New Zealand Women's Squad Announced for England Series, Mair and Halliday Return

New Zealand Women’s Squad Announced for England Series, Mair and Halliday Return

New Zealand’s women’s cricket team has announced its squad for the upcoming five-match T20I and three-match ODI series against England at home. The squad features the return of seamer Rosemary Mair and batter Brooke Halliday, who missed the recent series against Pakistan due to injury.

Mair, who last played for New Zealand in August 2022, has been rewarded for her impressive performances in the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament. She was the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps, including a memorable 4 for 5 in the final.

Halliday, who has been out with a foot injury, made a successful return to action in the Super Smash, scoring 108 in a List A game against Canterbury. Her inclusion in the squad is a boost for New Zealand, as she is a key member of the batting lineup.

Offspinner Leigh Kasperek has also been included in the squad for the last two T20Is. Kasperek played a crucial role in Wellington’s Super Smash triumph, picking up 17 wickets at an economy of 5.38.

The tour will begin with two warm-up T20s in Queenstown on March 10 and 12, followed by the first T20I in Dunedin on March 19. Three standby players will be named closer to the series to cover for Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, or Lea Tahuhu, who are currently playing in the Women’s Premier League in India.

New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his satisfaction with the squad selection, particularly highlighting Mair’s progress and Kasperek’s consistency. He also noted that Georgia Plimmer will only be available for the ODIs, while Eden Carson will play in the first three T20Is and also feature for New Zealand A in the corresponding series against England A.

Tom Hartley Eager to Learn from Nathan Lyon at Lancashire

Tom Hartley Eager to Learn from Nathan Lyon at Lancashire

Tom Hartley, England’s rising star spinner, is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to learn from Nathan Lyon, Australia’s legendary off-spinner, during their time together at Lancashire in the 2024 season. Hartley, who has impressed with his performances in India, believes Lyon’s guidance will be invaluable in his development.

Despite Lyon’s arrival, Hartley remains confident in his abilities. He acknowledges the need to improve his seam presentation, particularly in English conditions, and sees Lyon as the ideal mentor to help him achieve this. Hartley also recognizes the importance of developing his batting skills to become a more versatile all-rounder.

Hartley’s batting prowess has been evident in India, where he has scored 159 runs, including a crucial 34 in the second innings of the first Test. He believes that improving his batting will make him a more valuable asset to both Lancashire and England.

Hartley’s six-hitting exploits have also caught the attention of England’s management. He has struck more sixes than any other England player in the series, a feat that has earned him praise from head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.

Hartley is determined to continue his impressive form in the remaining two Tests against India. He hopes to add to his tally of 20 wickets and potentially surpass R Ashwin’s record of five sixes conceded in a single series.

Sri Lanka Snatch Dramatic Three-Run Victory Over Bangladesh in T20 Opener

Sri Lanka Snatch Dramatic Three-Run Victory Over Bangladesh in T20 Opener

In a thrilling opening Twenty20 international of a three-match series in Sylhet on Monday, Sri Lanka emerged victorious over Bangladesh by a narrow margin of three runs. Chasing a challenging target of 207 runs, Bangladesh’s lower middle-order batsman Jaker Ali played a valiant innings, scoring a maiden fifty and bringing his team close to victory. However, Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka displayed nerves of steel in the final over, claiming two crucial wickets to secure the win.

Bangladesh’s pursuit of the target began with a solid start, but former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews made an early impact by dismissing two key batsmen. Mahmudullah Riyad then played a crucial role, striking a quickfire 54 off 31 balls to revive the home side’s hopes. However, Shanaka’s heroics in the final over proved decisive.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had set a formidable total of 206-3 after being sent in to bat. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis played key roles, scoring fifties and sharing a 96-run partnership for the third wicket. Stand-in skipper Charith Asalanka also contributed with an unbeaten 44 from 21 balls.

The series marks the start of Sri Lanka’s month-long tour of Bangladesh, which will also include three one-day internationals and two Tests.

Ranji Trophy Final to Grace Wankhede Stadium from March 10-14

Ranji Trophy Final to Grace Wankhede Stadium from March 10-14

The Ranji Trophy final, the pinnacle of India’s domestic cricket tournament, will be held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from March 10 to 14. The announcement was made by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) after 41-time champions Mumbai secured their place in the final for the 48th time.

The Wankhede Stadium has been the heart of Mumbai cricket for nearly five decades, hosting countless memorable matches. “Considering the legacy of the tournament and the significance of this game for the Mumbai cricket community, it is only fitting that the final be played at the Wankhede Stadium,” said MCA secretary Ajinkya Naik.

Mumbai’s qualification for the final came after a dominant performance in the semifinals, where they defeated Tamil Nadu by an innings and 70 runs at the BKC ground. The team will now face the winner of the other semifinal clash between Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh, which is currently underway at the VCA Ground in Nagpur.

Vidarbha, known for their strong batting lineup, extended their lead by 261 runs in the second innings, reaching 343 for six at the end of the third day. The team will be looking to continue their impressive form and secure a place in the final.

The Ranji Trophy final is a highly anticipated event in the Indian cricket calendar, attracting fans from across the country. The Wankhede Stadium, with its capacity of over 33,000, is expected to be packed with spectators eager to witness the culmination of the tournament.

Shane Warne: Two Years of Absence, Enduring Legacy

Shane Warne: Two Years of Absence, Enduring Legacy

Shane Warne, the legendary Australian leg-spinner, left an indelible mark on world cricket during his illustrious career. Two years after his untimely demise at the age of 52, his legacy continues to inspire and captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Warne’s exceptional bowling prowess propelled him to the pinnacle of Test cricket, where he became the second-highest wicket-taker in history. His remarkable feat of capturing 700 Test wickets remains a testament to his unparalleled skill and mastery of the craft. Throughout his 145 Test appearances, Warne claimed 708 wickets at an impressive average of 25.41.

On the second anniversary of his passing, Warne’s daughter, Brooke, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing her profound loss and the enduring impact of his absence. “2 years today Dad. It’s been the slowest and quickest 2 years without you,” she wrote. “I feel like you were just here being silly with us and talking about how good the new season of Peaky Blinders is, and we will watch the next episode together when you come home. Life really doesn’t make sense without you here.”

Warne’s Ashes debut in June 1993 etched his name into cricket folklore with a delivery that has become synonymous with his brilliance. Facing England’s Mike Gatting at Old Trafford, Warne unleashed a seemingly innocuous delivery that took a dramatic turn after pitching. Gatting’s attempt to block the ball with his bat proved futile as it spun sharply to dislodge his stumps.

The delivery, later dubbed “the ball of the Century,” stunned Gatting, the umpire, and the commentators alike. Years later, Gatting recalled the moment, marveling at the ball’s extraordinary spin. “It did spin an awfully long way from two or three inches outside leg stump…The ball had not brushed my bat, my glove or pad, so I thought Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy must have kicked the bail off…The ball had clipped the bail.”

Warne’s impact extended beyond his wicket-taking prowess. His charismatic personality and infectious enthusiasm for the game made him a beloved figure both on and off the field. His legacy continues to inspire young cricketers around the world, who strive to emulate his exceptional skills and unwavering determination.

Ellyse Perry's Colossal Strike Shatters Car Window in WPL Match

Ellyse Perry’s Colossal Strike Shatters Car Window in WPL Match

Ellyse Perry’s Colossal Strike Shatters Car Window in WPL Clash

In an extraordinary turn of events, Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Ellyse Perry unleashed a thunderous strike that shattered the window of a display car during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) match against UP Warriorz at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

Perry’s colossal blow came in the penultimate over bowled by Deepti Sharma. The Australian all-rounder muscled the ball over the deep mid-wicket fence, sending it hurtling towards a car parked on a podium. The ball struck the rear door window with such force that it shattered into pieces.

A stunned Perry immediately reacted by placing her hand on her head as the packed crowd at the Chinnaswamy erupted in a mix of awe and disbelief. The incident was captured on camera and shared widely on social media.

Despite the unusual occurrence, Perry continued her blistering innings, scoring a rapid 58 runs off just 37 deliveries. Her knock, along with a half-century from skipper Smriti Mandhana (80 off 50 balls), propelled RCB to a formidable total of 198 for 3 against the Warriorz.

The incident highlights the immense power and skill of Perry, who is widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders in women’s cricket. Her ability to generate such force with her batting is a testament to her exceptional technique and athleticism.

The shattered car window also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the potential for unexpected events to occur. While such incidents are rare, they add an element of excitement and unpredictability to the game.

Tanush Kotian: Mumbai's Lower-Order Savior

Tanush Kotian: Mumbai’s Lower-Order Savior

Mumbai’s lower-order batters have been instrumental in the team’s success this season, despite the top-order’s struggles. Tanush Kotian, a 25-year-old all-rounder, has been a key contributor, bailing out the 41-time champions on several occasions.

In the semifinals against Tamil Nadu, Kotian’s unbeaten 89 rescued Mumbai from a precarious position of 211 for eight. His chanceless knock propelled the team to a comfortable victory.

Kotian’s performance is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has set specific targets for himself, aiming to score 500 runs and take 30 wickets this season. With one game remaining, he has already amassed 481 runs and 22 wickets.

Kotian credits the team’s deep batting order for their success. Even when the top order fails, the lower order has consistently stepped up to contribute valuable runs.

“We have a deep batting order,” Kotian said. “Even when our team was 100 for 5, we reached 400 or 450 because the lower order had made runs. We have the confidence that we can bat session by session and put up as many runs as possible.”

The presence of Shardul Thakur at number eight further bolsters Mumbai’s batting depth. Thakur’s experience and ability to score quick runs provide the team with a sense of security.

Kotian’s contributions have been crucial for Mumbai’s success this season. His ability to bat down the order and deliver under pressure has been a major asset for the team. As Mumbai prepares for the final game of the season, Kotian will be looking to continue his impressive form and help the team secure another title.

Angelo Mathews' Controversial Dismissal Sparks Controversy in Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Series

Angelo Mathews’ Controversial Dismissal Sparks Controversy in Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Series

During the 2023 ODI World Cup, a controversial dismissal of Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews sparked a heated debate. Mathews was ruled “timed out” in a crucial match against Bangladesh, igniting a storm of controversy.

The incident occurred in the 25th over when Mathews arrived at the crease after Sadeera Samarawickrama’s dismissal. However, he realized he had the wrong helmet and attempted to rectify the situation with the Bangladesh players and umpires.

Mathews indicated that the helmet strap had come off, but the damage had been done. Bangladesh appealed for a “timed out,” and despite Mathews’ animated protests, the appeal was not withdrawn.

Mathews’ frustration was evident as he threw his helmet in anger after leaving the field. Later, while bowling, he took the wicket of Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hasan and gestured towards his watch, a symbolic reference to the controversial dismissal.

The incident resurfaced during a T20I match between the two teams in Sylhet, where Shoriful Islam mimicked Mathews’ gesture after dismissing Sri Lanka’s Avishka Fernando.

The series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is seen as crucial preparation for the upcoming World Cup in June. Bangladesh has never defeated Sri Lanka in a T20 series, adding to the significance of this encounter.

Ravichandran Ashwin: A Master of Innovation and Outwitting Batsmen

Ravichandran Ashwin: A Master of Innovation and Outwitting Batsmen

Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned off-spinner, is poised to make his 100th Test appearance for India in the upcoming match against England in Dharamsala. His journey to this milestone has been marked by remarkable achievements, including surpassing the 500-wicket mark in the third Test in Rajkot.

Ashwin’s success stems from his astute intellect and insatiable curiosity for experimentation. He is constantly striving to outwit opposing batsmen, meticulously observing their cues and adapting his bowling accordingly. His sharp mind and unwavering commitment to his craft have made him a formidable force in the game.

Cheteshwar Pujara, Ashwin’s longtime national teammate, has witnessed firsthand his exceptional abilities. In a column for ‘ESPNcricinfo’, Pujara praised Ashwin’s ability to read batters and his willingness to innovate. He highlighted Ashwin’s meticulous preparation, citing an example of how he studied videos of Steve Smith before India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21.

Pujara also described Ashwin’s duels against star England batter Joe Root as a “battle of wills.” Ashwin’s tactic of keeping Root on strike and denying him singles has proven effective, forcing the English batsman to defend and react to Ashwin’s variations.

Beyond his cricketing prowess, Ashwin is known for his intelligence and wit. Pujara described him as “very smart” with an impressive vocabulary. However, Ashwin is also a good sport, despite his competitive nature.

Off the field, Ashwin is a voracious reader, enjoys chess online, and is always open to learning new things. His insatiable curiosity and commitment to excellence extend beyond the cricket pitch.

As Ashwin prepares for his 100th Test, he stands as a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of success. His contributions to Indian cricket have been immense, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of bowlers to come.

Tamil Nadu's Batting Gamble Backfires in Ranji Trophy Semi-Final

Tamil Nadu’s Batting Gamble Backfires in Ranji Trophy Semi-Final

Tamil Nadu’s decision to bat first in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Mumbai backfired spectacularly, as they suffered a humiliating innings defeat. Skipper R. Sai Kishore defended his choice, citing his instincts and past success with the strategy. However, coach Sulakshan Kulkarni strongly criticized the decision, stating that the team should have bowled first on a seamer-friendly pitch.

Kulkarni pointed out that Tamil Nadu had planned to field three seamers and drop a batter if they won the toss. He believed that bowling first would have given them an advantage, but Sai Kishore’s decision to bat first proved costly.

Despite Sai Kishore’s six wickets, the lack of support from other bowlers and the batters’ inability to adapt to the conditions led to Tamil Nadu’s downfall. Kulkarni acknowledged that Sai Kishore was the team’s best bowler, but he felt that left-arm spinner S. Ajith Ram was underutilized.

Despite the disappointment, Kulkarni praised the team’s efforts this season, highlighting the performances of batters who scored over 500 runs and Indrajith’s crucial knocks. He expressed satisfaction with reaching the semifinals but acknowledged that a trophy would have been the ultimate goal.

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