Shakib Al Hasan Battles Finger and Shoulder Discomfort, Affecting Bowling Performance

Shakib Al Hasan Battles Finger and Shoulder Discomfort, Affecting Bowling Performance

Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik has shed light on the struggles faced by Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, revealing that he is battling discomfort in his spinning finger and shoulder. This revelation comes after Shakib’s underwhelming performance in the ongoing Test match against India, where he conceded 64 runs in just seven overs.

Kartik, who is currently involved in broadcasting duties for the match, stated that Shakib has undergone finger surgery on his bowling finger. The injury has caused swelling and rigidity, affecting his grip and feel for the ball. Additionally, Shakib is also experiencing shoulder issues, further hindering his bowling ability.

“He has had a finger surgery on his bowling finger, which is the point of his finger of his left hand. It is swollen, it is rigid, there is no movement, no suppleness to it. So he feels he is not getting any feeling out of it. As a spinner, you need the feeling,” Kartik explained.

Shakib’s finger injury dates back to the 50-over World Cup last year, where he sustained a left index finger injury against Sri Lanka. This injury kept him out of action for several months. He also faced an eye problem that delayed his return to the Bangladesh team.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal expressed concern over Shakib’s injuries, stating that if he is playing despite these issues, Bangladesh is effectively playing with one bowler short. He questioned whether the team management was aware of Shakib’s injuries.

However, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief physician Dr. Debashish denied any knowledge of Shakib experiencing discomfort due to an injury. He acknowledged that Shakib had a fractured finger from the World Cup but stated that he had not recently complained about any finger or shoulder injuries.

Despite the BCB’s denial, Kartik’s revelation raises questions about Shakib’s fitness and the team’s decision to field him in the Test match. With Bangladesh struggling to contain India’s batting lineup, Shakib’s absence as a frontline bowler could prove costly.

Rain Threatens to Delay India's Victory Push in Chennai Test

Rain Threatens to Delay India’s Victory Push in Chennai Test

India vs Bangladesh Test: Rain Threatens to Delay India’s Victory Push

The first India vs Bangladesh Test in Chennai has been marred by bad light and the threat of rain, forcing an early end to Day 3 and casting doubt over India’s chances of securing a victory.

As India tightened their grip on the match, a cloud cover descended over the Chepauk Test in the final session, prompting the umpires to call off play with 10 overs remaining. The weather forecast for Sunday is equally concerning, with showers predicted that could further delay India’s bid for a 1-0 series lead.

Overnight rain and thunderstorms are expected in Chennai, with cloudy weather persisting throughout the fourth day. The Weather Channel predicts rain after midnight, potentially carrying on until 5 am. This could lead to a delayed start or even a stop-start game, depending on the condition of the field.

At the close of play on Day 3, Bangladesh were 158 for 4, still requiring 357 runs to chase down India’s mammoth total of 515. Ravichandran Ashwin was the star performer for India, claiming three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah took one. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan were unbeaten on 51 and 5, respectively, when play was halted.

If the rain does not interfere, India will be looking to wrap up the match quickly. The overcast conditions are expected to favor fast bowling, which could give India an advantage. However, the threat of rain remains a major concern and could potentially spoil India’s victory push.

Kohli's Controversial DRS Decision Sparks Debate

Kohli’s Controversial DRS Decision Sparks Debate

Virat Kohli’s decision not to review an LBW decision against him in the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh sparked controversy and became a major talking point on social media. The incident occurred when Kohli was trapped by Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 17 runs. Umpire Richard Kettleborough raised his finger in favor of the bowler, but Kohli opted against reviewing the decision.

However, replays later revealed that there was an inside edge on the ball, which even Kohli was unaware of. This costly error left Indian captain Rohit Sharma visibly baffled, as he appeared frustrated with Kohli’s decision not to take the DRS review. Kettleborough, on the other hand, couldn’t help but smile upon realizing that the star Indian batter had made a blunder.

During the final innings of the first Test, Kohli approached Kettleborough for a brief conversation. The umpire’s comment, accompanied by a pat on Kohli’s back, left the Indian skipper laughing uncontrollably. Although the video capturing this interaction quickly spread across social media platforms, the absence of audio made it impossible to discern the exact words exchanged between the two.

Kohli’s decision not to review the LBW decision has been widely criticized by experts and fans alike. Many believe that it was a reckless and impulsive decision that cost India a crucial wicket. However, some have defended Kohli’s decision, arguing that he may have felt confident that he had not hit the ball.

Despite the controversy surrounding Kohli’s decision, India managed to close in on victory in the first Test thanks to centuries from opener Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Bangladesh started their chase of 515 runs briskly but lost wickets to reach 158-4 when bad light stopped play on day three. The visitors still need 357 runs for a win.

India D Dominate India B in Duleep Trophy Final

India D Dominate India B in Duleep Trophy Final

India D has taken a commanding lead over India B in the final Duleep Trophy fixture in Anantapur. Resuming on 210 for 6, India C added 72 runs to their overnight score, thanks largely to Washington Sundar’s 87. Saurabh Kumar claimed the remaining four wickets to finish with a five-wicket haul.

India D’s second innings got off to a shaky start as Navdeep Saini and Mukesh Kumar reduced them to 18 for 3. However, Shreyas Iyer counterattacked with a quickfire 50, hitting seven fours and a six. Sanju Samson, who scored a century in the first innings, contributed 45, while Ricky Bhui remained unbeaten on 90.

At stumps, India D were 244 for 5, with Bhui and Akash Sengupta at the crease. They lead India B by 311 runs with five wickets in hand.

India B, currently second on the table, face an uphill task to win the title. They need to win outright and hope that neither India C nor India A win outright.

Adil Rashid Becomes First England Spinner to Reach 200 ODI Wickets

Adil Rashid Becomes First England Spinner to Reach 200 ODI Wickets

Adil Rashid, England’s premier spinner, etched his name in the history books on Saturday by becoming the first English spinner to reach the milestone of 200 ODI wickets. This remarkable achievement came during the second ODI against Australia at Leeds.

In his 10 overs, Rashid displayed his exceptional skills, claiming the wickets of Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa while conceding only 42 runs at an economical rate of 4.20. With this performance, Rashid has now taken 201 wickets in 137 ODIs since his debut in 2009. His impressive average of 32.22 and best figures of 5/27 are a testament to his consistency and effectiveness.

Rashid’s eight four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls in ODIs further highlight his ability to make a significant impact on matches. He is now England’s third-highest wicket-taker in ODIs, behind only pace bowlers James Anderson (269 wickets) and Darren Gough (234 wickets).

In the match against Australia, England won the toss and elected to field first. Matthew Short and Travis Head provided a solid start with a 46-run opening partnership. However, Rashid and his fellow bowlers quickly turned the tide in England’s favor.

After the early dismissals of Short and Head, Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the Australian innings with a 56-run stand. But England’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, and wickets fell at regular intervals.

Alex Carey emerged as a lone warrior for Australia, scoring a valiant 74 off 67 balls. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent Australia from being bowled out for 270 in 44.4 overs.

Brydon Carse was the pick of the English bowlers, claiming 3/75. Rashid, Jacob Bethell, and Matthew Potts also contributed with two wickets each.

With this victory, England leveled the five-match series 1-1. The third ODI will be played on Tuesday at Manchester.

Gurbaz Matches Kohli's ODI Century Record Before Turning 23

Gurbaz Matches Kohli’s ODI Century Record Before Turning 23

Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz has etched his name alongside Indian batting legend Virat Kohli in an exclusive club. The 22-year-old Afghan opener has become the second player to score seven ODI centuries before turning 23, matching Kohli’s feat.

Gurbaz’s latest century came in the second ODI against South Africa, where he smashed a magnificent 103 off 100 deliveries. This was his seventh ODI ton, putting him on par with Kohli, who also had seven centuries before turning 23.

South Africa’s Quinton de Kock holds the record for the most ODI centuries before the age of 23, with eight tons to his name. Gurbaz, who turns 23 on November 28, still has time to match or even surpass de Kock’s record.

In his 42 ODI appearances, Gurbaz has amassed 1,572 runs at an impressive average of 38.34. His seven centuries and five half-centuries highlight his consistency and ability to score big runs. His highest score of 151 remains a testament to his explosive batting style.

Gurbaz’s century played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s emphatic 177-run victory over South Africa in the second ODI. The Afghan team registered a famous series win, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

After Gurbaz’s century laid the foundation, all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai unleashed a blistering 86 off just 50 balls, propelling Afghanistan to a formidable total of 311.

In response, South Africa’s batting woes continued as they were bundled out for a paltry 134. Rashid Khan was the star performer with the ball, claiming 5/19, while newcomer Nangeyaliya Kharote chipped in with four wickets.

Gurbaz will have one more opportunity to match de Kock’s record in the final ODI of the series. The Afghan opener will be eager to continue his impressive form and cement his place among the elite batsmen in world cricket.

Rishabh Pant Set for DC Retention, Smashes Century in Test Return

Rishabh Pant Set for DC Retention, Smashes Century in Test Return

Star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has made a resounding statement in the ongoing 1st Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. In his first Test appearance since December 2022, Pant smashed his 6th Test century, scoring 109 runs in the second innings.

Pant’s performance has come amidst speculation about his future at Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it has now been reported that the 26-year-old is set to be retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL mega auction.

According to Cricbuzz, Pant met with DC co-owner Parth Jindal in Mumbai before the 1st Test to finalize his contract talks. The report suggests that Pant may receive an improved contract, having been retained by DC for Rs 16 crore in the 2022 mega auction.

“Pant’s current IPL salary is INR 16 crore, but this figure is expected to go up based on the total player purse allowed to a franchise and the retention fee guidelines set by the BCCI,” the report states.

DC’s co-owners, the GMR and JSW Groups, have reportedly finalized other retention decisions as well. If the BCCI allows more than five player retentions, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to be kept, along with overseas players Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs. Additionally, 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel may be retained as an uncapped player.

Pant made his return to competitive cricket in the IPL earlier this year, leading DC to a sixth-placed finish. The IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to be a two-day affair held overseas in November or December this year.

The BCCI is yet to announce the official retention rules, but it is anticipated that the announcement will be made soon.

India A Extends Lead Over India C in Duleep Trophy Final

India A Extends Lead Over India C in Duleep Trophy Final

India A has extended its lead over India C in the final round of the Duleep Trophy fixtures in Anantapur. Resuming the third day with a 63-run advantage, India A’s Riyan Parag and Shashwat Rawat played crucial knocks to bolster their position.

Parag, who had not scored a half-century in the competition prior to this match, struck a fluent 73. Rawat, the 23-year-old Baroda batter, continued his impressive form with a second big score in the match, following his 124 in the first innings. His 53 helped India A extend their lead to 333 at stumps with four wickets remaining.

The pair added 105 for the fourth wicket, with the partnership broken when left-arm spinner Manav Suthar dismissed Rawat. Kumar Kushagra, the Jharkhand wicketkeeper, remained unbeaten on 40 at the close of play, with Tanush Kotian providing support.

India C’s hopes of chasing down India A’s first-innings total of 297 were dashed by Avesh Khan, who claimed two of the three wickets to fall. India C managed to add just 18 runs to their overnight total, with left-arm spinner Shams Mulani picking up the other wicket.

India A, currently placed third in the four-team competition, need an outright victory to have a chance of winning the Duleep Trophy.

Shubman Gill's Old-School Skills Counter Bangladesh Spinners

Shubman Gill’s Old-School Skills Counter Bangladesh Spinners

Shubman Gill’s masterful display of old-school cricket skills against Bangladesh’s spinners on a challenging pitch at Chepauk in Chennai has showcased his growth and adaptability as a batsman. Gill’s unbeaten 119, which propelled India to a commanding lead of 514 on the third day of the first Test, was a testament to his careful strategy and unwavering focus.

Gill’s approach was evident from the outset, as he stepped out to hit off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a six and attacked Shakib Al-Hasan’s flighted delivery for a boundary. This aggressive footwork against spinners is a result of years of training, which Gill began at a young age due to his height.

“It’s something that I started practicing when I was very young because I was always a tall guy,” Gill explained. “So, it was easier for me to use my feet and play along the ground. Playing in the air and hitting sixes actually came a bit later when I got a little bit more power in my body.”

Gill’s confidence has soared after his impressive series against England earlier this year, where he amassed nearly 500 runs. “I think the series that I had against England gave me a lot of confidence,” he said. “I felt it was a long time coming for me, especially batting at that position (No. 3).”

Gill’s efforts were complemented by Rishabh Pant, who scored a century of his own. Gill expressed his happiness for Pant’s remarkable comeback after his life-threatening car accident in 2022. “I have spent a lot of time with him on and off the field and watching him score his first 50 and first 100 after his comeback gives me so much pleasure,” Gill said.

The duo’s quirky celebration routine, which involves two taps of gloves followed by a tap of the bats, has become a signature moment in their partnership. “I was telling him not to (hit bat twice) because I’m playing with a bat that I played against England,” Gill said with a laugh. “My bat is quite old. He was hitting my bat so hard. I was telling him that I’m trying to save my bat.”

Gill’s focused and calculated efforts against the spinners highlight his growth and adaptability, promising more stellar performances in future matches. His ability to counter challenging conditions and unsettle bowlers with his old-school skills makes him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Siraj's Spin Suggestion Amuses as Bad Light Halts India-Bangladesh Test

Siraj’s Spin Suggestion Amuses as Bad Light Halts India-Bangladesh Test

Bad Light Halts Play in India-Bangladesh Test, Siraj’s Spin Suggestion Amuses

CHENNAI, India – Bad light once again disrupted the flow of Test cricket, forcing an early end to the third day’s play in the first India-Bangladesh Test in Chennai.

As dark clouds rolled in from the beach side, reducing visibility on the ground, umpires Rod Tucker and Nitin Menon suspended play in the 38th over. The decision came as a disappointment to fans and players alike, who had witnessed an intriguing contest up to that point.

In response to the situation, India captain Rohit Sharma approached the umpires to inquire about the possibility of continuing the game with spinners. However, it was Mohammed Siraj who came up with an unexpected suggestion that left his teammates and the umpires in stitches.

Siraj, known primarily for his fast bowling, had been honing his spin skills during the break. With a mischievous grin, he approached Rohit and proposed using his newfound ability to combat the fading light.

“He can’t bowl spin,” Rohit chuckled, dismissing Siraj’s suggestion. The response drew laughter from both the players and the match officials.

Earlier in the month, England pacer Chris Woakes had been forced to bowl off-spin due to bad light during the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Kennington Oval. However, Siraj’s suggestion was met with amusement rather than serious consideration.

Bangladesh had started their chase of India’s 515-run target briskly, reaching 158-4 before the bad light intervened. The visitors still need 357 runs for victory, and the weather conditions could play a crucial role in the outcome of the match.

The early end to the day’s play was a reminder of the challenges that bad light can pose to cricket matches, particularly in the later stages of the day. Umpires are tasked with making difficult decisions based on visibility and player safety, and their judgment can sometimes lead to frustration among fans and players.

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