England Recall Carse and Leach for Pakistan Test Series

England Recall Carse and Leach for Pakistan Test Series

England’s Test squad for their upcoming three-match series against Pakistan has been announced, with Brydon Carse and Jack Leach making notable returns.

Carse, 29, has been included despite serving a ban for betting irregularities earlier this year. The fast bowler has impressed since his return to action, scoring a century for Durham against Somerset. His inclusion adds another 90mph option to England’s bowling attack, alongside Gus Atkinson and Olly Stone.

Leach, meanwhile, is back in the squad for the first time since the tour of India in February. The spinner has recovered from a knee injury and has been in good form for Somerset, claiming 12 wickets in his most recent match. He will partner Shoaib Bashir, who has established himself as England’s first-choice spinner in home conditions.

Chris Woakes has also been recalled for his first overseas engagement since March 2022. Despite concerns about his effectiveness away from home, Woakes has responded well to the responsibility of leading England’s bowling attack since James Anderson’s retirement.

The squad also includes several other notable players, such as Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, and Olly Stone.

England will be hoping to build on their recent success against West Indies and Sri Lanka, and will be confident of a strong showing in Pakistan. The series gets underway next month, with the first Test scheduled to begin on December 1.

Babar Azam's Controversial Gesture Amidst Form Struggles

Babar Azam’s Controversial Gesture Amidst Form Struggles

Babar Azam’s Controversial Gesture Sparks Criticism Amidst Form Struggles

Pakistan’s star cricketer Babar Azam has come under fire after a video emerged showing him pushing away a fan’s hand while taking a picture. The incident occurred ahead of the Pakistan Champions One-Day Cup 2024, where Babar is set to represent Stallions.

In the viral clip, a fan attempted to place his arm around Babar’s shoulder for a selfie, which the cricketer did not appreciate. He promptly removed the fan’s hand but still posed for the picture. This incident has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with fans and pundits questioning Babar’s behavior.

The incident highlights the pressures and expectations that come with fame, especially during a challenging phase in Babar’s career. On the field, he has been struggling with his form. Pakistan’s recent defeat in a two-Test series against Bangladesh on home soil has only added to the frustration.

Babar’s performances—scoring just 0, 22, 11, and 31 in the series—have seen him drop out of the ICC top 10 rankings for batters for the first time in years. This dip in form has further intensified scrutiny over his leadership abilities, particularly after Pakistan’s failure to progress beyond the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.

With Pakistan set for a three-match Test series against England in October, Babar hopes to regain his form and silence critics. His fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can bounce back and lead Pakistan with renewed vigor.

WTC Race Heats Up: Sri Lanka, India, Australia Lead the Charge

WTC Race Heats Up: Sri Lanka, India, Australia Lead the Charge

The World Test Championship (WTC) is heating up as teams vie for a spot in the Lord’s final. With 12 series remaining, the race for the top two positions is intensifying.

Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka’s victory at The Oval has boosted their chances of a top-two finish. If they win all six remaining matches, they will reach 69.23%, likely securing their place in the final. Five wins would still keep them in contention with 61.54%.

England:

England’s defeat to Sri Lanka has dashed their hopes of reaching 60%. Their maximum achievable percentage is now 57.95%, which could be enough if other results favor them. However, they will need help from other teams to finish second.

India:

India remains atop the standings with 68.52%. To maintain their percentage above 60%, they need 63 more points, which they can achieve with five wins and a draw. Six wins would increase their percentage to 64.03%, while seven wins would match their current score of 69.3%.

Australia:

Australia, currently in second place, needs 47 more points from their remaining seven Tests to stay above 60%. They can achieve this with four wins or three wins and three draws. Their final standing will largely depend on their performance in the five-Test home series against India.

Bangladesh:

Bangladesh’s series win in Pakistan has propelled them to fourth place. If they win all six remaining Tests, they will reach 72.92%, while four wins would keep them at 56.25%.

Pakistan:

Pakistan’s loss to Bangladesh and slow over-rate penalties have dropped their percentage to 19.05%. Their maximum achievable percentage is 59.52%, which requires them to win all seven remaining Tests.

New Zealand:

New Zealand has played only six of their 14 Tests. They need at least 65 points from their remaining eight Tests to reach 60%. However, three of those Tests will be in India, making it a challenging task.

South Africa:

South Africa can reach 69.44% if they win all six remaining Tests. They have home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but a two-Test series in Bangladesh could prove tricky.

West Indies:

West Indies have only scored 20 points from four series. Even if they win their last four Tests, they can only finish on 43.59%.

Madan Lal: The Bowler Who Delivered India's First World Cup Ball

Madan Lal: The Bowler Who Delivered India’s First World Cup Ball

India’s Historic Debut in the Inaugural ODI World Cup: Madan Lal’s Pivotal Role

On June 7, 1975, at the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, India embarked on a historic journey in the inaugural One-Day International (ODI) World Cup, officially known as the Prudential Cup. The tournament marked a watershed moment in cricket, introducing the thrilling format of 60-over matches.

India’s bowling attack, renowned for its skill and versatility, featured six formidable bowlers: Madan Lal, Mohinder Amarnath, Syed Abid Ali, Karsan Ghavri, Srinivas Venkataraghavan, and Eknath Solkar. It was Madan Lal who etched his name in the annals of history by delivering the first ball for India in this groundbreaking tournament.

Lal, known for his impeccable accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways, played a pivotal role in India’s bowling attack during the early years of limited-overs cricket. His disciplined bowling was a key factor in India’s success in the nascent ODI format.

However, the match against hosts England proved to be a challenging one for India. England, led by Dennis Amiss’s brilliant 137, amassed a formidable total of 334 for 4 in their allotted 60 overs. In response, India struggled to keep pace, managing only 132 for 3, with Sunil Gavaskar famously playing a defensive innings of 36 runs off 174 balls, including a solitary boundary.

Despite India’s defeat in their opening match, Madan Lal’s role as the bowler who delivered the first ball of India’s World Cup history remains a significant achievement. His contributions to Indian cricket, particularly in the ODI format, extended beyond this moment. He was a key member of the Indian team that triumphed in the 1983 World Cup, a victory that transformed the nation’s cricketing landscape.

Steve Smith's Batting Order in Doubt for India Test Series

Steve Smith’s Batting Order in Doubt for India Test Series

Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald has sparked speculation regarding Steve Smith’s batting position in Tests ahead of the upcoming five-match series against India. Smith, who has been opening the innings with Usman Khawaja since David Warner’s retirement, has struggled for consistency in the role.

Smith’s average as an opener stands at 28.50, significantly lower than his career average of 56.97. This has raised concerns within the team, prompting discussions about a potential change in his batting order.

“That’s the question on everyone’s lips, isn’t it?” McDonald told SEN. “Whilst we’ve got an eye to it, we haven’t made any firm decisions around that one. There’s plenty of speculation around that. But in the background, I’d be lying if I said the conversation wasn’t happening.”

McDonald emphasized that Test captain Pat Cummins would play a key role in the decision-making process. “Clearly, Patty Cummins as the captain is a big part of that,” he said. “We’ve already had some chats in Sydney initially around what we’re thinking for the summer.”

The coach also acknowledged the potential impact on other players if Smith’s batting position changes. “If we make a shift with Steve Smith, then someone else will have to go to the top,” McDonald said. “We’ve seen Cameron Green be really successful at number four as well. So that sort of adds layers to the decision-making.”

The first Test between India and Australia will be played in Perth from November 22. The decision on Smith’s batting position is expected to be made before the series begins.

Harry Lee: The Cricketer Who Returned from the Dead

Harry Lee: The Cricketer Who Returned from the Dead

In the midst of the horrors of World War I, a remarkable tale of survival and resilience unfolded. Harry Lee, a promising Middlesex cricketer, enlisted in the British Army in 1915. Amidst the carnage of the Battle of Aubers Ridge, he was presumed dead, and his family mourned his loss.

However, fate had a different plan. Lee miraculously survived a bullet wound and was taken prisoner by German forces. After six weeks in a French hospital, he was released and returned to England. Despite being informed that his left leg would be permanently shorter, Lee refused to give up his passion for cricket.

He played for the Royal Army Service Corps and later moved to India, where he coached cricket and football for the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. In 1918, he made his first-class cricket comeback in India, taking five wickets in his debut match.

Upon the war’s end, Lee returned to Middlesex and resumed his cricketing career. He scored over 1,000 runs in 13 seasons, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. In 1931, at the age of 39, Lee received his long-awaited Test call-up for England.

Despite his remarkable journey, Lee’s Test debut was bittersweet. He played in the third Test against South Africa but never received his official Test cap due to a dispute with a school where he worked in South Africa. Nevertheless, he was awarded an England touring cap by Jack Hobbs.

Harry Lee’s story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human resilience. From the trenches of war to the cricket field, he overcame adversity and achieved his dreams, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of cricket history.

Sri Lanka's Fast Bowlers Triumph in Challenging Conditions at The Oval

Sri Lanka’s Fast Bowlers Triumph in Challenging Conditions at The Oval

Sri Lanka’s historic victory at The Oval in 2024 marked a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. While their 1998 triumph at the same venue remains etched in memory, the conditions faced by the 2024 team were far more challenging.

Sanath Jayasuriya, a key figure in the 1998 victory, hailed the fast bowlers for their exceptional performance. Unlike the dry and sunny conditions of 1998, the 2024 match was played on a green-tinged track under cold and cloudy skies.

“These guys played in different conditions altogether,” Jayasuriya said. “It was tough conditions, with the grass, the weather, and everything was cloudy and cold. All credit to these boys.”

Sri Lanka’s quartet of quicks, Asitha Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, Vishwa Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara, shared 18 wickets between them. Kumara’s aggressive approach and Fernando’s consistency were particularly noteworthy.

“It’s the first time we went with four fast bowlers, and we went with that because of the conditions here, and all of them went beyond 100% in their efforts,” Jayasuriya said.

The series also witnessed the emergence of young talents like Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. Mendis, batting at No. 7 and 8, scored 267 runs, including a century. Nissanka’s aggressive batting, particularly his 127 not out in the second innings, played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s chase.

“Pathum couldn’t play Tests for a few years because of injuries, but he’s been doing well in T20s and one-dayers,” Jayasuriya said. “He played his natural game here, and I love to see him doing that.”

Rathnayake, who made his debut in the first Test, impressed with both his bowling and batting. He took 10 wickets and scored 72 and 43 down the order.

“Milan played Sri Lanka A cricket and we knew that he was a good bowler and could bat well,” Jayasuriya said. “But the world didn’t know he could bat. He batted really well and bowled really well right through this Test series.”

Sri Lanka’s victory at The Oval in 2024 showcased the resilience and determination of their team. The fast bowlers’ exceptional performance, coupled with the emergence of young talents, bodes well for the future of Sri Lankan cricket.

Afghanistan-New Zealand Test Stalled Again as Ground Staff Battle Wet Pitch

Afghanistan-New Zealand Test Stalled Again as Ground Staff Battle Wet Pitch

Ground staff at the Greater Noida stadium in Uttar Pradesh, India, resorted to desperate measures on Tuesday as they attempted to dry out the pitch for the Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand. The match, which was scheduled to begin on Monday, has been delayed due to incessant rainfall and the poor condition of the ground.

Despite the sunshine on Tuesday, the outfield remained soaked, and the chances of play appeared slim for a second consecutive day. On Monday, the New Zealand players were seen throwing rugby balls around as they waited for play to resume, but both teams spent the morning of Tuesday marooned at their hotels.

Groundsmen dragged out tarpaulin to cover areas of the pitch in anticipation of more rain, while others held electric fans over some of the worst wet patches. They also dug up a wet patch in the cover-point and mid-wicket region and filled it with dry soil and fresh turf.

Umpires were due to hold another inspection to assess a possible start time at a venue that is hosting its first Test match and where drainage is basic.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has offered Afghanistan venues to train and host matches outside their troubled nation, including in Lucknow and Dehradun. However, those grounds were busy with local leagues, and Greater Noida was chosen as the venue for this Test.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officials have expressed disappointment over the condition of the ground, calling it “a huge mess” and stating that they will not return to the venue in the future.

The Test match is only Afghanistan’s 10th in their history, and the delay has been a major setback for the team. New Zealand, on the other hand, will next travel to Sri Lanka for two Tests before returning for three more against India.

India's Test Squad for Bangladesh Series Announced: Shami, Iyer Miss Out

India’s Test Squad for Bangladesh Series Announced: Shami, Iyer Miss Out

India’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh has been announced, featuring the return of several key players. However, the absence of Mohammed Shami and Shreyas Iyer has raised questions.

Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant are among the top stars who will be making their return to the Test team. Rookie pacer Yash Dayal has also earned his maiden call-up.

Mohammed Shami, who was expected to be fit for the first Test, has been left out of the squad. The veteran pacer’s fitness remains a concern, and he is unlikely to be selected for the second Test as well.

Shreyas Iyer, despite his impressive performance in the first Duleep Trophy match, has also been overlooked by the selectors. Iyer’s inconsistent performances in red-ball cricket and a poor 2024 season have reportedly played a role in his omission.

Fitness concerns have also troubled Iyer recently. His removal from BCCI’s central contracts, following his unavailability for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, has reportedly left the board’s bosses and the selection committee unhappy.

With Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul also competing for the middle-order spots, Iyer seems to be low in the pecking order at the moment.

The BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier said that Shami could make his return for the Bangladesh series. However, the pacer doesn’t seem to have ticked all the boxes for selection. He is likely to be picked in the Bengal team for the Ranji Trophy campaign, starting on October 11. If he manages to prove his fitness in the domestic tournament, Team India’s return could only be a formality.

Key Indian Players Rested for Duleep Trophy Ahead of Bangladesh Test

Key Indian Players Rested for Duleep Trophy Ahead of Bangladesh Test

The Indian cricket team’s preparations for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh have taken a significant turn, with several key players being rested for the second round of the Duleep Trophy. The decision was made to ensure that the players are fully fit and ready for the international assignment.

Among the players who have been granted exemption from the Duleep Trophy are Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep. These players were all part of the Indian team that was selected for the opening Test match against Bangladesh.

The BCCI has named replacements for the rested players. Pratham Singh will replace Gill, Akshay Wadkar will replace Rahul, and SK Rasheed will replace Jurel. Left-arm spinner Shams Mulani will replace Kuldeep, while Aaqib Khan will replace Akashdeep.

Mayank Agarwal has been appointed as the new captain of India A, replacing Gill. Suyash Prabhudessai and Rinku Singh have been brought in to replace Jaiswal and Pant, respectively. Axar Patel has been replaced by Nishant Sandhu in the India D team.

The India C team, captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, remains unchanged.

The decision to rest key players for the Duleep Trophy has raised some eyebrows, as it could potentially affect their match fitness ahead of the Test series. However, the BCCI has stated that the players’ well-being is paramount and that they will be closely monitored during their break.

The Duleep Trophy is a first-class cricket tournament in India, which serves as a platform for players to showcase their skills and earn selection for the national team. The tournament is currently in its second round, with the final scheduled to be played in September.

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