England Clinch Five-Wicket Victory in First Test Against Sri Lanka

England Clinch Five-Wicket Victory in First Test Against Sri Lanka

England emerged victorious in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, securing a five-wicket triumph on Saturday. The hosts chased down a modest target of 205 runs, thanks to a composed 64-run stand between Joe Root and Jamie Smith.

Root played the anchor role, reaching his half-century off 108 deliveries. England’s chase got off to a shaky start with the early dismissals of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. Dan Lawrence was trapped lbw by Milan Rathnayake, leaving England in a precarious position at 119-4.

Smith, who scored his maiden Test century in the first innings, provided stability alongside Root. The duo patiently navigated a challenging period, going an hour without finding the boundary. England regained control before Asitha Fernando dismissed Smith for 39.

Root remained unbeaten on 62, hitting only his second four off the final ball to seal England’s victory. Earlier, Sri Lanka resumed the day at 204-6, with Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal adding 117 runs for the seventh wicket. Kamindu scored his third Test century, showcasing his consistent form.

However, England capitalized on the new ball after lunch, with Gus Atkinson dismissing Kamindu. Matthew Potts removed Chandimal, who battled through pain after injuring his thumb. Sri Lanka’s innings concluded on 326, adding just 19 runs for the last three wickets.

The second Test of the three-match series will commence at Lord’s on Thursday. England will look to extend their lead, while Sri Lanka will aim to level the series.

Alcaraz Quells Injury Concerns Ahead of US Open Title Defense

Alcaraz Quells Injury Concerns Ahead of US Open Title Defense

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning US Open champion, has allayed concerns about his fitness ahead of the 2024 tournament after a minor ankle injury forced him to cut short a practice session on Saturday.

Speaking at his Media Day press conference, Alcaraz explained that he stopped the practice as a precautionary measure. “I didn’t feel comfortable enough to keep practicing just in case if everything is going to be worse,” he said. “But, you know, after a few hours later, I’m still feeling good, you know, my feet, so tomorrow I will try to be practicing again 100% without thinking about it, but today I’ll take care about it.”

Alcaraz, who was practicing with fellow ATP pro Francisco Cerundolo, expressed more disappointment for Cerundolo than concern for himself. “I wasn’t worried at all for my US Open participation,” he said. “Obviously, I was angry because I don’t want to stop the practice, just to respect Cerundolo, as well.”

The 2022 champion was later seen on court for Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day and was in good spirits throughout his press conference. Alcaraz has won the last two major tournaments at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and won a silver medal at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Despite having played only one match since the Olympics, Alcaraz is confident in his preparation for the US Open. “Obviously, I would have loved to have more matches on my belt on hard court before the US Open,” he said. “But, I mean, it doesn’t affect me at all. If I look back a little bit, you know, for example, facing the Roland Garros, I hadn’t too much matches on clay, and it was a pretty good result. And then in Wimbledon, same thing, you know.”

“So, I don’t want to think that it’s going to be the same, you know, than the previous two Grand Slams, but I’m not worried about not having too many matches on hard court.”

Alcaraz will open his US Open campaign against Australian qualifier Li Tu on Tuesday.

Root's Gritty Knock Anchors England to Hard-Fought Test Win

Root’s Gritty Knock Anchors England to Hard-Fought Test Win

Joe Root’s gritty half-century guided England to a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Emirates Old Trafford. Root, known for his free-flowing batting, adopted a more cautious approach, channeling his “inner Nasser Hussain” to anchor England’s chase of 164 on a challenging wicket.

Despite the slow outfield and low bounce, Root remained composed, accumulating runs patiently and forming crucial partnerships with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith. His 62 not out from 128 balls proved invaluable as England overcame a spirited Sri Lankan bowling attack led by Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya.

Root acknowledged the difficulty of the conditions, noting that the wicket was “as close to Sri Lankan conditions” as England offers. He also praised the adaptability of his team, emphasizing that “sometimes it’s good to win ugly.”

The victory marked the first of Ollie Pope’s captaincy career. Despite his struggles with the bat, Root commended Pope’s leadership, particularly his tactical decisions during Sri Lanka’s fourth-morning partnership between Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal.

Root also lauded Jamie Smith, who followed up his first-innings century with a crucial 39 in the second innings. Smith’s all-round performance, including his exceptional glovework, earned him the player of the match award.

Root believes Smith’s composure and maturity have contributed to his success. He praised the environment created within the England team, which allows young players to thrive.

Despite the departure from their usual “Bazball” approach, Root remains confident in the team’s principles. He hopes to see a return to their more aggressive style in the remaining two Tests of the series.

Tennis Stars Go “De Minaur” on TikTok with Demure Swings

Tennis Stars Embrace the “De Minaur” TikTok Trend

At the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in New York, a group of elite tennis players participated in the latest TikTok trend, “de Minaur.” The trend involves players performing a demure, shy, and cool swing.

Alex de Minaur, the Australian tennis star, is credited with popularizing the trend. When asked about the meaning of “de Minaur,” Andrey Rublev explained that it refers to de Minaur’s last name and that the words “shy” and “cool” can have different meanings depending on the context.

Rublev and Denis Shapovalov demonstrated a one-swing attempt, with Rublev placing a hand on his hip. Casper Ruud offered a more condensed swing, while Nick Kyrgios emphasized the shyness aspect with a reserved swing and walk off frame.

Stefanos Tsitsipas fully embraced the trend, delivering a highly demure performance. However, it was de Minaur himself who showcased the most authentic interpretation. He turned his body, shadowed a slow-motion forehand, and made direct eye contact with the camera, exuding confidence and self-awareness.

The “de Minaur” trend has gained popularity on TikTok, with users creating their own versions of the demure swing. The trend highlights the playful and creative side of tennis players, showcasing their ability to connect with fans beyond the court.

Yorkshire Close in on Victory over Sussex in Division Two Clash

Yorkshire Close in on Victory over Sussex in Division Two Clash

Yorkshire is on the cusp of victory over Sussex in their Division Two clash at Hove, thanks to Ben Coad’s impressive five-wicket haul.

Sussex resumed their second innings on 26 without loss, trailing by 111 runs. However, Coad’s new-ball brilliance proved too much for the visitors, as he claimed five wickets for 69 runs.

Half-centuries from Tom Alsop and captain John Simpson provided some resistance for Sussex, but they were unable to build a substantial lead. Alsop scored 61, while Simpson top-scored with 67.

Yorkshire’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the day, with George Hill claiming two wickets and Jordan Thompson uprooting James Coles’ leg stump.

Alsop and Simpson’s partnership of 85 gave Sussex a glimmer of hope, but their resistance was broken when Alsop was caught behind by Jonny Bairstow.

Coad then returned with the second new ball and quickly dismissed Jack Carson. Ollie Robinson provided some late resistance with a quick 28, but he too was caught behind off Coad.

Coad wrapped up the innings by bowling Simpson, who tried to ramp a second six. The Yorkshire seamer finished with figures of 5-69, taking his tally to 35 wickets in Division Two this season.

Yorkshire closed the day on 28 for 2, needing just 75 more runs to seal victory. Sussex will need to produce a remarkable turnaround on the final day to avoid defeat.

Lakshya Sen's Olympic Journey: From Promise to Missed Opportunity

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic Journey: From Promise to Missed Opportunity

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic Journey: A Tale of Promise and Missed Opportunity

At the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen showcased his immense talent, winning five consecutive matches before falling short in the final two, ultimately finishing fourth in the men’s singles event. Reflecting on his performance, Lakshya has identified a crucial factor that contributed to the shift in momentum during his bronze medal match.

In the semi-final, Lakshya faced eventual gold medalist Viktor Axelsen, leading by five and seven points in the first and second sets, respectively. However, he lost both sets, a setback that he attributes to unforced errors. “In crucial situations, I could’ve played differently,” he admitted. “I didn’t play well at all in the end, and there were a lot of unforced shots. I needed to be a bit more patient.”

In the bronze medal match against Lee Zii Jia, Lakshya won the opening game but lost the subsequent two. He pinpointed a specific area of the court as a contributing factor. “In the second game, that side of the court had some drift,” he explained. “Even after the lead, I knew I couldn’t control the shuttle. And then the momentum suddenly changed, and he started playing better.”

Despite the disappointment of not medaling, Lakshya remains optimistic about the future. “Overall, in how I played, there were some things I was happy and proud about at Paris,” he said. “But this is gonna hurt for some time. I’m looking to add and change a lot of things moving forward.”

Lakshya’s journey at the Paris Olympics serves as a testament to his potential and the challenges he faces. At just 23 years old, he has time on his side to improve and potentially become an Olympic medalist in the future. Even Viktor Axelsen, the reigning Olympic champion, has praised Lakshya’s abilities, predicting that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.

Mohammad Rizwan's One-Handed Stunner Breaks Bangladesh's Resistance

Mohammad Rizwan’s One-Handed Stunner Breaks Bangladesh’s Resistance

Mohammad Rizwan’s stunning one-handed catch on Day 3 of the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh has left fans and experts in awe. The wicketkeeper’s brilliance dismissed Zakir Hasan, providing Pakistan with a crucial breakthrough.

Bangladesh openers Hasan and Shadman Islam had added just four runs on Day 3 before Naseem Shah’s delivery found Hasan’s outside edge. Rizwan, alert behind the stumps, dived to his left and completed a spectacular one-handed catch.

The catch was a testament to Rizwan’s exceptional reflexes and athleticism. It also highlighted the importance of wicketkeeping in Test cricket, where every dismissal can turn the tide of the match.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam fought valiantly, scoring a half-century to lead his team to 134-2 at lunch on Day 3. The left-hander, along with Mominul Haque, defied Pakistan’s pace attack on a Rawalpindi pitch that had slowed down considerably.

The visitors still trail Pakistan’s first innings total of 448-6 by 314 runs with eight wickets intact. However, the unbroken third-wicket stand between Islam and Haque has given Bangladesh hope of a comeback.

Pakistan employed all four pacers but missed the services of a frontline spinner. Part-time slow bowler Agha Salman has made little impact so far.

The match resumed at 27-0, with Bangladesh losing Zakir Hasan to Rizwan’s catch in Naseem Shah’s fifth over. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was also dismissed for 16, leaving the visitors on 53-2.

Haque has batted with confidence, hitting four boundaries. Islam, on the other hand, reached his third Test half-century with a boundary off Naseem Shah’s last delivery before the interval.

The match is evenly poised, with both teams having their chances. Pakistan will be looking to build on their first innings lead, while Bangladesh will aim to continue their recovery and set a challenging target for the hosts.

Kuldeep Yadav Pays Tribute to Shane Warne, Anticipates Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Kuldeep Yadav Pays Tribute to Shane Warne, Anticipates Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Indian wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s recent visit to Australia has stirred up a whirlwind of emotions, as he paid homage to his late idol, Shane Warne, and expressed his anticipation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Kuldeep’s pilgrimage to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Warne’s hallowed home ground, was a poignant moment for the spinner. He posed for a photograph with Warne’s statue outside the stadium, a testament to the profound connection he felt with the Australian legend.

“Shane Warne was my idol, and I had a very strong connection with him,” Kuldeep said, his voice tinged with emotion. “I still get emotional when I think about Warnie — it feels like I’ve lost someone from my family.”

Kuldeep’s admiration for Warne extended beyond the cricket field. He recalled how Warne’s mentorship and guidance had a transformative impact on his own career. “He was always there for me, offering advice and encouragement,” Kuldeep said. “I owe him a lot.”

The T20 World Cup-winning cricketer’s trip to Australia comes just months before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a highly anticipated series between Australia and India. Kuldeep expressed his eagerness to take on the challenge.

“I am looking forward to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and we’re anticipating a great cricket contest between Australia and India this year,” he said. “We have a strong team, and we’re confident of putting up a good fight.”

Kuldeep’s visit also included a stop at the Cricket Australia (CA) headquarters, where he had an online interaction with CEO Nick Hockley. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of Indian cricket fans.

“India cricket fans always support the team around the globe, and I am confident they will come in big numbers for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, especially during the Boxing Day Test,” Kuldeep said.

The MCG will host the Boxing Day Test from December 26, a match that promises to be a spectacle of cricketing excellence. Kuldeep’s presence in Australia is a reminder of the enduring legacy of Shane Warne and the unwavering passion for cricket that unites fans across the globe.

Runs to be at a premium in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, says Hayden

Runs to be at a premium in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, says Hayden

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India promises to be a thrilling contest, with runs expected to be at a premium. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden believes that the team that can score the most runs will have a significant advantage.

“I sense that it is going to be runs that are going to be the point of difference,” Hayden said. “So the best need to stand up in this series; runs are going to be at a premium.”

Hayden also noted that the fact that Australia has not defeated India in a Test series on home soil in almost 10 years will be playing on the minds of the Australian players.

“We have not had it in our hands for two series in Australia, which is kind of the coveted grounds,” Hayden said. “So there is always, and this is why I think it is such a special series, there is always this fantastic opportunity for the number one and the number two side on the World Test Championship table to go head-to-head, especially abroad, in each other’s camps, and see who really has those kind of final rights to claim not only the possibility of playing the Test Championship but also who is the very best of the best, which you judge on how you tour, not so much how you play at home.”

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence with the first Test at Perth Stadium from November 22 to November 26. The second Test will be a day-night match at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18. The fourth Test will be the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The fifth and final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.

Indian U-17 Women Wrestlers Stranded in Jordan After Missing Flight

Indian U-17 Women Wrestlers Stranded in Jordan After Missing Flight

The Indian Under-17 women’s wrestling team faced an unfortunate setback at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, after missing their scheduled flight back home following their triumphant performance at the World Championships. The team, comprising nine wrestlers and three coaches, was booked on separate flights, leading to the confusion and delay.

The coaches, Jai Bhagwan, Shilpi Sheoran, and Rekha Rani, were scheduled to depart on an Emirates flight (EK904) at 6:10 pm with a stopover in Dubai. Their connecting flight was set for 3:55 am, with an estimated arrival time of 9:05 am in Delhi.

However, the wrestlers’ flight (QR401) with Qatar Airways was initially scheduled to depart at 8:30 pm and arrive in Doha at 11:10 pm. However, the flight status indicated that it had departed at 6:18 pm, raising concerns about whether it had been rescheduled.

Sources within the Indian contingent expressed frustration over the separate flight arrangements for the coaches and wrestlers, particularly given the young age of the athletes. “The young women wrestlers have missed the flight. There is a lot of confusion what actually happened. The young wrestlers should not have been booked in a separate flight. SAI should have booked them in the same flight. They are kids,” said a source.

Efforts were underway to secure the wrestlers on the first available flight, with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) working to make arrangements for their overnight stay. “See, the WFI is suspended. We are not in full control. We never book young wrestlers and coaches in separate flights. Arrangements are now being made for wrestlers’ overnight stay, there is no flight available for Saturday. They will be booked in the first available flight,” said a WFI official.

The Indian women’s wrestling team had a remarkable performance at the World Championships, winning its first-ever team title with 185 points. They secured five gold medals, one silver, and two bronze medals, entering nine weight categories.

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