Travis Head to Captain Australia for First Time in Cardiff T20

Travis Head to Captain Australia for First Time in Cardiff T20

Travis Head will lead Australia for the first time in Friday’s second T20 international against England in Cardiff, as Mitchell Marsh is unwell. Head, who has captained South Australia, Adelaide Strikers, and Australia A, will face the first ball on his captaincy debut after England chose to bowl first on a sunny evening at Sophia Gardens.

Australia made two other changes, with Xavier Bartlett absent due to a side strain and Josh Hazlewood rested. Jake Fraser-McGurk, who made 0, 16, and 0 in his first three T20Is in Scotland, replaces Marsh at No. 3. Australia’s batting depth is impressive, with Cooper Connolly carded to come in at No. 9 and Sean Abbott, who hit a century for Surrey in the T20 Blast last season, due in as low as No. 10.

England, captained by Phil Salt, the third Welshman to lead the team, made a single change, with Brydon Carse making his first international appearance of 2024. Carse replaces Jofra Archer, who was rested despite England’s need to win to seal the series. Liam Livingstone wins his 50th T20I cap, seven years after making his debut at Taunton.

England: 1 Phil Salt (capt/wk), 2 Will Jacks, 3 Jordan Cox, 4 Liam Livingstone, 5 Jacob Bethell, 6 Sam Curran, 7 Jamie Overton, 8 Brydon Carse, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Saqib Mahmood, 11 Reece Topley.

Australia: 1 Travis Head (capt), 2 Matt Short, 3 Jake Fraser-McGurk, 4 Josh Inglis (wk), 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Tim David, 7 Cameron Green, 8 Aaron Hardie, 9 Cooper Connolly, 10 Sean Abbott, 11 Adam Zampa.

Sussex's Resurgence: A Tale of Culture, Belief, and Success

Sussex’s Resurgence: A Tale of Culture, Belief, and Success

Sussex’s remarkable resurgence in English cricket has been a testament to the transformative power of a renewed culture and a focus on fundamental principles. After years of turmoil and underperformance, the club has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, reaching the T20 Blast Finals Day for the first time in three seasons.

Head coach Paul Farbrace has played a pivotal role in this turnaround, emphasizing the importance of red-ball cricket as a foundation for success in all formats. The appointment of Tymal Mills as T20 captain has further galvanized the team, bringing clarity and a winning mentality.

Mills, a veteran of Sussex’s previous Finals Day appearance in 2018, has instilled a belief in the squad that they can compete with the best. He has worked closely with analyst Luke Dunning and T20 coach James Kirtley to develop a comprehensive game plan and identify areas for improvement.

The team’s success has been built on a solid core of young players who have embraced the challenge of T20 cricket. Harrison Ward and Dan Hughes have formed a formidable opening partnership, while Mills and Ollie Robinson provide experience and leadership in the bowling attack.

Despite the absence of Jofra Archer on international duty, Sussex remains confident in their ability to challenge for the title. Kirtley has praised the team’s resilience and the contributions of players like Hughes, who has not only been a prolific run-scorer but also a calming influence off the field.

The club’s resurgence has extended beyond the playing field, with a renewed sense of excitement and optimism among staff and supporters. The success of the team has created a positive atmosphere that has made everyone’s job easier.

Sussex’s journey to Finals Day is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, a strong culture and a commitment to excellence can lead to remarkable transformations. The club’s young players are now hungry for more success, and the future looks bright for Sussex cricket.

Sunil Gavaskar's Controversial Walkout: The Real Reason Revealed

Sunil Gavaskar’s Controversial Walkout: The Real Reason Revealed

Sunil Gavaskar’s infamous walkout during the 1981 Melbourne Test against Australia remains etched in cricket history as a moment of high drama and controversy. The incident unfolded during the third Test of India’s tour of Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Gavaskar, India’s captain and opening batsman, was batting with Chetan Chauhan when he was controversially given out LBW (leg before wicket) by Australian umpire Rex Whitehead. The ball, bowled by Dennis Lillee, appeared to have hit Gavaskar’s bat before striking his pads.

Enraged by the decision, Gavaskar initially stood his ground, expressing his displeasure. However, after an animated exchange with Lillee, an incensed Gavaskar started walking off. In a moment of high tension, he gestured to his partner, Chauhan, to leave the field with him in protest against the umpire’s decision.

As Gavaskar and Chauhan began to walk off, the Indian team manager, Shahid Durrani, intervened, calming the situation and persuading Chauhan to continue playing. Gavaskar eventually left the field, but Chauhan returned to bat, avoiding a potential forfeit.

India went on to win the match by 59 runs, thanks to a remarkable bowling performance by Kapil Dev, who took five wickets in Australia’s second innings. The victory was only India’s third Test win on Australian soil at that time.

However, the walkout remains a controversial episode in Gavaskar’s illustrious career, reflecting the intensity and pressure of international cricket during that era. Forty years later, Gavaskar revealed the real reason behind his walkout, stating that it was the Australian players’ ‘get lost’ call, and not his LBW dismissal, that prompted him to walk off the ground with his opening partner.

The incident highlights the challenges and controversies that can arise in the heat of international competition, where emotions run high and decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match.

Sabine Lisicki Welcomes Daughter, Joins WTA's Growing Mom Sorority

Sabine Lisicki Welcomes Daughter, Joins WTA’s Growing Mom Sorority

Sabine Lisicki, the former Wimbledon finalist, has welcomed her first child, a daughter named Bella. The 34-year-old German announced the birth on Instagram, joining a growing number of WTA players who have become mothers in recent years.

Lisicki’s announcement follows the births of daughters to Belinda Bencic, Petra Kvitova, and Alison Riske-Amritraj in 2024. Bencic welcomed her daughter Bella in April, while Kvitova and Riske-Amritraj gave birth to sons Petr and Calen in July.

Lisicki, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 12 in 2012, has faced numerous injuries throughout her career, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament in 2020. Despite these setbacks, she has shown resilience and determination, winning her first title in nine years at the ITF W60 event in Calgary in 2023.

In March, Lisicki announced her pregnancy and promised “one more comeback.” Her last WTA-level match win came in 2022, but she remains hopeful of returning to the court.

Lisicki’s announcement has been met with well wishes from her current and former WTA peers, including Timea Babos, Ashlyn Krueger, Magdalena Frech, Eva Lys, and Shelby Rogers.

The birth of her daughter marks a new chapter in Lisicki’s life, and she will undoubtedly draw inspiration from her role as a mother as she continues her tennis career.

Donald Young Embraces Pickleball After US Open Farewell

Donald Young Embraces Pickleball After US Open Farewell

Donald Young, a former tennis professional, has officially transitioned to pickleball after a remarkable run at the US Open. Young and Taylor Townsend reached the mixed doubles final as wild cards, but just days later, Young traded his racquet for a paddle to compete in the CIBC PPA Atlanta Slam.

Young had been contemplating retirement for some time and decided to make the US Open his final tournament. He was thrilled when Townsend agreed to partner with him in mixed doubles. “I’ve known her since birth,” Young said. “It was cool.”

Despite the stress of the US Open, Young managed to find time for a single pickleball session before the tournament. He teamed up with Travis Rettenmaier, a professional pickleballer since 2020, and reached the Round of 16, defeating former tennis pro Jack Sock.

Young also competed in mixed doubles and singles, but fell short in both events. However, he remains optimistic about his future in pickleball. “I’ve got [Townsend] out a couple of times; she really enjoys it,” Young said. “Hopefully, I’m still playing and we can run it back one time.”

Young’s transition to pickleball is a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

Starc Eager for Kohli Rivalry in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Starc Eager for Kohli Rivalry in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Mitchell Starc Relishes Rivalry with Virat Kohli Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has expressed his excitement for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he will once again face off against Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli. The two cricketing giants have engaged in numerous intense battles over the years, and Starc relishes the opportunity to test his skills against Kohli.

“I enjoy my battles with Virat Kohli, it’s because we’ve played a lot of cricket against one another,” Starc told Star Sports. “I always have some good battles. I’ve managed to get him out once or twice and he’s no doubt scored a fair few runs against me so it’s always a good contest and one we both enjoy.”

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22 in Perth, will be the fifth consecutive series between India and Australia. India has emerged victorious in the previous four encounters, including triumphs on Australian soil in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

Starc acknowledges India’s dominance in recent years but remains confident in Australia’s ability to challenge them. “India has been playing really well in the last few years, especially in their home conditions,” he said. “But we’re confident in our team and we know that if we play to our potential, we can beat anyone.”

The rivalry between Starc and Kohli is one of the most captivating in international cricket. Both players are known for their fierce competitiveness and unwavering determination. Starc’s ability to generate pace and swing with the new ball makes him a formidable opponent, while Kohli’s exceptional batting skills and leadership qualities have established him as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be another thrilling chapter in the Starc-Kohli rivalry. With both players in top form, fans can expect a series filled with high-quality cricket and intense battles.

Kerala Blasters Limit Capacity for ISL Opener Due to Thiruvonam Celebrations

Kerala Blasters Limit Capacity for ISL Opener Due to Thiruvonam Celebrations

Kerala Blasters Limit Capacity for ISL Opener Due to Thiruvonam Celebrations

The Kerala Blasters Football Club announced on Friday that the capacity for its Indian Super League (ISL) opener against Punjab FC at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi on September 15 will be limited to 50%. This decision was made after discussions with relevant stakeholders to support essential services and match-day operations during the Thiruvonam festival, which falls on the same day.

Thiruvonam, the harvest festival of Kerala, is one of the most important cultural events in the state. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor, and many people take time off from work and other activities to participate in the festivities.

The Kerala Blasters recognized the importance of Thiruvonam and wanted to ensure that the festival could be celebrated without disruption. By limiting the capacity for the ISL opener, the club hopes to minimize the impact on essential services and allow fans to enjoy the festival without having to worry about match-day traffic or other logistical issues.

The decision to limit capacity was made in consultation with the Kerala Police, the Kochi Municipal Corporation, and other relevant authorities. The club also took into account the safety and security of fans, as well as the need to maintain a festive atmosphere in the city.

The Kerala Blasters are confident that the ISL opener will be a success, despite the limited capacity. The club has a strong fan base in Kochi, and the team is eager to start the season on a positive note.

Fans who have already purchased tickets for the match will be contacted by the club and given the option of a refund or a ticket exchange for a future match.

Mikael Stahre Vows to Win Over Kerala Blasters Fans with Exciting Football

Mikael Stahre Vows to Win Over Kerala Blasters Fans with Exciting Football

Ivan Vukomanovic’s departure from Kerala Blasters left a void in the hearts of the club’s passionate fans. The Serbian coach had forged an unbreakable bond with the supporters during his three seasons at the helm, guiding the team to three ISL playoffs appearances.

Mikael Stahre, the new head coach, faces the daunting task of filling Vukomanovic’s shoes. The Swede is eager to win over the fans and has promised an exciting brand of football. “We’ll play good and energetic football, score a lot of goals, and win,” Stahre declared at the Nehru Stadium ahead of Blasters’ ISL season opener against Punjab FC.

Stahre understands the importance of fan support and is determined to create a positive atmosphere at the Nehru Stadium. “I think that’s what football fans want in general. They have high expectations, want players to score a lot of goals, see positive football, energetic players, and they also want to see fighters out there. That’s my message to the fans… we want to please them.”

The Blasters’ fans have been the team’s backbone, consistently filling the Nehru Stadium to capacity. Their unwavering support has played a crucial role in the team’s success. However, the fans are also hungry for silverware. With Blasters having come tantalizingly close to the ISL Cup by reaching the final thrice and losing twice in the tiebreaker, the fans are desperate to lift the trophy.

While they will expect the inspirational Adrian Luna to continue his magical touch, they will also be eagerly looking at new stars like Moroccan Noah Sadaoui, who won the Golden Boot at the recent Durand Cup, and Spaniard Jesus Jimenez to score goals aplenty.

Stahre is confident that he can deliver the success that the Blasters’ fans crave. “We want to win trophies. We want to play in Asia. We want to make the fans proud,” he said.

The new season promises to be an exciting one for Kerala Blasters. With a new coach, new players, and a hungry fan base, the team has all the ingredients for success.

Kamran Akmal Advises PCB Against Captaincy Change, Urges Focus on Basics

Kamran Akmal Advises PCB Against Captaincy Change, Urges Focus on Basics

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has strongly advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against making any changes to the team’s captaincy. Akmal believes that the focus should be on improving the team’s fundamental skills rather than replacing the captain.

Akmal’s comments come amidst reports that Babar Azam could potentially lose his role as captain of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team. Mohammad Rizwan is reportedly being considered as a leading candidate to replace Azam.

Akmal questioned the timing of the potential change in leadership, especially considering Pakistan’s recent setbacks under Azam’s captaincy. He pointed out that the team has failed to perform well in major tournaments such as the Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup.

“Why they wanted to bring a change now if they did not do that after losing the Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup? What difference does it make [by the way],” Akmal said.

Akmal believes that appointing a new captain will not solve the team’s problems. He emphasized the importance of players performing their basic tasks correctly to avoid mistakes.

“Is it because the captain is not their favourite, and they want one of their choice? Do you think the new captain will bring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, or Mitchell Starc into the team to boost its performance? If they do not get their basics right, then such blunders will continue to happen, and replacing captains will make no difference,” he suggested.

Akmal also criticized the PCB’s decision to reappoint Babar Azam as captain of the white-ball format just before the T20 World Cup. He believes that the move was a “strategic mistake” that did not benefit the team.

“Babar Azam has stepped down as the captain of Pakistan’s cricket team in all formats after the team’s early exit from last year’s ODI World Cup. Recently, he was reinstated as the captain for the white-ball format, just before the T20 World Cup. This move replaced Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had led Pakistan in a single series against New Zealand, where Pakistan faced a 4-1 series defeat. The PCB explained reappointing Babar as a ‘strategic move’,” Akmal said.

Akmal concluded by urging the PCB, the captain, the coach, and the selectors to set their direction right and reform their thinking. He believes that this is the only way to improve the team’s performance and achieve success in future tournaments.

CSK Determined to Retain Dhoni Amidst IPL Retention Rule Changes

CSK Determined to Retain Dhoni Amidst IPL Retention Rule Changes

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to undergo a potential overhaul in its retention rules ahead of the 2025 season. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially announce any changes, media reports suggest that franchises are still negotiating the number of retentions allowed.

Amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains clear: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is determined to retain the services of legendary wicket-keeper batter Mahendra Singh Dhoni, regardless of the number of retentions granted. According to Cricbuzz, CSK is willing to retain Dhoni even if he is placed in the “uncapped” category, a move that would significantly reduce his salary cap hit.

Dhoni has been an integral part of CSK since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Under his leadership, the franchise has won five IPL titles. Despite stepping down as captain in 2024, Dhoni remains a vital cog in the team’s success.

Meanwhile, Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has praised the transformative impact of former India captain Virat Kohli on Test cricket in the country. Ponting believes that Kohli’s aggressive approach and belief in his team’s ability to win overseas have inspired a new generation of Indian batters.

Ponting also lauded the contributions of former head coach Rahul Dravid, who guided India to the T20 World Cup title in 2022. Dravid’s tenure saw India continue to excel in Test cricket, with memorable victories in challenging conditions abroad.

Under Kohli’s captaincy, India became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. His absence during the 2020-21 series due to the birth of his daughter did not deter the team, which rallied under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane to secure a historic 2-1 series victory.

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