Ravichandran Ashwin Silences Critics with Stellar Test Performance

Ravichandran Ashwin Silences Critics with Stellar Test Performance

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner, has faced skepticism throughout his Test career due to his initial prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, with an impressive tally of 101 Tests and 522 wickets, Ashwin has silenced his critics.

In the recent Test victory against Bangladesh in Chennai, Ashwin played a pivotal role, claiming seven wickets and scoring a crucial century in the first innings. His performance highlighted his versatility and cemented his status as one of the greatest Test bowlers of all time.

Ashwin’s journey began as a replacement for legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. Despite initial doubts, Ashwin has surpassed Harbhajan’s wicket tally and established himself as a formidable force in Test cricket.

“I had huge shoes to fill,” Ashwin said after the match. “I used to replicate Harbhajan’s action in junior cricket. Constantly people have doubted if I could deliver in red-ball as I came from IPL.”

Ashwin credits his success to his unwavering focus on bowling, while acknowledging his natural batting ability. He emphasizes the importance of compartmentalizing the two aspects of the game.

“I make a living by bowling, so bowling comes first,” he said. “Batting is something that comes naturally but I have focused my thoughts with batting. Over the last few years, I have tried to compartmentalize.”

Ashwin’s century in Chennai was a testament to his determination and resilience. “It was an opportunity to fight, dig in deep,” he said. “I’ve seen so many teammates do it in the past. It was a special innings.”

With his exceptional performances, Ashwin has earned the respect of his peers and fans alike. He continues to inspire young cricketers and contribute to India’s success in Test cricket.

Philippe's Century Leads NSW to Thrilling One-Day Cup Victory

Philippe’s Century Leads NSW to Thrilling One-Day Cup Victory

Josh Philippe’s scintillating century propelled New South Wales to a thrilling eight-run victory over Western Australia in the One-Day Cup. The former WA opener plundered a career-high 139 off 119 deliveries, overshadowing the return to form of WA’s Jhye Richardson, who claimed 5 for 63.

Philippe’s innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, with the 27-year-old smashing 17 fours and three sixes. He was particularly brutal down the ground, both along the deck and over the top. WA’s lone spinner, Ashton Agar, suffered plenty of punishment from Philippe, conceding 58 runs from eight overs.

In reply, WA had a chance to snatch victory, moving to 279 for 9 with nine runs needed off the final eight balls. However, Will Salzmann ended their hopes with a stunning catch at deep point to dismiss AJ Tye.

Cameron Bancroft top-scored for WA with 71, while Ashton Agar (51), Ashton Turner (41), and Hilton Cartwright (41) also made significant contributions.

Richardson’s five-wicket haul was a welcome return to form for the injury-prone quick. He put his injury woes behind him to finish with impressive figures, including two wickets in three balls in the sixth over.

Philippe’s century was a perfect start to his NSW career, having made the off-season switch from WA in a bid to reignite his Sheffield Shield career. His knock helped NSW post a formidable total despite the lack of support around him.

Matthew Gilkes scored 41 off 47 batting at No.7 to be the next best scorer, while tail-ender Tanveer Singh added a handy 26 not out off 14 balls at the death.

India Retains Unchanged Squad for Second Test Against Bangladesh

India Retains Unchanged Squad for Second Test Against Bangladesh

India Retains Squad for Second Test Against Bangladesh

The Indian cricket team will field the same squad for the second and final Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin in Kanpur on Friday, September 27th. The decision was made by the selection committee, as announced by BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah.

The squad remains unchanged from the first Test in Chennai, where India secured a dominant 280-run victory within four days. Ravichandran Ashwin was the star performer, claiming 6-88 and leading the Indian bowling attack to dismiss Bangladesh for 234. Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with figures of 3-58.

India’s squad for the second Test against Bangladesh:

* Rohit Sharma (C)
* Yashasvi Jaiswal
* Shubman Gill
* Virat Kohli
* KL Rahul
* Sarfaraz Khan
* Rishabh Pant (WK)
* Dhruv Jurel (WK)
* R Ashwin
* R Jadeja
* Axar Patel
* Kuldeep Yadav
* Mohd. Siraj
* Akash Deep
* Jasprit Bumrah
* Yash Dayal

Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat in Chennai. Shanto showed some fight in the first Test with an innings of 82, but the Indian bowlers proved too strong.

The second Test in Kanpur will be crucial for both teams. India will be looking to seal the series victory, while Bangladesh will be desperate to level the scores. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched sides.

New Zealand Set 275 to Win in Galle After Ajaz Patel's Five-Wicket Haul

New Zealand Set 275 to Win in Galle After Ajaz Patel’s Five-Wicket Haul

New Zealand’s bowlers dominated the morning session on day four of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, setting the visitors a target of 275 to win. Ajaz Patel starred with a five-wicket haul, while William O’Rourke chipped in with three wickets.

Sri Lanka resumed on 233 for 4, with Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva looking to build a solid partnership. However, Ajaz struck early, having de Silva stumped for 30. Kusal Mendis joined Mathews at the crease, and the pair put on a quick-fire 36-run stand.

But the introduction of the second new ball proved decisive. Mendis was dismissed for 22, shouldering arms to an Ajaz delivery that deflected onto his stumps. Mathews reached his half-century but was soon dismissed for 50, edging an attempted forward defense to first slip.

Ajaz continued to wreak havoc, trapping Ramesh Mendis in front for 14 and then getting Lahiru Kumara caught at mid-off for 1. Prabath Jayasuriya offered some resistance with a couple of boundaries, but Mitchell Santner ended his cameo with a caught-and-bowled dismissal.

New Zealand lost the wicket of Devon Conway before lunch, but Tom Latham and Kane Williamson saw them through to the break without further damage. The visitors need 262 runs to win with two sessions remaining on day four.

Ashwin's 37th Five-Wicket Haul Powers India to Victory in First Test

Ashwin’s 37th Five-Wicket Haul Powers India to Victory in First Test

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier spinner, has etched his name further into the annals of Test cricket history by claiming his 37th five-wicket haul. This remarkable achievement came in the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh at his home ground, Chepauk.

While the first innings proved less fruitful for Ashwin with the ball, he made a significant contribution with the bat, scoring a century that helped India post a formidable total of 376 runs. However, it was his bowling prowess in the second innings that proved decisive, earning India a comprehensive 280-run victory.

Ashwin’s exceptional performance highlights his status as one of the most prolific wicket-takers in Test cricket. He now holds the following records for India:

* Second most wickets (522)
* Most five-wicket hauls (37)
* Joint most ten-wicket hauls (10)
* Fastest to 250, 300, and 350 wickets in the world
* Second most centuries at No. 8 or below in the world (4)
* Only cricketer to have taken 30 five-fors and scored 20 50+ scores

Ashwin’s all-round brilliance was crucial in India’s victory. His 113 off 133 balls in the first innings provided a solid foundation for the team’s total, particularly after the top-order faltered. While the top-order struggled again in the second innings, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill stepped up with centuries to take India to a total of 287/4 before skipper Rohit Sharma declared.

On Day 4, India wasted no time in dismissing the remaining six Bangladesh batters, securing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. This victory also strengthens India’s position in the World Test Championship points table.

KL Rahul's 8000-Run Milestone: Shastri Calls for Mindset Shift

KL Rahul’s 8000-Run Milestone: Shastri Calls for Mindset Shift

KL Rahul, India’s prodigious batsman, has reached the coveted milestone of 8000 international runs. However, despite this achievement, former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Rahul needs to undergo a mindset shift to fully unlock his potential and deliver consistent performances.

Rahul’s milestone came during the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. After a modest first innings, he played a brief but unbeaten knock in the second, helping India extend their lead. This achievement places him among the elite Indian cricketers who have surpassed 8000 international runs.

While acknowledging Rahul’s talent, Shastri emphasized the need for a change in mindset. “KL Rahul needs to realize the immense talent he possesses. When he does that and approaches the game with a different mindset, he will become a formidable player,” Shastri said.

Rahul’s inconsistency, particularly in Test cricket, has been a concern. Despite match-winning performances and crucial knocks in limited-overs cricket, his Test average remains a modest 34.12 after 50 matches. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar attributes this inconsistency to a temperamental issue rather than technical deficiencies.

“Rahul’s performances have been erratic. He plays a brilliant innings in one Test and then seems disinterested in the next two or three,” Manjrekar commented. “He has some brilliant hundreds, but an average of 34 tells you about his temperament.”

Reaching 8000 international runs is a testament to Rahul’s capabilities across formats. With 8017 runs in 200 matches, including 17 hundreds and 54 half-centuries, he has already achieved what many cricketers aspire to. His versatility as a batter is evident in his performances in both Tests and limited-overs cricket.

However, Shastri and other experts believe that Rahul’s true potential lies in his ability to perform consistently and reach new heights. This requires a mental shift that will allow him to approach the game with a different mindset and unlock the full extent of his talent.

India Crush Bangladesh by 280 Runs, Ashwin Stars with Six-Wicket Haul

India Crush Bangladesh by 280 Runs, Ashwin Stars with Six-Wicket Haul

Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin orchestrated a dominant performance for India, leading them to a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening Test at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Bangladesh, set an improbable target of 515, were bowled out for 234 in their second innings, with Ashwin wreaking havoc with a six-wicket haul. The off-spinner, who has a special affinity for the Chepauk pitch, finished with figures of 6/88, showcasing his mastery of spin bowling.

Ravindra Jadeja provided valuable support, claiming 3/58, while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored for Bangladesh with a valiant 82 off 127 deliveries. However, the visitors’ batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by the Indian bowlers.

India’s victory was set up by a commanding batting performance in their second innings. Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill both notched up centuries, scoring 109 and 119 not out respectively. Their twin tons helped India declare their innings at 287/4, setting Bangladesh an insurmountable target.

The victory marks a significant milestone for Ashwin, who has now become the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, surpassing Kapil Dev’s tally of 434 wickets. Ashwin’s exceptional performance has cemented his status as one of the greatest spinners of all time.

India will now look to seal the series in the second and final Test, which will be played in Dhaka from December 14-18. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to counter India’s formidable bowling attack.

Tamim Iqbal and Ravi Shastri Engage in Humorous Commentary Banter

Tamim Iqbal and Ravi Shastri Engage in Humorous Commentary Banter

Bangladesh’s star cricketer Tamim Iqbal has ventured into the world of commentary during the ongoing India-Bangladesh Test series. On Day 3 of the first Test, Tamim engaged in a lighthearted banter with renowned Indian commentator Ravi Shastri.

The conversation centered around the importance of power in hitting sixes. Tamim emphasized the role of physical strength, while Shastri highlighted the significance of technique. Shastri playfully pointed out that Tamim, despite his lean physique, has hit the most sixes for Bangladesh in both Tests and ODIs.

“Why are you complaining? You are not Arnold Schwarzenegger, and you hit the most sixes for Bangladesh! 41 sixes,” Shastri quipped.

Tamim’s record speaks for itself. He has smashed 41 sixes in Test cricket, five more than his compatriot Mushfiqur Rahim. In ODIs, he has hit 103 maximums, three more than Rahim.

Meanwhile, on the field, India’s Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant slammed four sixes each as they notched up impressive centuries in the first innings. Their six-hitting prowess prompted the discussion between Tamim and Shastri.

Bangladesh ended Day 3 on 158/4, still trailing India’s massive target of 515 by 357 runs. Mushfiqur Rahim was dismissed before the end of play.

Earlier, Gill and Pant’s centuries helped India declare at 287/4 in their second innings. Bangladesh’s poor first innings performance left them with a daunting task to chase down.

Bangladesh’s openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, provided a solid start with a 50-run partnership, but both fell shortly after. R Ashwin was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming three wickets, including those of Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim.

Bangladesh enter this series on the back of a historic 2-0 away series win over Pakistan. India, on the other hand, are playing their first red-ball match since their 4-1 victory over England in March.

India U-19 Thrash Australia U-19 in Youth ODI Opener

India U-19 Thrash Australia U-19 in Youth ODI Opener

India’s Under-19 cricket team made a resounding start to their Youth ODI series against Australia, securing an emphatic seven-wicket victory in the opening match on Saturday. The match was eagerly anticipated as it marked the potential debut of Rahul Dravid’s elder son, Samit, for India U-19. However, it remains unclear whether Samit was dropped due to a combination issue or an injury.

Batting first, Australia struggled to build a substantial total, posting 184 in 49.4 overs. Right-arm leg-break bowler Mohamed Enaan was the standout performer for India, claiming four wickets for 32 runs in his 10-over spell. Steve Hogan (42) and Riley Kingsell (36) got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores. A middle-order collapse ensued, with only No. 10 Thomas Brown’s 29 taking the Aussies past the 180-run mark.

In reply, India lost their top three batters for just 32 runs. However, right-handed batter K.P. Karthikeya and skipper Mohammed Amaan steadied the innings with a crucial 153-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Karthikeya, who remained unbeaten on 85, played a more attacking role, hitting nine fours and two sixes in his 99-ball knock. Amaan, on the other hand, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 58 off 89 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.

Karthikeya was particularly severe on right-arm seamer Aiden O’Connor, smashing him for four boundaries and a six. He also hit a six off Thomas Brown. India eventually chased down the target with 14 overs to spare, securing a comfortable victory.

The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second Youth ODI is scheduled to be played on September 23, 2024.

TikTok Tactic Earns Pakistan Batsman Zaman Khan Promotion

TikTok Tactic Earns Pakistan Batsman Zaman Khan Promotion

Pakistan Batsman Zaman Khan’s TikTok Tactic Convinces Captain to Promote Him

In a unique twist, Pakistan batsman Zaman Khan resorted to a TikTok video to persuade his captain, Mohammad Haris, to elevate him in the batting order during a Champions One-Day Cup match.

Playing for the Stallions, Zaman showcased his power-hitting prowess in a TikTok video, hoping to catch Haris’s attention and earn a higher spot in the lineup. However, Haris initially remained unmoved and slotted Zaman at number 9.

Undeterred, Zaman seized the opportunity when he came to bat late in the innings. He unleashed a blistering display of power hitting, smashing an unbeaten 42 off just 16 balls, including six towering sixes.

After the match, Haris acknowledged his mistake in not promoting Zaman earlier. “I saw his TikTok videos and realized I had made a mistake,” Haris said. “I had prepared him for the 6th position, but I should have sent him in sooner.”

Zaman expressed his satisfaction with his performance and the impact it had on his captain. “I posted those videos on TikTok so that Haris would see them and send me in to bat sooner,” Zaman said. “I’m glad it worked.”

Despite Zaman’s heroics, the Stallions fell short in their chase of the Panthers’ massive 344/7, losing by 20 runs. However, Zaman’s TikTok tactic and subsequent performance have become a talking point in Pakistan cricket circles.

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