Ford Trophy to Open New Zealand's Domestic Cricket Season in 2024-25

Ford Trophy to Open New Zealand’s Domestic Cricket Season in 2024-25

New Zealand’s domestic cricket season will undergo a significant change in 2024-25, with the Ford Trophy, the men’s 50-over competition, kicking off the season instead of the traditional Plunket Shield. This marks the first time in six years that the Ford Trophy will open the domestic campaign.

The season will commence on October 20 with three rounds of Ford Trophy matches. Defending champions Canterbury will face Wellington in one of the opening day fixtures. The Plunket Shield will then take over from November 11, with two rounds scheduled before New Zealand’s home series against England. The first Test against England begins on November 28, coinciding with the third set of Plunket Shield games.

Similarly, the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, the domestic one-day tournament for women, will start on November 16, aligning with Australia’s inbound tour, which includes three ODIs. Six rounds of Johnstone Shield games will be played before New Zealand takes on Australia in the first ODI on December 19.

The change in the domestic schedule was made after consultations with players, coaches, and turf managers. Richard Brewer, NZC head of cricket operations, explained that the move will provide different pitch conditions for both competitions, presenting new challenges for batters and bowlers. Additionally, the alignment of the Plunket Shield with the England Test tour is seen as an added benefit.

For men, five rounds of the Ford Trophy will be followed by four in the Plunket Shield until December 10. The Ford Trophy resumes on February 6 and concludes with the final on March 2 in Dunedin. The Plunket Shield then takes over again from March 5, with the domestic season concluding with the Plunket Shield final round from March 29 to April 1.

For women, the Johnstone Shield breaks after six rounds on December 15 and restarts on February 8. The final will be played on March 1 in Dunedin.

The NZC is yet to confirm dates for the men and women’s Super Smash, the T20 competition.

Chahal's Nine-Wicket Haul Powers Northants to County Championship Win

Chahal’s Nine-Wicket Haul Powers Northants to County Championship Win

Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal continued his impressive form in the English County Championship, claiming a nine-wicket match haul to guide Northamptonshire to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Leicestershire.

Chahal, who had taken 4/82 in the first innings, picked up 5/134 in the second, dismissing key Leicestershire batsmen to restrict them to 316. The visitors then chased down the modest target of 137 in just 30.3 overs, with skipper Luke Procter (68 not out) and George Bartlett (54 not out) guiding them home.

Leicestershire had resumed the final day on 69/4, but Scott Currie and Tom Scriven put up a strong fightback, adding 110 runs for the fifth wicket. Currie reached a century (120) before falling to Chahal, who also dismissed skipper Lewis Hill (14) and Liam Trevaskis (2).

Despite conceding runs during Currie and Scriven’s partnership, Chahal’s persistence paid off as he eventually claimed Currie’s wicket to leave Leicestershire reeling at 303/9. Saif Zaib (2/61) then dismissed Louis Kimber to end the innings.

Chahal’s performance follows his impressive 5/45 and 4/45 in Northants’ 133-run win over Derbyshire in the previous match. The Indian spinner has now taken 14 wickets in just two matches for his new county, showcasing his exceptional skills and ability to adapt to English conditions.

Northamptonshire’s victory moves them up to third place in Division Two of the County Championship, while Leicestershire remain in eighth position.

VVS Laxman's Maiden Test Century Against Australia: A Glimpse of Brilliance

VVS Laxman’s Maiden Test Century Against Australia: A Glimpse of Brilliance

Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman, fondly known as VVS Laxman, etched his name in cricketing history with his exceptional performances against Australia, particularly in Test cricket. His batting against the formidable Australian side, which dominated world cricket in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is remembered for its elegance, resilience, and class.

Laxman’s maiden Test century against Australia came during India’s tour of Australia in 1999-2000. Despite India’s overall disappointing performance, Laxman’s knock at the Sydney Cricket Ground provided a glimpse of his brilliance.

Batting in the second innings, Laxman faced a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from Glenn McGrath but remained undeterred. He caressed full-length deliveries through the covers with ease and pulled majestically from outside off-stump. His timing and placement were impeccable, whether it was a flick off his pads or a drive through the line.

Laxman reached his half-century off just 55 balls and his maiden century off 114 deliveries. He continued to dominate the Australian bowlers, reaching 150 off 172 balls. When he finally fell for 167, caught behind by Adam Gilchrist off Brett Lee, he received a standing ovation from the SCG crowd.

Laxman’s batting exhibition was so magnificent that Justin Langer ran over and congratulated him at the end of his knock. Lee and other Aussie players also applauded him off the field. The “very very special” tag that Laxman carried with him for almost his entire career was perhaps given to him on that day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

This knock was just a prequel to a historic innings that Laxman played at the Eden Gardens in March 2001. In that match, he scored a match-winning 281 against Australia, helping India to a famous victory.

Laxman scored six Test centuries against Australia during his career, consistently showing his prowess against them. His ability to play against quality fast bowlers like McGrath, Lee, and Jason Gillespie, as well as the legendary spinner Shane Warne, was a testament to his technical brilliance.

Laxman’s performances against Australia are etched in cricketing history, especially for the way he played crucial innings in pressure situations. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure made him one of the finest batsmen in India-Australia contests.

India Post Competitive 376 in Chattogram Test, Ashwin Scores Century

India Post Competitive 376 in Chattogram Test, Ashwin Scores Century

Riding on Ravichandran Ashwin’s century and his 199-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, India posted a competitive 376 on the second day of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram.

Resuming the day at 339/6, India lost four wickets for the addition of just 37 runs. Jadeja (86) was the first to fall, caught by Das off Taskin Ahmed. Ashwin added 11 runs to his overnight score of 102 before he was dismissed by Taskin for 113. The Bangladesh pacer grabbed three wickets (3/55) — Jadeja, Ashwin, and Akash Deep.

Pacer Hasan Mahmud emerged as the most successful Bangladesh bowler, snaring five wickets for 83 runs. His victims included Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah.

India’s innings was anchored by Ashwin’s 113, his fifth Test century. He shared a crucial 199-run partnership with Jadeja, who fell just 14 runs short of his century.

Bangladesh’s bowlers toiled hard on a flat pitch, but they were unable to contain India’s batsmen for long periods. The hosts will need to bat well in their first innings to stay in the contest.

CPL Controversy: LBW Decision Sparks Chaos and Delay

CPL Controversy: LBW Decision Sparks Chaos and Delay

In a controversial turn of events, an lbw decision against Antigua And Barbuda Falcons batter Imad Wasim sparked chaos and a lengthy delay in the CPL match against Trinbago Knight Riders in Port of Spain.

Umpire Christopher Taylor initially ruled Wasim not out, but a review by TKR captain Kieron Pollard showed the ball hitting leg stump. However, Wasim insisted he had edged the ball, and replays on the big screen seemed to support his claim.

The third umpire reversed the decision to not out, prompting an animated discussion between Pollard and the on-field umpires. TKR coach Phil Simmons also expressed his displeasure from the dugout. The delay lasted nearly 12 minutes, with the TKR camp clearly unhappy with the outcome.

Falcons coach Curtly Ambrose protested from the dugout, while Wasim himself appeared confident in his innocence. Despite the controversy, Wasim went on to hit the winning runs for the Falcons.

TKR, despite the loss, remain second in the points table but have yet to secure a playoff berth. Pollard declined to comment on the incident, saying, “If I speak, I’ll get into trouble.”

Falcons captain Chris Green was more vocal, describing the situation as “absolute chaos.” He questioned the initial decision and the subsequent reversal, but ultimately expressed satisfaction with his team’s victory.

The incident highlights the complexities of umpiring decisions in cricket and the potential for controversy when technology is involved. It also underscores the importance of clear communication and consistency in decision-making.

R. Ashwin's Century at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium: A Testament to His Love for the Ground

R. Ashwin’s Century at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium: A Testament to His Love for the Ground

R. Ashwin, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has been enjoying a remarkable run at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Last month, he led the Dindigul Dragons to their maiden TNPL title with crucial knocks. On Thursday, he added another feather to his cap by scoring his sixth Test century, his second in as many Tests at this iconic venue.

Ashwin’s love for the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium is evident in his words. “This is a ground I completely love to play cricket in. It’s given me a lot of wonderful memories,” he said after the day’s play.

The 38-year-old attributed his success in the Test match to the work he had put in during the TNPL. “It helps that I’m coming off a T20 tournament where I worked quite a bit on batting and playing shots,” he explained.

Ashwin also highlighted the importance of playing aggressively on a surface that offers assistance to the bowlers. “On a surface like this with a bit of spice, if you’re going after the ball, you might as well go after it hard like Rishabh (Pant) does,” he said.

Ashwin’s century was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. He came to the crease with India in a spot of bother at 86/3. However, he played with patience and determination, gradually building his innings. He reached his century with a boundary off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, sparking jubilation among the home crowd.

Ashwin’s knock was not just about runs; it was also about the time he spent at the crease. He faced 233 deliveries and hit 12 fours and a six, anchoring India’s innings and giving them a solid platform to build on.

The century was also a significant milestone for Ashwin, who became only the second Indian after Kapil Dev to score six Test centuries and take 300 Test wickets. It is a testament to his all-round abilities and his status as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation.

KL Rahul’s “Innings Without Purpose” Raises Concerns About Temperament

KL Rahul’s underwhelming performance in the first innings of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh has raised concerns about his temperament and purpose at the crease. Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar criticized Rahul’s “innings without purpose,” highlighting his tendency to overthink his technique rather than relying on his instincts.

Rahul, playing in his 51st Test, was dismissed for a laborious 16 off 52 balls by spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz. His innings came at a crucial juncture when India was struggling at 34 for 3. Rishabh Pant and Yashaswi Jaiswal had provided some stability with a 62-run partnership, but Rahul’s dismissal left India in a precarious position.

Manjrekar believes that Rahul’s temperamental issues have hindered his progress in Test cricket. Despite scoring hundreds in challenging conditions, Rahul’s average of 33.87 reflects his inconsistency. “The numbers that he has…He’s got hundreds, not one or two, quite a few in testing conditions. But the average of 34 tells you about his temperament,” said Manjrekar.

Rahul’s struggles are particularly concerning given his experience and the importance of his role in the Indian batting lineup. As an opener, he is expected to provide a solid foundation for the team. However, his recent performances have raised questions about his ability to handle pressure and deliver consistently.

Manjrekar hopes that Rahul can improve his temperament and rediscover his form in the second innings. “Let’s hope things improve for him in the second innings,” he said.

Babar Azam Silences Sarfaraz Ahmed's Taunts with Champions Cup Century

Babar Azam Silences Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Taunts with Champions Cup Century

Babar Azam Silences Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Taunts with Century in Champions Cup

In a thrilling Champions Cup encounter in Faisalabad, Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam silenced his detractors with a magnificent century, proving that he remains a force to be reckoned with.

The match took an unexpected turn when Dolphins wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed attempted to unsettle Babar with sarcastic remarks. “No hurry, tell spectators to chant Babar, Babar. Let Babar play 40 overs and we will get others out,” Sarfaraz was heard saying on the stump microphone.

However, Babar responded in the best possible way, showcasing his class and composure. Coming in to bat at No. 3 for the Stallions, he played a masterful innings, scoring 104 not out off 100 balls. His knock included seven boundaries and three towering sixes, guiding the Stallions to a competitive 271 for 7 in 50 overs.

In response, the Dolphins’ batting lineup crumbled under pressure, crashing to a dismal 97 all out in just 25 overs. Sarfaraz, who had tried to provoke Babar, managed only five runs before being dismissed.

Jahandad Khan and Mehran Mumtaz were the stars with the ball for the Stallions, claiming three wickets each. Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed also chipped in with two wickets apiece, ensuring a comprehensive 174-run victory for their team.

Babar’s century was a timely reminder of his exceptional talent and resilience. Despite facing criticism for his recent form, he proved that he is still capable of dominating the game. His innings not only silenced his critics but also inspired his team to a resounding victory.

Travis Head's Unbeaten 154 Powers Australia to ODI Victory

Travis Head’s Unbeaten 154 Powers Australia to ODI Victory

Travis Head’s magnificent unbeaten 154 propelled Australia to a commanding seven-wicket victory over England in the series opener at Trent Bridge. Chasing a formidable 316, Australia reached the target with 36 balls to spare, extending their winning streak to 13 consecutive ODIs.

Head’s innings was a masterclass in batting, showcasing his exceptional strokeplay and composure. He reached his half-century in just 50 balls and went on to surpass his previous highest ODI score of 152. His 129-ball knock included 20 fours and five sixes.

Marnus Labuschagne emerged as an unlikely bowling hero for Australia, claiming 3 for 39. His part-time leg-spin proved effective, dismissing Ben Duckett and Harry Brook in quick succession. Adam Zampa also impressed with figures of 3 for 49.

England’s innings had started promisingly, with Duckett and Will Jacks scoring brisk half-centuries. However, Labuschagne’s double strike triggered a collapse, as England lost their last six wickets for just 59 runs.

Despite missing several key players due to illness and injury, Australia’s depleted team showed great resilience and determination. Head’s match-winning innings and Labuschagne’s unexpected bowling heroics were the highlights of a memorable victory.

Travis Head's Century Sparks Debate on Test Opening Role

Travis Head’s Century Sparks Debate on Test Opening Role

Travis Head’s scintillating century in the ODI against England has reignited the debate about his potential as a Test opener for Australia. With Steven Smith likely to return to the middle order, Head’s impressive form has prompted suggestions that he could fill the void at the top of the batting order.

Head’s ability to score quickly and confidently has been evident in his recent white-ball performances. His century in Nottingham came off just 92 balls, showcasing his aggressive approach and ability to dominate the bowling. Despite facing a formidable attack led by Jofra Archer, Head remained unfazed, demonstrating the mental fortitude required of a Test opener.

However, the transition from white-ball to red-ball cricket presents significant challenges. Test matches require a different mindset, with batsmen needing to be patient and build innings over longer periods. Head’s unorthodox technique, which allows him to create room and hit wide deliveries, could be a potential vulnerability against the short ball, a tactic that India is likely to employ.

Despite these concerns, Head’s recent performances have convinced many that he has the potential to succeed as a Test opener. His ability to put the last ball behind him and focus on the present moment, as evidenced by his composure against Jasprit Bumrah in Ahmedabad, is a valuable trait for any batsman.

Usman Khawaja, the incumbent opener, has expressed his belief that Head is the best candidate to partner him at the top of the order. Head’s success in opening the batting in one-day cricket, coupled with his confidence and ability to score runs quickly, makes him an attractive option for the selectors.

Whether Head ultimately opens the batting in Tests remains to be seen. The decision will depend on a number of factors, including his own willingness to take on the role and the selectors’ assessment of his suitability. However, his recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case and made him a serious contender for the position.

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