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Category: Cricket

Australia Unchanged for Second New Zealand Test, Boland Likely to Return Home

Australia Unchanged for Second New Zealand Test, Boland Likely to Return Home

By March 7, 2024 0

Australia’s Test team will remain unchanged for the fourth consecutive match, with the bowling quartet also set to stay intact for the seventh time this summer. Back-up quick Scott Boland is likely to be released to play Sheffield Shield cricket for Victoria on Monday.

Captain Pat Cummins confirmed the expected lineup for the second Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, starting Friday. Australia aims to secure a 2-0 series victory after their triumph in Wellington.

The final round of Shield matches begins Monday, and Victoria has a chance to qualify for a third straight final by hosting Western Australia at the Junction Oval in Melbourne. Boland and Michael Neser are the two reserve quicks on tour, while Matt Renshaw is the only spare batter in the 14-man squad.

Australia must retain at least one spare batter and one spare bowler in case of a concussion but could release one of the quicks to play in the Shield. Queensland is out of contention for the final and would not require Neser’s return.

Boland is expected to be released after Friday’s toss to prepare for Victoria’s match against Western Australia. “There was talk of maybe sending Scotty back for Victoria but holding Nes back from Queensland just to annoy Marnus [Labuschagne] and Usman [Khawaja],” Cummins said.

Boland has had a frustrating summer. He starred in Australia’s World Test Championship final victory last June and kept Mitchell Starc out of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. However, England targeted him in the two Tests he played in the Ashes, and Australia reverted to their “big three” for the final two Tests.

Boland was rested for specific Shield matches at the start of the summer at the request of Australia’s selectors to be fresh for the Tests. However, the trio of Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc have remained fit, and Boland has played only five first-class matches this season.

“I think I said at the start of the summer I’d be surprised we played all seven just because it’s rare that something doesn’t pop up,” Cummins said. “But thankfully we’ve all kind of managed all the little niggles that pop up pretty well.”

While Australia is settled, there is caution heading into the second Test. In 2022 against Sri Lanka and last month against the West Indies, Australia squandered 1-0 leads with poor performances in the second match of each series.

Concerns surround the batting group, with frank discussions held internally during the week about being more ruthless and accountable to individual plans. “I think it’s just decision-making around plans, and having really clear plans,” Cummins said. “It doesn’t mean you need to have 12 shot options. It might only be two or three.”

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Ricky Ponting Hails Ashwin's Mastery as Spinner Reaches 100th Test

Ricky Ponting Hails Ashwin’s Mastery as Spinner Reaches 100th Test

By March 7, 2024 0

Ricky Ponting Lauds Ravichandran Ashwin’s Mastery and Dedication on 100th Test

As Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin prepares to play his 100th Test match, Australian legend Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on the spinner’s exceptional skill and unwavering dedication.

Ponting, who coached Ashwin at the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has witnessed firsthand the spinner’s relentless pursuit of perfection. “He’s a master of spin in any conditions. He’s been an incredible cricketer, no doubt about it,” Ponting said in the latest episode of the ICC Review.

Ashwin’s illustrious career has been marked by remarkable achievements. With 507 wickets in 99 Tests at an impressive average of 23.91, including 35 five-wicket hauls, he has established himself as one of the greatest spinners of all time.

Ponting highlighted Ashwin’s ability to adapt to different conditions and his innovative approach to bowling. “He’s got a lot of theories and philosophies on the game, which I like. He’s always done things a little bit differently and done things his way. But he just continued to evolve as a bowler,” Ponting remarked.

In the ongoing series against England, Ashwin has not only breached the 500-wicket milestone but has also surpassed Anil Kumble’s records for the most Test wickets taken in India and the most five-wicket hauls. With this feat, Ashwin solidifies his place among the pantheon of cricketing greats.

Ponting also acknowledged India’s commanding position in the series, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead over England. Despite England’s early advantage, Ponting noted their inability to capitalize on opportunities in key moments, as India displayed resilience and dominance throughout the series.

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Tim Southee Faces Pressure Ahead of 100th Test

Tim Southee Faces Pressure Ahead of 100th Test

By March 7, 2024 0

Tim Southee, a veteran New Zealand bowler, finds himself in a solitary predicament as the team prepares for the second Test against England. With just two days remaining before the match, Southee was the only player on the Hagley Oval field, running shuttles alone.

This week marks a significant milestone for Southee and his teammate Kane Williamson, who will both play their 100th Tests together. However, for Southee, the occasion is tinged with a sense of pressure and introspection.

New Zealand is trailing 1-0 in the two-Test series, and Southee’s recent Test record has come under scrutiny. Former captain Ross Taylor has criticized Southee’s performance, highlighting his lack of wickets.

Southee acknowledges his struggles and is determined to improve. “I haven’t got the wickets I would have liked,” he said. “I still feel like there’s more to it. I have probably not been where I should be as the most experienced bowler seamer in the side.”

Despite his recent setbacks, Southee remains confident in his abilities. He has worked with stand-in bowling coach Kyle Mills to identify areas for improvement. “I’ve felt okay at times,” Southee said. “Sometimes you feel good and you don’t get the wickets. I think it’s just about trusting your game.”

Southee’s longevity and adaptability are remarkable. He is the first bowler to play 100 internationals in each format. His desire to evolve remains strong, as evidenced by his solo training session.

“The desire to train, to work hard away from the game is still there,” Southee said. “I still wake up every morning hoping to go out there and do people proud and put performances on the board.”

Southee’s solitary figure on the field serves as a reminder of the pressure and expectations that come with representing his country. He and New Zealand will hope that he can rediscover his form and contribute to a successful week.

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Dinesh Karthik to Retire from IPL, Mulls International Future

Dinesh Karthik to Retire from IPL, Mulls International Future

By March 7, 2024 0

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is set to bid farewell to the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season, marking the end of an illustrious career in the tournament. Karthik, who turns 39 in June, will also make a decision on his international future soon.

Karthik, who began his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), is one of only seven players to have featured in every season of the IPL since its inception in 2008. He has missed just two matches in 16 seasons, a testament to his durability and commitment.

Despite a disappointing 2023 IPL season with the bat, Karthik enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2022 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Playing the role of a finisher, he scored 330 runs at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 183.33, helping RCB reach the playoffs.

Karthik’s IPL form earned him a berth in the 2022 T20 World Cup, but he struggled to make an impact. He has represented six IPL teams throughout his career, including Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB.

In 240 IPL matches, Karthik has amassed 4516 runs at an average of 26 and a strike rate of 132, with 20 half-centuries. As a keeper, he is second only to MS Dhoni in overall dismissals (133) and stumpings (36).

Karthik has also captained in the IPL, leading Daredevils on six occasions and Knight Riders for 37 matches. He has a captaincy record of 21 wins, 21 losses, and one tie.

As he prepares to retire from playing, Karthik has already embarked on a second career in broadcasting. He has worked as a pundit for the World Test Championship final and the Hundred, and is currently commentating on the India-England Test series.

RCB will open their IPL campaign against defending champions Chennai Super Kings on March 23 at Karthik’s home ground in Chepauk.

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Ben Sears to Debut for New Zealand in Second Test Against Australia

Ben Sears to Debut for New Zealand in Second Test Against Australia

By March 7, 2024 0

New Zealand’s bowling attack will undergo a significant change for the second Test against Australia in Christchurch, with fast bowler Ben Sears set to make his debut. The 26-year-old replaces Will O’Rourke, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first Test in Wellington.

Sears has impressed with his pace in recent T20I matches against Australia and has a solid first-class record, having taken 58 wickets at an average of 27.03 in 19 matches. His inclusion adds an extra dimension to the New Zealand bowling attack, which has been heavily reliant on pace in the first two Tests.

However, the final decision on the team’s composition rests with captain Tim Southee, who will play his 100th Test in Christchurch. Southee has hinted that a choice between pace bowler Scott Kuggeleijn and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner could be made, with the latter potentially coming into the side to provide more variety.

Kuggeleijn, playing his second Test, struggled in Wellington, claiming only two wickets and scoring 0 and 26 with the bat. Santner, on the other hand, has a proven track record in Test cricket and could be a valuable asset on a pitch that is expected to offer more spin than the previous two venues.

Head coach Gary Stead has acknowledged that New Zealand made a mistake in leaving out Santner in the first two Tests, with the pitches in Hamilton and Wellington providing more assistance to spinners than anticipated. Glenn Phillips took five wickets in Australia’s second innings of the first Test, while Nathan Lyon claimed ten in the match.

Hagley Oval, the venue for the second Test, has the highest spin-bowling average of any ground in New Zealand, with wickets taken at 55.79. This could sway the decision in favor of Santner, who has the ability to extract turn and bounce from the surface.

Australia, meanwhile, is expected to name an unchanged XI, meaning their frontline bowling attack will have played all seven Tests during the season against Pakistan, West Indies, and New Zealand. The tourists will be looking to maintain their dominance and secure a series victory in Christchurch.

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Bangladesh Levels T20 Series with Eight-Wicket Win over Sri Lanka

Bangladesh Levels T20 Series with Eight-Wicket Win over Sri Lanka

By March 7, 2024 0

Bangladesh’s Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led his team to a resounding eight-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the second T20 international, leveling the three-match series. Shanto’s unbeaten half-century and a solid partnership with Towhid Hridoy proved decisive in the chase.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 165-5. Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis provided a solid foundation with a 66-run partnership, but Bangladesh’s bowlers fought back to restrict the visitors. Soumya Sarkar dismissed Kusal for 36, while Kamindu was run out after making 37.

In response, Bangladesh’s openers Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar gave their team a strong start, adding 68 runs in just 6.5 overs. However, Matheesha Pathirana broke the partnership by dismissing Sarkar for 26 and Das for 36.

Hridoy and Shanto then took control of the chase, adding an unbeaten 87-run stand for the third wicket. Shanto played a captain’s knock, hitting a 38-ball 53 with four fours and two sixes. Hridoy contributed with a 25-ball 32, including two fours and a six.

Bangladesh’s bowlers also played a crucial role in the victory. Taskin Ahmed removed Avishka Fernando for a duck, while Soumya Sarkar dismissed Kusal. Mustafizur Rahman got the better of Sadeera Samarawickrama, who had scored a half-century in the previous match.

Sri Lanka stand-in captain Charith Asalanka admitted that his team fell short of runs and that Kamindu’s run-out was a turning point in the game. He emphasized the need for his batters to make big runs in challenging conditions.

Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka added 53 runs for the sixth wicket, but it was not enough to prevent Bangladesh from leveling the series.

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Rohit Sharma's 'Yaaro Ka Yaar' Captaincy Style Earns Praise

Rohit Sharma’s ‘Yaaro Ka Yaar’ Captaincy Style Earns Praise

By March 6, 2024 0

Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, has garnered widespread praise for his exceptional leadership style. Since taking over the reins from Virat Kohli in 2022, Rohit has seamlessly guided India to the finals of both the World Test Championship and the Cricket World Cup.

Former India cricketer Praveen Kumar has lauded Rohit’s captaincy, describing him as “yaaro ka yaar” (friend of friends). Kumar highlighted Rohit’s ability to balance discipline and camaraderie, scolding players for mistakes while also offering support and guidance.

“Rohit is a fantastic skipper,” said Kumar. “He scolds the players when they make mistakes and hugs them too. He guides them and gives them all liberty on the field.”

Rohit’s appointment as captain followed a decision by the BCCI to replace Kohli, who had stepped down as T20I captain. Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, who was instrumental in the decision, cited Rohit’s impressive record in the Indian Premier League as a key factor.

“I saw huge potential in Rohit,” said Ganguly. “He has a great record in the IPL, and I believe he can lead India to success.”

Under Rohit’s leadership, India has emerged as a formidable force in world cricket. The team’s performance in the Cricket World Cup 2023, where they reached the finals, was a testament to Rohit’s tactical acumen and ability to inspire his players.

While Rohit continues to lead the Indian team, he has relinquished his captaincy role in the Mumbai Indians franchise. Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the new captain of the five-time Indian Premier League champions.

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Dame Sarah Storey to Become Lancashire Cricket Club's Next President

Dame Sarah Storey to Become Lancashire Cricket Club’s Next President

By March 6, 2024 0

Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, is poised to become Lancashire Cricket Club’s next President. The nomination, proposed by the club’s board, will be presented at the annual general meeting in May.

Storey’s illustrious career has spanned eight Paralympic Games, where she has amassed an astonishing 28 medals, including 17 golds, in both cycling and swimming. Her unwavering determination and exceptional achievements have earned her the prestigious title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).

Beyond her sporting accomplishments, Storey is an active advocate for physical activity and inclusion. She currently serves as Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, promoting sustainable and accessible transportation. Additionally, she holds positions as a Visiting Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University and a board member at the Department of Transport.

Lancashire Cricket Club Chairman Andy Anson expressed his delight at Storey’s nomination, stating, “Sarah is an outstanding candidate for the Presidency. Her unparalleled record as Britain’s most successful Paralympian, coupled with her proven track record in high-performance elite sport and strategic advisory roles, makes her an inspirational presence.”

Storey’s appointment is expected to provide invaluable support to Lancashire’s men’s and women’s squads. Her expertise in elite sport and her commitment to excellence will be instrumental in guiding the club towards its goals.

Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s Director of Cricket Performance, emphasized the significance of Storey’s experience, saying, “Dame Sarah has operated at the very top level of elite sport throughout her career. She knows what it takes to succeed, and it will be fantastic to have somebody on the Board with her experiences and knowledge as we look to achieve our goals on the field in the coming years.”

Storey’s nomination is a testament to her unwavering dedication to sports and her commitment to inspiring others. Her appointment as Lancashire Cricket Club’s President will undoubtedly be a catalyst for further success and growth for the club.

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BCCI's Domestic Cricket Mandate Welcomed by Mohinder Amarnath

BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate Welcomed by Mohinder Amarnath

By March 6, 2024 0

BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Step in the Right Direction, Says Mohinder Amarnath

Legendary Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath has lauded the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to prioritize domestic cricket, making it mandatory for all fit and available players to represent their state teams.

“It’s a positive move that should have been implemented long ago,” Amarnath said at the launch of the JITO Premier League. “It should apply to all cricketers, not just a select few.”

Amarnath emphasized the importance of domestic cricket in developing players’ skills and fostering a strong foundation for the national team. “Everybody should play domestic cricket,” he asserted.

When asked about the specific cases of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer being instructed to play domestic cricket, Amarnath stated, “There should be no need for warnings. Decisions should be made and applied to everyone.”

He urged the BCCI to enforce strict rules and ensure that all Indian players participate in domestic competitions. “Players cannot make their own decisions,” he said. “It’s up to the BCCI and state associations to determine what’s best.”

Amarnath also praised R. Ashwin for surpassing 500 wickets in Tests and playing his 100th Test for India. “He’s a fantastic cricketer,” Amarnath said. “I remember watching him for the first time when I was a consultant with Bengal Cricket. He showed his class immediately.”

Amarnath expressed surprise at Ashwin’s occasional exclusion from the team but expressed confidence in his continued success. “He’s a fine bowler both at home and overseas,” he said. “I’m sure he will keep performing and contributing to the team.”

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Rohit Sharma Unsure of 'Bazball' Meaning Ahead of Fifth Test

Rohit Sharma Unsure of ‘Bazball’ Meaning Ahead of Fifth Test

By March 6, 2024 0

Ahead of the fifth and final Test of the five-match series against England in Dharamsala, India captain Rohit Sharma expressed uncertainty about the meaning of “Bazball.” The term, coined by English cricket commentator Simon Hughes, refers to England’s aggressive batting approach under new coach Brendon McCullum.

“I honestly don’t know what [Bazball] means, whether it is to go and strike, whether it is to go and defend and wait for the loose ball,” Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.

Rohit questioned the significance of the term, stating that he had not witnessed any excessive swinging from England’s batters. “I have not seen any wild swinging from anyone, so I don’t know exactly what this term means,” he added.

Despite his uncertainty about the term, Rohit acknowledged England’s improved performance since McCullum’s appointment. “But, yeah, clearly they have played better cricket from what they played the last time they were here,” he said. “And you got to give credit to two of their batters who got big hundreds there and played well.”

Rohit also responded to England opener Ben Duckett’s comment that Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive batting was influenced by Bazball. “There was a guy called Rishabh Pant in our team, probably Ben Duckett hasn’t seen him play,” Rohit said.

England have faced three consecutive losses in the series, unable to capitalize on their early 1-0 advantage. The visitors had their chances, notably in Rajkot and Ranchi, but India came back strong on both occasions to win.

The fifth and final Test match will begin on March 7 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala and conclude on March 11, 2024. India and England still have World Test Championship points to gain in Dharamsala, even though the series is decided. India is on top of the World Test Championship standings while England is eighth on the points table.

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