Cricket

Dale Steyn Steps Down as SRH Bowling Coach, Pat Cummins Eyed as Captain

By Nilay March 2, 2024 0

Former South African pace legend Dale Steyn will not be part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) coaching staff for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Steyn has requested a break from his coaching responsibilities, prompting the franchise to search for a replacement bowling coach.

Steyn’s departure comes after a successful stint with SRH, where he played a pivotal role in the development of young speedster Umran Malik. Malik has since earned an India cap in T20Is and ODIs, and recently received a fast-bowling contract from the BCCI.

Despite his absence, Steyn is expected to return to the franchise next season if all necessary arrangements are met. SRH has already appointed former New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori as their new head coach.

The franchise is also considering appointing Pat Cummins as their captain for the upcoming season. Cummins, who was acquired for a whopping INR 20.5 crore in the auction last year, has led Australia to victory in the 2023 World Test Championship and Men’s ODI World Cup.

SRH, who finished at the bottom of the points table last year, will be hoping for a turnaround under Vettori and Cummins’ leadership. They will open their 2024 campaign on March 23 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, followed by their first home match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on March 27 against Mumbai Indians.

Categories: Cricket

Mumbai Indians Restrict Bangalore to 131, Win by 11 Runs

By Nilay March 2, 2024 0

Mumbai Indians’ bowlers put up a clinical performance to restrict Royal Challengers Bangalore to a modest 131/8 in the Women’s Premier League match on Saturday.

After being asked to bat first, Bangalore lost three wickets in the powerplay and struggled to gain momentum. Ellyse Perry (44* off 38) and Georgia Wareham (27) provided some stability with a 52-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but the Mumbai bowlers kept the pressure on.

Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Pooja Vastrakar picked up two wickets each, while Issy Wong and Saika Ishaque took one apiece. The surface appeared slow, making it difficult for the batters to score freely.

In the chase, Mumbai openers Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews got off to a solid start, putting on 29 runs for the first wicket. Bhatia was particularly impressive, hitting two boundaries and a six in her 18-ball 23.

However, Bangalore fought back with the wickets of Bhatia and Matthews in quick succession. Sophie Devine then dismissed Richa Ghosh for a duck, leaving Mumbai at 35/3.

Natalie Sciver-Brunt (15) and Amelia Kerr (14*) steadied the ship with a 29-run partnership, but the required run rate continued to climb.

In the end, Mumbai fell short by 11 runs, with Perry and Wareham remaining unbeaten at the crease.

Categories: Cricket

Avesh Khan’s Pace Prowess Gives MP Control in Ranji Semifinal

By Nilay March 2, 2024 0

Avesh Khan’s incisive bowling spearheaded Madhya Pradesh’s dominance on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha in Nagpur. The pacer’s four-wicket haul, complemented by Kulwant Khejroliya and Venkatesh Iyer’s two wickets each, restricted Vidarbha to a paltry 170.

The VCA Stadium pitch offered ample carry, allowing the MP bowlers to exploit the conditions. Avesh struck early, dismissing opener Dhruv Shorey, and continued to trouble the Vidarbha batsmen throughout the innings. Khejroliya and Iyer provided valuable support, keeping the pressure on the opposition.

Vidarbha’s only resistance came from Karun Nair, who top-scored with a gritty 63. However, he lacked support from his teammates, as wickets fell at regular intervals. Atharva Taide and Aman Mokhade shared a 36-run partnership, but it proved insufficient to build a substantial total.

MP’s fielding was equally impressive, with Yash Dubey taking a stunning catch to dismiss Akshay Wadkar. The visitors’ bowlers maintained their accuracy throughout the day, preventing Vidarbha from gaining any momentum.

In response, MP reached 47 for one at close, trailing by 123 runs. The lone wicket to fall was that of Dubey, who edged Umesh Yadav to Wadkar.

Avesh Khan’s performance has put MP in a commanding position in the semifinal. The pacer’s ability to extract bounce and movement from the pitch has made him a key threat to Vidarbha’s hopes of a comeback.

Categories: Cricket

Mumbai Bowlers Dominate Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy Semifinal Opener

By Nilay March 2, 2024 0

Mumbai’s bowlers, led by Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur, dominated the opening day of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu, bowling out the visitors for a paltry 146.

Deshpande (3/24) and Thakur (2/48) exploited the movement and turn on offer at the BKC Ground, making life miserable for the Tamil Nadu batters. B Sai Sudharsan was trapped leg-before on the fourth ball of the match, setting the tone for a disastrous start for the visitors.

Mohit Avasthi had N Jagadeesan caught at short leg, while Deshpande took a fine return catch to dismiss Pradosh Ranjan Paul. Tamil Nadu skipper B Sai Kishore promoted himself ahead of Baba Indrajith, but his footwork was all over the place as Deshpande bowled him for 17.

Tanush Kotian took a sharp diving catch to remove Indrajith, leaving Tamil Nadu reeling at 17/4. Vijay Shankar and Washington Sundar fought back with a 67-run partnership, but Deshpande’s relentless pressure led to Shankar’s dismissal for 44.

Sundar, who was dropped twice, showed some resistance with a 43-ball 43, but Mohammed Mohammed’s late flurry of fours helped Tamil Nadu reach 146.

Mumbai lost Prithvi Shaw and Bhupen Lalwani cheaply, but Musheer Khan (24 not out) and nightwatchman Mohit Avasthi (1 not out) guided the hosts to 45/2 at stumps, trailing by 101 runs.

Categories: Cricket

DRS Controversy Erupts After Joe Root’s Controversial Dismissal

By Nilay March 2, 2024 0

Joe Root’s controversial LBW dismissal in the fourth India-England Test in Ranchi has sparked a heated debate over the use of DRS (decision review system). The England camp has vehemently criticized the technology, demanding its abolition, while former skipper Michael Vaughan has labeled Root’s dismissal a “shocker.”

Paul Hawkins, founder of Hawk-Eye, the technology provider for DRS, has hit back at Vaughan’s comments, dismissing them as “uneducated.” He maintains that the correct decision was made by third umpire Joel Wilson in overturning on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s call.

Hawkins has accused Vaughan of lacking understanding of the technology and its operation. He has urged journalists to be more responsible in their reporting and to ensure factual accuracy.

Vaughan, in response, has demanded full transparency from Hawk-Eye, requesting them to demonstrate the exact workings of the system. He believes that this will help dispel any misconceptions and provide a clearer understanding of how DRS operates.

The DRS controversy has cast a shadow over the ongoing Test series, which India has already clinched with an unassailable 3-1 lead. The fifth and final game will commence in Dharamsala on March 7.

Categories: Cricket

James Anderson rues Virat Kohli’s absence in India-England Test series

By Nilay March 2, 2024 0

The absence of Virat Kohli has cast a long shadow over the India-England Test series, with legendary England pacer James Anderson expressing his disappointment at missing out on a chance to face the Indian batting maestro.

Kohli opted out of the series citing personal reasons, having recently welcomed his second child with wife Anushka Sharma. Anderson, who has engaged in several memorable on-field battles with Kohli, lamented the star batter’s absence.

“Yeah, you always want to play against the best players. And it’s been a shame that he’s not been a part of the series. We have had some great battles over the years,” Anderson said on JioCinema.

Anderson acknowledged that Kohli’s absence may have been a relief for England fans, but he emphasized the importance of facing the world’s best players.

“I guess English fans will be thankful he’s not playing because he’s such a quality player. But from our point of view you want to test yourself, you want to come up against the best and he’s been someone who I’ve found really challenging to bowl at over the years and it’s a shame he’s not been playing,” Anderson added.

India have already secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, with the fifth and final Test set to be played in Edgbaston. India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will return for the final Test, while batter KL Rahul will miss out again due to a quad injury.

Despite Kohli’s absence, the series has been marked by intense competition and high-quality cricket. England will be looking to salvage some pride in the final Test, while India will aim to complete a memorable series victory.

Categories: Cricket

WA’s Shield Title Hopes Revived with Dominant Bowling Display

By Nilay March 2, 2024 0

Western Australia’s quest for a third consecutive Sheffield Shield title gained momentum after a dominant bowling performance against Queensland at the WACA Ground.

In response to WA’s competitive 310, Queensland were bundled out for a paltry 170 in 54.5 overs on a challenging day marked by overcast conditions and gusty winds. WA openers Cameron Bancroft and Sam Whiteman safely negotiated 16 runs before lightning forced an early end to the day’s play.

Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli played a pivotal role in dismantling Queensland’s tail, claiming 4 for 54. Joel Paris continued his impressive form with 2 for 15 off 12 overs, while Charlie Stobo and Cameron Gannon also chipped in with wickets.

Queensland’s top order faltered in the overcast conditions, with Paris dismissing Bryce Street for a duck. Gannon produced a spectacular diving one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Angus Lovell. Jack Clayton, Jimmy Peirson, and Jack Wildermuth all made starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores.

WA’s bowlers maintained a relentless pressure, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Queensland managed to add 46 runs for their last two wickets, but WA held a commanding lead of 156 runs.

The victory puts WA in a strong position to secure a top-two finish in the Shield standings. They currently sit third but have an opportunity to leapfrog second-placed Victoria, who are facing defeat against ladder leaders Tasmania.

WA will face Victoria in the final round at Junction Oval, meaning their fate is in their own hands. Bancroft and Whiteman will be crucial in forming a solid second-innings partnership when play resumes on Sunday.

Categories: Cricket

Gautam Gambhir Resigns from Politics to Focus on Cricket

By Nilay March 2, 2024 0

Gautam Gambhir Steps Down from Political Duties to Focus on Cricket

Former Indian cricketer and current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP Gautam Gambhir has requested party president J.P. Nadda to relieve him of his political responsibilities. This decision comes as Gambhir prepares to take on a new role in the upcoming cricket season.

Gambhir, who represents the East Delhi constituency in Parliament, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the opportunity to serve the people. He stated that he had made the request to focus on his upcoming cricket commitments.

Gambhir’s decision to step down from politics marks a significant shift in his career. He joined the BJP in March 2019 and was elected to the Lok Sabha in the subsequent general election. During his tenure as an MP, Gambhir has been actively involved in various initiatives, including promoting sports and education.

However, Gambhir’s passion for cricket has remained strong. He has recently returned to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise as its mentor ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Gambhir previously served as mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants.

Gambhir’s decision to prioritize cricket over politics has been met with mixed reactions. Some have expressed disappointment, while others have praised his commitment to his sport. Regardless of the differing opinions, Gambhir’s decision is a testament to his unwavering passion for cricket.

As Gambhir embarks on this new chapter in his career, it remains to be seen how he will balance his cricket commitments with his political aspirations. However, one thing is certain: his love for the game of cricket will continue to drive him forward.

Categories: Cricket

Lance Klusener Joins Lucknow Super Giants as Assistant Coach for IPL 2024

By Nilay March 1, 2024 0

South African cricket legend Lance Klusener has been appointed as the assistant coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. The announcement was made by LSG on Friday, adding Klusener to their already formidable coaching staff led by head coach Justin Langer and assistant coach S Sriram.

Klusener brings a wealth of experience to the LSG dugout, having previously served as an assistant coach for the Mumbai Indians under Shaun Pollock in the early years of the IPL. He also has a successful track record as head coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, guiding them to their maiden CPL title.

Beyond his IPL and CPL stints, Klusener has also held coaching roles with the Afghanistan national team, as well as the South Africa and Zimbabwe batting units. He has also worked in the Indian domestic circuit with Tripura.

During his playing days, Klusener was renowned as one of the finest all-rounders in white-ball cricket. He was a key member of the South African team that reached the semi-finals of the 1999 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament. Klusener’s all-round abilities, including his explosive batting and accurate medium-pace bowling, made him a formidable force on the field.

Klusener’s appointment as assistant coach at LSG is expected to further strengthen the team’s coaching setup. His experience and expertise will be invaluable to the players, particularly in the areas of batting and all-round development. LSG will be hoping to build on their impressive performance in the 2023 IPL season, where they reached the playoffs under the guidance of Langer and Sriram.

Categories: Cricket

Dale Steyn Steps Down as SRH Bowling Coach, Pat Cummins Eyed as Captain

Mumbai Indians Restrict Bangalore to 131, Win by 11 Runs

Avesh Khan’s Pace Prowess Gives MP Control in Ranji Semifinal

Mumbai Bowlers Dominate Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy Semifinal Opener

DRS Controversy Erupts After Joe Root’s Controversial Dismissal

James Anderson rues Virat Kohli’s absence in India-England Test series

WA’s Shield Title Hopes Revived with Dominant Bowling Display

Gautam Gambhir Resigns from Politics to Focus on Cricket

Lance Klusener Joins Lucknow Super Giants as Assistant Coach for IPL 2024

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