Bumrah, Pant Key to India's Historic Series Hat-Trick in Australia

Bumrah, Pant Key to India’s Historic Series Hat-Trick in Australia

India’s upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia present a crucial opportunity for the team to secure a historic series hat-trick Down Under. Former Australian captain Ian Chappell believes that the fitness and form of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant will be paramount to India’s success.

Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, has been managing his workload effectively since recovering from a lower back stress fracture surgery in August 2023. His fitness and form will be essential in Australia, where he will be expected to lead the bowling attack.

Pant, the wicketkeeper-batter, has made a remarkable comeback to the Test scene after his horrific car accident. His ability to bounce back and perform at his best will give India a major boost. Pant’s wicket-keeping skills are particularly crucial on bouncy Australian pitches, where he can cover a lot of territory and allow the slip fielders to spread wider.

Chappell also highlights the importance of Mohammed Siraj, who was one of the most successful pace bowlers on India’s last Australian tour. The presence of a good left-arm paceman, such as Kuldeep Yadav, would also improve India’s variety in attack.

In the batting department, Chappell believes that Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a good start to his Test career but needs to show good form in Australia. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should act as guiding lights for the younger batters on tour.

India’s spin bowling is in good hands with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, Chappell believes that Mohammed Shami’s fitness will be crucial for the series.

Kohli's Humorous Gesture Steals the Show Despite Batting Woes

Kohli’s Humorous Gesture Steals the Show Despite Batting Woes

Virat Kohli’s recent performance in the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai has been a topic of discussion among cricket enthusiasts. Despite not scoring significant runs, Kohli’s presence on the field has been a source of inspiration for the Indian team.

In the first innings, Kohli managed a score of 6, while in the second innings, he was dismissed for 17. However, his contributions extend beyond his batting performance. Kohli’s experience and leadership qualities have been invaluable to the team, especially in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma.

During Bangladesh’s second innings on Day 3, Kohli was captured making a humorous gesture that has since gone viral on social media. The gesture, which involved Kohli pretending to play a shot with an imaginary bat, has been interpreted as a light-hearted moment amidst the intense competition.

Despite his recent batting struggles, Kohli remains a key figure in the Indian team. His ability to motivate and inspire his teammates is a testament to his leadership qualities. Moreover, his presence on the field provides a sense of stability and confidence to the younger players.

While India is in a strong position to win the first Test, thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, Kohli’s contributions cannot be overlooked. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the series progresses.

Ashwin Redefines Preparation for Intense Test Season at 38

Ashwin Redefines Preparation for Intense Test Season at 38

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s veteran spinner, is redefining his preparation for an arduous Test cricket season at the age of 38. His stellar performance in India’s emphatic 280-run victory against Bangladesh in the first Test at Chepauk has prompted him to adopt a match-by-match approach.

“It’s challenging. Sometimes, looking too far ahead can be overwhelming. You have to take it one match at a time,” Ashwin emphasized. He acknowledged the importance of conserving energy for the upcoming matches.

To cope with the physical demands, Ashwin has modified his fitness regime. “At 38, every bit of work has to be doubled. I’ve reduced my strength training sessions and focus more on mobility. I also incorporate yoga into my routine,” he revealed.

Ashwin lauded his teammate Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed five wickets in the match. “Jadeja is a force on the field. I have immense admiration for him,” Ashwin said, highlighting their evolving relationship and mutual respect. “I’ve grown to admire him even more over the years. It’s a friendly rivalry, but I know I can never surpass Jadeja. I’m content with my abilities but inspired by him.”

He also commended Rishabh Pant, who scored a century on his return to Test cricket. “Rishabh’s form was never in doubt. His comeback has been remarkable. He’s an entertainer and will only improve with time,” Ashwin observed.

As India gears up for a packed Test cricket season, Ashwin’s experience and adaptability will be invaluable to the team’s quest for the World Test Championship Final.

India and Australia Play Out Thrilling Tie in Chennai Test

India and Australia Play Out Thrilling Tie in Chennai Test

The second Test between India and Australia, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from September 18 to 22, 1986, remains etched in cricket history as one of the most thrilling and unforgettable encounters. This match marked only the second time a Test ended in a tie, the first being in 1960 between Australia and the West Indies in Brisbane.

Australia, led by Allan Border, batted first and amassed a formidable 574 for 7 declared. Dean Jones played a heroic innings, scoring 210 off 330 balls despite suffering from severe dehydration and heat exhaustion. His knock, regarded as one of the finest under such grueling conditions, was supported by centuries from David Boon (122) and Border himself (106).

In response, India showed resilience, with Kapil Dev leading the charge with a brilliant 119. Contributions from Kris Srikkanth (53), Mohammad Azharuddin (50), and Ravi Shastri (62) helped India reach 397, but they still conceded a substantial 177-run lead.

Australia, looking to set a challenging target, declared their second innings at 170 for 5, leaving India to chase 348. The final day’s play turned into an unforgettable drama. Sunil Gavaskar (90), Mohinder Amarnath (51), and other Indian batsmen kept the chase alive, but it was Ravi Shastri who stood firm as wickets tumbled around him.

Shastri didn’t get support from the other end and remained unbeaten on 48 off 40 balls, including three fours and two sixes. With India needing just four runs and only one wicket remaining, Maninder Singh joined Shastri at the crease. In a nail-biting finish, off-spinner Greg Matthews, who bowled tirelessly in the oppressive heat, trapped Maninder LBW with the scores level, ending the match in a historic tie.

Both Kapil Dev and Dean Jones were named Players of the Match for their outstanding performances. The Chennai Test of 1986 remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of cricket and the enduring spirit of the players involved.

Afghanistan Aim for Historic 3-0 Whitewash Against South Africa in Final ODI

Afghanistan Aim for Historic 3-0 Whitewash Against South Africa in Final ODI

Afghanistan, riding high on their historic series win over South Africa, will be aiming to complete an unprecedented 3-0 whitewash when the two teams face off in the third and final ODI on Sunday, July 22.

Afghanistan’s remarkable success in the series has been built on their exceptional bowling performances, with South Africa being bowled out for under 150 in both matches. The Afghan bowlers, led by star spinner Rashid Khan and wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz, have been in devastating form. However, it is the emergence of young talents like AM Ghazanfar and Nangeyalia Kharote that has been particularly impressive.

South Africa, on the other hand, will be desperate to salvage some pride and end the series on a positive note. Their inexperienced side has struggled to cope with the pressure, but they will be hoping for a better performance in the final match.

The match will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, starting at 5:30 PM IST. It will be live telecast on the Eurosport network and live streamed on the Fancode app and website.

Afghanistan will be confident of completing the whitewash, but South Africa will be determined to avoid a humiliating 3-0 defeat. The stage is set for an exciting and potentially historic encounter.

Arshdeep Singh's Career-Best Performance Seals India D's Duleep Trophy Triumph

Arshdeep Singh’s Career-Best Performance Seals India D’s Duleep Trophy Triumph

India D emerged victorious in the final round of the Duleep Trophy 2024-25, securing a 257-run triumph over India B in Anantapur. The victory was largely attributed to Arshdeep Singh’s career-best first-class performance, where he claimed 6 for 40 in India B’s second innings.

Chasing a daunting target of 373, India B’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Arshdeep’s relentless pace and Aditya Thakare’s accurate swing bowling. The duo shared all ten wickets, with Arshdeep dismissing the dangerous Suryakumar Yadav for a mere 16.

Nitish Kumar Reddy provided some resistance for India B, remaining unbeaten on 40, but his efforts were in vain as Arshdeep fittingly wrapped up the innings with the final wicket before tea on the fourth day.

Ricky Bhui, who was named Player of the Match, played a pivotal role in India D’s victory. His unbeaten 119 in the second innings, coupled with his 56 in the first, helped extend India D’s lead after they had stumbled to 18 for 3.

Bhui’s century, his 20th in first-class cricket, was a testament to his resilience and determination. India D’s victory was a fitting end to a tournament that showcased the depth of talent in Indian domestic cricket.

Bangladesh's Top-Order Collapse Costs Them in Chennai Test Defeat

Bangladesh’s Top-Order Collapse Costs Them in Chennai Test Defeat

Bangladesh’s top-order collapse in the first innings proved costly in their 280-run defeat to India in the first Test in Chennai, according to captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Despite an improved second-innings performance, Bangladesh’s 234 all out was not enough to overcome their first-innings deficit of 285. Shanto believes the team’s inability to form a substantial partnership in the first innings was crucial.

“We didn’t bat well in the first innings,” Shanto said. “It was a very important phase of the game. We could have been in a better position if we had at least one [big] top-order partnership.”

The top order showed some improvement in the second innings, with openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam adding 62 runs. However, Shanto believes they need to spend more time at the crease.

“It is important to spend the time in the wicket but it wasn’t enough [today],” Shanto said. “Still, it will help for the second Test. It was very important for the openers to put on 62 runs. That’s one thing we can look forward to in the next Test match.”

Shanto scored his first Test fifty in 11 innings, but he believes he could have done better.

“I think everyone has a different plan. I hope they (India) will plan differently in the next match,” he said.

Despite a nervous start in the first innings, Shanto adjusted well in the second, attacking R Ashwin and reaching his half-century off 55 balls. However, he struggled against Mohammed Siraj on the fourth day.

“The morning session was tough today. The way Siraj was bowling. They were all bowling really well,” Shanto said.

Bangladesh’s openers showed promise on the third day, but their inability to convert starts into substantial scores remains a concern.

“It goes without saying that you need to start well and once you have faced 20 or 30 balls, you get a bit of idea of what’s happening,” batting coach David Hemp said. “You want to go on from that, especially when you scored 30 or 40 runs.”

While the openers’ mini-fightback and Shanto’s knock provide some confidence, Bangladesh’s top-order failure in the first innings will continue to haunt them until they find a solution.

Ashwin Aces Off-Field Challenge, Keeps Conversation Shorter Than Rohit

Ashwin Aces Off-Field Challenge, Keeps Conversation Shorter Than Rohit

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s Test all-rounder, not only excelled on the field but also off it, after being challenged by skipper Rohit Sharma to keep his conversation with presenter Harsha Bhogle shorter than his.

Ashwin was called up for a chat by Bhogle after being named Player of the Match for his 6-for and hundred in the Chepauk Test. The all-rounder had everyone laughing as he spoke of the challenge Sharma had given him.

Sharma, who had a lengthy conversation with Bhogle during the post-match presentation ceremony, had challenged Ashwin to keep his shorter. The all-rounder cheekily reminded Bhogle of the challenge in an attempt to wrap up the conversation early.

“He updated me saying that we would have a long chat. He is waiting to see how long this will go on for. I am sure he has put the timer on. Now it’s shorter than his (chat),” Ashwin said after the match as the TV cameras shifted focus towards Sharma, who burst into laughter upon hearing what the Tamil Nadu-born star had to say.

Ashwin relished playing in front of his home crowd. The 37-year-old went on to score his second consecutive Test ton at Chepauk and 6th overall in the longest format of the game.

Earlier in the presentation ceremony, Sharma had said on Ashwin: “He’s next in line to talk to you, he’s the right man to answer what he does. Every time we look up to him, he’s always there for us whether with the bat or ball. I don’t know if I speak here, it’ll be enough of what he does for this team. Every time we see him come out and do the job, it’s always so brilliant. He’s never out of the game. The last competitive cricket he played was IPL and then he had some fun playing TNPL. We watched him bat up the order and that’s what helped him as well to bat the way he did.”

Ashwin’s performance in the Chepauk Test was a testament to his all-round abilities. He has established himself as one of India’s most reliable players in the longest format of the game.

Inzamam’s Perplexing Dismissal: “I Can’t Understand the Rule”

Inzamam-ul-Haq’s infamous dismissal for obstructing the field during Pakistan’s 2006 tour of India has become a legendary anecdote in cricket folklore. The incident occurred in the first ODI of the series in Peshawar, where Inzamam was given out after stopping a throw with his bat while out of his crease.

The dismissal stirred controversy, but it was Inzamam’s response at the post-match presentation ceremony that truly captured the attention of cricket fans. With a perplexed expression, he famously stated, “I left the ball and I am out and now stop the ball I am out. I can’t understand the rule.”

Inzamam’s dismissal was not an isolated incident. A few months prior, he was involved in a similar incident during a Test match against England in Faisalabad. However, that time he was declared run-out after lifting his back foot to avoid being hit by a throw while inside his crease.

The former Pakistan captain’s unique style of batting, characterized by sluggish running between the wickets, often led to him or his partners being run out. Inzamam’s dismissal for obstructing the field was the third such instance in ODI cricket at the time, with five more similar dismissals occurring since then.

Despite his occasional mishaps on the field, Inzamam remains one of Pakistan’s greatest batsmen. He played in 120 Tests, scoring 8,830 runs, and 378 ODIs, amassing 11,739 runs. His international career spanned over two decades, and he played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup victory.

Inzamam’s legacy extends beyond his batting prowess. His witty remarks and humorous demeanor have made him a beloved figure in the cricket world. His dismissal for obstructing the field, while a technical violation, has become a testament to his unique approach to the game and his ability to provide entertainment both on and off the field.

Hardik Pandya Reunited with Son Agastya After Divorce

Hardik Pandya Reunited with Son Agastya After Divorce

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s reunion with his son Agastya after his divorce from Natasa Stankovic has sparked joy among fans and followers. The couple, who married in 2020 and renewed their vows in 2023, announced their separation in July 2024. Agastya had been staying with Natasa in Serbia following the divorce.

Earlier this month, Natasa brought Agastya to Hardik’s residence in Mumbai. However, Hardik was away on vacation and missed the opportunity to meet his son. In a heartwarming video that went viral on social media, Hardik was seen jumping with joy upon finally reuniting with Agastya. The video captured the moment Hardik held Agastya and his brother Krunal Pandya’s son in his arms, his face beaming with happiness.

Both Hardik and Natasa have publicly acknowledged their divorce on social media and have since moved on with their lives. In August, reports emerged that Natasa had difficulty adjusting to Hardik’s personality, finding him “too full of himself.” Sources claimed that Natasa felt uncomfortable trying to match his flamboyant and self-assured nature.

Meanwhile, Hardik is currently not part of the Indian Test team for the ongoing series against Bangladesh. He has not played a Test match in over six years, and it is unlikely that he will make a comeback in the near future. India recently defeated Bangladesh by 280 runs in the first Test, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The final match will be played in Kanpur from September 27.

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