Ryan Harris Appointed as South Australia's New Men's Head Coach

Ryan Harris Appointed as South Australia’s New Men’s Head Coach

Ryan Harris, a former Australian fast bowler, has been appointed as the new head coach of South Australia’s men’s cricket team. Harris, who played for South Australia during his playing career, has been serving as the interim head coach since Jason Gillespie’s departure earlier this year.

Harris’ appointment comes after a thorough recruitment process, and he will take over the role full-time immediately as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The decision to split the head coach role for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL) has not yet been confirmed, but it is understood that this is becoming increasingly likely.

Harris expressed his excitement and honor at being appointed as the head coach of South Australia, where he began his first-class playing career over two decades ago. He believes that the team has the potential to achieve great things and is eager to build on the progress made last season.

Under the leadership of new captain Nathan McSweeney, the South Australian team has developed a strong sense of self-belief. Harris plans to work closely with the players to ensure that they are well-prepared for the upcoming season.

South Australia finished fifth in the Sheffield Shield last season, an improvement from their fourth-place finish in 2022-23. However, they finished bottom in the Marsh Cup after reaching the final the previous season.

Harris brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role. After retiring from playing, he worked with the Australia men’s under-19 team at the 2018 and 2020 World Cups. He has also worked in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals. Additionally, he had stints as a consultant with the Australian men’s team while Justin Langer was coach.

In 2021, Harris was appointed as Queensland Cricket’s pathway manager. He applied to be the head coach of Australia Women when Matthew Mott left, having had a short-term stint as bowling coach on a tour of New Zealand in 2021. However, he was overlooked for the role and returned to South Australia as their bowling coach.

India's Batting Woes Threaten Series Defeat in Sri Lanka

India’s Batting Woes Threaten Series Defeat in Sri Lanka

India’s batting woes have put them on the brink of a series defeat against Sri Lanka in the ongoing ODI series. The onus is on the Indian batters, particularly Virat Kohli, to step up and counter the spin challenge posed by the Lankan bowlers.

Kohli, who has been subdued in the first two matches, needs to rediscover his form to provide stability to the Indian middle order. His dismissals to leg-spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay have raised concerns about his ability to handle the turning ball.

Other Indian batters have also struggled against the Lankan spinners. Shivam Dube, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul have failed to rotate the strike effectively and have been trapped in front of the wicket.

In contrast, Rohit Sharma has shown how to tackle the spin challenge. His well-calculated strokes have allowed him to score runs at a brisk pace. His colleagues need to take a cue from his approach and play with more confidence and planning.

From a combination perspective, the Indian team management may consider replacing Dube with Riyan Parag. Parag’s spin bowling could be more effective than Dube’s medium pace on the turning tracks in Colombo.

The Indian bowlers also need to improve their performance in the death overs. They have failed to apply finishing touches to the Lankan innings after reducing them to precarious positions.

If India is to avoid their first ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka in 27 years, they need to find a way to counter the spin challenge and improve their batting and bowling performances.

Pollard's Monstrous Six Nearly Takes Out Commentators at 'The Hundred'

Pollard’s Monstrous Six Nearly Takes Out Commentators at ‘The Hundred’

Kieron Pollard’s Monstrous Six Nearly Takes Out Commentators at ‘The Hundred’

The inaugural edition of ‘The Hundred’ tournament in England has witnessed some extraordinary hitting, and Kieron Pollard’s colossal six at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Monday nearly had disastrous consequences for the commentators.

Representing Southern Brave, the West Indian power-hitter unleashed a thunderous blow off Welsh Fire’s Haris Rauf, sending the ball soaring towards backward square leg. The commentary box, situated at ground level in that direction, was directly in the firing line.

As the ball hurtled towards the glass window, commentators Kumar Sangakkara and Robert Croft instinctively ducked for cover, their evasive maneuvers captured on camera. Fortunately, the ball narrowly missed the window and struck the electronic boundary board instead.

Pollard’s six was a testament to his immense power and timing. He ended his innings with 17 runs off 12 deliveries, contributing to Southern Brave’s total of 139.

In response, Welsh Fire struggled to keep up with the pace, eventually being bowled out for 97 with five balls remaining. The comprehensive 42-run victory gave Southern Brave a resounding start to their campaign.

The incident involving the commentators highlighted the potential dangers associated with the high-octane nature of ‘The Hundred.’ The tournament’s shorter format and smaller boundaries encourage aggressive batting, leading to the possibility of balls flying into unexpected areas.

However, the quick reflexes of Sangakkara and Croft prevented a potentially serious accident. Their evasive action served as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in cricket, especially when the ball is traveling at such high speeds.

Jhye Richardson Set for Domestic Return in Top End T20 Tournament

Jhye Richardson Set for Domestic Return in Top End T20 Tournament

Jhye Richardson, a promising Australian fast bowler, is poised to make his long-awaited return to domestic cricket in the upcoming Top End T20 tournament in Darwin. Richardson, who has been sidelined with injuries since January, has been included in the Perth Scorchers’ squad for the tournament.

Richardson’s inclusion is a significant boost for the Scorchers, who are fielding a young squad featuring players on the fringes of the Big Bash League (BBL) and Western Australia sides. The 26-year-old has not played a competitive match in Australia since injuring himself during the BBL, but he made a brief appearance for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year.

Despite his recent injury setbacks, Richardson remains a highly regarded bowler. He was awarded a Cricket Australia contract in March and has been part of an Australia training camp in Brisbane this week. However, selectors have opted to take a long-term view with Richardson, hoping that he can overcome the injury issues that have hampered his international career.

“He’s fit and firing now, and again looking for match opportunities,” national selector George Bailey said last month. “I think he’ll get opportunities again across the summer.”

Richardson will be joined in the Scorchers’ squad by fellow quick Matt Kelly, who also missed the latter part of last season due to injury. Batter Sam Fanning has been named captain, while Baxter Holt, who recently moved to Western Australia from New South Wales, is also included.

“We also see this tournament as an opportunity for Jhye and Kells [Matt Kelly] to find touch in a competitive environment,” stand-in coach Tim MacDonald said. “They didn’t play a lot of cricket last year but they’re a big part of what we do at the Scorchers and WA, so we’re looking forward to seeing both of them back in action.”

The Top End competition will provide Richardson with a valuable opportunity to regain match fitness and prove his readiness for a return to international cricket. The tournament features a strong field of teams, including Northern Territory Strike, Pakistan A, ACT, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, and a Bangladesh High Performance side.

Dinesh Karthik to Become First Indian Player in South African T20 League

Dinesh Karthik to Become First Indian Player in South African T20 League

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is poised to make history as the first Indian player to participate in the inaugural season of the South African T20 league (SA20). ESPNcricinfo has confirmed that Karthik will join the Paarl Royals franchise as an overseas player when the tournament commences on January 9, 2023.

This will mark Karthik’s first competitive appearance since announcing his retirement from international cricket in June 2023, on the occasion of his 39th birthday. The former Indian star, who represented his country in 180 international matches, last played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2022. He has since been appointed as a mentor-cum-batting coach for the franchise.

Karthik is widely regarded as one of the most astute cricket analysts in the T20 format, owing to his extensive experience in the shortest format. He has featured in 401 T20 matches, including stints with six different IPL teams, most notably as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Despite his age, Karthik remains one of the fittest players in the game, having missed only two matches in 17 seasons of the IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) permits only retired Indian players to participate in overseas T20 leagues.

Karthik’s signing by the Paarl Royals follows the franchise’s announcement of its retained players for the upcoming season. Captain David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, and Andile Phehlukwayo will continue with the team. The Royals reached the Qualifiers in the inaugural SA20 edition but suffered five consecutive defeats, including a nine-wicket loss to the Joburg Super Kings in the Eliminator.

Gambhir's Inclusion of Kohli, Sharma in Sri Lanka Series Draws Criticism

Gambhir’s Inclusion of Kohli, Sharma in Sri Lanka Series Draws Criticism

The recent ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka marked a significant transition for the Indian cricket team under the leadership of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. While the tour provided an opportunity to experiment with young talent, Gambhir’s decision to include experienced veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has sparked debate among cricket experts.

Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra believes that the inclusion of Kohli and Sharma was not the optimal strategy. He argues that the series presented an ideal chance to give opportunities to emerging players, especially considering the extended break before India’s next assignment.

“This was a good chance to give chances to young talents,” Nehra said. “The presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was not required for this series.”

Nehra acknowledges that Gambhir, as a new coach, may have wanted to spend time with experienced players. However, he believes that Gambhir is well-acquainted with Kohli and Sharma and could have afforded to give other players a chance.

“I know Gambhir is a new coach, and he wants to spend some time with the experienced players, but it isn’t like he doesn’t know the two of them,” Nehra said. “He is not a foreign coach who wants to get his equation right with Kohli and Rohit.”

Nehra suggests that the series could have been an opportunity to experiment with new combinations and give young players valuable experience. He believes that Kohli and Sharma could have been rested for the Sri Lanka tour and brought back for the upcoming home season.

“It was a good opportunity for him to try out the new players, and Rohit and Kohli could play when the home season begins,” Nehra said. “I’m not saying it is a wrong approach, but it could have been one of the strategies in this series.”

Gambhir’s decision to include Kohli and Sharma has raised questions about his long-term vision for the Indian team. While the experienced duo remains vital to India’s success, it is crucial to develop and nurture young talent to ensure a smooth transition in the future.

Nick Hockley to Step Down as Cricket Australia CEO in March

Nick Hockley to Step Down as Cricket Australia CEO in March

Nick Hockley, the Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive, has announced his resignation, effective March 2023, after five years at the helm. Hockley’s tenure has been marked by significant challenges and achievements, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing the game’s financial stability.

Hockley initially assumed the role on an interim basis in 2020 following the resignation of Kevin Roberts. He was appointed full-time in May 2021 after successfully guiding the game through the 2020-21 season amidst border closures and the successful hosting of the Test series against India.

During his tenure, Hockley faced challenges such as a standoff with broadcaster Channel Seven over a discount, which was eventually resolved. He also oversaw a smoother MoU agreement compared to 2017, resulting in significant pay increases in the women’s game.

Hockley had to deal with the controversial departure of Tim Paine as Test captain and the subsequent transition to Pat Cummins. He also attempted to overturn David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban, but the case fell apart in late 2022.

Despite these challenges, Hockley’s tenure has been marked by significant on-field success. The men’s and women’s teams have won T20 and ODI World Cups, while the men claimed the World Test Championship and the women won gold in the Commonwealth Games. The men’s team also toured Pakistan for the first time since 1998.

Hockley has also led the implementation of CA’s Multicultural Action Plan, aiming to improve participation and attendance among South Asian communities.

CA chair Mike Baird praised Hockley’s leadership, stating that he “navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability.”

Prior to his elevation to the top CA role, Hockley had been involved in organizing major cricket events, including the 2020 T20 Women’s World Cup and the 2015 men’s World Cup.

Sikandar Raza Rejects Pakistan Offer, Remains Loyal to Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza Rejects Pakistan Offer, Remains Loyal to Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean all-rounder, has established himself as one of the most talented players in the country’s cricketing history. Since his international debut in 2013, Raza has made significant contributions across all formats, including 17 Tests, 142 ODIs, and 91 T20Is.

Beyond his international exploits, Raza has also showcased his skills in domestic leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL). His versatility as a batsman and bowler has made him a valuable asset to any team.

Recently, Raza’s loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket was questioned on social media. A fan inquired if he had ever considered playing for Pakistan, his country of birth. However, Raza remained steadfast in his commitment to Zimbabwe, expressing his gratitude for the support and investment the board had made in his career.

“I will only and ever represent Zimbabwe,” Raza stated. “They spent time and money on me, and I am only trying to repay their faith. Whatever I achieve will never even get close to repaying it. Zim is mine, and I am theirs fully.”

In a separate post, Raza revealed his admiration for several international players, including India’s Jasprit Bumrah, Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi, and former West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine. He also named Abdullah Shafiq, Craig Ervine, and Rohit Sharma as his favorite batsmen.

Raza’s leadership qualities were evident during Zimbabwe’s recent T20I series against India, where he captained the team. Despite taking an early lead, Zimbabwe ultimately lost the series 4-1.

Statistically, Raza has amassed 1187 runs and 34 wickets in Tests, 4154 runs in ODIs, and 2037 runs in T20Is. In the IPL, he has represented Punjab Kings, scoring 182 runs and taking three wickets in nine matches.

Raza’s unwavering loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket, combined with his exceptional talent and leadership abilities, solidifies his status as one of the most respected and influential players in the country’s cricketing history.

Vinod Kambli's Health Concerns Raise Alarm; Rohit Sharma Continues ODI Dominance

Vinod Kambli’s Health Concerns Raise Alarm; Rohit Sharma Continues ODI Dominance

Former Indian cricket star Vinod Kambli’s recent health struggles have raised concerns among fans and the cricketing community. A video circulating on social media shows Kambli struggling to walk, prompting speculation about his well-being.

Kambli, who played over 100 ODIs and 17 Tests for India, has been battling health issues for some time. The video, which has not been independently verified by NDTV, shows him disoriented and unable to maintain his balance. Some social media users suggested he was intoxicated, while others attributed his condition to his deteriorating health.

Kambli’s illustrious career saw him amass nearly 10,000 runs in First Class cricket, with a top score of 262. His left-handed batting prowess made him a formidable force in the Indian team.

Meanwhile, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma continues to dominate in ODI cricket. In the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Sharma scored a blistering 66 off just 44 balls, surpassing Rahul Dravid to become India’s fourth-highest run-getter in the format.

Sharma’s half-century in the second ODI followed a similar performance in the first match. With 10,831 runs in 264 ODIs, he boasts an impressive average of 49.23 and a strike rate of 92.29. His 31 centuries and 57 fifties include a career-best score of 264.

As an opener, Sharma has also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores for India in international cricket. With 43 centuries and 78 fifties, he has 121 fifty-plus scores as an opener, one more than Tendulkar’s 120.

Gautam Gambhir: Misunderstood as Arrogant, but a Pure-Hearted Coach

Gautam Gambhir: Misunderstood as Arrogant, but a Pure-Hearted Coach

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach of Team India, has often been perceived as arrogant due to his intense desire to win. However, his childhood coach, Sanjay Bharadwaj, believes this perception is a misunderstanding.

Bharadwaj, who has known Gambhir for over three decades, describes him as a “kid” with an innocent and pure heart. He emphasizes that Gambhir’s competitive spirit and determination to succeed are often mistaken for arrogance.

“People think he is arrogant, but that is his attitude towards winning,” Bharadwaj said. “He has always been a fierce competitor, even as a young boy. He would cry after losing matches because he hated defeat.”

Bharadwaj credits Gambhir for his unwavering commitment to developing young players. He cites the example of pacer Navdeep Saini, who was given a chance in the Indian team thanks to Gambhir’s insistence.

“Gambhir is not just about winning,” Bharadwaj said. “He is also about shaping the careers of young players. He is polite and has a good heart.”

As Team India head coach, Gambhir has focused on developing the team’s tactical approach. He has been praised for his innovative strategies, such as handing the ball to Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav in the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka.

“Gambhir is not a technical coach,” Bharadwaj said. “He is a tactical coach. His job is to boost morale and inject confidence into players who may not be sure of themselves.”

Bharadwaj believes that Gambhir’s passion for winning and his commitment to developing young players make him an ideal coach for Team India. He is confident that Gambhir will lead the team to success in the upcoming tournaments.

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