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Category: Cricket

India Soars to Top of World Test Championship Standings

India Soars to Top of World Test Championship Standings

By March 3, 2024 0

India has ascended to the pinnacle of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, as per the latest update released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday. This elevation follows Australia’s triumph over New Zealand in the Wellington Test.

India’s dominance is reflected in their impressive points percentage of 64.58, propelling them to the top spot. New Zealand, the previous table-toppers, now occupy the second position with a points percentage of 60.00. Australia has slipped to third place, boasting a points percentage of 59.09.

India’s commanding position in the ongoing five-Test home series against England, where they hold an unassailable 3-1 lead, provides them with an opportunity to further cement their status at the summit of the WTC table. A victory in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, commencing on March 7, would solidify their dominance.

The WTC, inaugurated in 2019, is a two-year tournament that pits the world’s top Test-playing nations against each other in a league format. The top two teams at the conclusion of the league stage will qualify for the final, scheduled to be held in June 2023 at The Oval in London.

India’s rise to the top of the WTC standings is a testament to their consistent performances in Test cricket. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the team has achieved notable victories both at home and abroad. Their ability to adapt to different conditions and overcome challenges has been a key factor in their success.

As the WTC progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with all teams vying for a place in the final. India’s position at the top of the table provides them with a significant advantage, but they will need to maintain their momentum and continue to perform at a high level to secure their place in the championship match.

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Chahal's Exclusion from BCCI Contracts Raises Eyebrows

Chahal’s Exclusion from BCCI Contracts Raises Eyebrows

By March 3, 2024 0

Indian cricket team spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and wrestler Sangeeta Phogat shared a light-hearted moment during the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa wrap-up party on Friday, and the video of their banter has gone viral on social media. In the video, Phogat can be seen lifting Chahal on her back and spinning him before the cricketer requested her to stop as his head was seemingly spinning. Chahal’s wife Dhanashree Verma is among the five finalists in the dance reality show, and he earlier requested fans to vote for her.

Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed his surprise over the leg spinner being excluded from the central contracts of the BCCI. He added that Chahal’s ouster means the selection committee is looking at other options.

“I am a bit surprised that Yuzi Chahal’s name is not there. Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shikhar Dhawan – their names not being there, I can understand. Even Deepak Hooda for that matter. But Chahal’s name not being there – what does that signify? It seems to indicate that they (BCCI) are looking in a different direction. This is a validation of the theory. He might have had a ray of hope, but it wasn’t to be. His name is not there,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

The out-of-favour duo of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were excluded after ignoring the directive to play Ranji Trophy, while skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli expectedly retained their place in the top bracket as the BCCI unveiled its centrally-contracted players for this year.

The 25-year-old Kishan did not turn up for Jharkhand throughout the team’s campaign in Ranji Trophy despite not being on national duty since leaving from the tour of South Africa in December citing personal reasons. He has instead focused on preparing for the IPL next month.

Iyer, on the other hand, did not make himself available for Mumbai’s Ranji quarterfinal against Baroda after being excluded from the Indian team after the second Test against England. He, however, has been picked for the Ranji semifinals starting March 2.

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Pucovski Retires Hurt After Helmet Blow in Sheffield Shield Match

Pucovski Retires Hurt After Helmet Blow in Sheffield Shield Match

By March 3, 2024 0

Will Pucovski’s concussion woes continue as he is forced to retire hurt in Sheffield Shield match

Will Pucovski’s injury-plagued career took another unfortunate turn on Friday when he was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the helmet by a Riley Meredith bouncer in Victoria’s Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in Hobart.

Pucovski, who has a history of concussions, was struck by the short ball from the second delivery he faced and immediately went down on his knees in the crease. The Cricket Australia doctor and Victoria physio were quickly into the middle, and after some time to compose himself, Pucovski was able to walk off the field unaided for further assessment.

Campbell Kellaway was brought into the XI as the concussion substitute. The match is in the fourth innings with Victoria chasing 442.

“Pucovski, who walked from the field, is being monitored by medical staff,” a Cricket Victoria statement said. “More information will be provided at a later stage.”

Pucovski has suffered multiple concussions throughout his career and last month returned from another spell on the sidelines where he made a century against New South Wales at the SCG.

He has also had time away from the game for his mental health and earlier this year spoke about how he has learned that there is a link between that and his concussions.

“The mental health has been a much bigger issue for me than even the concussions,” he told the Vic State Cricket podcast. “I don’t fear for my long-term health, it’s more the mental health side that’s been the tougher part.”

“One day I’ll be ready to tell my whole story and it will probably make a lot more sense,” he added. “I’ve explained what I’ve been through to my inner circle of people and actually all the responses I’ve got have been like ‘Jesus, I would never have guessed that in a million years, that doesn’t even make sense to me’.”

“It hasn’t made sense to me for years, either, but I’ve been on this pathway to understand it all.”

Pucovski played one Test for Australia in early 2021, against India at the SCG.

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India's Test Triumph: Young Guns Shine, Rohit's Leadership Impresses

India’s Test Triumph: Young Guns Shine, Rohit’s Leadership Impresses

By March 3, 2024 0

The India vs England Test series has been a resounding success for the hosts, who have clinched the series with one match to spare despite missing several key players. The victory is a testament to the depth and resilience of the Indian team, as well as the astute leadership of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar hailed the team’s achievement, emphasizing that it sends a message to those who believe India cannot win without its biggest stars. He recalled the team’s triumph in Australia three years ago, when they overcame the absence of several senior players to pull off a historic victory.

Gavaskar praised the young players who have stepped up in the absence of the regulars, showcasing their heart and determination. He believes that the team’s success is not dependent on individual brilliance but on the collective spirit and teamwork.

Credit must also go to Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid for their astute management of the team. They have provided opportunities to young players, encouraged them to play their natural game, and instilled a winning mentality.

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell highlighted Rohit Sharma’s leadership skills, which he believes are often overlooked. Chappell praised Rohit’s ability to handle the numerous personnel changes and the tough loss in the first Test, as well as his match-winning century in the third Test.

The series has been a showcase for the talent and potential of India’s young players. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Akash Deep, Dhruv Jurel, and Sarfaraz Khan have all impressed with their performances. However, it is the leadership of Rohit Sharma that has been the glue that has held the team together and guided them to victory.

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Sunil Gavaskar Compares Dhruv Jurel to MS Dhoni, Highlights Potential for Greatness

Sunil Gavaskar Compares Dhruv Jurel to MS Dhoni, Highlights Potential for Greatness

By March 3, 2024 0

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently drew comparisons between young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and the iconic MS Dhoni. Jurel’s impressive performance in the fourth Test against England in Ranchi, where he played a crucial knock of 90, prompted Gavaskar’s remarks.

Gavaskar emphasized that while there can never be another Dhoni, Jurel has exhibited signs of a promising future in Indian cricket. “No one can become MS Dhoni. There is only one MS Dhoni. But if Jurel can manage to do even some portion of the things Dhoni did then it would be great for Indian cricket,” Gavaskar said.

Jurel, who expressed gratitude towards Gavaskar for his remarks, has garnered attention with his consistent performances since his debut in Rajkot. The 23-year-old cricketer, previously a member of India’s U19 World Cup team in 2020, has showcased his talent with notable contributions in domestic and IPL cricket.

Gavaskar further emphasized that Jurel’s performance in the upcoming IPL will be crucial in determining his prospects for the T20 World Cup. “If he gets a chance then he will bat at No.5 or 6 only, as a finisher. We’ve seen how Dhoni did coming in to bat that number in the last 4-5 overs of the innings. The same will be expected from him,” stated Gavaskar.

Jurel’s ability to play under pressure and his match awareness have drawn comparisons to Dhoni. However, Gavaskar cautioned against putting too much pressure on the young player. “We should not put too much pressure on him. He is still young and has a long way to go. But he has shown that he has the potential to be a great player,” said Gavaskar.

Jurel’s journey has been marked by hard work and dedication. He has spent countless hours honing his skills and has always been eager to learn from experienced players. His performances have earned him praise from coaches and teammates alike.

As Jurel continues to develop, he will undoubtedly face challenges and setbacks. However, his determination and resilience will serve him well as he strives to reach the pinnacle of Indian cricket.

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Wagner Recall Possible for New Zealand in Christchurch Test

Wagner Recall Possible for New Zealand in Christchurch Test

By March 3, 2024 0

New Zealand’s Test captain Tim Southee has hinted at the possibility of recalling veteran fast bowler Neil Wagner for the second Test against Australia in Christchurch. The move comes after Will O’Rourke suffered a hamstring injury during the first Test in Wellington.

O’Rourke left the field during the third day of the match with tightness in his left hamstring. He did not return to the field for the remainder of Australia’s second innings, but he did bat on day four and was able to run between the wickets.

Southee admitted that New Zealand may have made a mistake in their selection for the first Test, opting for four fast bowlers on a pitch that offered more spin than expected. Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the venue for the second Test, is traditionally more favorable for pace bowling.

If O’Rourke is ruled out, New Zealand do not have a fourth seamer in their squad. Wagner retired from international cricket after being told he would not be selected for the Australia series. However, with New Zealand trailing 1-0 in the series, Southee did not rule out the possibility of recalling Wagner.

“We haven’t had a lot of discussions as yet,” Southee said. “We’ll see how Will scrubs up. The physio hasn’t sort of put a timeframe on it or how bad it is. We’ll just wait and see how Will goes over the next couple of days. I’m sure there’ll be an update in the next 24 hours.”

Southee ruled out the possibility of recalling Trent Boult, who has been playing only T20 cricket in recent times. He also defended the performance of Scott Kuggeleijn, who took two wickets in the first innings but conceded 75 runs in 20 overs.

Southee identified Cameron Green’s 174 not out and his 116-run 10th-wicket stand with Josh Hazlewood on the second morning as the turning point in the match. He conceded that New Zealand’s strategy against Green was flawed.

“I think we probably could have tried to get Green out on that second morning,” he said. “I think the way he played that that night before, we thought he was probably going to come out and play some shots. But we probably could look to get him out and on that second morning and make things slightly easier than what we did.”

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Australia Thump New Zealand by 172 Runs in Wellington Test

Australia Thump New Zealand by 172 Runs in Wellington Test

By March 3, 2024 0

Australia’s dominance over New Zealand continued as they secured a resounding 172-run victory in the first Test at Wellington’s Basin Reserve. Nathan Lyon’s exceptional bowling performance, coupled with Cameron Green’s match-defining innings, proved too much for the Black Caps.

Lyon, Australia’s premier spinner, wreaked havoc on the New Zealand batting lineup, claiming six wickets for 65 runs in the second innings. His victims included Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips, as he completed his 24th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

New Zealand began the day with a daunting target of 369, but Lyon’s early strikes put them on the back foot. Daryl Mitchell and Scott Kuggeleijn offered some resistance, but Cameron Green’s dismissal of Kuggeleijn for 26 extinguished their hopes.

Despite a blow to the helmet from Green, Mitchell continued to fight, scoring 38. However, he ran out of partners as Lyon and the Australian attack quickly wrapped up the New Zealand tail.

Australia captain Pat Cummins praised Lyon’s performance, stating, “Thankfully it spun which, with Nathan in our side, is always a pretty good thing.”

This loss leaves New Zealand with only one victory in their last 24 Tests against Australia. They will now prepare for the second and final match of the series in Christchurch, starting on Friday.

New Zealand skipper Tim Southee acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, “Like every game, we’ll reflect and look at ways that we can be better in the next one.”

While Lyon’s performance was exceptional, it was Cameron Green’s brilliant innings that truly made the difference. His partnership of 116 runs with Josh Hazlewood for the tenth wicket set the foundation for Australia’s victory.

Cummins praised Green, saying, “He was amazing, he was really the difference in the end.” Green’s unbeaten knock of 170 put pressure on the bowlers and helped Australia post a total of 383 in their first innings, giving them a significant lead.

Although New Zealand fought back on day three with Glenn Phillips taking 5-45, Lyon’s experience and skill proved too much for the Black Caps on a challenging pitch.

It was Hazlewood who delivered the final blow, dismissing Mitchell with a well-directed delivery that was easily caught and bowled. This sealed Australia’s emphatic victory.

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Ranji Trophy vs. IPL: The Debate Over Domestic Cricket's Importance

Ranji Trophy vs. IPL: The Debate Over Domestic Cricket’s Importance

By March 3, 2024 0

The Indian cricket board’s (BCCI) recent decision to withhold central contracts from Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan for skipping the Ranji Trophy has sparked a debate about the relative importance of the domestic tournament and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

While the IPL undoubtedly offers greater financial rewards and media attention, former India opener Devang Gandhi, who served on the senior selection committee until 2020, argues that Ranji Trophy performances remain paramount for Test team selection. He cites examples of Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Siraj, who all played significant red-ball cricket before earning national call-ups.

However, there have been exceptions, such as Ajinkya Rahane’s selection for the World Test Championship final after a strong IPL season. Gandhi suggests that this was due to Rahane’s proven track record in England, rather than solely his IPL performances.

Rajasthan Royals star Dhruv Jurel, who made his Test debut recently, also has an impressive first-class average of 50.78. Other recent Test debutants, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Akash Deep, have all excelled in the Ranji Trophy.

Sunil Subramaniam, R Ashwin’s former coach, believes the IPL is a valuable indicator of a player’s temperament on the big stage. However, he acknowledges a problem in the system, with the significant pay disparity between IPL and domestic cricket leading many young players to prioritize the former.

Subramaniam suggests that top players should set an example by playing Ranji Trophy whenever possible, but acknowledges that workload management for pace bowlers is a concern. He believes the BCCI’s recent diktat has come too late and that a systemic change is needed, starting with the very top players.

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Mumbai Dominate Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy Opener After Poor First Session

Mumbai Dominate Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy Opener After Poor First Session

By March 3, 2024 0

Tamil Nadu’s Poor First Session Puts Mumbai in Control of Ranji Trophy Clash

In a crucial Ranji Trophy encounter, Tamil Nadu’s decision to bat first on a green-tinged pitch at the Brabourne Stadium backfired spectacularly, leaving them in a precarious position. Mumbai’s pacers exploited the conditions to their advantage, bowling out the visitors for a paltry 146 in just 90 minutes.

Tamil Nadu skipper R. Sai Kishore’s decision to bat first raised eyebrows, with Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat questioning the logic on social media. Former cricketer Vijay Dhaiya, who conducted the toss, described it as a “brave call,” but Sai Kishore defended his decision, stating that he was unsure of the wicket’s behavior.

Mumbai’s pacers, led by Tushar Deshpande, made the most of the overcast conditions and the pitch’s assistance for pace bowlers. Deshpande expressed surprise at Tamil Nadu’s decision, acknowledging the favorable conditions for seamers in the first session.

Tamil Nadu’s bowling attack, which included the inclusion of pacer Kuldeep Sen, failed to capitalize on the crucial toss win. Instead, Ajinkya Rahane’s Mumbai team now has the advantage of batting in the best conditions, putting them in a strong position to take control of the match.

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Sourav Ganguly Praises Sarfaraz Khan's Five-Day Format Potential

Sourav Ganguly Praises Sarfaraz Khan’s Five-Day Format Potential

By March 2, 2024 0

Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain, has lauded young batter Sarfaraz Khan’s potential in the five-day format. Sarfaraz, a right-handed batter, has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for the past three years. He recently made his Test debut against England in Rajkot, where he impressed with scores of 62 and 68 not out.

Ganguly believes that Sarfaraz’s game is well-suited to the longer format. “I think he’s more of a five-day player. His game is suited for that. T20 is a different format,” Ganguly said. “The amount of runs he scored in domestic cricket, in the Ranji trophy and in first-class cricket has been phenomenal.”

Sarfaraz’s rise to international cricket has been a long-awaited one. He has been a prolific run-scorer in first-class cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy. In the 2021-22 season, he topped the run-scoring charts with 982 runs in six matches. He also finished fifth in the 2019-20 season with 928 runs in six matches.

In the unofficial Test series against England Lions, Sarfaraz performed well for India A, scoring 96 in a Tour match and 161 in an unofficial Test.

Overall, Sarfaraz has scored 4056 runs in 47 first-class matches at an average of 68.74. He has scored 14 centuries and 13 fifties, with a best score of 301 not out.

Ganguly’s praise for Sarfaraz is a testament to the young batter’s talent and potential. Sarfaraz has shown that he has the ability to score runs consistently at the highest level. With his impressive record in domestic cricket, he is likely to be a key player for India in the future.

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