While there was initial confusion over whether the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the tour allowed for a Super Over, it has since been clarified that all tied ODIs will feature a Super Over, provided time and conditions permit.

Despite the tie, neither team inquired about the absence of the Super Over, and the players immediately shook hands. However, questions quickly arose on social media, prompting the match officials to review their decision.

The latest edition of the ODI playing conditions, released by the ICC in December 2023, explicitly states: “If the teams’ scores are equal after both innings have been completed, then a Super Over shall be played. If the Super Over is a tie, then unless exceptional circumstances arise subsequent Super Overs shall be played until there is a winner. Should it not be possible to play or to complete the Super Overs needed to determine a winner, the match shall be tied.”

It is understood that Madugalle, Wilson, and Wimalasiri did not initially discuss any specific reason for not enforcing the Super Over. However, after further discussions, they decided to activate the Super Over in case of another tie in the remaining two ODIs of the three-match series, which Sri Lanka eventually won 2-0.

In the match in question, India needed five runs from the final three overs, with two wickets in hand, to chase down the target of 231. Shivam Dube managed a four, but India lost consecutive wickets in the 48th over, resulting in the tie.

The admission of error by the match officials highlights the importance of adhering to the established playing conditions to ensure fair and consistent outcomes in cricket matches.

Kwena Maphaka Earns Proteas Call-Up After Stellar Year

Kwena Maphaka Earns Proteas Call-Up After Stellar Year

Kwena Maphaka, the standout performer at the Under-19 World Cup, has earned a call-up to South Africa’s senior team for their upcoming T20I series against West Indies. The 18-year-old fast bowler, who was named Player of the Tournament, has impressed with his pace and control, taking 21 wickets at an average of 9.71 in the tournament.

Maphaka’s inclusion is a testament to his rapid rise in the cricketing world. He made his provincial debut for Lions just before the World Cup and was subsequently picked by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024. His selection for the Proteas is a recognition of his exceptional talent and potential.

South Africa’s squad for the West Indies series also includes Jason Smith, a middle-order batter who was Dolphins’ top-scorer in the CSA T20 Challenge. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, with several regulars absent due to the recent T20 World Cup and upcoming CPL.

Quinton de Kock, who has not confirmed his international retirement, is the most notable absentee. Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, David Miller, and Tabraiz Shamsi are also missing, while Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Marco Jansen are being rested.

Bjorn Fortuin, who was a reserve player at the T20 World Cup, will take on the main spin-bowling duties. Lungi Ngidi will lead the pace attack, supported by Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams. Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger provide seam-bowling allrounder options.

Rassie van der Dussen has been recalled after missing out on the T20 World Cup, but there is no room for Matthew Breetzke. Aiden Markram will continue to captain the side.

“This tour allows us to continue developing our player pool whilst maintaining the core of experienced players,” said South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter. “It will also expose our emerging talent to quality international opposition.”

The three matches will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium from August 23-27. South Africa will be looking to improve on their performance in their previous T20I series against West Indies in May, which they lost 0-3.

Ben Stokes Signs with MI Cape Town for SA20 2025

Ben Stokes Signs with MI Cape Town for SA20 2025

Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, has signed with MI Cape Town for the upcoming season of the SA20, joining Azmatullah Omarzai as the franchise’s marquee overseas signings. The duo will bolster a squad that includes Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Nuwan Thushara, and Chris Benjamin, who have been retained from the previous season.

MI Cape Town’s domestic contingent is equally impressive, featuring Kagiso Rabada, Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, and George Linde. They are joined by Delano Potgieter, Thomas Kaber, and Connor Esterhuizen, who have been added to the roster.

For Boult, this marks his fourth stint with a Mumbai Indians-owned team, having previously played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, MI New York in MLC, and MI Emirates in the ILT20.

The SA20 franchises have been actively targeting top English Test players for the 2025 season, with Joe Root joining Paarl Royals, Ollie Pope signing with Pretoria Capitals, and Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes joining Joburg Super Kings and Durban’s Super Giants, respectively. Zak Crawley has been acquired by Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the two-time SA20 champions.

England’s Test tours to Pakistan and New Zealand in the winter of 2024-25 will conclude before Christmas, making English players available for the full duration of the ILT20 and SA20. The 2025 edition of the SA20 will run from January 9 to February 8.

Stokes’ England contract expires in September, and he has not played a white-ball game for England since the 2023 ODI World Cup. He is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, but is targeting a return for England’s Test tour of Pakistan in October.

If Stokes participates in the SA20, it will be a rare appearance for him in a franchise league. His previous IPL stints were disrupted by injuries, and he opted out of IPL 2024 to manage his workload.

Shan Masood Rejects Naseem Shah's Language Barrier Claims

Shan Masood Rejects Naseem Shah’s Language Barrier Claims

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has refuted claims made by teammate Naseem Shah regarding a language barrier between the team and foreign coaches. Masood emphasized that Pakistan has made significant progress in improving communication, citing the successful tenure of former head coach Mickey Arthur as an example.

Naseem Shah had previously expressed concerns about communication difficulties with foreign coaches, stating that players prefer to interact with coaches in their native language. However, Masood strongly disagrees, highlighting the team’s exposure to different dressing rooms and the presence of foreign support staff.

“I think now there is no communication gap,” Masood asserted. “All of us have spent a lot of time in different dressing rooms. Foreign coaches have come before in Mickey’s time. Mickey has come twice. Different assistant foreign coaches have come.”

Masood pointed out that Pakistan’s backroom staff also includes personnel from overseas, including the strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist. He believes that the players have gained valuable experience through playing in different leagues and franchises, including club cricket in England.

“Over the years, the boys have picked a lot of things, played in different leagues, played franchises. Some people have even gone to England and played club cricket in the past,” Masood added.

Pakistan is set to host Bangladesh for the first of two Test matches on August 21. The team currently sits fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) table for the 2023-25 cycle. Masood’s comments suggest that the team is confident in its ability to communicate effectively with its new head coach, Jason Gillespie, and achieve success in the upcoming series.

Aleem Dar's Heartbreaking Secret: Daughter's Death Concealed During World Cup

Aleem Dar’s Heartbreaking Secret: Daughter’s Death Concealed During World Cup

Pakistan’s most experienced umpire, Aleem Dar, has shared the heartbreaking story of how his family concealed the death of his seven-month-old daughter from him during the early stages of his international career in 2003.

The 56-year-old umpire recounted on a Pakistani television channel that his wife and family chose not to inform him about the tragic loss while he was officiating in the 2003 World Cup. “It was the beginning of my career as an ICC panel umpire, and it was a crucial assignment for my career,” Dar said. “They knew that if I learned about my daughter’s passing, I would immediately return home.”

Dar, who has officiated in 145 Tests, 231 ODIs, and 72 T20 Internationals, said that when he eventually discovered the truth, it was the most devastating moment of his life. “I was kept in the dark for almost a month after her passing, and I only found out by chance in Johannesburg when a Pakistani man from my hometown of Sialkot came to offer his condolences,” he said.

“It was a huge shock to me at that time, and I immediately informed the ICC and returned home,” Dar added. He recalled that when he called his wife, she broke down in tears over the phone.

Dar’s family had strictly instructed the media not to report the news, fearing it would affect his performance on the field. “I came to know later that my father had strictly told the media friends not to print the story,” he said.

Despite the immense personal tragedy, Dar continued to excel in his umpiring career, earning widespread respect for his integrity and professionalism. He is considered one of the most respected umpires in the world and has officiated in some of the most high-profile matches in cricket history.

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