Stuart Broad's Near-Miss: Yuvraj Singh's Six Sixes Could Have Been Seven

Stuart Broad’s Near-Miss: Yuvraj Singh’s Six Sixes Could Have Been Seven

Stuart Broad’s Narrow Escape: The Untold Story of Yuvraj Singh’s Six Sixes

On the 17th anniversary of Yuvraj Singh’s iconic six sixes in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad revealed a startling admission: he narrowly avoided conceding a no-ball that could have resulted in an unprecedented seven sixes in one over.

During a Sky Sports commentary, Broad shared his recollection of the historic moment. “I’ve never watched it back,” he confessed. “But, I must admit, I got lucky to get away with a no-ball there as well. It could have been seven.”

The match, played between India and England in Durban during the Super Eight stage, witnessed Yuvraj’s blistering assault on Broad in the 19th over. The left-hander smashed six consecutive sixes, propelling India to a formidable total of 218/4. Broad finished with figures of 0 for 60 in his four overs, but the final over remains etched in T20 cricket history.

Broad’s admission highlights the significance of the moment and his understanding of how close he came to conceding an unprecedented feat. “I’ve never seen that, no. Never watched it,” he said. “So, thank you for that opportunity 17 years on.”

Yuvraj’s blistering knock of 58 runs off just 16 balls played a pivotal role in India’s victory. Despite England’s valiant efforts, they fell short by 18 runs. India went on to win the inaugural T20 World Cup under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, with Yuvraj’s performance being one of the tournament’s defining moments.

Broad’s revelation adds a new layer to the already legendary tale of Yuvraj’s six sixes. It serves as a reminder of the fine margins that can shape sporting history and the importance of precision and execution in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket.

Sri Lanka Recall Ranaweera for T20 World Cup, Omit Kavindi

Sri Lanka Recall Ranaweera for T20 World Cup, Omit Kavindi

Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team has made a significant change to its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, recalling experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera while omitting young seamer Kawya Kavindi.

Ranaweera, 38, has been a mainstay of the Sri Lankan team for over a decade, with 91 T20I wickets to her name. Her inclusion is seen as a strategic move, given the spin-friendly conditions expected in the UAE, where the tournament will be held.

Despite her experience, Ranaweera’s bowling has not been particularly penetrative in the shortest format this year. However, her economy rate of 5.86 and ability to control the run rate make her a valuable asset.

Kavindi’s omission leaves Sri Lanka with just three main seam-bowling options in their World Cup squad: Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and Ama Kanchana. This could be a concern, especially considering the strength of the opposition in Group A, which includes Australia, India, and New Zealand.

On the batting front, Sri Lanka boasts a formidable lineup led by captain Chamari Athapaththu. Harshitha Samarawickrama and 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne have also been in impressive form, giving the team confidence that they can compete with the best in the world.

Sri Lanka’s triumph in the recent Asia Cup has further boosted their morale and given them a belief that they can reach the final four of the T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 3, and Sri Lanka will be eager to make a strong statement in their opening match against Pakistan.

Vikram Rathour Appointed as Rajasthan Royals' New Batting Coach

Vikram Rathour Appointed as Rajasthan Royals’ New Batting Coach

Rajasthan Royals have appointed former India batting coach Vikram Rathour as their new batting coach, reuniting him with Rahul Dravid at the franchise. Rathour, a former India opener and selector, played a key role in India’s Men’s T20 World Cup victory in June this year.

Rathour’s appointment marks a significant move for the Royals, who are looking to strengthen their batting lineup. During his tenure as India’s batting coach from 2019 to 2024, Rathour played a pivotal role in the development of several young batters, including Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul.

“It’s a privilege to be part of the Royals family,” said Rathour. “The opportunity to work again with Rahul, and now with a talented group of young cricketers, is hugely exciting. I look forward to contributing to the team’s vision and working toward our goal of developing top-class players for the Royals and for India.”

Dravid, the Royals’ head coach, expressed his delight at Rathour’s appointment. “Having worked closely with Vikram for many years, I can confidently say that his technical expertise, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of Indian conditions make him a perfect fit for the Royals,” said Dravid. “Together, we’ve built a strong rapport, guiding India to key successes, and I’m thrilled to reunite with him.”

Rathour’s appointment is expected to bolster the Royals’ batting unit, which has struggled for consistency in recent seasons. The franchise will be hoping that Rathour’s experience and expertise can help them develop a more formidable batting lineup and challenge for the IPL title.

Cheteshwar Pujara Gears Up for Ranji Trophy, Eyes India Return

Cheteshwar Pujara Gears Up for Ranji Trophy, Eyes India Return

Cheteshwar Pujara, the veteran Indian batter, is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations for the upcoming 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. In a video shared on social media, the 36-year-old was seen honing his skills in the nets, accompanied by the caption, “Never stand still.”

Pujara, who has been out of the Indian team for over a year, will be eager to make a strong case for a national recall with a standout domestic season. His last competitive appearance was in May this year for Sussex in the County Championship, where he scored a patient 129 off 302 balls against Middlesex.

Having last featured for India in the 2021-23 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023, Pujara’s international form has been under scrutiny. In that match, he scored 14 and 27 in India’s 209-run defeat, leading to his exclusion from the national side.

As Saurashtra prepare to launch their Ranji Trophy campaign against Tamil Nadu on October 11, Pujara will be a key figure for the side. Known for his grit and determination, he will be looking to capitalize on the domestic platform to regain his spot in India’s Test squad.

Pujara’s career statistics speak volumes of his importance to Indian cricket. In 103 Tests, he has accumulated 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His experience and hunger for runs make him one of the most dependable batters in Indian cricket, and a successful Ranji Trophy season could open the door for his return to the national team.

Pujara’s return to form will be crucial for India’s Test ambitions. With the World Test Championship final scheduled for June 2025, the team will need all their experienced players to perform at their best. Pujara’s ability to grind out runs and anchor the innings will be invaluable in the challenging conditions that await them.

India's All-Round Strength Powers Dominance in World Cricket

India’s All-Round Strength Powers Dominance in World Cricket

India’s dominance in world cricket across all formats over the past five years has been widely recognized by legendary players. One of the key factors attributed to this success is the emergence of quality fast bowlers, a traditional weakness for India.

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja praised India’s all-round strength, highlighting their ability to recover from adversity. On the first day of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh, India was reduced to 34 for 3 and then 144 for 6, but they rallied to post a competitive 376.

“India has become a great team,” said Raja. “They don’t lose when they play at home.”

Ravichandran Ashwin’s attacking century and his 199-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (86) played a crucial role in India’s recovery. Ashwin’s century and Jadeja’s 80s helped India score at a brisk pace and put pressure on the Bangladesh bowlers.

Raja also praised the five-wicket haul of young pacer Hasan Mahmud, but noted that Bangladesh needs an all-round bowling strength to challenge teams like India.

After being bowled out on the second morning, India took control with the ball. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the first over to remove Shadman Islam, and Akash Deep took two wickets off consecutive deliveries to reduce Bangladesh to 26 for 3 at lunch.

India’s dominance is a testament to their depth and quality in all departments. The emergence of fast bowlers has added a new dimension to their game, making them a formidable force in world cricket.

Kohli's Old Failing Resurfaces in Brief Test Return

Kohli’s Old Failing Resurfaces in Brief Test Return

Virat Kohli’s return to Test cricket after a brief hiatus was cut short on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. The star batter, who walked into the Chepauk amid thunderous applause, lasted only six deliveries before succumbing to a familiar failing.

Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud, who had already dismissed Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, delivered a short-of-length ball outside off stump. Kohli, eager to get his innings going, attempted an expansive drive but only managed to edge the ball to wicketkeeper Litton Das.

This dismissal marked yet another instance of Kohli falling prey to a drive outside off stump. Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, who was on commentary duty, remarked that the dismissal made the analyst look like a magician.

“Virat’s coming back to Test cricket after a while, so he wants to build back by feeling the ball. It happens to everyone. We have all played the game. We understand that, at times, you want to feel the ball. And I think that particular area where he got out, he has been dismissed a lot of times. This was a dismissal that makes the analyst look like a magician. It was definitely a very well-planned delivery, and Virat fell for it,” Tamim said during the lunch break.

Kohli’s dismissal left India reeling at 3/3. However, Mayank Agarwal (42) and Hanuma Vihari (30) steadied the innings with a 60-run partnership. Agarwal was eventually dismissed by Mahmud, while Vihari fell to Taijul Islam.

Ravindra Jadeja (7) and Ravichandran Ashwin (21) were at the crease at tea, with India reaching 176/6. Despite the early setbacks, India’s batting effort was perplexing, as neither the pitch nor the bowlers posed any significant challenges.

The home side batters simply failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented to them, with their dismissals appearing more the result of lapses in concentration. The departures of Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant (39), who added 62 runs for the fourth wicket, highlighted this issue.

Ford Trophy to Open New Zealand's Domestic Cricket Season in 2024-25

Ford Trophy to Open New Zealand’s Domestic Cricket Season in 2024-25

New Zealand’s domestic cricket season will undergo a significant change in 2024-25, with the Ford Trophy, the men’s 50-over competition, kicking off the season instead of the traditional Plunket Shield. This marks the first time in six years that the Ford Trophy will open the domestic campaign.

The season will commence on October 20 with three rounds of Ford Trophy matches. Defending champions Canterbury will face Wellington in one of the opening day fixtures. The Plunket Shield will then take over from November 11, with two rounds scheduled before New Zealand’s home series against England. The first Test against England begins on November 28, coinciding with the third set of Plunket Shield games.

Similarly, the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, the domestic one-day tournament for women, will start on November 16, aligning with Australia’s inbound tour, which includes three ODIs. Six rounds of Johnstone Shield games will be played before New Zealand takes on Australia in the first ODI on December 19.

The change in the domestic schedule was made after consultations with players, coaches, and turf managers. Richard Brewer, NZC head of cricket operations, explained that the move will provide different pitch conditions for both competitions, presenting new challenges for batters and bowlers. Additionally, the alignment of the Plunket Shield with the England Test tour is seen as an added benefit.

For men, five rounds of the Ford Trophy will be followed by four in the Plunket Shield until December 10. The Ford Trophy resumes on February 6 and concludes with the final on March 2 in Dunedin. The Plunket Shield then takes over again from March 5, with the domestic season concluding with the Plunket Shield final round from March 29 to April 1.

For women, the Johnstone Shield breaks after six rounds on December 15 and restarts on February 8. The final will be played on March 1 in Dunedin.

The NZC is yet to confirm dates for the men and women’s Super Smash, the T20 competition.

Chahal's Nine-Wicket Haul Powers Northants to County Championship Win

Chahal’s Nine-Wicket Haul Powers Northants to County Championship Win

Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal continued his impressive form in the English County Championship, claiming a nine-wicket match haul to guide Northamptonshire to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Leicestershire.

Chahal, who had taken 4/82 in the first innings, picked up 5/134 in the second, dismissing key Leicestershire batsmen to restrict them to 316. The visitors then chased down the modest target of 137 in just 30.3 overs, with skipper Luke Procter (68 not out) and George Bartlett (54 not out) guiding them home.

Leicestershire had resumed the final day on 69/4, but Scott Currie and Tom Scriven put up a strong fightback, adding 110 runs for the fifth wicket. Currie reached a century (120) before falling to Chahal, who also dismissed skipper Lewis Hill (14) and Liam Trevaskis (2).

Despite conceding runs during Currie and Scriven’s partnership, Chahal’s persistence paid off as he eventually claimed Currie’s wicket to leave Leicestershire reeling at 303/9. Saif Zaib (2/61) then dismissed Louis Kimber to end the innings.

Chahal’s performance follows his impressive 5/45 and 4/45 in Northants’ 133-run win over Derbyshire in the previous match. The Indian spinner has now taken 14 wickets in just two matches for his new county, showcasing his exceptional skills and ability to adapt to English conditions.

Northamptonshire’s victory moves them up to third place in Division Two of the County Championship, while Leicestershire remain in eighth position.

VVS Laxman's Maiden Test Century Against Australia: A Glimpse of Brilliance

VVS Laxman’s Maiden Test Century Against Australia: A Glimpse of Brilliance

Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman, fondly known as VVS Laxman, etched his name in cricketing history with his exceptional performances against Australia, particularly in Test cricket. His batting against the formidable Australian side, which dominated world cricket in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is remembered for its elegance, resilience, and class.

Laxman’s maiden Test century against Australia came during India’s tour of Australia in 1999-2000. Despite India’s overall disappointing performance, Laxman’s knock at the Sydney Cricket Ground provided a glimpse of his brilliance.

Batting in the second innings, Laxman faced a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from Glenn McGrath but remained undeterred. He caressed full-length deliveries through the covers with ease and pulled majestically from outside off-stump. His timing and placement were impeccable, whether it was a flick off his pads or a drive through the line.

Laxman reached his half-century off just 55 balls and his maiden century off 114 deliveries. He continued to dominate the Australian bowlers, reaching 150 off 172 balls. When he finally fell for 167, caught behind by Adam Gilchrist off Brett Lee, he received a standing ovation from the SCG crowd.

Laxman’s batting exhibition was so magnificent that Justin Langer ran over and congratulated him at the end of his knock. Lee and other Aussie players also applauded him off the field. The “very very special” tag that Laxman carried with him for almost his entire career was perhaps given to him on that day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

This knock was just a prequel to a historic innings that Laxman played at the Eden Gardens in March 2001. In that match, he scored a match-winning 281 against Australia, helping India to a famous victory.

Laxman scored six Test centuries against Australia during his career, consistently showing his prowess against them. His ability to play against quality fast bowlers like McGrath, Lee, and Jason Gillespie, as well as the legendary spinner Shane Warne, was a testament to his technical brilliance.

Laxman’s performances against Australia are etched in cricketing history, especially for the way he played crucial innings in pressure situations. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure made him one of the finest batsmen in India-Australia contests.

India Post Competitive 376 in Chattogram Test, Ashwin Scores Century

India Post Competitive 376 in Chattogram Test, Ashwin Scores Century

Riding on Ravichandran Ashwin’s century and his 199-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, India posted a competitive 376 on the second day of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram.

Resuming the day at 339/6, India lost four wickets for the addition of just 37 runs. Jadeja (86) was the first to fall, caught by Das off Taskin Ahmed. Ashwin added 11 runs to his overnight score of 102 before he was dismissed by Taskin for 113. The Bangladesh pacer grabbed three wickets (3/55) — Jadeja, Ashwin, and Akash Deep.

Pacer Hasan Mahmud emerged as the most successful Bangladesh bowler, snaring five wickets for 83 runs. His victims included Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah.

India’s innings was anchored by Ashwin’s 113, his fifth Test century. He shared a crucial 199-run partnership with Jadeja, who fell just 14 runs short of his century.

Bangladesh’s bowlers toiled hard on a flat pitch, but they were unable to contain India’s batsmen for long periods. The hosts will need to bat well in their first innings to stay in the contest.

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