Gus Atkinson Withdrawn from England ODI Squad for Workload Management

Gus Atkinson Withdrawn from England ODI Squad for Workload Management

England’s fast-bowling sensation Gus Atkinson has been withdrawn from the 50-over squad for the upcoming series against Australia due to workload management concerns. Atkinson’s impressive debut summer, where he claimed 34 wickets in six Tests, has prompted the England management to prioritize his long-term fitness.

During the Sri Lanka series, Atkinson’s pace noticeably declined, and he experienced a tight quad on day three at The Oval. Despite being deemed fit enough to bowl in the fourth innings, the management has opted to rest him for the ODIs against Australia.

Olly Stone has been called up to replace Atkinson in the ODI squad. England’s busy schedule, which includes a three-Test tour of Pakistan and a three-Test tour of New Zealand later this year, has necessitated careful player management.

England’s stand-in Test captain, Ollie Pope, expressed confidence in Atkinson’s recovery and emphasized the importance of player management. “He’s got a couple weeks off now to refresh and move forward,” Pope said. “I think the way he bowled today and just chatting to him, he actually feels like it feels better today than it did when he first felt it.”

The short turnaround before England’s winter touring commitments and the packed schedule of six more Tests before Christmas have made player management a top priority for the ECB. Five players involved against Sri Lanka, including Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Matt Potts, and Jamie Smith, have also been included in the ODI squad.

Pope expressed confidence in the team’s motivation for the Pakistan tour, where Ben Stokes is expected to return as captain. “Pulling an England shirt on is the greatest honor, so I don’t think there needs to be much more motivation,” Pope said. “We love touring as a team and everything’s a new, exciting challenge.”

Indian Chess Team Soars to New Heights Ahead of Budapest Olympiad

Indian Chess Team Soars to New Heights Ahead of Budapest Olympiad

Indian Chess Soars to New Heights Ahead of Budapest Olympiad

Two years ago, D Gukesh’s stunning performance at the Chennai Olympiad signaled a new era for Indian chess. Since then, the country has witnessed remarkable growth, with several players making history and breaking records.

As the 44th Chess Olympiad approaches in Budapest, India boasts an unprecedented four players in the top 12 of the world rankings, including Gukesh at No. 7. The team, seeded second behind the USA, is brimming with confidence and optimism.

“This is the strongest Indian team ever,” says Open section captain Srinath Narayanan. “We are very optimistic about our chances.”

The Olympiad, a biennial team event, brings together players from over 190 countries. India’s young and talented squad is expected to perform exceptionally well.

“The sense of team doesn’t come naturally in chess,” says Narayanan. “But everyone in the current side really wants to win.”

In the Chennai Olympiad, India’s ‘B’ team, featuring Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, won bronze over the higher-rated ‘A’ team. This year, the team is even stronger and more motivated.

“We’ve transformed from being underdogs to being the favorites against almost every team,” says Narayanan. “Our young players are still fresh from playing in Open tournaments and have the flexibility to adapt.”

In the women’s section, India will be without Koneru Humpy but still has a strong team led by Vaishali and Harika Dronavalli. They will face challenges from Georgia, Poland, and Ukraine.

“The enormity of an Olympiad is quite unique,” says Narayanan. “As captain, I get to watch some of the world’s best players from a close proximity. There’s not a whole lot more you can ask for as a chess fan.”

With a formidable team and a surge in confidence, India is poised to make a significant impact at the Budapest Olympiad. A medal of any color would be a testament to the remarkable progress Indian chess has made in recent years.

India Thrash Japan 5-1 in Asian Champions Trophy

India Thrash Japan 5-1 in Asian Champions Trophy

India’s men’s hockey team continued their impressive form at the Asian Champions Trophy, securing a dominant 5-1 victory over Japan on Monday. The defending champions, who had earlier defeated hosts China 3-0, now sit atop the six-team standings with six points from two games.

Sukhjeet Singh opened the scoring for India within two minutes, deflecting in a cross from Sanjay. Abhishek doubled the lead a minute later, dribbling past multiple Japanese defenders and rounding goalkeeper Takumi Kitagawa. Sanjay extended India’s advantage in the second quarter with a penalty corner deflection.

Japan managed to pull one back through Kazumasa Matsumoto in the third quarter, but India responded with goals from Uttam Singh and Sukhjeet Singh in the final period. Sukhjeet’s second goal came in the final minute, assisted by Player-of-the-Match Abhishek.

India dominated the match, with 27 circle penetrations to Japan’s 11. They also converted one of their two penalty corner opportunities, while Japan failed to convert any of their three short corner chances.

“It was a complete team effort,” said Abhishek. “We stuck to the basics. We produced a good attack and ensured we were on target.”

India will next face Malaysia on Wednesday in a repeat of last edition’s final.

India to Face Syria in Intercontinental Cup Final

India to Face Syria in Intercontinental Cup Final

India vs Syria: Intercontinental Cup Final Preview

India’s men’s football team will face Syria in the final of the Intercontinental Cup on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST and will be telecast live on Sports 18.

India began the tournament with a goalless draw against Mauritius, while Syria defeated Mauritius 2-0 in their opening match. This means that Syria holds a slight advantage heading into the final, as they only need a draw to claim the trophy.

India is aiming for their second consecutive Intercontinental Cup triumph, and third overall. They won the tournament in 2018 and 2022. Syria, on the other hand, has a long history of playing tournaments in India but has never won the title. They lost back-to-back Nehru Cup finals to India in 2007 and 2009 before finishing fourth in 2012.

India will be looking to their captain, Sunil Chhetri, to lead them to victory. Chhetri is India’s all-time leading goalscorer and has been in impressive form in recent months. He scored a brace in India’s 4-1 win over Cambodia in a friendly match in June.

Syria will be relying on their experienced midfielder, Omar Khribin. Khribin is a key player for the Syrian national team and has scored over 50 goals for his country.

The match is expected to be a close and exciting affair. India will be looking to attack from the start and will be hoping to take advantage of their home crowd. Syria, on the other hand, will be looking to defend deep and hit India on the counterattack.

Experience Trumps Flamboyance: Rahul Edges Khan for India's Test XI

Experience Trumps Flamboyance: Rahul Edges Khan for India’s Test XI

India’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh presents a dilemma for the team management: prioritize immediate success or prepare for the crucial tour of Australia later this year. The choice between Sarfaraz Khan’s flamboyant batting and KL Rahul’s experience has become a focal point.

Khan’s impressive performances in the home series against England showcased his fearless approach and technical prowess. His twin half-centuries in Rajkot and another fifty in Dharamsala highlighted his precise footwork and ability to handle both pace and spin. However, Rahul’s decade-long experience in the national setup and his role as former Test captain give him an edge.

A BCCI source emphasized Rahul’s recent performances and fitness as key factors. Despite missing two previous Test tours of Australia due to injuries, Rahul scored a century in Sydney in 2014. His knack for scoring at significant overseas venues, combined with his extensive range of strokes, keeps him ahead in the pecking order.

The same principle of continuity applies to the wicketkeeper position, where Rishabh Pant’s exceptional Test credentials make him the preferred choice over Dhruv Jurel. Jurel’s impressive performance in the England series is acknowledged, but Pant’s exceptional Test record remains unmatched.

One position with notable competition is the third spinner’s spot, where Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are contenders. Axar’s recent performances in the Duleep Trophy, where he showcased his all-round skills, have strengthened his case. However, Kuldeep’s previous success against Bangladesh and his array of variations might give him an edge on favorable batting tracks.

While Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel have proven their potential, the emphasis for now seems to be on experience and previously demonstrated success. India’s team management is balancing immediate responsibilities with strategic preparations for the Australia tour, where continuity and experience will be crucial.

South Africa's Bangladesh Test Tour Decision Looms Amid Security Concerns

South Africa’s Bangladesh Test Tour Decision Looms Amid Security Concerns

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is facing a crucial decision regarding the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on October 21. The decision hinges on security assessments currently underway, following concerns raised after anti-government protests in Bangladesh earlier this year.

CSA, in collaboration with the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), will make a final call by the end of this week. The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, initially slated for Bangladesh, was relocated due to the unrest.

Sources within CSA indicate that the situation in Bangladesh has improved, but the organization emphasizes that player safety remains paramount. A collective decision will be made, with individual players unlikely to have the final say on whether to tour.

South Africa’s Test schedule has been condensed to two-match series in this World Test Championship cycle, prioritizing the launch of the SA20 domestic T20 league and cost-cutting measures. The team has played six Tests so far, winning two, losing three, and drawing one.

To qualify for the WTC final at Lord’s next year, South Africa needs to win at least five of their remaining six matches. If they tour Bangladesh, they are unlikely to field Marco Jansen or Gerald Coetzee, who are expected to return to action in November.

South Africa’s next assignment is a white-ball series against Afghanistan and Ireland in the UAE, where several new faces are expected to feature.

Rain Washes Out Opening Day of New Zealand-Afghanistan Test

Rain Washes Out Opening Day of New Zealand-Afghanistan Test

The inaugural Test match between New Zealand and Afghanistan, scheduled to commence on Monday, was unfortunately marred by inclement weather, resulting in the abandonment of the opening day’s play. Despite multiple inspections throughout the day, the outfield remained saturated, rendering it unsuitable for play.

The lack of a modern drainage system at the venue has exacerbated the situation, as heavy rainfall over the past week has left the ground waterlogged. With forecasts predicting continued rain and thunderstorms throughout the week, the extent of the disruption to the Test remains uncertain.

This highly anticipated encounter marks the first-ever Test between New Zealand and Afghanistan, who were granted Test status in 2017. Afghanistan, with 10 Tests under their belt, have faced setbacks in their recent outings, suffering defeats against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Ireland.

For New Zealand, this Test serves as their first since March and initiates a demanding schedule in the subcontinent. The Black Caps will embark on a three-Test series against India in October-November, adding to their already packed itinerary.

The weather-induced postponement has cast a shadow over the historic occasion, but both teams remain hopeful that the conditions will improve, allowing for a competitive and memorable Test match.

Virat Kohli: The Un-Auctioned Star of the IPL

Virat Kohli: The Un-Auctioned Star of the IPL

Virat Kohli: The Un-Auctioned Star of the IPL

Virat Kohli, the batting maestro and former captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), holds a unique distinction in the Indian Premier League (IPL): he has never been sold in an IPL auction. This intriguing fact stems from his early association with RCB, which dates back to the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008.

As a young emerging player, Kohli was not eligible to participate in the inaugural IPL auction. Instead, he was selected by RCB through a pre-season draft, recognizing his exceptional talent showcased in the U-19 World Cup. RCB’s decision to retain Kohli over the years has kept him from entering the IPL auction.

Kohli’s loyalty to RCB and their unwavering trust in his abilities have fostered a strong relationship. The IPL allows teams to retain a certain number of players ahead of each auction, and Kohli has been a constant fixture in RCB’s retained list. His consistent performances and leadership qualities have made him indispensable for the franchise.

As captain, Kohli guided RCB to four playoff appearances, showcasing his tactical acumen and ability to inspire his team. While the elusive championship remained out of reach, Kohli’s individual accomplishments in the IPL are remarkable. He is the tournament’s all-time leading run-scorer with 8004 runs in 252 matches, boasting an impressive average of 38.67.

Kohli’s 2016 campaign was particularly memorable, as he amassed a staggering 973 runs, setting the record for the most runs scored in a single IPL season. His exceptional batting prowess is further highlighted by his unparalleled feat of scoring 8 centuries in the tournament, more than any other player.

The combination of Kohli’s consistent performances, leadership role, and marketability made him indispensable for RCB. The franchise has always prioritized his retention, preventing him from entering the IPL auction. Kohli’s dedication to RCB and his deep connection with the fans have ensured that he remains one of the few players in IPL history never to have been auctioned, making his journey unique and significant in the league’s history.

Sourav Ganguly Urges Supreme Court to Expedite Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Judgment

Sourav Ganguly Urges Supreme Court to Expedite Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Judgment

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has implored the Supreme Court to expedite its judgment in the heinous Kolkata rape-murder case. Ganguly lauded the unwavering movement for justice in Kolkata and emphasized the significance of the court’s verdict as a global precedent. He stressed that the judgment should serve as a stern warning to deter future perpetrators of such heinous crimes.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the RG Kar case again on September 17, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) directed to submit a fresh status report. Ganguly expressed his ardent desire for a swift resolution, stating, “I urge the Supreme Court to deliver its ruling in this case as soon as possible. The judgment should be an example to the entire world, ensuring that no one dares to commit such a crime in the future.”

The case has brought the role of the police under scrutiny, with the BJP demanding the dismissal of Kolkata’s police chief, Vineet Goyal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has requested patience, citing the upcoming Durga Puja festival and the need for heightened security. She stated, “The Kolkata Police Commissioner has offered to resign several times last week. However, we have pujo coming up, and we need someone experienced in law and order to be in place. If you can have patience for a few days, will it be a Mahabharat (big deal)?”

Ganguly’s plea for a swift judgment underscores the public’s demand for justice and the need to hold perpetrators accountable for their heinous actions. The Supreme Court’s verdict is eagerly awaited, as it is expected to set a precedent for the handling of such cases and send a strong message against gender-based violence.

India's Dominance Intensifies Australia Rivalry Ahead of Test Series

India’s Dominance Intensifies Australia Rivalry Ahead of Test Series

India’s recent dominance over Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has intensified the rivalry between the two cricketing giants, according to senior Australian batter Usman Khawaja. India has emerged victorious in the last two Test series played in Australia, with identical 2-1 margins.

Khawaja acknowledges that the rivalry has grown in significance due to India’s recent successes. “For Indians, it’s always been the case to beat Australia. And more recently, you know, since the rise of India and IPL and everything else that happened, it’s the same way with Australia against India,” he said.

The rivalry has been further fueled by the fact that India has won all four of the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, including their home victories in 2016-17 and 2022-23. Khawaja believes that the rivalry has become even more intense since India’s triumphs in Australia.

“And particularly since India’s beaten Australia in Australia the last two times they’ve come out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. It just means a little bit more,” he told Star Sports.

Khawaja emphasizes the magnitude of the rivalry, stating that it is a reflection of the high regard in which both teams hold each other. “We’re world number one, world number two teams really over the last two years. We were there at the last World Test Championship together. The rivalry has always been huge,” he said.

The upcoming five-match Test series between India and Australia, beginning on November 22 in Perth, is expected to further intensify the rivalry. Khawaja believes that the series will be a great opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills and test their mettle against each other.

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