Diana Edulji's Insights and Hopes for India in Women's T20 World Cup

Diana Edulji’s Insights and Hopes for India in Women’s T20 World Cup

As the highly anticipated Women’s T20 World Cup draws near, former Indian cricketer Diana Edulji has shared her expert insights and hopes for the Indian team. The tournament, commencing on October 3, will witness 10 teams vying for the coveted trophy.

Edulji emphasized the pivotal role of openers Shefali Verma and Smriti Mandhana in India’s campaign. “The biggest bets are the two openers, Shefali and Smriti. They have to put a price on their wicket. The World Cup is fully dependent on them,” she stated.

Expressing high expectations for the team, Edulji urged them to seize the opportunity to bring the trophy home, emulating the success of the men’s team. She acknowledged the competitive nature of the tournament, highlighting Bangladesh’s impressive performance in the Asia Cup. “Bangladesh had an excellent Asia Cup campaign. We should play according to our strengths. It doesn’t matter that Australia has won six World Cups, they can lose too. We have to give our 100%,” she said.

Edulji identified spin bowling as one of India’s key strengths, praising Deepti Sharma’s consistent form and ability to strike in the final overs. She also mentioned the promising talent of Shreyanka Patil and emphasized the depth in India’s spin department. However, she pointed out the need to focus on pace bowling, mentioning Renuka Singh as a crucial player.

“Our strength is our spinners, Deepti Sharma has been in form since 2017, she will be important for us in the final overs. We also have Shreyanka Patil, so, we have plenty of spinners. We have got more than 5-6 bowlers, so there should not be any problem,” she added.

Edulji acknowledged the strength of other teams, including South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, Australia, and New Zealand, noting their consistent performance in international cricket. “This is an open world cup, South Africa looks strong, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu is in good form, Bangladesh is causing upsets everywhere, England, Australia, and New Zealand are all looking good and they are playing cricket consistently,” she said.

She expressed confidence that the support staff have learnt from previous World Cups and will avoid past mistakes. Additionally, she appreciated the BCCI for providing ample facilities, with players gaining valuable experience in leagues like the Big Bash and The Hundred.

IPL Retention Rules Announcement May Be Postponed Until September

IPL Retention Rules Announcement May Be Postponed Until September

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering postponing the announcement of its Indian Premier League (IPL) retention rules until September, according to sources within the league. The delay could extend until the conclusion of the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 29 in Bengaluru.

The BCCI has not officially linked the AGM to the release of the retention policy, but there is speculation that the board may surprise everyone by unveiling the policy in the coming days. However, the prevailing sentiment among IPL officials suggests that the announcement is likely to be postponed by 10 days to a fortnight.

While no official statement has been made regarding the delay, BCCI representatives have reportedly hinted to franchises that there may be a postponement in the announcement. The franchises have been seeking clarity on the matter, but the board has not provided a definitive timeline for the release of the policy.

The BCCI had originally planned to reveal the policy by late August, as explicitly mentioned by Board officials after the owners’ meeting in Mumbai last month. However, as the end of August drew near, franchise officials contacted the BCCI and were apparently notified of an additional postponement.

The officials were given the impression that the policy would be announced towards the end of September instead.

The BCCI’s retention policy announcement date remains uncertain, but it has been revealed that franchises will have the deadline of November 15 to make their final decisions regarding player retention. It is expected that the auction, which is tentatively planned for December, will also include the Right to Match (RTM) options for the teams.

The BCCI is reportedly considering a controversial decision to categorize retired international cricketers as uncapped players. However, it remains uncertain whether this move will have a significant impact on the auction purse.

While some speculate that this policy might be designed to benefit Chennai Super Kings by allowing MS Dhoni to be placed in the ‘uncapped’ category, it is more likely that the league itself has a vested interest in ensuring Dhoni’s participation for another season.

Chennai Super Kings management has stated that if MS Dhoni chooses to continue playing in the next season, he will be one of their retained players, regardless of whether the BCCI allows only two retentions. This stance by the CSK officials highlights Dhoni’s importance to the franchise and their desire to keep him on the team.

The decision to retain players who have retired from international cricket could also impact other cricketers, such as Sunil Narine. Narine, who last played a T20I in 2019, announced his retirement from international cricket some time ago.

The retention policies set by the BCCI and the stance taken by teams like CSK may influence the future of players who have stepped away from representing their countries but continue to participate in franchise-based leagues.

India Poised to Surpass Test Losses for First Time

India Poised to Surpass Test Losses for First Time

India’s impending Test series against Bangladesh presents a historic opportunity for the team to surpass its losses in the format for the first time ever. With 178 wins and 178 defeats in 579 Tests, a victory in Chennai would mark a significant milestone.

The shift in India’s Test fortunes can be traced back to the leadership of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Dhoni’s tenure as captain saw a marked improvement in India’s overseas performance, while Kohli’s reign ushered in an era of dominance with a focus on pace bowling.

Kohli’s decision to prioritize fast bowlers, alongside former coach Ravi Shastri, transformed India’s Test aspirations. The emergence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma as a formidable pace trio gave India the edge in conditions that were once considered unfavorable.

Under Kohli’s captaincy, India achieved its first Test series win on Australian soil, a testament to the impact of his pace-bowling strategy. His win percentage of 58.82% may fall short of Rohit Sharma’s current 62.5%, but his contribution to India’s Test resurgence cannot be overstated.

While Rohit Sharma’s brief tenure as captain has yielded impressive results, it is the legacy of Dhoni and Kohli that has laid the foundation for India’s current success in Test cricket. The upcoming series against Bangladesh offers an opportunity to further cement India’s dominance and etch their name in the annals of Test history.

Surrey and Somerset Set for T20 Blast Semi-Final Rematch

Surrey and Somerset Set for T20 Blast Semi-Final Rematch

Surrey and Somerset, fresh from their thrilling County Championship encounter, will renew their rivalry in the T20 Blast semi-final at Edgbaston on Saturday. Despite recent setbacks, Surrey captain Chris Jordan insists his team is ready for the challenge.

Jordan acknowledges the competitive nature of the fixture, highlighting the importance of adapting to the different tempo and mindset required for T20 cricket. He praises Dom Sibley’s recent performances, showcasing his versatility and power-hitting abilities.

Surrey will be missing several key players due to international commitments, but Jordan remains confident in his squad’s depth. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, prioritizing England’s interests while ensuring the availability of players for important domestic matches.

The article also touches on the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of franchise cricket on the county season. Jordan expresses sympathy for Jason Roy’s decision to prioritize CPL commitments, recognizing the changing landscape of T20 cricket.

Regarding his own England ambitions, Jordan remains realistic about his chances of being part of the white-ball reboot under Brendon McCullum. He focuses on performing well for Surrey and Southern Brave, while acknowledging the transition period within the England team.

Piyush Chawla Unveils His All-Time India ODI XI, Names Dhoni as Captain

Piyush Chawla Unveils His All-Time India ODI XI, Names Dhoni as Captain

Veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, who last represented India in an ODI in 2012, has unveiled his all-time India ODI XI. In an interview with Shubhankar Mishra, Chawla named legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni as the captain of his dream team.

At the top of the order, Chawla opted for the iconic Sachin Tendulkar and current India skipper Rohit Sharma as openers. Surprisingly, he placed Virender Sehwag at number three, demoting Virat Kohli to the fourth position.

In the middle order, Chawla selected Yuvraj Singh and Kapil Dev, the captain of India’s maiden ODI World Cup triumph in 1983, as his all-rounders. Dhoni’s presence at number six further bolstered the batting lineup.

For the bowling department, Chawla chose two spinners, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, and two pacers, one each from the past and present teams. He picked Jasprit Bumrah to partner 2011 World Cup-winner Zaheer Khan.

Chawla also shared his admiration for Rohit Sharma’s leadership qualities. “He’s not just a captain, he’s a leader,” Chawla said. “He sets the tone and makes it easy for the other batters. He gives you a free hand.”

Frank Misson, Former Australian Fast Bowler, Passes Away at 85

Frank Misson, Former Australian Fast Bowler, Passes Away at 85

Frank Misson, a former Australian and New South Wales fast bowler, passed away at the age of 85. Misson’s promising Test career was cut short by an Achilles injury, but he left an enduring legacy on Australian cricket through his exceptional fitness and athleticism.

Misson’s journey began as a stellar athlete under the tutelage of legendary coach Percy Cerutty. He carried his athleticism into cricket, making a remarkable debut for New South Wales at the age of 20. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the Australian second XI that toured New Zealand in 1959-60.

Misson’s Test debut came against the West Indies in the 1960-61 series. He played two more Tests in the series before being selected for the 1961 Ashes tour to England. Despite his fitness regime, an Achilles injury hampered his performance on the tour, limiting him to just two Tests.

Despite his limited Test appearances, Misson’s impact on Australian cricket extended beyond his playing career. His son, David Misson, became the fitness advisor for the Australian men’s team and Cricket New South Wales, carrying on his father’s legacy of emphasizing fitness in the sport.

Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon paid tribute to Misson, acknowledging his talent and determination. He noted that Misson’s focus on health and fitness was ahead of its time, setting an example for future generations of cricketers.

Frank Misson’s passing marks the loss of a true pioneer in Australian cricket. His exceptional fitness and athleticism, coupled with his determination, left an indelible mark on the sport.

New Zealand's Afghanistan Test Canceled, Leaving Team Disappointed

New Zealand’s Afghanistan Test Canceled, Leaving Team Disappointed

New Zealand’s Test match against Afghanistan was canceled due to persistent rain and outfield issues, leaving the team disappointed and without any match practice before their upcoming series against Sri Lanka and India. Head coach Gary Stead expressed frustration over the missed opportunity to acclimatize to subcontinent conditions.

The one-off Test was not part of the World Test Championship, but Stead emphasized its importance to the team. “Test cricket is very, very dear to the team’s hearts,” he said. “Every Test you get to play in is a big one.”

Despite the cancellation, Stead praised Afghanistan’s recent achievements in white-ball cricket, including their victory over New Zealand in the 2024 T20 World Cup group stage. He welcomed the prospect of playing more Tests against Afghanistan in the future.

“Afghanistan have knocked just about every top team in the world over now,” Stead said. “They’re certainly a force and becoming more and more of a force in world cricket.”

New Zealand’s remaining eight Tests in the World Test Championship cycle will be played in Asia, and Stead is confident in the team’s ability to adapt to the conditions. “We’ve been there once in the past, and we are desperate to get there again,” he said of the World Test Championship final.

“The conditions that we face in Galle will be, I’m sure, different to Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai when we come back here again,” Stead added. “So it’s still about adapting to the different surfaces.”

Nathan Lyon Identifies Top Indian Threats for Border Gavaskar Trophy

Nathan Lyon Identifies Top Indian Threats for Border Gavaskar Trophy

Australia’s veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has identified the three Indian batsmen he believes will pose the greatest threat in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy series. The series will kick off with the first Test in Perth on November 22, followed by the second Test in Adelaide from December 6, the third Test in Brisbane from December 14, the fourth Test (Boxing Day Test) in Melbourne from December 26, and the fifth and final Test in Sydney from January 3.

According to Lyon, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant are the top three batsmen to watch out for in the series against Australia. Lyon acknowledged that facing the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja, who will follow the trio, will be a significant challenge for the Australian team.

In an interview with Star Sports, Lyon said: “Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant are probably going to be the three really big ones. But then you’ve still got Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Jadeja, and who else will come out—another five, I’m not sure.”

Lyon emphasized the formidable nature of the Indian lineup. “But it’s a pretty amazing line-up they’ve got, so it’s going to be a massive challenge. As I said, if we, as a bowling group, are good enough for long periods, hopefully, we can challenge their defense,” he said.

The Indian team will embark on a challenging tour of Australia for a five-match Test series, commencing in November. Lyon’s comments highlight the respect he has for the Indian batting lineup and the challenges that Australia will face in the upcoming series.

Kohli vs Smith: Head-to-Head Battle to Decide Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Kohli vs Smith: Head-to-Head Battle to Decide Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia promises an enthralling battle between two of the modern era’s greatest batters: Virat Kohli and Steve Smith. Both players are renowned for their exceptional skills and dominance in the Test format.

Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder, believes that the head-to-head contest between Kohli and Smith will be a pivotal factor in determining the outcome of the series. “One of those two is going to make a lot of runs, if not both of them,” Maxwell said. “It is going to be pretty exciting to watch the two of the finest players of our generation go head-to-head.”

Smith, with 9,685 runs in 109 Tests, boasts an impressive average of 56.97. He has scored 32 centuries and 41 fifties, with a highest score of 239. Kohli, on the other hand, has amassed 8,848 runs in 113 Tests, averaging 49.15. He has 29 centuries and 30 fifties, with a highest score of 254.

Kohli’s Test record in Australia is particularly impressive. In 13 Tests, he has scored 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, including six centuries and four fifties. Smith, too, has a strong record in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having scored 1,887 runs in 18 matches at an average of 65.06.

Beyond their individual brilliance, Kohli and Smith share a mutual respect and camaraderie. During the 2019 World Cup, Kohli intervened to stop the crowd from booing Smith over the “Sandpaper Gate” saga. Smith later expressed his gratitude for Kohli’s gesture.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will feature five Tests, with the first match scheduled for November 22 in Perth. The second Test will be a day-night affair at Adelaide Oval, followed by matches at The Gabba, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world’s best teams, with the individual battle between Kohli and Smith adding an extra layer of excitement.

Afghanistan's Test Debut Against New Zealand Abandoned Due to Wet Outfield

Afghanistan’s Test Debut Against New Zealand Abandoned Due to Wet Outfield

Afghanistan’s Test Match Against New Zealand Abandoned Due to Unplayable Outfield

The one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida was abandoned without a ball bowled due to an unplayable outfield. Despite the first two days of the match being rain-free, the outfield remained too wet to ensure player safety.

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott expressed disappointment, stating that the players were eager to play and had trained well. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that venues are adequately prepared for Test matches, including proper drainage and ground staff.

Trott acknowledged the hard work of the ground staff but noted that the excessive rainfall was unprecedented for this time of year. The overnight rain and early showers on the third and fourth days further worsened the ground conditions, making it impossible to play.

Trott lamented the missed opportunity for Afghanistan to gain valuable experience against a higher-ranked side. He highlighted the potential of the pitch and the historic significance of the match for the Afghan players.

Questions have been raised about the preparation of the ground, particularly the outfield. Trott attributed the issues to the time of year, but also acknowledged the need for improved facilities and more red-ball cricket to support the development of Afghanistan’s Test side.

Despite the disappointment, Trott remains optimistic about the future of Afghanistan’s Test team. He believes that with proper support and investment, they can achieve similar success in the red-ball format as they have in white-ball cricket.

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