India and England Gear Up for Final Test in Dharamsala

India and England Gear Up for Final Test in Dharamsala

The highly anticipated fifth and final Test match between India and England is set to commence on March 7 in Dharamsala. Despite India’s commanding 3-1 lead in the series, both teams are determined to give it their all in the final encounter.

Ahead of the match, a video of batter Shubman Gill undergoing an intense workout at the PCA Stadium in Mohali has surfaced on social media. Gill’s dedication and focus are evident as he sprints across the ground, leaving fans impressed.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced updates to India’s squad for the Dharamsala Test. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the fourth Test, will make his return to the team. Bumrah has been a formidable force in the series, claiming 17 wickets at an impressive average of 13.64.

However, India will be without wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul, who has been ruled out due to an injury. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring his condition and coordinating with specialists in London for further management.

Meanwhile, Washington Sundar has been released from the squad to participate in the Ranji Trophy for his domestic side, Tamil Nadu.

The updated India squad for the Dharamsala Test includes:

* Rohit Sharma (capt)
* Jasprit Bumrah (vice-capt)
* Yashasvi Jaiswal
* Shubman Gill
* Rajat Patidar
* Sarfaraz Khan
* Dhruv Jurel (wk)
* KS Bharat (wk)
* Devdutt Padikkal
* R Ashwin
* Ravindra Jadeja
* Axar Patel
* Kuldeep Yadav
* Mohammed Siraj
* Mukesh Kumar
* Akash Deep

As India aims to maintain its top spot in the World Test Championship points table, England will be eager to salvage some pride in the final match. The clash promises to be an exciting and competitive affair, with both teams determined to end the series on a high note.

Dhruv Jurel: The Next MS Dhoni in the Making, Says Anil Kumble

Dhruv Jurel: The Next MS Dhoni in the Making, Says Anil Kumble

Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble has heaped praise on young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, comparing him to the legendary MS Dhoni. Jurel made a remarkable Test debut in the third match against England at Rajkot, scoring a valuable 46 off 104 balls. He followed it up with a match-winning performance in the fourth Test in Ranchi.

Kumble, speaking to JioCinema, lauded Jurel’s temperament and technique. “Dhruv Jurel certainly has all the credentials to get to where MS (Dhoni) reached in his career,” Kumble said. “He’s not just shown the temperament of his technique to defend but even when he’s attacking. Even in that first innings, he was very assured, he went after and then hit those big sixes.”

Kumble also praised Jurel’s glovework, particularly against pacers. “He has (Jurel) been exceptional, especially of the faster bowlers…He is only going to improve. This is only his second Test and I am sure as he starts playing more and more he’ll only get better. And it only augers well for India. And to have him in a squad is exceptional,” he elaborated.

Jurel’s contributions were crucial in India’s victory in the fourth Test. In the first inning, his knock of 90 runs and a 76-run partnership with Kuldeep Yadav pulled India out of a difficult situation and reduced England’s lead to just 46 runs. Later, his 39* in the second innings and partnership with Shubman Gill helped India overcome the pressure of quick wickets and pull off a tense run chase of 192 runs. He earned the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his efforts in only his second Test.

Jurel will be in action again in the fifth and final Test to be played at Dharamshala from March 7. His performances have raised expectations, and he is seen as a potential successor to Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020.

O'Rourke Doubtful, Wagner Recall Possible for New Zealand in Second Test

O’Rourke Doubtful, Wagner Recall Possible for New Zealand in Second Test

New Zealand’s pace attack faces a setback as Will O’Rourke’s hamstring injury casts doubt on his availability for the second Test against Australia. Captain Tim Southee hinted at a potential recall for veteran Neil Wagner, who retired last week but remains in the squad.

Southee ruled out Trent Boult due to his recent focus on white-ball cricket. However, he left the door open for Wagner, saying, “We’ll see how Will scrubs up and we’ll go from there.”

Australia’s Pat Cummins expressed readiness for Wagner’s return, calling it “the world’s shortest retirement.” He praised the energy and short-ball prowess of the 37-year-old.

Cummins lauded Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green for their match-winning performances in the first Test. Lyon’s six-wicket haul on day four sealed Australia’s 172-run victory. Green’s career-high 174 on day one set up a decisive first-innings lead.

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips impressed with his all-round contributions, scoring 71 in the first innings and taking 5-45 in the second. Southee and Kane Williamson will reach the milestone of 100 Tests in the second match at Hagley Oval.

The final morning of the first Test saw New Zealand collapse from 111-3 to 196 all out. Lyon’s spin proved too much for the hosts, while Green’s short-ball tactics also paid dividends.

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Tickets Soar to Record Highs in Resale Market

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Tickets Soar to Record Highs in Resale Market

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 Tickets Skyrocket in Resale Market

The highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 match between India and Pakistan has sparked a frenzy in the ticket market, with prices reaching astronomical figures on resale platforms.

The official ticket sale offered prices ranging from $6 to $400, with the most expensive seats for the India-Pakistan encounter priced at $400. However, on resale sites like StubHub and SeatGeek, prices have soared to unprecedented levels.

Tickets originally priced at $400 are now being sold for a staggering $40,000, with platform fees pushing the total cost to $50,000. This exceeds the average ticket price for Super Bowl 58 ($9,000) and courtside seats for NBA finals ($24,000).

On SeatGeek, the costliest ticket for the India-Pakistan match has been listed for an astonishing $175,000. With platform charges and additional fees, the total cost balloons to approximately $1.86 crore.

The high demand for tickets reflects the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, which has made their encounters some of the most eagerly anticipated events in cricket. The fact that the two teams rarely play bilateral series due to political tensions further fuels the excitement and demand for tickets.

The astronomical prices have raised concerns about accessibility for fans who may not be able to afford the exorbitant resale prices. However, the high demand is unlikely to diminish, as the India-Pakistan match remains one of the most sought-after events in the cricketing world.

Usman Khan's Century Powers Multan Sultans to PSL Playoffs

Usman Khan’s Century Powers Multan Sultans to PSL Playoffs

Multan Sultans’ relentless dominance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) continued on Sunday as they secured a 20-run victory over Karachi Kings, propelled by Usman Khan’s blistering century. The Sultans’ sixth win in seven games solidified their position atop the standings with 12 points, while the Kings remained in fifth place with only two wins from six matches.

Usman, a Pakistan-born player now representing the United Arab Emirates, unleashed a whirlwind innings of 106 not out off just 58 deliveries, reaching his century in a mere 56 balls. His explosive knock, the fastest century of the PSL season, laid the foundation for Multan’s imposing total of 189 for 3. Captain Mohammad Rizwan provided valuable support with a 58-run contribution.

The Kings’ chase never gained momentum, as they struggled to keep up with the Sultans’ imposing target. Skipper Shan Masood’s dismissal for 36 off 29 balls by tournament leading wicket-taker Usama Mir (2-29) set the tone for their struggles. Mir’s wickets tally now stands at 15, while fast bowler Mohammad Ali has 14 after claiming 1 for 40.

Usman and Rizwan capitalized on some wayward Kings bowling, forging a formidable second-wicket partnership of 148 off 93 balls. Rizwan’s half-century was cut short by a catch at mid-off, but Usman continued his onslaught, reaching his ton with a pulled six against Mir Hamza in the final over.

The Kings’ overseas signings, Tim Seifert (1) and James Vince (7), failed to make an impact, falling cheaply within the batting powerplay. Shoaib Malik emerged as their top scorer with 38, but his dismissal in the 12th over left the Kings with a mountain to climb. Soft dismissals plagued the Kings’ run-chase, ultimately leading to their defeat.

Devon Conway to Miss First Half of IPL 2024 for Chennai Super Kings

Devon Conway to Miss First Half of IPL 2024 for Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dealt a major blow ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, with star batter Devon Conway set to miss at least the first half of the competition. The New Zealand international sustained a left thumb injury during the T20I series against Australia and will undergo surgery.

New Zealand Cricket confirmed that Conway will require a minimum of eight weeks to recover from the surgery, ruling him out of the opening match of IPL 2024 against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22. The statement from New Zealand Cricket read: “BLACKCAPS opener Devon Conway will this week undergo surgery on the left thumb he damaged during the KFC T20I series against Australia. Following several scans and specialist advice, the decision was made to operate on Conway with a likely recovery period of at least eight weeks.”

Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around the future of MS Dhoni in the IPL. The former Indian captain has not officially announced his retirement, but many experts and fans believe that IPL 2024 could be his final season. Dhoni has been one of the most successful skippers in the competition, leading CSK to five titles, the joint-most by any captain along with Rohit Sharma.

However, Dhoni’s childhood friend, Paramjit Singh, has provided a different perspective. “I do not think this will be his (Dhoni’s) last season. He is still fit. I think he will play one or two more seasons. He will definitely play one more season. The reason is he is fit,” Singh told OneCricket.

If Dhoni does decide to retire after IPL 2024, it will mark the end of an era for CSK. The 41-year-old has been an integral part of the franchise since its inception in 2008, leading them to numerous titles and becoming one of the most iconic players in IPL history.

Chahal Predicts Buttler or Jaiswal for Orange Cap, Picks Himself as Leading Wicket-Taker in IPL 2024

Chahal Predicts Buttler or Jaiswal for Orange Cap, Picks Himself as Leading Wicket-Taker in IPL 2024

Veteran Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has predicted that his Rajasthan Royals teammates Jos Buttler or Yashasvi Jaiswal will win the Orange Cap in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Chahal expressed his belief that either Buttler or Jaiswal will emerge as the highest run-scorer in the tournament.

Chahal’s prediction is based on the impressive performances of both players in recent seasons. Buttler, the England wicketkeeper-batter, has been a consistent run-scorer in the IPL, having won the Orange Cap in 2022 with 863 runs. Jaiswal, on the other hand, has emerged as a rising star in Indian cricket, showcasing his batting prowess in the IPL and domestic tournaments.

When asked about the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024, Chahal confidently predicted that he would take the most wickets. He also named Gujarat Titans spinner Rashid Khan as the second-highest wicket-taker. Chahal’s prediction reflects his own impressive record in the IPL, where he has consistently been among the top wicket-takers.

Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed surprise over Chahal’s exclusion from the BCCI’s central contracts for this year. Chopra believes that Chahal’s omission indicates that the selection committee is looking at other options for the Indian team.

Chahal’s exclusion from the central contracts has raised questions about his future with the Indian team. However, the veteran spinner remains optimistic and is determined to prove his worth in the upcoming IPL season.

Labuschagne's Form Under Scrutiny as Australia's Batting Faces Pressure

Labuschagne’s Form Under Scrutiny as Australia’s Batting Faces Pressure

Despite Australia’s victory in the second Test against New Zealand, concerns linger over the team’s batting performance. Marnus Labuschagne, once a cornerstone of the batting order, has endured a lean run of form, raising questions about his place in the side.

Labuschagne’s recent struggles have seen his Test average drop below 50, a significant decline from his peak of over 60 in December 2022. However, captain Pat Cummins remains adamant that Labuschagne’s position is secure.

“Absolutely not,” Cummins said when asked if Labuschagne was under pressure. “I think he’d be the first to admit he’d like to score some more runs. But it’s not through lack of trying in the nets.”

Cummins emphasized that the team believes in Labuschagne’s ability and that his struggles are temporary. “We’re very clear that these six guys are the six best batters in Australia,” he said.

While Labuschagne’s form has been a concern, the entire batting group has come under scrutiny. Australia’s second innings collapse in Wellington, where they were bowled out for just 164, highlighted the need for improvement.

Coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged the need for the batters to perform collectively. “We want the top six, seven batters to be performing as a collective,” he said. “So I think while the rest are performing around that and you’re winning games of cricket, I think the concern levels are fractionally lower.”

McDonald also expressed concerns about Alex Carey’s dismissals in Wellington, where he holed out to cover twice. “They’re going on at the moment,” McDonald said. “He’s disappointed with that as a method to Glenn Phillips.”

Overall, McDonald believes the batting group can improve, particularly in the third innings of matches. “We feel like we can be better,” he said. “We feel as though at times we have underachieved with the bat which has left games open.”

Cummins echoed McDonald’s sentiments, calling for the batters to be more ruthless. “I think it’s something we can get better at, the whole 11 batters, particularly around that third innings where the game seems to speed up a little bit,” he said.

Tasmania on Verge of Sheffield Shield Final After Thrilling Victory Over Victoria

Tasmania on Verge of Sheffield Shield Final After Thrilling Victory Over Victoria

Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield title hopes received a major boost as they secured a thrilling 57-run victory over Victoria in Hobart. The win puts them in prime position to host the final for the first time in six years.

Tasmania’s triumph was built on a brilliant second-innings performance, with Beau Webster’s unbeaten 167 proving pivotal. The allrounder’s knock helped the hosts post a formidable 307, setting Victoria a challenging target of 442.

Victoria’s chase got off to a promising start, with Marcus Harris (76) and Peter Handscomb (71) putting on a century partnership. However, Tasmania’s bowlers fought back, with Gabe Bell (4-21) and Iain Carlisle (4-58) leading the charge.

The visitors suffered a crucial collapse on Sunday, losing four wickets for just 25 runs. This proved to be the turning point of the match, as Victoria’s hopes of chasing down the total evaporated.

Bell’s dismissal of Victoria captain Will Sutherland in the first over of the final day set the tone for the morning session. Carlisle then wrapped up the match by removing Peter Siddle, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Tasmanian players.

Webster’s match-winning innings was a testament to his resilience and skill. The 26-year-old has been in impressive form throughout the season and his latest performance has further enhanced his reputation as one of Australia’s most promising young batsmen.

Tasmania’s victory sets up an intriguing final-round clash with South Australia. A win or draw against the Redbacks will secure their place in the decider, while even a defeat could potentially see them through.

Victoria’s hopes of reaching the final are still alive, but they will need to overcome Western Australia in their final match. However, they will be without Will Pucovski, who suffered his 12th concussion after being hit on the helmet on Sunday.

Kerala's Abijith Praveen Hits Six Sixes in an Over, Joins Elite Club

Kerala’s Abijith Praveen Hits Six Sixes in an Over, Joins Elite Club

Kerala’s Abijith Praveen Joins Elite Club with Six Sixes in an Over

In a remarkable display of power hitting, Kerala’s Abijith Praveen has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the latest batsman to smash six sixes in an over. The feat, achieved during the semifinal of the Navio Youth Trophy U-22 Cricket Tournament, follows a similar accomplishment by Andhra opener Vamshhi Krrishna just a week earlier.

Playing for Masters CC, Thiruvananthapuram, Abijith faced leg-spinner Joe Francis from Trident Cricket Academy, Thrissur, in the 21st over of the match. With the score already at 69, Abijith unleashed a barrage of sixes that cleared the boundary with ease. The first two balls sailed over long-off, while the third soared over deep mid-wicket. The fourth and fifth deliveries were deposited over cow corner and long-on, respectively, as Abijith raced to 105 by the end of the over.

However, Abijith’s pursuit of another six proved costly as he was caught at long-on by Abhiram off the bowling of Akshay TK. His innings of 106 came from just 52 balls and featured 10 sixes and two fours. Masters CC went on to win the match by 106 runs.

A native of Pachalloor in Thiruvananthapuram, Abijith expressed his elation at reaching his century with a six. “I have hit five sixes in an over before, but to hit six maximums is a dream come true,” he said. “After I connected the first two, I felt I should go for it. Luckily, I timed each shot perfectly. I still get goosebumps when I think of the moment.”

Abijith, who cites Ab de Villiers and Hardik Pandya as his role models, is an allrounder who bowls medium pace. He made his List A debut for Kerala last December against Sikkim in the Vijay Hazare one-day tournament, claiming three wickets but not getting an opportunity to bat.

Biju George, fielding coach of Delhi Capitals, under whom Abijith trains at the SAI Medical College ground in Thiruvananthapuram, praised his ward’s remarkable achievement. “He has strong hands, and his shots go a long distance,” George said. “His six-hitting technique is simple but mighty effective. I knew Abi could pull off something like this, and I am happy for him. I hope someone recognizes his power hitting and gives him a much bigger platform to showcase his talent in the coming days.”

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