Ashwin Rescues India on Day 1 of Chennai Test Against Bangladesh

Ashwin Rescues India on Day 1 of Chennai Test Against Bangladesh

Ravichandran Ashwin Rescues India on Day 1 of Chennai Test Against Bangladesh

Local hero Ravichandran Ashwin played a pivotal role in rescuing India from a precarious position on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.

With India reeling at 144/6, Ashwin stepped up to the plate and showcased his exceptional batting skills. The crowd erupted in cheers as he made his way to the crease, and he did not disappoint.

Ashwin played a series of stunning shots, leaving head coach Gautam Gambhir in awe. Among his impressive strokes was a sublime cut shot against Nahid Rana in the 44th over. The tall pacer delivered a short, wide ball at 144.2kph, but Ashwin seized the opportunity and executed a perfect cut shot that sent the ball racing to the sweeper cover boundary.

Gambhir’s reaction was one of pure delight, as he witnessed Ashwin’s exceptional stroke play. The commentators were quick to label it the ‘shot of the day’.

Ashwin acknowledged Bangladesh’s recent series victory against Pakistan, which has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. He praised their remarkable progress and recognized their increasing prowess on the field.

“The series victory has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community,” Ashwin said. “I am one of those guys who loves to see the underdog come out and perform. You can’t call them an underdog anymore; they have played some wonderful cricket.”

“They have put their hand up and said, ‘Look, we are a team on the rise and we are playing wonderful cricket,'” Ashwin added.

Ashwin’s innings helped India recover from a difficult position and reach a respectable total of 252/10 at the end of the day. His performance was a testament to his skill and determination, and it will give India confidence as they look to take control of the match in the coming days.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Breaks Test Record with Historic Half-Century

Yashasvi Jaiswal Breaks Test Record with Historic Half-Century

Indian cricket prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history on Thursday, becoming the first batter to amass over 750 runs in his first 10 innings at home. The 20-year-old’s gritty half-century against Bangladesh in Chennai propelled him past the previous record held by West Indies legend George Headley, who had scored 747 runs in 1935.

Jaiswal’s remarkable feat is a testament to his exceptional talent and resilience. Despite India losing wickets at the other end, he remained steadfast, anchoring the innings with a composed and determined display. His half-century was a crucial contribution, helping India reach a respectable total of 176-6 at tea on the first day.

Bangladesh’s fast bowler Hasan Mahmud was the tormentor-in-chief for India, claiming four wickets to leave the hosts reeling. Mahmud’s early strikes, including the dismissals of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, put India on the back foot. However, Jaiswal’s partnership with Rishabh Pant provided some respite, before Mahmud broke the stand with Pant’s wicket.

Jaiswal eventually fell to Nahid Rana, but not before reaching his fifty. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz then accounted for KL Rahul, leaving India in a precarious position.

India, who are aiming to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings, will need to regroup and find a way to counter Bangladesh’s impressive bowling attack. The second and final Test of the series begins on September 27 in Kanpur.

ILT20 Season 3 to Feature Debut of T20 Stars Ferguson, Zaman, Hope, and More

ILT20 Season 3 to Feature Debut of T20 Stars Ferguson, Zaman, Hope, and More

The upcoming third season of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to witness a star-studded lineup of T20 specialists making their debuts. Among them are New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope, Guyanese all-rounder Romario Shepherd, England opener Jason Roy, and Afghanistan batter Ibrahim Zadran.

Ferguson, who recently declined a national contract, has been signed by Desert Vipers. The Kiwi pacer has been in impressive T20 form, delivering four maidens in a T20I and taking ten wickets in seven games for Washington Freedom in the MLC. He will join left-arm quicks Mohammad Amir and Luke Wood at Vipers.

Fakhar Zaman will also join Vipers, while Adam Milne will link up with Sharjah Warriors. Milne will reunite with New Zealand teammate Tim Seifert, who has also turned down a domestic contract to pursue franchise T20 opportunities.

Dubai Capitals have signed Hope, who made his IPL debut earlier this year. The West Indian will captain the team in the absence of Imran Tahir. Former Australia batter Joe Burns and Sri Lankan slinger Garuka Sanketh are also among Capitals’ new signings.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have welcomed Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, who was part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL title-winning squad, and Terrance Hinds. Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran and Wahidullah Zadran have joined Gulf Giants.

MI Emirates have signed Shepherd, who will reunite with Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo. Italian batter Thomas Draca will also join the team.

The third season of the ILT20 will be played from January 11 to February 9, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.

Mitchell Marsh Praises Adam Zampa Ahead of 100th ODI

Mitchell Marsh Praises Adam Zampa Ahead of 100th ODI

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh has hailed leg-spinner Adam Zampa as he prepares to reach a significant milestone in his career. Zampa is set to play his 100th One Day International (ODI) against England on Thursday, a testament to his remarkable journey and impact on the Australian team.

Marsh, speaking at a pre-match press conference, lauded Zampa’s growth both as a cricketer and as a person. “Zamps has certainly had his ups and downs, but the way he’s gone about it over the last four or five years is commendable,” Marsh said. “He’s tracking towards being one of our greatest ever ODI players.”

Zampa’s importance to the team cannot be overstated, according to Marsh. “He’s one of our go-to men with the ball over a 50-over period,” Marsh emphasized. “He thrives off the bigger moments, which is what all great players do.”

Zampa’s ability to perform under pressure has been a key factor in his success. He has taken 169 wickets in 99 matches, with his best figures of 5/35 against New Zealand in 2022. His impressive performances have also earned him a high ranking in the T20I bowlers’ rankings, where he is just one rating point behind Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga in fifth place.

Despite the ongoing debate about the future of the ODI format, Zampa remains committed to playing for Australia. “Every young guy coming through still thinks that’s the be-all and end-all,” Zampa said. “There are obviously those other opportunities in terms of franchise cricket, but all these different competitions give other guys opportunities.”

As Zampa prepares to reach his 100th ODI, he is poised to continue making a significant contribution to Australian cricket. His skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable asset to the team and a role model for aspiring young cricketers.

Rohit Sharma's Test Debut: A Symbolic Transition in Indian Cricket

Rohit Sharma’s Test Debut: A Symbolic Transition in Indian Cricket

Rohit Sharma’s Test debut, which was long overdue, marked a significant moment in Indian cricket history. The highly talented batsman, who had already established himself in white-ball cricket, finally made his Test debut in November 2013 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

This debut coincided with the farewell series of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who was retiring after a record-breaking career spanning 24 years. The focus was on Tendulkar’s farewell rather than individual performances, but Rohit made his delayed Test debut count by scoring a magnificent hundred (177).

Rohit’s 177 was one of the highest scores by an Indian on debut, and it underscored his potential to succeed in the longest format of the game. In the second Test, played at Tendulkar’s home ground in Mumbai, Rohit again went on to hit a hundred – this time an unbeaten 111 as India won by an innings and 126 runs.

Rohit’s Test debut marked a symbolic transition in Indian cricket. While the country was bidding farewell to its greatest-ever batsman, Rohit’s entry into Test cricket hinted at the emergence of another extraordinarily gifted player. Rohit, already successful in limited-overs cricket, showed his ability to adapt to Test cricket, and over the years, he would go on to become one of the key players for India in all formats.

This moment in cricket history was significant, as it represented both the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Indian cricket. Rohit Sharma’s Test debut, delayed by a freak injury and overshadowed by Tendulkar’s farewell, marked the arrival of a new star in Indian cricket.

Pant-Das Exchange Heats Up India-Bangladesh Test After Mahmud's Triple Strike

Pant-Das Exchange Heats Up India-Bangladesh Test After Mahmud’s Triple Strike

India vs Bangladesh: Rishabh Pant’s Heated Exchange with Litton Das After Hasan Mahmud’s Triple Strike

The opening day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai witnessed a heated exchange between wicketkeepers Rishabh Pant and Litton Das, following a throw that irked the Indian star.

After Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud rocked the Indian top order with a three-wicket burst, Pant, making his Test comeback after a serious car accident, found himself at the receiving end of a throw that annoyed him. The stump microphone captured the words exchanged between the two players.

“Mere ko kyu maar rahe ho?” (Why are you hitting me?) Pant was heard telling Das, to which the Bangladesh stumper replied: “Woh to fekega hi na.” (He will throw it, won’t he?)

Mahmud’s early strikes had reduced India to 34 for 3, but Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched an unbroken partnership of 54 runs to take their team to lunch at 88 for 3. However, Mahmud returned after lunch to break the fourth-wicket stand, dismissing Pant for 39.

The track, prepared with red soil and underlying moisture, assisted Mahmud’s pace bowling, and he made the most of it by dismissing Rohit Sharma (6), Virat Kohli (6), and Shubman Gill (0) before sending Pant back to the pavilion.

Both India and Bangladesh opted for a bowling combination of three pacers and two spinners, hoping to exploit the overcast conditions.

O'Rourke's Five-Wicket Haul Gives New Zealand Edge in Galle Test

O’Rourke’s Five-Wicket Haul Gives New Zealand Edge in Galle Test

New Zealand’s bowlers wrapped up Sri Lanka’s innings for 305 on the second morning of the first Test in Galle, with Will O’Rourke claiming a five-wicket haul.

Resuming on 302 for 7, Sri Lanka added just three runs before being dismissed. O’Rourke trapped Ramesh Mendis lbw for 14 and then bowled Asitha Fernando for 0 to complete his five-for. Ajaz Patel also picked up a wicket, dismissing Prabath Jayasuriya for 10.

O’Rourke’s 5 for 55 was his second five-wicket haul in four Test innings, while Ajaz and Glenn Phillips finished with two wickets each.

Rain interrupted the morning session, delaying the start of New Zealand’s innings. Only one over was possible before rain intervened again, forcing the players off the field.

Lunch was taken after just 15 minutes of play, with New Zealand trailing by 300 runs. More rain is forecast for the day, but an extended post-lunch session and a longer third session have been scheduled to make up for lost time.

Former Sri Lanka Cricketer Banned for 20 Years for Reprehensible Conduct

Former Sri Lanka Cricketer Banned for 20 Years for Reprehensible Conduct

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Dulip Samaraweera has been handed a 20-year ban by Cricket Australia (CA) for “utterly reprehensible” conduct. The ban prohibits him from holding any position within CA, state associations, or Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) clubs during that period.

Samaraweera, 52, was found to have breached CA’s Code of Conduct during his tenure as a Cricket Victoria employee. An investigation by CA’s Integrity Department was initiated following complaints about his behavior.

The investigation revealed that Samaraweera had engaged in inappropriate behavior involving a player, violating section 2.23 of CA’s Code of Conduct. The specific details of the behavior have not been disclosed.

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins strongly condemned Samaraweera’s actions. “The conduct was utterly reprehensible and a betrayal of everything we stand for at Cricket Victoria,” Cummins said. “The victim has shown incredible courage in speaking up, and we will continue to support her.”

CA emphasized its commitment to providing a safe environment for all players and employees. “The welfare of those subjected to mistreatment is paramount,” CA stated.

Samaraweera, who played seven Tests and five ODIs for Sri Lanka, had been a long-time assistant coach for the Victoria women’s team and the Melbourne Stars WBBL franchise. He was promoted to the head coaching role for the Victoria women’s team earlier this year but resigned after just two weeks due to a disagreement over staff appointments.

The 20-year ban is a significant punishment for Samaraweera, effectively ending his coaching career in Australia. It sends a strong message that CA will not tolerate any form of misconduct or abuse within the sport.

Gautam Gambhir Praises Rohit Sharma's Leadership and Respect in Team India

Gautam Gambhir Praises Rohit Sharma’s Leadership and Respect in Team India

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has heaped praise on skipper Rohit Sharma, describing him as a “great guy” with immense respect in the dressing room. Gambhir’s comments come ahead of India’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.

Rohit Sharma has established himself as a formidable force in Test cricket since making his debut in 2013. In 59 Tests and 101 innings, he has amassed 4138 runs at an impressive average of 45.47. His leadership qualities have also been evident, guiding India to several notable victories.

Gambhir, who played alongside Rohit Sharma during their playing days, spoke highly of their relationship. “We’ve had several conversations. I believe that the team ultimately belongs to the captain because he leads on the field. My role, along with the support staff, is to assist the captain in every way possible,” Gambhir said.

He emphasized the importance of Rohit Sharma’s leadership and respect within the team. “Rohit’s leadership and respect in the dressing room are crucial. So, he’s a great guy and has got a lot of respect in that dressing room, and that is the first and foremost quality of a leader,” Gambhir added.

India will face a formidable challenge against Bangladesh, who recently whitewashed Pakistan 2-0 in their first Test series victory on Pakistani soil. The Bengal Tigers’ impressive performance has put them in top form, making them a formidable opponent for India.

The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh is crucial for India as they aim to maintain their lead in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. India currently holds a point percentage of 68.52, with upcoming WTC series against New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh.

India's Pace Trio Surprises in Chennai Test Opener

India’s Pace Trio Surprises in Chennai Test Opener

India’s decision to field three pacers in the opening Test against Bangladesh at the traditionally spin-friendly MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has raised eyebrows. However, both teams’ skippers and former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik believe the pitch will offer something for the pacers to exploit.

Bangladesh’s rookie pacer Hasan Mahmud justified this belief with a three-wicket burst that reduced India to 34 for 3 inside 10 overs. The overcast skies, red-soil pitch, and moist track further supported the decision to bowl first with a pace-heavy attack.

India’s last home Test with three pacers was also against Bangladesh in 2019. The move has been successful in the past, with Australia securing convincing 10-wicket victories in two matches where India fielded a trio of fast bowlers.

The pitch report by Karthik highlighted the bounce and turn the red soil pitch would offer, with the spinners expected to come into play as the game progresses. The residual moisture underneath the pitch also gave the pacers an advantage at the start.

Both teams’ playing elevens reflect the belief in the pitch’s suitability for pace bowling. India has included Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj, while Bangladesh has opted for Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana.

India’s decision to bat first after losing the toss is a rare occurrence, with it happening only nine times previously on home soil. Out of those eight occasions, six resulted in draws.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart