Woakes Bowls Off-Spin as Bad Light Halts England's Pace Attack

Woakes Bowls Off-Spin as Bad Light Halts England’s Pace Attack

England’s Woakes Bowls Off-Spin Due to Bad Light in Third Test Against Sri Lanka

In an unusual turn of events, England pacer Chris Woakes was forced to bowl off-spin during the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Kennington Oval due to poor light conditions.

With skies darkening and light fading rapidly in London on Saturday, Woakes was seen bowling off-spin against the Lankan batters. The incident occurred in the 7th over of Sri Lanka’s first innings when the on-field umpires informed skipper Ollie Pope that the light was insufficient for fast bowlers to operate.

Woakes, who had just dismissed Pathum Nissanka on the second ball of his fourth over, had four more deliveries to bowl when the umpires intervened. This forced him to complete his remaining balls by bowling off-spin, much to the amusement of England bowling coach Jeetan Patel and the players on the field.

With a couple of slips, a leg slip, and a short-leg in place, Woakes bowled three off-spinning deliveries, one of which was dispatched to the boundary. He then completed the over with an arm ball.

Earlier, bad light had also forced early stumps on the opening day of the Test. Riding on Pope’s 154, England scored 325 before being bowled out in the 70th over. Already 2-0 up in the series, England are aiming for a whitewash against Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli: A Legend of Cricket, Breaking Records and Inspiring Generations

Virat Kohli: A Legend of Cricket, Breaking Records and Inspiring Generations

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket legend, has etched his name among the greatest players of all time with his exceptional batting skills and unwavering determination. His ability to excel across all formats of the game has set him apart from his contemporaries.

Kohli’s batting prowess is unmatched. In Test matches, he has amassed seven double centuries, the most by an Indian. His consistency in ODIs is equally impressive, with a record-breaking 49 centuries. In Twenty20 Internationals, he became the first batter to reach 4000 runs.

Beyond his individual achievements, Kohli has also proven to be an astute leader. Under his captaincy, India won their first-ever Test series in Australia in 2018-19. He also led the team to numerous other victories, including a record-equaling 46 international wins in a calendar year.

Kohli’s impact on cricket extends far beyond his on-field performances. He has become a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide, inspiring them with his dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. His records and achievements serve as a testament to his greatness and will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Ben Duckett's Risk-Taking Approach Fuels England's Aggressive Batting

Ben Duckett’s Risk-Taking Approach Fuels England’s Aggressive Batting

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has hailed Ben Duckett’s audacious knock of 86 on day one of the third Test against Sri Lanka as a testament to his risk-taking approach that lies at the heart of England’s aggressive batting philosophy.

Duckett’s blistering innings, featuring nine fours and two sixes, set the tone for England’s imposing 221/3 at The Oval. Hussain praised Duckett’s ability to unsettle the Sri Lankan bowlers with his relentless attacking intent.

“Duckett never let them settle at all,” Hussain wrote in his column for Daily Mail. “They kept bowling on the legs early on, or even outside the line of the pads, and then when they over-corrected, they were short and wide. Where does Duckett like the ball the most? Short and wide outside off-stump. He put them to the sword.”

Hussain highlighted Duckett’s unique approach compared to traditional England openers who often left deliveries outside off-stump. Duckett’s willingness to attack these balls has resulted in a remarkable leave percentage of just 1.7%, significantly lower than other Test openers.

“His career leave percentage is 1.7%, making him nearly five times as likely to play than Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique, the next man on the list with 8.3%,” Hussain noted. “When everything is in the bowlers’ favor, that is exactly how the England team management want him, Duckett to play – putting pressure back on the opposition.”

Hussain acknowledged that Duckett’s attacking instincts could be exploited by Australia in next year’s Ashes. However, he believes Duckett will remain true to his style of play.

“With batsmen, however, your strengths can also be your weaknesses and I expect Australia to play on this in next year’s Ashes,” Hussain said. “But I can’t see him changing. He will give it a go and that aligns with the constant messaging from the England dressing room.”

Hussain concluded by emphasizing the importance of allowing players to play to their strengths, even if it occasionally leads to dismissals. “If a player scores runs with a particular shot, they do not want them to put it away if they get out to it,” Hussain added.

Australia XI Cruise to Six-Wicket Win Over Scotland XI in Second T20I

Australia XI Cruise to Six-Wicket Win Over Scotland XI in Second T20I

Australia XI, led by Mitchell Marsh, won the toss and elected to field first against Scotland XI in the second T20I in Edinburgh. The Scottish openers, George Munsey and Ollie Hairs, got off to a solid start, putting on 30 runs for the first wicket before Munsey was dismissed by Sean Abbott for 15.

Brandon McMullen and Richie Berrington then steadied the Scottish innings, adding 45 runs for the second wicket. McMullen played a particularly aggressive innings, hitting two sixes and two fours in his 32-ball 40. Berrington, on the other hand, was more circumspect, scoring 24 off 28 balls.

However, Scotland’s progress was halted by the introduction of Cameron Green into the attack. Green bowled a superb spell, taking 2/19 in his three overs, including the crucial wicket of Berrington. Matthew Cross (16) and Michael Leask (10*) also made useful contributions, but Scotland were eventually restricted to 103/4 in their 20 overs.

In reply, Australia XI lost Jake Fraser-McGurk (1) early on, but Travis Head (26) and Mitchell Marsh (24) put on 49 runs for the second wicket to put their team in control. Josh Inglis (18*) and Cameron Green (16*) then finished off the chase with ease, guiding Australia XI to a comfortable six-wicket victory with 10 balls to spare.

Indian Paralympic Athletes Receive Grand Welcome After Record-Breaking Paris Performance

Indian Paralympic Athletes Receive Grand Welcome After Record-Breaking Paris Performance

Indian Paralympic athletes were accorded a grand welcome at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport upon their return from the Paris Paralympics, where they showcased an exceptional performance. On Saturday morning, half of the Indian contingent arrived home after participating in the prestigious event.

Among the returning athletes were Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Pranav Soorma, Rakesh Kumar, and Manish Narwal. Fans gathered in large numbers outside the airport, showering the para-athletes with flower petals and expressing their admiration.

India’s Paralympic stars, including gold medalist Avani Lekhara, silver medalist Manish Narwal, Pranav Soorma, and bronze medalists Rubina, returned to a hero’s welcome. The remaining athletes of the Indian contingent will return after the conclusion of the multi-sport event.

Star Indian parashooter Avani Lekhara expressed her gratitude for the support and recognition. “It has been a good journey, and we have won many good medals this time,” she said.

Para shooter Mona Agarwal shared her excitement about her first Paralympic experience. “I am feeling very good as I am receiving so much love… My Paralympic journey was very good,” she said.

Reigning Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara continued her winning streak, securing gold in the women’s 10m air rifle final. She became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in the Games’ history. Shooter Mona Agarwal also bagged a bronze medal in the same event.

Para-archer Rakesh Kumar attributed his victory to his coaches. “I am feeling very good… The credit for my victory goes to my coaches… We will work hard and perform better at the next Paralympics,” he said.

The Indian archery pair of Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi clinched the bronze medal in the Mixed Team Compound event, defeating Italy’s Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonnacina.

India’s medal tally at the ongoing Paralympics has reached 27, including six gold medals, nine silver medals, and 12 bronze medals. This is the highest number of gold medals India has ever won at a Paralympics Games event, surpassing the previous record of five golds in Tokyo 2020.

Indian para-athletes have made the nation proud with their exceptional performance, contributing three golds, six silvers, and six bronze medals to the country’s overall tally.

Musheer Khan's Strong Mindset Impresses Former India Wicketkeeper

Musheer Khan’s Strong Mindset Impresses Former India Wicketkeeper

Former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya has heaped praise on Musheer Khan, hailing his “strong mindset” and predicting a bright future for the young batter in the Indian team. Khan’s impressive 181 for India B against India A in the ongoing Duleep Trophy has caught the attention of Dahiya, who believes the youngster has the potential to become a valuable asset for the national side.

Dahiya highlighted Khan’s consistency as a key factor in his success. “He started off from where he left the last season. He scored runs in the Ranji Trophy semifinal and final and then a hundred on the opening day of domestic cricket in 2024,” Dahiya said.

The former wicketkeeper also praised Khan’s transformation from a left-arm spinner to a batsman, attributing it to his hard work and dedication. “Agar aap mehnat se kisi cheez ke peeche pad jaaye, shiddat se kisi cheez ke peeche pad jaaye to wo zarur milti hai (if you work hard for something, you will get it eventually),” Dahiya said.

Dahiya also spoke about the positive impact of senior players like Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma on budding talents in the Delhi Premier League (DPL). “Rishabh Pant played just a match but the time he spent with boys in the hotel and in the practice motivated them,” Dahiya said. “Ishant attended all the practice sessions and spent time with each of the boys. Unfortunately, he couldn’t play due to an injury.”

Dahiya believes that the guidance and support from experienced players like Pant and Sharma can help young players develop their skills and confidence. “All the boys praised Rishabh and Ishant because they never let them feel inferior to them. Instead, they felt a sense of belongingness and it calmed their nerves,” he added.

Randhir Singh to Become First Indian President of Olympic Council of Asia

Randhir Singh to Become First Indian President of Olympic Council of Asia

The 44th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly, a pivotal event in the Asian sporting calendar, will convene at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on September 8, 2023. This momentous occasion will witness the official appointment of Randhir Singh as the first Indian President of the OCA.

Randhir Singh, a renowned former Indian shooter, was unanimously elected to this prestigious position earlier this year. The 77-year-old sports legend hails from Patiala, Punjab, and comes from a family steeped in sporting excellence. His uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, represented India in Test cricket and served as an IOC member. His father, Bhalindra Singh, was also an IOC member and a first-class cricketer.

Randhir Singh’s illustrious sporting career includes participation in four Asian Games editions from 1978 to 1994. He clinched an individual gold medal in trap shooting in 1978, an individual bronze medal in 1982, and a team silver medal in 1986. He also competed at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada.

In recognition of his sporting achievements, Randhir Singh was bestowed with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1979 and the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award. His transition into sports administration began during his playing days when he was appointed as the Honorary Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in 1987, a position he held until 2012.

Randhir Singh’s administrative acumen extended to his role as a member of the governing board of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) from 1987 to 2010. He also served as the Vice-Chairman of the organizing committee for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

His international sports administration career took off in 1991 when he was appointed as the Secretary General of the OCA, a position he held until 2015. He subsequently became the Life Vice President until 2021, after which he was appointed as the Acting President.

Randhir Singh’s global sports influence is evident in his membership of the ANOC Executive Council since 2002. He served as the IOC representative on the WADA Board from 2003 to 2005 and became a member of WADA’s Finance and Administration Committee in 2005. He also chaired the 2019 Asian Games Asian Games Coordination Committee.

His IOC membership spanned from 2001 to 2014, after which he continued as an honorary member. During his tenure, he served on various IOC commissions, including Olympic Games Study, Sport for All, Women and Sport, International Olympic Truce Foundation, and Coordination for the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games Singapore.

In recognition of his invaluable contributions to sports, Randhir Singh has received numerous accolades, including the OCA Award of Merit in 2005, the Merit Award from ANOC in 2006, the Olympic Order, Silver in 2014, and an Honorary Doctorate in Literature in Sports Science from Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Government of India.

Indian Hockey Team Aims to Defend Asian Champions Trophy Title

Indian Hockey Team Aims to Defend Asian Champions Trophy Title

The Indian men’s hockey team, fresh from their Olympic bronze medal triumph, will embark on a new chapter as they aim to defend their Asian Champions Trophy title in Donghae, South Korea. The tournament, which begins on Sunday, will pit India against top Asian hockey nations, including China, Japan, Pakistan, Korea, and Malaysia.

India, the only team to have won the ACT title four times, will be the favorites to retain their crown. Led by skipper Harmanpreet Singh, the team boasts a blend of experienced Olympians and promising youngsters.

“We want to begin the fresh Olympic cycle by winning this tournament,” said Harmanpreet. “We have a few youngsters trying to make their impact in the team, and we’ll be looking to play a structured defense against strong teams like Japan, Malaysia, and Pakistan.”

India’s opening match will be against hosts China on Sunday. They will then face Japan, Malaysia, Korea, and arch-rivals Pakistan in the round-robin stage. The semifinals and final are scheduled for September 16 and 17.

Young midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad, Harmanpreet’s deputy for this tournament, emphasized the importance of the ACT in assessing the progress of Asian teams ahead of the 2026 Asian Games.

“This tournament will give us a chance to see the progress the Asian teams are making,” said Vivek. “We’re excited to play quality matches and entertain the hockey-loving people of this region.”

The Indian team has been impressed by the facilities in Donghae, which they believe is one of the most beautiful hockey venues in the world.

“The facility is incredible,” said Vivek. “The excitement of hosting the first international tournament here is quite evident, and we’re looking forward to playing quality matches and entertaining the hockey-loving people of this region.”

Sri Lanka Fight Back with Eight Wickets on Day Two at The Oval

Sri Lanka Fight Back with Eight Wickets on Day Two at The Oval

Sri Lanka’s bowlers staged a remarkable comeback on the second morning of the first Test against England at The Oval, bowling out the hosts for 325 and reducing their deficit to 324 runs.

Resuming at 221 for 3, England collapsed to 6 for 35 in 56 balls, with poor shot selection and falling into Sri Lanka’s traps. Ollie Pope, who had scored a dazzling 103 not out overnight, pushed his score to 154 before being dismissed by Vishwa Fernando.

Harry Brook, who looked streaky on 8, added just four runs before skying a catch to Asitha Fernando. Vishwa Fernando also dismissed Jamie Smith, while Dhananjaya de Silva removed Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson.

Pope brought up his 150 in just 151 balls, but Vishwa ended his knock with a short ball that Pope hooked to deep square leg. Debutant Josh Hull and Shoaib Bashir were the last two wickets to fall, giving Sri Lanka eight wickets in the morning session.

Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling coach, Aaqib Javed, had suggested his charges would “rest and come up with something better than this” after a dire opening day. The bowlers responded with greater patience and probing lines, making the ball swing and setting traps for the England batters.

By lunch on the second day, Sri Lanka had one run on the board for no loss after batting just one over before the break. The tourists will be hoping to continue their improved performance and make further inroads into England’s lead in the afternoon session.

Lala Amarnath's Audacious Decision in the Inaugural Irani Cup

Lala Amarnath’s Audacious Decision in the Inaugural Irani Cup

In the annals of Indian cricket, the inaugural Irani Cup match of 1960 stands as a testament to the audacity and innovation of legendary cricketer Lala Amarnath. As the chairman of the national selection committee, Amarnath’s bold decision to field a player not originally in the batting lineup sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.

The Irani Cup, named after the late ZR Irani, was conceived to pit the reigning Ranji Trophy champions against a Rest of India team. The inaugural match was held at Delhi’s Karnail Singh Stadium from March 18-20, 1960. Amarnath, who had the distinction of scoring the first century for India in his debut Test, led the Rest of India team, while Polly Umrigar captained the Bombay team.

In a move that defied convention, Amarnath decided to send in Prem Bhatia, the 12th man for the Rest of India team, to bat in his place after sustaining an injury. This unprecedented decision was met with astonishment and disbelief, as it violated the established rules of cricket.

However, both Lala and the umpires disregarded the regulations, allowing Bhatia to bat in both innings. In the first innings, he came in at No. 9 and scored 22 runs. In the second innings, he was promoted to No. 3 and contributed a valuable 50 runs.

Amarnath’s audacious decision not only showcased his willingness to challenge the status quo but also foreshadowed the future introduction of the substitute rule by the International Cricket Council (ICC). This rule allows a player who was not originally named in the XI to come out to bat or bowl in certain circumstances.

Beyond his groundbreaking decision in the Irani Cup, Lala Amarnath played a pivotal role in Indian cricket history. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian to lead the national team in ten consecutive Test matches. During his tenure as captain, which spanned 15 Tests, Amarnath achieved a significant milestone for Indian cricket.

Under Amarnath’s leadership, India secured their maiden Test victory against their arch-rivals, Pakistan. This groundbreaking match took place at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground in Delhi in October 1952. India’s performance was nothing short of dominant, as they comprehensively defeated Pakistan by an innings and 70 runs, asserting their superiority on the cricket field.

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