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Category: Cricket

Dravid Urges Iyer, Kishan to Prioritize Domestic Cricket for National Team Return

Dravid Urges Iyer, Kishan to Prioritize Domestic Cricket for National Team Return

By March 9, 2024 0

India head coach Rahul Dravid has urged Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan to prioritize domestic cricket to regain their places in the national team. Both players have been under scrutiny for opting out of domestic cricket in recent months.

Dravid emphasized that playing domestic cricket is crucial for players to showcase their skills and force the selectors to consider them. He stated that contracts and selections are not his responsibility but that he values players who demonstrate commitment to domestic cricket.

Kishan has not played any BCCI-sanctioned cricket since opting out of the South Africa Test series, while Iyer missed the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals due to back spasms. However, Iyer has since returned to play for Mumbai in the semi-finals and is expected to feature in the final.

Dravid acknowledged that both players remain in contention for selection but stressed the importance of them performing well in domestic cricket. He highlighted that there are numerous examples of players who have been selected despite not having contracts.

The BCCI recently announced a Test Cricket Incentive Scheme that will increase match fees for players who feature in over 75% of Tests played in a season. Dravid emphasized that this scheme should be viewed as a reward for hard work rather than a financial incentive.

He praised the challenges and rewards of Test cricket, noting that it requires special qualities to succeed in the format. Dravid expressed hope that the recognition and support for Test cricket will continue to attract players to the format.

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Weather Woes Cancel Afghanistan-Ireland ODI, Postpone UAE-Scotland Match

Weather Woes Cancel Afghanistan-Ireland ODI, Postpone UAE-Scotland Match

By March 9, 2024 0

Poor Weather Disrupts International Cricket Fixtures in UAE

Unfavorable weather conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have forced the cancellation of the second One-Day International (ODI) between Afghanistan and Ireland and the postponement of the ICC ODI World Cup League 2 match between UAE and Scotland.

The UAE vs Scotland game in Dubai was postponed on Friday due to severe weather conditions, as per a directive from the relevant government department. On Saturday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the cancellation of the Afghanistan vs Ireland ODI in Sharjah due to heavy and persistent rain.

“The decision to call off the game was made after extensive discussions between the event’s technical committee, match officials, and ground staff,” the Afghanistan Cricket Board stated.

Afghanistan currently holds a 1-0 lead in the series after their 35-run victory in the first ODI in Sharjah on Thursday. The third and final game of the series is scheduled to take place on March 12 at the same venue.

Reports from UAE media outlets indicate that the inclement weather has led to flight cancellations and a yellow weather alert has been issued, suggesting the possibility of worsening conditions.

In Abu Dhabi, thunder, lightning, and heavy rain have been reported, resulting in the suspension of bus services between Dubai and Sharjah. However, marine transport services in Dubai have resumed after morning disruptions.

The weather conditions have significantly impacted international cricket fixtures in the UAE, highlighting the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns.

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Sehwag Slams England’s “Bazball” Approach After Test Series Loss

By March 9, 2024 0

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has launched a scathing attack on England’s “Bazball” approach, which he believes led to their dismal performance in the recently concluded Test series against India. England began the series with a resounding victory in Hyderabad, but their fortunes took a nosedive thereafter, as they lost the next four Tests to concede the series 1-4.

Sehwag, known for his forthright opinions, took to social media to express his dismay at England’s tactics. “Bazball, Batti Gull,” he wrote. “There needs to be a method to madness. England simply didn’t have the game to match and looked clueless particularly after the second test match.”

The former opener pointed out that England’s captain, Ben Stokes, failed to lead by example, which compounded their problems. “The captain failing miserably only added to their woes and they simply looked like living in an illusion,” Sehwag added.

Sehwag believes that England’s “Bazball” approach, which emphasizes aggressive batting, is flawed. “For this method to succeed, there needs to be a method to madness, which England severely lacked,” he wrote.

Stokes, however, defended England’s approach, arguing that it is necessary to take risks in order to score runs against India’s formidable bowling attack. “When India get on top, especially with the ball, they get a lot of men around the bat and with the quality of their (spin) bowlers…you’ve got to find ways of getting rid of those close fielders,” Stokes explained.

“And that comes with risk, and risks don’t always pay off. You’ve just got to be positive enough to take that risk, accept that it may lead to your downfall. But when the intent is there and you have a clear reason as to why you are playing that shot, you can hold your hands up and accept it.”

Despite Stokes’s defense, Sehwag remains unconvinced. He believes that England’s approach is unsustainable and will ultimately lead to more failures. “England need to go back to the drawing board and reassess their strategy,” he said. “They need to find a way to balance aggression with caution, and they need to be more consistent with their batting.”

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Rohit Sharma's Leadership Praised by Rahul Dravid as India Neutralizes 'Bazball'

Rohit Sharma’s Leadership Praised by Rahul Dravid as India Neutralizes ‘Bazball’

By March 9, 2024 0

India’s head coach Rahul Dravid has praised Rohit Sharma’s leadership style, which he believes has fostered a positive and supportive environment within the team. Under Rohit’s captaincy, India has quietly and effectively neutralized England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ strategy, securing a convincing 4-1 victory in the five-match Test series.

Dravid highlighted the team’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, particularly the return of Ravichandran Ashwin from a personal emergency. Ashwin’s willingness to contribute despite his personal circumstances showcased the character and resilience of the team.

Despite speculation about the exclusion of players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the Indian team, Dravid emphasized that no one is out of contention. He acknowledged the importance of player selection and the need to consider the team’s overall balance.

Dravid also commended the improvement of Kuldeep Yadav, who has emerged as a valuable asset with his left-arm wrist spin and batting contributions. The coach recognized the challenges Yadav has faced in competing with established players like Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

In response to concerns raised by all-rounder Shardul Thakur about the hectic Ranji Trophy schedule, Dravid emphasized the need to listen to player feedback and consider ways to manage the domestic schedule more effectively.

Dravid’s comments reflect his belief in the importance of leadership, teamwork, and player development. He has fostered a culture where players feel valued and supported, which has contributed to India’s recent success on the field.

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India's Young Guns Shine in Test Series Triumph

India’s Young Guns Shine in Test Series Triumph

By March 9, 2024 0

India’s young batting brigade has emerged as a beacon of hope for the team, showcasing their resilience and talent in the recently concluded Test series against England. Despite the absence of seasoned veterans Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, the next-generation stars stepped up to the plate, delivering exceptional performances that secured a resounding 4-1 series victory.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Player of the Series, led the charge with a remarkable 712 runs, while Shubman Gill contributed 452 runs. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel also made significant contributions, showcasing their all-round abilities.

India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, expressed his pride in the team’s performance, particularly the youngsters’ ability to handle pressure and deliver under challenging circumstances. “We have always found people to step up,” Dravid said. “We missed a few key players, but we believe there is an incredible amount of talent in India.”

Dravid also acknowledged the role of the selectors, who have been instrumental in identifying and nurturing these young talents. “Shout out to Ajit (Agarkar) and his team (selection panel) as well,” Dravid added. “They picked the right ones, and they have come here and performed.”

The series victory against England marks a significant turning point for Indian cricket, as it signals the emergence of a new generation of players who are ready to carry the torch forward. Their performances have instilled confidence in the team and raised expectations for the future.

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Rohit Sharma Declares He's Playing Best Cricket of His Life, Vows to Retire When He's Not Good Enough

Rohit Sharma Declares He’s Playing Best Cricket of His Life, Vows to Retire When He’s Not Good Enough

By March 9, 2024 0

Rohit Sharma: Playing the Best Cricket of His Life, Says He’ll Retire When He’s Not Good Enough

Former England batter Geoffrey Boycott may have suggested that Rohit Sharma is past his prime, but the Indian skipper has emphatically declared that he is currently playing the best cricket of his life.

Leading his team in the absence of stalwarts Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, Rohit guided India to a dominant 4-1 victory in the five-match Test series against England. In the decisive Dharamsala Test, India inflicted an innings and 64 runs defeat on the visitors, wrapping up the match within three days.

Reflecting on his own performance, Rohit asserted that he will not hesitate to retire the day he feels he is no longer up to the mark. “One day, when I wake up and feel, I am not good enough then I will retire straight away,” he said. “But in the last few years, I am playing the best cricket of my life.”

Head coach Rahul Dravid echoed Rohit’s sentiments, praising the skipper’s exceptional leadership and ability to bail the team out of difficult situations. “Rohit Sharma has been exceptional in this series,” Dravid said. “In Rajkot, when we were 3 down inside the first hour, we needed someone to get us that hundred. In Ranchi also, he batted amazingly.”

Rohit also highlighted the importance of nurturing young players, especially in the absence of senior stars. “When you win a Test, everything has to fall into place,” he said. “Lot of things we did right through the match. [Absent stars] At some stage, people are going to go, we know that. All these guys are short on experience but they’ve played a lot of cricket. We have got to nurture them and make them understand the game.”

“When put under pressure, they responded pretty well,” Rohit added. “Credit goes to the entire team for that. We talk about scoring runs, but it is as important to take 20 wickets to win the Test match. Everyone, all the bowlers came and responded. They wanted to make a difference with the ball in hand.”

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England Outplayed by India in 4-1 Test Series Defeat

England Outplayed by India in 4-1 Test Series Defeat

By March 9, 2024 0

England’s 4-1 series defeat to India was a result of being outplayed by the superior team, according to captain Ben Stokes. Despite winning the first Test, England struggled to maintain momentum and were outclassed in the subsequent matches.

In the final Test in Dharamsala, England faced a first-innings deficit of 259 and were bowled out for 195 in their second, resulting in an innings and 64-run defeat. R Ashwin’s five-wicket haul in the second innings sealed the victory for India, who had earlier posted an imposing 477 thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma.

Stokes acknowledged England’s shortcomings, stating that they had been “outplayed by the better team in the series.” However, he emphasized the importance of taking positives from the experience and looking ahead to future challenges.

“We’ve got so much cricket coming up in our summer, and then Pakistan and New Zealand,” Stokes said. “Taking the positives that we’ve got from the series is something that I’m really looking forward to. I’m excited to be a part of driving this team even further forward.”

Despite the disappointing result, Stokes remained committed to England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach. He believes that the team’s intent and application were evident, even if the results did not always follow.

“When you look at the game as a whole, and the series as a whole, there’s been really small moments throughout every Test match where we wrestled a bit of momentum back towards us, but we’ve not just been able to maintain and keep that going,” Stokes said.

“And in Test-match cricket, especially out here where the game can turn really fast on you, it’s about understanding that and trying to understand those moments and being a bit more relentless with it.”

Stokes also highlighted the contributions of several young players, including spinner Shoaib Bashir, who took his second five-wicket haul in as many Tests. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett continued to develop their partnership at the top of the batting order, while veteran James Anderson reached the milestone of 700 Test wickets.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be on the field with some of the lads there, the milestones that Jimmy’s got to, but being there for 700 wickets as a seamer, it is quite phenomenal,” Stokes said.

“Everything that he has done from the day he first started being a cricketer, let alone international cricketer, to where he is now … 41 years old, he’s as fit as I’ve ever seen him, and I honestly just don’t know when he’s going to stop, because the desire to commit is still there. It’s great to watch.”

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Ashwin's Adaptability Key to Success in 100th Test

Ashwin’s Adaptability Key to Success in 100th Test

By March 9, 2024 0

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner, has emphasized the importance of experimentation and adaptability in his bowling approach, as evidenced by his impressive performance in the recently concluded Test series against England.

Celebrating his 100th Test in Dharamsala, Ashwin emerged as the leading wicket-taker with a tally of 26 wickets. His success stemmed from his ability to adjust his bowling actions, speeds, and releases to suit the diverse conditions across India’s various grounds.

“Throughout the series, I have gone to different actions, speeds, and releases. India is different; each ground has a challenge. I am least bit insecure about what people feel about me,” Ashwin said at the post-match presentation.

Ashwin, 37, believes that embracing new dimensions in his bowling has been a key factor in his success. “If I am confident that I can try something, I don’t hold back. I have kept my ears and eyes open to listen to good feedback,” he said.

“Unless I try, I will never be able to learn. I am not saying sticking to one method won’t work. But thankfully experimenting and learning has helped me,” added the Tamil Nadu spinner.

Ashwin highlighted his performance on Saturday, where he claimed figures of 5/77, and his outstanding display in England’s second innings at Ranchi, where he secured figures of 5/51, as his most noteworthy outings in the five-match series.

“I was really happy with the way the ball came out (in those spells), as most pleased with this performance and the second innings in Ranchi,” he said.

Ashwin also praised the left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, acknowledging his remarkable contribution with 19 wickets across four Tests in the series. “The way the ball is coming out of Kuldeep’s hands is unbelievable. Watching a wrist spinner in such a flow and the kind of switches he has been able to make through the series and over the last 10 months is so heartening to see. I can’t be happier for somebody,” said Ashwin.

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Tom Hartley Concedes Second-Highest Runs by Visiting Bowler in India Test Series

Tom Hartley Concedes Second-Highest Runs by Visiting Bowler in India Test Series

By March 9, 2024 0

England’s left-arm spinner Tom Hartley endured a torrid time in the recently concluded Test series against India, conceding the second-highest runs by a visiting bowler in a Test series against the subcontinent giants. Hartley’s tally of 795 runs conceded in the five-match series places him just behind his teammate Adil Rashid, who conceded 861 runs in the 2016 series.

Hartley’s struggles were a microcosm of England’s overall performance in the series, as they were comprehensively outplayed by a dominant Indian side. India’s victory in the fifth and final Test by an innings and 64 runs sealed a 4-1 series triumph, extending their unbeaten streak at home to 15 Tests.

The match itself was a testament to the gulf in class between the two teams. Ravichandran Ashwin, playing his 100th Test, claimed a five-wicket haul to dismantle England’s batting lineup. Zak Crawley top-scored for England with 79, but the rest of the batting order failed to provide substantial support.

Kuldeep Yadav and Ashwin were the standout bowlers for India, sharing nine wickets between them. In their first innings, India piled up a mammoth 477 runs, with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Devdutt Padikkal all scoring centuries.

England’s bowlers struggled to contain India’s batsmen throughout the series, with Shoaib Bashir being the only bowler to take more than five wickets. The English team’s inability to adapt to the challenging Indian conditions and the relentless pressure applied by the Indian bowlers proved to be their undoing.

Despite the disappointing result, England can take some solace in the performances of certain individuals. Crawley showed glimpses of his potential, while Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root also made valuable contributions. However, the series highlighted the need for England to address their batting depth and find a way to counter the spin-friendly conditions in India.

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India's Selectors Praised for Bold Decisions in Series Victory

India’s Selectors Praised for Bold Decisions in Series Victory

By March 9, 2024 0

India’s coach Rahul Dravid has lauded the selectors for their bold decisions in selecting young players, which played a crucial role in India’s 4-1 series victory over Australia. Despite missing several key players due to injuries and workload management, India managed to field five debutants, the joint-highest number after their inaugural series.

Dravid acknowledged the selectors’ efforts in identifying and pushing for these young talents. “They’ve pushed us and challenged us to pick some of these young players, and they’ve picked the right ones,” he said. “They’ve come out here and performed.”

One of the standout selections was wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who had only 15 first-class matches under his belt. In Pant’s absence, Jurel played a pivotal role in preventing India from falling behind in Ranchi, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award.

Other young players who stepped up included Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kuldeep Yadav. Jaiswal, with four Tests prior to the series, became only the second Indian batter to score 700 or more in a series. Kuldeep, with eight caps, became the fastest Indian bowler and the second-fastest spinner overall to reach 50 Test wickets.

Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, praised Jaiswal’s aggressive approach and Kuldeep’s resilience. “He’s got something about him, which we all need to be happy about,” Rohit said of Kuldeep. “He has worked hard at NCA and is putting a lot of body into the ball.”

Rohit also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead for Jaiswal. “He has come a long way to where he is right now,” Rohit said. “So obviously he will understand what he needs to do individually and then what the team expects from him as well.”

Dravid’s praise for the selectors highlights the importance of identifying and nurturing young talent. By giving these players opportunities, India has ensured a strong foundation for the future.

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