India's Test Win-Loss Ratio Reaches 1.0, Marking Historic Milestone

India’s Test Win-Loss Ratio Reaches 1.0, Marking Historic Milestone

India’s recent Test victory over England in Dharamshala marked a significant milestone in the team’s history. For the first time, India’s overall win-loss ratio in Test cricket reached 1.0, meaning the number of wins now matches the number of losses.

This achievement highlights India’s remarkable transformation from a team that struggled in overseas conditions to a formidable force in both home and away Tests. The team’s success can be attributed to several factors, including the emergence of world-class spinners like Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, R. Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja.

India’s home record has been particularly impressive. Since the 1990s, the team has dominated at home, with a win-loss ratio of over 3.0. This dominance is largely due to the preparation of spin-friendly wickets, which have favored India’s skilled spinners.

In recent years, India has also made significant strides in away Tests. The team’s win-loss ratio in away Tests has improved from 0.24 in the 1990s to 0.9 in the 2020s. This improvement is due to a combination of factors, including a more balanced bowling attack and a strong batting line-up.

India’s success in Test cricket is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and talent. The team’s ability to adapt to different conditions and overcome challenges has made them one of the most respected and feared teams in the world.

Ravindra and Kerr Shine Bright at New Zealand Cricket Awards

Ravindra and Kerr Shine Bright at New Zealand Cricket Awards

Rachin Ravindra and Amelia Kerr emerged as the shining stars at the New Zealand Cricket Awards, held in Christchurch on Wednesday. Ravindra, at just 24 years old, became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, the highest honor in men’s cricket in New Zealand. Kerr, on the other hand, retained her Debbie Hockley Medal for the second consecutive year, recognizing her exceptional contributions to women’s cricket.

Ravindra’s award capped a remarkable season where he made an indelible mark on the international stage. He emerged as a rising star at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, amassing 578 runs at an impressive average of 64, including three centuries. His maiden Test hundred, a magnificent 240 at Bay Oval, played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s historic Test series victory against South Africa.

Kerr’s dominance extended beyond the Debbie Hockley Medal, as she also swept the ODI and T20I Player of the Year awards, along with the Super Smash Women’s Player of the Year honor. She led New Zealand’s ODI run-scoring charts with 541 runs at an average of 67, while also being their joint-highest T20I wicket-taker and second-highest T20I run-scorer with 252 runs at a strike rate of 118.

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand Test captain, was named Test Player of the Year and also received the Redpath Cup for men’s first-class batting. Williamson’s consistent performances yielded 619 runs at an average of 56, including four centuries in the six Tests considered for the award. Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner were recognized as the ODI and T20I Players of the Year, respectively.

The Bert Sutcliffe Medal for outstanding service to cricket was bestowed upon Trudy Anderson, who played a pivotal role in the operations of Canterbury Cricket for 21 years. Her contributions extended to major events such as the 2015 ODI World Cup, the 2022 Women’s World Cup, and the 2010 and 2018 Men’s U-19 World Cups.

India Solidify WTC Dominance with Innings Victory over England

India Solidify WTC Dominance with Innings Victory over England

India’s dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) continues unabated as they secured a comprehensive innings and 64-run victory over England in Dharamsala. This emphatic win sealed a resounding 4-1 series triumph, further solidifying their position at the summit of the WTC rankings.

India’s impressive performance in the ongoing WTC cycle has seen them accumulate 68.51 percentage points from nine matches, with six wins, two losses, and one draw. Their latest victory propelled them from 64.58 to their current standing.

Captain Rohit Sharma celebrated the series triumph by acknowledging the contributions of promising young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel. In a social media post, Sharma referred to them as “garden mein ghoomne wale bande,” a phrase he had used during the Vizag Test to describe players who were not performing up to expectations.

Sharma’s post drew attention from India’s T20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav, who singled out Jaiswal and Gill for praise. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh clarified that the post specifically referred to Shubman.

Rohit Sharma himself had an exceptional series with the bat, amassing 400 runs in five matches at an average of 44.44. He notched up two centuries and one fifty, showcasing his class and consistency.

India’s victory in Dharamsala was a testament to their all-round strength. The bowlers, led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami, wreaked havoc on the English batting lineup, while the batsmen, including Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, provided valuable contributions.

The series win against England has further boosted India’s confidence as they prepare for the upcoming WTC final against New Zealand. With their impressive record and a formidable squad, India will be aiming to secure the inaugural WTC title and cement their status as the world’s leading Test team.

Ellyse Perry: Staying Grounded Amidst Success and Reduced Bowling Workload

Ellyse Perry: Staying Grounded Amidst Success and Reduced Bowling Workload

Ellyse Perry, the Australian all-rounder, has been a beacon of consistency across sports, excelling in both football and cricket. Despite her impressive achievements, Perry remains grounded and focused on the present.

After her remarkable performance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she claimed 6 for 15 against Mumbai Indians, Perry celebrated modestly with a chocolate brownie and ice cream. However, she emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective and not getting carried away by success.

“It’s easy to get really carried away when things go well,” Perry said. “But I feel like a lot of time you don’t have that much control over things panning well or not.”

Perry’s reduced bowling workload in recent times has not diminished her preparation. She believes in staying ready for any opportunity to contribute to her team.

“I have played for a long period of time now, so I have got a bit of a handle on how I need to prepare,” Perry explained. “I do that keeping in mind that you are available if the opportunity presents itself to bowl in a game.”

With the Women’s T20 World Cup approaching, Perry’s performance in the WPL has raised questions about her potential role in the Australian team. However, she remains focused on her team’s success rather than personal accolades.

“I don’t think there is a case for anything,” Perry said. “I have played a lot of cricket over a number of years. We have been pretty fortunate in the Australian team that we have a lot of options.”

Perry credits the positive atmosphere and leadership of Smriti Mandhana for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s turnaround in the WPL.

“There’s a really strong sense of calmness and people are enjoying themselves,” Perry said. “Smriti has led the group exceptionally well.”

As RCB prepares for the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians, Perry remains confident in her team’s abilities.

“The team, as a whole, has had more time together,” Perry said. “The fact that we can take the field knowing each other and supporting each other has been great.”

Mohammed Shami's Stitches Removed, Eager for Recovery Progress

Mohammed Shami’s Stitches Removed, Eager for Recovery Progress

Mohammed Shami’s Recovery Progress: Stitches Removed, Eager for Next Phase

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has taken a significant step in his recovery from ankle surgery, with his stitches now removed. The 33-year-old pacer, who missed the recent Test series against England and will sit out the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), shared an update on his progress on social media.

“Hello everyone! I wanted to provide an update on my recovery process. It has been 15 days since my surgery, and I recently had my stitches removed. I am thankful for the advancements and looking forward to the next stage of my healing journey,” Shami wrote on Twitter.

Shami underwent surgery last month to address an ankle injury that had been troubling him for some time. Despite the pain, he played a key role in India’s impressive performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets.

The veteran pacer has been a mainstay of the Indian bowling attack for over a decade, with 229 Test wickets, 195 ODI wickets, and 24 T20 wickets to his name. He was recently honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award for his contributions to Indian cricket.

Shami’s absence from the IPL and the upcoming T20 World Cup is a blow to the Indian team. However, the pacer remains optimistic about his recovery and is eager to return to action as soon as possible.

“I am working hard on my rehabilitation and am confident that I will be back on the field soon. Thank you for all your support and well wishes,” Shami added.

Pakistan Cricket Team's Dressing Room Tensions Over Batting Order

Pakistan Cricket Team’s Dressing Room Tensions Over Batting Order

Pakistan Cricket Team’s Dressing Room Tensions Surface Over Batting Order

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s recent public expression of dissatisfaction with his batting position in T20 Internationals has exposed underlying tensions within the national team’s dressing room. The situation stems from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to remove Babar as captain across all three formats.

During a media interaction amidst the Pakistan Super League, Babar openly voiced his discontent, particularly highlighting his dissatisfaction with being relegated to bat at number three during the T20 series against New Zealand in January. This discontent emerged after Pakistan’s 1-4 series loss to New Zealand, during which the successful opening partnership between Babar and Mohammad Rizwan was disrupted, with Rizwan paired alongside the young Saim Ayub instead.

“It was the Pakistan team’s demand at the time. I did that for Pakistan,” Babar said. “If I was asked individually, I wasn’t satisfied with the decision to bat at one down position. However, I did that for Pakistan.”

Babar also clarified that he didn’t take any pressure opening in the shortest format, either for Pakistan or his PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi.

Rizwan had also previously expressed his unhappiness at the change in the batting order, stating that the management’s decision was not fruitful and hurt the side. “You can say that it [breaking the opening pair] has hurt Pakistan. I can say that Babar bhai has a big heart,” Rizwan said after Pakistan lost the fourth T20I against New Zealand. “We both agreed that there is no issue. We both told the management that they can try whatever combination they want.”

The changes in the batting order were initiated by former Pakistan team director Muhammad Hafeez and new T20I captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The public airing of grievances by senior players like Babar and Rizwan suggests a lack of harmony within the Pakistan team. The PCB’s decision to remove Babar as captain has clearly created a rift, and the team’s performance on the field has suffered as a result. It remains to be seen how the PCB will address these tensions and restore unity within the dressing room.

Rohit Sharma's Brilliance and Calm Leadership Guide India to Test Series Victory

Rohit Sharma’s Brilliance and Calm Leadership Guide India to Test Series Victory

Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain has praised India skipper Rohit Sharma for his exceptional performance in the recently concluded Test series against England. Hussain believes that Sharma’s calm and composed demeanor on the field belies his immense skill and brilliance as a batsman.

Sharma amassed 400 runs in the five-match series, including two centuries, at a strike rate of 64.21. Hussain noted that Sharma’s ability to adapt his captaincy style to suit the team’s needs was evident throughout the series.

“I think sometimes people confuse Rohit as a laidback cricketer who just lets the game drift,” Hussain said. “There is a lot of skill, thought, and brilliance about his batting. And I thought he had an excellent series as captain.”

Hussain cautioned against comparing Sharma’s captaincy style to that of his predecessor, Virat Kohli. “Don’t confuse (Rohit with Virat’s captaincy) because he has come off the back of Virat Kohli. In your face, aggressive captain. In the huddle at Lord’s, saying let’s unleash hell on the England batting lineup. Rohit is not quite the same sort of person. He has that fire burning within.”

Despite England’s early 1-0 lead in the series, India fought back to win four consecutive matches and seal a 4-1 victory. Hussain attributed India’s success to their ability to capitalize on England’s mistakes and their resilience in the face of adversity.

“England had their chances, notably in Rajkot and Ranchi, but India came back strong on both occasions to win,” Hussain said. “India showed great character and determination to come back from behind and win the series.”

Hussain concluded by highlighting the importance of Sharma’s leadership in India’s triumph. “Rohit has been a calming influence on the team,” he said. “He has created a positive and supportive environment, which has allowed the players to perform to their full potential.”

Jonny Bairstow Available for Entire IPL Despite Recent Test Tour

Jonny Bairstow Available for Entire IPL Despite Recent Test Tour

England’s Jonny Bairstow, despite recently returning from a grueling Test tour of India, will be available for the entirety of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which commences on March 22. During the Dharamsala Test, BCCI officials engaged in discussions with their ECB counterparts regarding the availability of English players for the IPL.

While Test regulars Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Mark Wood have opted out of the lucrative T20 league due to ECB’s workload management strategy, Bairstow has confirmed his participation. “Bairstow is expected to arrive in India on March 18 or 19 and will be available for the team’s first game against Delhi Capitals on March 23,” revealed an IPL source.

Bairstow, who reached the milestone of 100 Tests in Dharamsala, endured a disappointing batting performance in India. The IPL provides him with an opportunity to regain his form and contribute to his team’s success.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have made significant changes to their coaching staff. Sanjay Bangar, appointed as cricket director ahead of the 2024 edition, will also serve as the batting coach. Bangar’s previous experience includes stints with RCB and as India’s batting coach.

Consequently, Wasim Jaffer, who held the position of batting consultant last season, has been released by the franchise. Punjab Kings, despite reaching the final in 2014, have consistently underperformed in the IPL. Head coach Trevor Bayliss’ contract expires after the season, and the team must qualify for the play-offs for him to be considered for an extension.

Dharamsala is expected to host Punjab’s final two home games, as it did last season. The remaining five home games will be played at the new stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali.

Gavaskar Blasts Sarfaraz Khan for Reckless Shot Selection

Gavaskar Blasts Sarfaraz Khan for Reckless Shot Selection

Sunil Gavaskar’s fury erupted when Sarfaraz Khan recklessly threw away his wicket shortly after the tea break on day two of the fifth and final Test between India and England in Dharamsala. Making his third Test appearance, the 26-year-old Khan had settled into a promising 56 but opted for an ill-advised cut shot against spinner Shoaib Bashir. The ball found an edge and was gratefully accepted by Joe Root in the slips.

Gavaskar, providing commentary during the live broadcast, was scathing in his criticism of Khan’s shot selection. “The ball was pitched up, it wasn’t short enough for that shot,” Gavaskar lamented. “Goes for it and pays the price. I mean you are playing the first ball after tea. Give yourself a little sighter.”

Gavaskar’s ire stemmed from a meeting with Khan the previous day, where he had emphasized the significance of shot selection. A crestfallen Khan later apologized to Gavaskar through Dubai-based businessman Shyam Bhatia, who had arranged their meeting. “Sir, please say sorry to Mr Gavaskar – I made a mistake! I won’t make that mistake again,” Khan reportedly conveyed through Bhatia.

Gavaskar’s anger was not unfounded. Khan’s dismissal was a glaring example of poor decision-making, especially considering the crucial stage of the match. India was looking to consolidate its position after a dominant first day, and Khan’s wicket gave England a much-needed boost.

The incident highlights the importance of shot selection in Test cricket. Batsmen must carefully assess the situation and play shots that are appropriate for the conditions and the match situation. Impulsive or reckless shots can have disastrous consequences, as Khan’s dismissal demonstrated.

Despite Khan’s lapse, India went on to win the Dharamsala Test inside three days, securing a 4-1 series victory. However, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of discipline and shot selection in the longest format of the game.

Rishabh Pant Declared Fit to Return as Delhi Capitals Captain in IPL 2024

Rishabh Pant Declared Fit to Return as Delhi Capitals Captain in IPL 2024

Rishabh Pant Cleared to Return as Delhi Capitals Captain in IPL 2024

After a harrowing car crash in December 2022, Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has been declared fit to resume his role as wicket-keeper batter in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) has cleared Pant to keep wickets, ending weeks of speculation about his availability.

Pant’s return is a major boost for the Delhi Capitals, who have been eagerly awaiting his leadership and wicket-keeping skills. The 26-year-old has undergone extensive rehabilitation and is ready to shoulder the dual responsibility in the event starting March 22.

“After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming IPL 2024,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Pant’s determination to return to action has been evident throughout his recovery process. In an interaction with Star Sports, he recalled telling his doctor that he would shave off at least six months from his recovery timeline.

“I asked the doctor how long will it take for me to recover. I told him that everybody is speaking different things, but you will give me the most clarity about it. He (Doctor) said it would take 16 to 18 months. I told the doctor from whatever timeline you give me, I will reduce six months from it,” Pant had told the official TV broadcasters of IPL.

The Delhi Capitals welcomed Pant’s return with a heartfelt post on social media. “Ready to ROAR. Welcome back, Rishabh Pant. Can’t wait to see you,” the franchise captioned a graphic.

However, one fan took a humorous jab at the editing skills of the DC admin, saying that even he could have made a better graphic for the returning Pant. Pant, known for his sense of humor, responded to the comment with a laughing emoji.

Pant’s return to the Delhi Capitals will be a major storyline in IPL 2024. The franchise will be hoping that their skipper can lead them to their maiden IPL title.

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