Dinesh Karthik Rectifies All-Time India XI, Includes MS Dhoni

Dinesh Karthik Rectifies All-Time India XI, Includes MS Dhoni

Dinesh Karthik’s All-Time India XI: A Mistake Rectified

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has clarified his omission of legendary wicket-keeper and captain MS Dhoni from his all-time India XI across formats. Karthik initially left out Dhoni, sparking controversy among cricket enthusiasts.

In a recent interview, Karthik admitted that the omission was an oversight. “I made a big mistake,” he confessed. “I realized only when the episode came out.” He explained that amidst various considerations, he forgot to include a wicketkeeper, leading to the assumption that Rahul Dravid would take on that role.

“Can you believe being a wicketkeeper, I forgot to have a wicketkeeper? It is a blunder,” Karthik added.

Karthik, who has played as a wicketkeeper for India, lavished praise on Dhoni, calling him “one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game.” He clarified that if given the chance to redo his team, Dhoni would be his automatic choice for the No. 7 spot and would be the captain of any Indian team, irrespective of the format.

Karthik’s all-time India XI across formats features a mix of India’s finest talents. The lineup includes Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma as openers, followed by Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in the crucial No. 3 and No. 4 positions. Virat Kohli is at No. 5, adding further depth and firepower to the batting lineup.

For the all-rounder slots, Karthik chose Yuvraj Singh and Ravindra Jadeja, both known for their match-winning abilities with both bat and ball. The spin department features Ravichandran Ashwin and Anil Kumble, two of India’s most successful spinners, while the pace attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah and Zaheer Khan. Karthik also named Harbhajan Singh as the 12th man, recognizing his significant contributions to Indian cricket.

Despite the initial mix-up, Karthik’s selections underscore his respect for the greats of Indian cricket and highlight the depth of talent the country has produced over the years.

Paul Walter Set for BBL Return as Draft Nominations Announced

Paul Walter Set for BBL Return as Draft Nominations Announced

Paul Walter, the all-rounder who played a pivotal role in Brisbane Heat’s BBL title triumph last season, is set to return to the competition after being nominated for next month’s draft. Walter, a left-arm seamer and hard-hitting batter, became a fan favorite for Heat, claiming 17 wickets and earning a spot in the team of the tournament.

Heat holds retention rights for Walter, giving them the option to bring him back if another team attempts to select him. Walter’s full availability, including the finals, makes him a valuable asset for Heat, who boast a diverse bowling attack featuring Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and spin twins Matt Kuhnemann and Mitchell Swepson.

“I think we’ve got the best bowling unit in the competition,” Walter said during last season’s campaign. “I feel like I complement the rest of the attack quite well, and we’ve been good at managing games.”

English cricketers dominate the list of nominees, but most have limited availability due to England’s Test series in New Zealand and limited-overs tour of India. However, players like Olly Stone, Dan Lawrence, Jordan Cox, and Joe Clarke are likely to attract interest. Legspinner Rehan Ahmed, who was initially drafted by Sydney Sixers last season but withdrew due to international commitments, has nominated again.

Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim, who Melbourne Stars have retention rights for, has full availability, as does slingy fast bowler Zaman Khan, who played for Sydney Thunder last season.

In the WBBL, England players are also well-represented among the nominees. Dani Gibson, who played a crucial role in the Hundred final, impressed for Adelaide Strikers last season, striking at 147.43 and claiming 10 wickets. She has full availability, although England has a T20I series against South Africa that overlaps with the WBBL finals.

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who was initially nominated with full availability, now has availability of six to nine games. Strikers are the only club yet to name a pre-draft signing, but they are expected to fill that spot next week.

Sanderstead's Stuey Elleray Drops the Catch of the Century

Sanderstead’s Stuey Elleray Drops the Catch of the Century

Sanderstead’s Stuey Elleray Drops the Catch of the Century

In a hilarious turn of events during a village league match between Sanderstead Cricket Club and Merton Boars, Sanderstead’s Stuey Elleray became an instant internet sensation after juggling the ball seven times before dropping a routine catch.

The incident occurred during Merton Boars’ innings, with Mark Barber on the attack after completing his century. Elleray, fielding at long-on, had a seemingly straightforward catch to take, but the ball slipped through his grasp and bounced off his chest.

Undeterred, Elleray continued to juggle the ball, much to the amusement of the crowd and his teammates. The ball bounced off his hands, his legs, and even his head, before he finally lost his balance and dropped it.

Elleray’s fumble sent social media into a frenzy, with fans labeling it one of the biggest “hall of shame” moments in cricket history. Some even dubbed it the “greatest dropped catch ever.”

Despite Elleray’s comical error, Sanderstead went on to secure a comfortable victory, chasing down a target of 240 in just 30.3 overs with eight wickets to spare. Barber’s unbeaten 117 went in vain as all of Sanderstead’s top-five batters contributed to a convincing day on the field for the hosts.

Elleray’s dropped catch has become a viral sensation, highlighting the unpredictable and often hilarious nature of cricket. While it may have been a moment of embarrassment for Elleray, it has also brought joy to cricket fans around the world.

Marcus Trescothick Appointed Interim England White-Ball Head Coach

Marcus Trescothick Appointed Interim England White-Ball Head Coach

Marcus Trescothick, England’s assistant coach, has been appointed as the interim head coach for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Australia. However, Trescothick remains undecided about his long-term aspirations for the white-ball role.

Trescothick, who is currently assisting the Test team in their series against Sri Lanka, will join the white-ball squads at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton after the third Test at The Oval. The T20I series against Australia commences on September 11, just 24 hours after the scheduled conclusion of the Test match.

Despite having no prior experience as a head coach, Trescothick has expressed interest in transitioning to the role. He served as an assistant coach at Somerset for 18 months following his retirement as a player in 2019 and has been part of England’s coaching staff since 2021.

Trescothick’s close relationship with Jos Buttler, the white-ball captain, from their time together at Somerset will be an asset in his new role. Buttler, who has recovered from a calf injury, could feature for Lancashire in their T20 Blast quarter-final against Sussex on September 4.

The ECB has yet to formally advertise the white-ball head coach position vacated by Matthew Mott’s dismissal earlier this month. However, Trescothick could emerge as a strong contender if England performs well against Australia. Kumar Sangakkara is considered the early favorite, but his interest remains unconfirmed.

Andrew Flintoff, who recently coached the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, could also be a potential candidate. However, he will not reprise his role in England’s coaching staff against Australia due to reported compatibility issues with Buttler.

Jamie Smith's Unbeaten 72 Gives England First-Innings Lead Over Sri Lanka

Jamie Smith’s Unbeaten 72 Gives England First-Innings Lead Over Sri Lanka

England’s wicketkeeper Jamie Smith played a pivotal role in pushing the team to a 23-run first-innings lead over Sri Lanka in the ongoing first Test at Old Trafford. Smith’s unbeaten knock of 72 helped England reach 259-6 before play was halted due to weather on Day 2.

Resuming on 22-0, England faced early setbacks as Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando claimed the wickets of Ben Duckett (18) and Ollie Pope (6). Dan Lawrence survived an lbw review but was later dismissed for 30, while Joe Root fell for 42.

However, Smith and Harry Brook steadied the innings with a 62-run partnership. Brook reached a half-century for the 13th time in 15 Tests, continuing his impressive start to his career in the format.

After tea, Smith carried England past Sri Lanka’s total of 236 all out. He has now scored three half-centuries in his four Test matches, showcasing his immediate impact in the Test arena.

Sri Lanka, who were reeling at 6-3 on Day 1, have shown resilience in the match. Asitha Fernando has been their standout bowler, claiming figures of 3-68.

The weather played a significant role on Day 2, with rain washing out the morning session and leading to an early end to the day’s play. The teams will be hoping for better conditions on Day 3 as they look to gain an advantage in the series opener.

Chappell's Six-Wicket Haul Gives Derbyshire Edge Over Glamorgan

Chappell’s Six-Wicket Haul Gives Derbyshire Edge Over Glamorgan

Derbyshire’s hopes of securing an elusive County Championship victory at Derby received a major boost on the opening day of their Division Two match against Glamorgan, thanks to a devastating bowling performance from Zak Chappell.

Chappell, who has now taken over 50 wickets in all formats this season, wreaked havoc on Glamorgan’s top order, claiming 6 for 47. The visitors were bowled out for a paltry 168, with only Timm van der Gugten (46*) offering any resistance.

Derbyshire’s decision to bowl first on a grassy pitch paid immediate dividends, with Chappell and Luis Reece reducing Glamorgan to 9 for 3 within the first five overs. Ben Kellaway, Billy Root, and Sam Northeast all fell cheaply, leaving the visitors in disarray.

Dan Douthwaite and van der Gugten led a mini-recovery, adding 55 runs for the seventh wicket. However, Chappell returned to remove Douthwaite, and Mason Crane and Fraser Sheat also departed cheaply.

Ned Leonard helped van der Gugten take Glamorgan past 150, but the visitors were eventually bowled out for 168.

In reply, Derbyshire closed on 119 for 2, with Harry Came not out on 58. Wayne Madsen contributed an unbeaten 41, and the hosts are well-placed to push for their first Championship victory at the County Ground since August 2019.

Southee Calls for Collaboration Amidst T20 Exodus from New Zealand Cricket

Southee Calls for Collaboration Amidst T20 Exodus from New Zealand Cricket

As the allure of lucrative T20 deals overseas continues to entice New Zealand’s top cricketers, Test captain Tim Southee has expressed his hope for a collaborative solution between cricket boards and franchise leagues. The exodus of high-profile players like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne from central contracts has left New Zealand Cricket (NZC) facing a significant challenge.

Southee acknowledges the growing popularity of franchise leagues but emphasizes the importance of Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport. He believes that boards and leagues should work together to find a balance that allows players to prioritize both international and domestic commitments.

“It would be nice to see the international [boards] and the leagues working together in some way because, especially Test cricket, I think for a lot of players is still the pinnacle of the format,” Southee said.

Despite the calendar clash, Southee remains committed to Test cricket, which he holds “closest to the heart.” He believes that the Hundred format has helped him improve his skills and stay competitive across all formats.

New Zealand’s upcoming tour of Asia will test their ability to manage player workloads. Head coach Gary Stead has indicated that Southee may be rested for some matches to accommodate more spinners in the XI. Southee understands the need for balance but hopes to play in all nine Tests.

“I think it’s just natural when you come to this part of the world,” Southee said. “Obviously spin plays a big part, but ideally, I’d like to play all the Test matches available.”

The team management will assess the conditions and select the best XI for each game. Southee believes that picking the best side for each Test match is crucial, regardless of location.

“You decide to win over the five days,” Southee said. “So we’ve got a lot of cricket in the subcontinent, six Test matches and then three Test matches back home.”

Holland Century Guides Leicestershire to Respectable Total on Day One

Holland Century Guides Leicestershire to Respectable Total on Day One

Leicestershire’s Ian Holland notched up his fifth first-class century, guiding the team to a respectable 291 for 7 on the opening day of their Vitality County Championship Second Division clash against Gloucestershire at Bristol.

Holland, 33, played a pivotal role, scoring 104 off 173 deliveries, including 15 boundaries and a six. He received valuable support from Rehan Ahmed (60) and Rishi Patel (47) as Leicestershire capitalized on the 67 overs they had after losing the toss.

Despite a green pitch, Gloucestershire’s five-man seam attack, led by Marchant de Lange (2 for 58) and Zaman Akhter (2 for 86), failed to make significant inroads due to its slow nature.

The match faced interruptions due to a wet outfield, with play commencing at 11.30 am and an early lunch being enforced after just 3.1 overs. A 1.30 pm restart saw 18 overs lost.

Holland and Patel displayed confidence against the new ball, with Holland surviving an edge off Ajeet Singh Dale and Patel escaping a nick off Akhter. Patel’s innings was cut short when he edged de Lange to wicketkeeper James Bracey.

Lewis Hill’s dismissal at 77 for two was followed by a missed chance by Gloucestershire, with Ajinkya Rahane benefiting from a dropped catch between Bracey and first slip. However, Rahane’s luck ran out soon after, gloving a delivery from Dom Goodman to Cameron Bancroft at second slip.

Holland reached his half-century off 100 balls, driving a wide half-volley from de Lange for four. Leicestershire were well-placed at tea, with 139 for three from 36 overs.

Holland continued his positive approach after the break, uppercutting de Lange for six. Peter Handscomb’s hopes of success against his former county were dashed when he was trapped lbw by Ben Charlesworth for five.

Holland’s innings featured some impressive shots, including a boundary through extra cover off Akhter and another through point in the same over. Rehan joined the party, hitting a six and a four off Akhter to take Leicestershire past 200.

Holland reached his century with a square cut boundary off Singh Dale, while Rehan reached his fifty with a straight six off Ollie Price. However, Holland’s attempt at another uppercut off Singh Dale resulted in his dismissal, caught at deep backward point.

Rehan’s entertaining innings ended when he edged Akhter to Bancroft at second slip. Harry Kimber’s dismissal to de Lange gave Gloucestershire a strong finish to the day.

With four more overs lost to bad light, Leicestershire ended the day on 291 for 7, with 29 overs lost in total.

Warwickshire Fight Back with Bethell-Burgess Partnership

Warwickshire Fight Back with Bethell-Burgess Partnership

Warwickshire’s resilience shone through on the opening day of their Vitality County Championship clash against Somerset at Edgbaston. Despite Somerset’s early dominance, the home side fought back valiantly to reach a respectable 277 for 6, thanks to a crucial partnership between Jacob Bethell and Michael Burgess.

Somerset, seeking a victory to keep pace with Division One leaders Surrey, opted to bowl first. Their seamers initially put Warwickshire on the back foot, reducing them to 165 for 6. However, Bethell and Burgess stepped up to the plate, adding an unbroken 112 in 30 overs to bail out their team.

Bethell, with his explosive batting style, smashed a 15-ball T20 half-century earlier this year. However, on this occasion, he displayed remarkable technique, concentration, and selectivity to guide Warwickshire out of trouble. The 20-year-old reached his fifth first-class half-century from 107 balls, providing a solid foundation for Burgess to attack at the other end.

Burgess, who had scored a century against Somerset at Taunton seven weeks ago, continued his impressive form. He lifted Jack Leach for six over long on and cleared the ropes twice more in an over off the spinner to reach his half-century from just 66 balls.

The seventh-wicket pair’s resilience and determination left Somerset frustrated. Craig Overton and Josh Davey both took two wickets, but Somerset’s bowlers struggled to maintain consistent pressure, mixing good balls with too many loose offerings.

Warwickshire, who are battling relegation, will be grateful for the contributions of Bethell and Burgess. The duo’s partnership has given them a platform to build on and push for their first Championship victory of the season.

Leach's Six-Wicket Haul Puts Worcestershire in Control Against Kent

Leach’s Six-Wicket Haul Puts Worcestershire in Control Against Kent

Worcestershire’s Joe Leach made a triumphant return from injury, claiming six wickets as Kent were bowled out for 171 on the opening day of their Vitality County Championship clash at New Road.

Leach, who is retiring at the end of the season, showcased his class with a superb spell of 11.5 overs, conceding just 52 runs. His wickets included Kent’s top scorer, Tawanda Muyeye (56), who was caught behind by Rob Jones.

Kent had started promisingly, reaching 73 without loss, but Leach’s introduction turned the tide. He dismissed Muyeye, Daniel Bell-Drummond, and Jack Leaning in quick succession, leaving Kent reeling at 89 for 3.

Worcestershire’s bowlers continued to dominate after lunch, with Adam Finch, James Hartshorn, and Leach claiming three wickets apiece. Hartshorn, making his debut for the county, impressed with his nagging line and length.

In reply, Worcestershire openers Gareth Roderick and Jake Libby put on a solid partnership of 89 before Libby was dismissed for 30. Roderick went on to reach a well-crafted half-century, guiding Worcestershire to 137 for 2 at stumps, trailing Kent by 34 runs.

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