Joe Root Reclaims Top Spot in Test Batting Rankings

Joe Root Reclaims Top Spot in Test Batting Rankings

Joe Root has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Test batting rankings, marking his ninth stint at the summit. The England batter’s match-winning 87 in the first innings of the Birmingham Test against West Indies propelled him to the top, surpassing Kane Williamson.

Root’s rise is a testament to his consistent performances, as he became the seventh-highest run-getter in Test history during the match, surpassing Brian Lara’s tally of 11,953. With 12,207 runs, Root is now the highest-scoring active Test cricketer, ahead of Steven Smith (9685) and Virat Kohli (8848).

England’s Jamie Smith also made significant strides in the rankings, rising 31 places to No. 64 after his impressive performance as a wicketkeeper-batter. His near-century in the first innings showcased his potential.

Mark Wood’s Player-of-the-Match performance of 7 for 92 in the Birmingham Test lifted him into the top 20 of the bowling rankings for the first time. His impressive display highlighted his ability to take wickets in challenging conditions.

In the men’s T20I Rankings, India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal returned to No. 4 after a strong performance in the three-match series against Sri Lanka. Shubman Gill also moved up 16 places to a career-best 21st position. Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera also made notable gains in the batting rankings.

India legspinner Ravi Bishnoi, who has previously held the No. 1 T20I bowler ranking, re-entered the top 10 after impressive performances in the series against Sri Lanka.

South Africa and Afghanistan to Clash in Historic ODI Series

South Africa and Afghanistan to Clash in Historic ODI Series

South Africa and Afghanistan are set to embark on a historic three-match ODI series in Sharjah from September 18 to 22. This marks the first-ever bilateral series between the two nations, a testament to the growing stature of Afghanistan cricket.

The series was not initially part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP), but the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) reached an agreement to host the event. CSA Chairman Lawson Naidoo hailed the series as a “significant milestone” in the partnership between the two boards.

Afghanistan’s recent performances in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 have earned them widespread recognition as a competitive all-round team. Naidoo expressed excitement about facing such a formidable opponent.

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf echoed Naidoo’s sentiments, stating that the series would provide Afghanistan with an opportunity to host and play against a top-ranked team like South Africa. He expressed hope for regular future encounters between the two nations.

Before heading to the UAE, South Africa will face West Indies in a two-Test and three-T20I series in the Caribbean starting August 7. For Afghanistan, the South Africa series comes on the heels of their maiden Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida, India, scheduled for September 9 to 13.

The South Africa-Afghanistan ODI series will provide both teams with valuable preparation ahead of their respective international commitments. South Africa will face Ireland in a two-T20I and three-ODI series in Abu Dhabi starting September 27, while Afghanistan will participate in the Asia Cup 2024 in September.

Hayley Matthews Leads West Indies Women's Cricket Revival Amidst Challenges

Hayley Matthews Leads West Indies Women’s Cricket Revival Amidst Challenges

Hayley Matthews, the captain of the West Indies Women’s cricket team, acknowledges the team’s recent decline but remains determined to bridge the gap with the world’s top teams. Despite being ranked sixth in the T20 format, Matthews believes that the team is on the right track, citing the efforts of Cricket West Indies (CWI) to invest in grassroots development programs.

Matthews emphasizes the importance of fostering a love for the game, recalling her own childhood experiences on cricket fields. She has taken over the captaincy from Stafanie Taylor, who led the team to the T20 World Cup title in 2016. Since then, West Indies has faced challenges in building depth due to limited resources.

However, CWI has taken steps to address these issues, increasing the number of women on retainer contracts, introducing the Women’s Rising Stars Under-19s program, and launching the West Indies Women’s Academy. The senior team’s budget has also been increased, allowing for improved travel arrangements.

While these initiatives will take time to bear fruit, Matthews is committed to inspiring her team both on and off the field. She has been a standout performer for West Indies in recent months, scoring centuries and taking wickets in series against Australia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Matthews draws inspiration from Taylor’s leadership style, emphasizing the importance of setting an example and creating a positive team culture. She acknowledges that West Indies is an underdog at the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh but believes that the team can surprise opponents with strong individual performances.

The return of Deandra Dottin, who reversed her international retirement last week, could further boost West Indies’ chances. Matthews remains cautious about commenting on Dottin’s potential selection for the World Cup but acknowledges her ability to turn matches single-handedly.

Suryakumar Yadav Joins Elite List with Fifth T20I Player of the Series Award

Suryakumar Yadav Joins Elite List with Fifth T20I Player of the Series Award

Suryakumar Yadav, the dynamic Indian T20I captain, has etched his name among the elite cricketers with the most Player of the Series awards in T20 Internationals. His fifth such accolade places him just behind Virat Kohli, who holds the record with six awards. Yadav now shares this distinction with Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan and Australia’s David Warner.

Yadav’s rise to this milestone has been marked by his aggressive batting and ability to perform under pressure. In his 71 T20I appearances, he has amassed 2432 runs at an impressive average of 42.67. His recent performances have solidified his position in the team and earned him recognition as one of the most formidable T20I players globally.

Yadav’s Player of the Series awards have come through match-winning performances, highlighting his consistency and importance to the Indian cricket team. His inclusion in the ranks of Shakib Al Hasan and David Warner, who have been pillars for their respective teams, underscores Yadav’s significant impact in international cricket.

Shakib is known for his all-round capabilities, while Warner is renowned for his explosive batting. Yadav’s inclusion in this elite list reflects his calibre and potential to shape the future of T20 cricket.

Meanwhile, Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir have kickstarted their new partnership with a 3-0 T20I series win over Sri Lanka. This victory marked a successful beginning for Gambhir’s tenure as head coach and highlighted Yadav’s crucial role in leading the team to success.

Yadav’s journey to this milestone is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure. His aggressive batting and match-winning performances have made him a vital cog in the Indian cricket team and one of the most exciting players to watch in T20 cricket.

Rinku Singh Shines as India Clinches T20I Series Against Sri Lanka

Rinku Singh Shines as India Clinches T20I Series Against Sri Lanka

Rinku Singh Bags ‘Fielder of the Series’ Award as India Triumphs in T20I Series Against Sri Lanka

India’s resounding 3-0 victory against Sri Lanka in the T20I series marked a promising start for Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach. The series triumph was sealed with an exhilarating display in the final match on Tuesday.

Among the standout performers was Rinku Singh, who was honored with the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award for his exceptional fielding efforts throughout the series. His crucial catches in the decisive third T20I played a significant role in India’s dominant performance.

The BCCI shared a video on their official Twitter handle, showcasing the medal ceremony that takes place in the dressing room following each game. During the post-match ceremony, India head coach T Dilip revealed the nominees for the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award, which included Ravi Bishnoi, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag. Ryan ten Doeschate, the assistant coach, ultimately presented the ‘Fielder of the Series’ medal to Rinku Singh, acknowledging his remarkable fielding efforts.

Washington Sundar was recognized as the Player of the Match for his performance in the final game, while Suryakumar Yadav was awarded the Player of the Series title for his outstanding contributions across the matches.

The series victory not only showcased the impressive skills of the Indian players but also marked a promising start to Gambhir’s tenure as the head coach. The team’s ability to adapt to different conditions and execute their plans effectively bodes well for their future prospects.

BCCI, IPL Owners to Discuss Retentions, Auction Purse Increase

BCCI, IPL Owners to Discuss Retentions, Auction Purse Increase

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Indian Premier League (IPL) owners will convene on Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium complex to discuss player retentions ahead of the upcoming mega auction.

Key Points of Discussion:

* Retentions: Franchises are expected to retain a maximum of five or six players, with a potential increase in the frequency of mega auctions from three to five years.
* Increased Purse: The auction purse may be raised to Rs 130-140 crore from the current Rs 90 crore.
* Performance-Based Increments: Players may receive performance-based increments.
* Uncapped Player Retention: Franchises may be allowed to retain two or three uncapped players under a separate slot.

Uncapped Players in Demand:

Several franchises have expressed interest in retaining uncapped players who have shown promise in recent seasons. These include:

* Mumbai Indians: Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir, Akash Madhwal
* Kolkata Knight Riders: Vaibhav Arora, Ramandeep Singh, Suyash Sharma
* Punjab Kings: Harpreet Brar, Ashutosh Sharma, Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh
* Chennai Super Kings: Mukesh Chaudhary, Simarjeet Singh, Sameer Rizvi
* Sunrisers Hyderabad: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abdul Samad
* Royal Challengers Bangalore: Yash Dayal, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror
* Lucknow Super Giants: Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan

Other Considerations:

* The Impact Player rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the match, is likely to continue in IPL 2025.
* One Right-to-Match card may be introduced this season.

India's Sleepless Return from T20 World Cup Triumph

India’s Sleepless Return from T20 World Cup Triumph

India’s triumphant return from the T20 World Cup 2024 was a memorable occasion, but it was also a sleepless one for the team and accompanying journalists.

After a grueling tournament and a delayed departure due to a hurricane, the Indian team finally boarded a 16-hour flight from Barbados to Delhi. However, the flight was far from restful.

According to a producer on the flight, no player slept for more than six hours. The atmosphere was lively, with players mingling with journalists and Star Sports engineers who had been stranded on the island.

Even head coach Rahul Dravid was unable to find a comfortable spot to sleep. He reportedly moved to the economy section in search of a four-seater, where he managed to catch some shut-eye.

Rohit Sharma, known for his jovial nature, was overheard jokingly scolding someone during the flight. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant also engaged in conversations with the media.

The constant chatter and excitement made it difficult for anyone to get a good night’s sleep. The producer recalled, “I remember I was sleeping and I could suddenly hear Rohit scolding somebody. I saw and he was standing right there. But Rohit, in his style, was scolding jokingly.”

Despite the lack of sleep, the Indian team arrived home to a hero’s welcome. Their victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 marked a significant milestone for Indian cricket, ending a decade-long drought in ICC events.

Mohsin Naqvi Set to Become Asian Cricket Council President

Mohsin Naqvi Set to Become Asian Cricket Council President

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is poised to become the next President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) later this year, as per the organization’s rotation policy. The matter was discussed at a recent ACC meeting, with Naqvi emerging as the frontrunner for the position.

“When the ACC meets later this year, it will confirm that Naqvi will be the next president for a two-year term,” a source revealed.

Naqvi’s appointment will follow the tenure of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who has held the ACC presidency for three consecutive terms. Shah received a one-year extension in January this year.

The ACC has recently awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Asia Cup to India, which will be played in the T20 format. The 2027 edition will be held in Bangladesh in the ODI format.

This development sets up two major events in 2025: the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February-March, followed by the Asia Cup. The proximity of these events has reignited discussions and speculations about whether India will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy or whether Pakistan will travel to India for the Asia Cup.

Pakistan last toured India for the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2016 T20 World Cup. India, on the other hand, has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.

The potential for political tensions to overshadow these events remains a concern. However, the ACC’s decision to award the hosting rights to both countries suggests a desire to promote cricket diplomacy and foster goodwill between the two nations.

India to Host 2025 Asia Cup T20 Tournament

India to Host 2025 Asia Cup T20 Tournament

India has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup cricket tournament in the T20 format, serving as a precursor to the T20 World Cup scheduled in the country in 2026. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced this decision in its Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI).

The Asia Cup has traditionally been used as a dress rehearsal for the global event and is played in the same format as the World Cup. The 2023 edition, hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board, was held in a ‘Hybrid Model’ due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. Instead, India played its matches in Sri Lanka.

The 2027 Asia Cup will be held in Bangladesh in the ODI format, aligning with the 50-over World Cup scheduled in South Africa that year. Both the T20 Asia Cup in India and the 50-over continental event in Bangladesh in 2027 will comprise 13 games each, with 26 matches allocated in the said period.

The ACC’s IEOI statement defines the “Men’s Asia Cup Tournament” as a biennial senior men’s cricket tournament organized and administered by the ACC involving designated Members. It includes participation from Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and one Non-Test playing Member of ACC selected through qualifying events.

Suryakumar Yadav Embraces Leadership Role, Inspires Indian Team to Victory

Suryakumar Yadav Embraces Leadership Role, Inspires Indian Team to Victory

Suryakumar Yadav, the newly appointed permanent T20I captain of the Indian cricket team, has embarked on a journey to become a true leader, inspiring and guiding his team beyond the responsibilities of a captain. In his first series as captain, Suryakumar showcased his exceptional skills, earning the prestigious ‘Player of The Series’ title with two outstanding performances in the initial matches.

However, his contribution extended further when he claimed two crucial wickets with his off-spin bowling during a nail-biting Super Over victory, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to his achievements. “Like I said before the series, I don’t want to be the captain, I want to be the leader,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

He expressed endless admiration for his fellow players, who demonstrated immense courage and determination while safeguarding a humble total of 137 runs. “The amount of skill they have, self-confidence, it makes my job easy. The positivity, the care for each other is unbelievable. After the last game, I told few boys will be rested and they were ready to sit out.”

The Indian skipper said that just as people enjoy high scores of 220 or 230, they should also start appreciating low-scoring games, as it brings balance to the sport. “More than the last over, I feel when we were around 30/4 and 48 for 5, how the boys showed character, 140 was a par score on that track. I told, if we put our heart in it, we could pull it off.”

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka couldn’t explain what went wrong with the middle-order in all three games. “Definitely, really disappointed, especially the middle-order and lower-middle order. Very bad shot selection. The thinking was spinners were bowling and that’s why Wanindu Hasaranga came up the order and we gave him the license to hit one or two boundaries,” Asalanka said.

“I think especially we played some wrong shots and when the ball gets old, the shot selection has to be spot on. We can’t give excuses and we have to do more than this.”I want to see good batting performance in ODIs and I think the boys will do better,” the dejected Lankan skipper added.

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