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Ravichandran Ashwin: The Engineer of Spin Bowling Reaches 100th Test Milestone

Ravichandran Ashwin: The Engineer of Spin Bowling Reaches 100th Test Milestone

By March 6, 2024 0

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier spinner, is set to reach a significant milestone in his illustrious career as he prepares for his 100th Test match in the upcoming fifth and final Test against England at the picturesque HPCA stadium in Himachal’s Dharamshala. This momentous occasion will also mark Ashwin’s 500th wicket in the red-ball format, a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity in the game.

Throughout his decade-long career, Ashwin has established himself as a master of spin bowling, earning the admiration of experts and fans alike. His unique carrom ball, delivered with a flick of his fingers from a front-on action, has become a formidable weapon in his bowling arsenal, leaving even the world’s best batters bewildered.

Ashwin’s repertoire extends beyond the carrom ball, encompassing a wide range of variations, including the slider, arm ball, and topspin. By subtly altering his wrist position, he keeps batsmen guessing, making him a prolific wicket-taker across all formats, particularly in Tests.

Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar has hailed Ashwin as the “engineer of spin bowling,” praising his ability to adapt and reinvent himself throughout his career. “Ashwin has been absolutely brilliant,” Panesar said. “He’s been working out angles and engineering his way to dismissals. He’s brilliant at changing the revolutions on the ball and enriching the art of spin bowling.”

Since his debut against England in 2012, Ashwin has enjoyed remarkable success, contributing significantly to India’s victories. In 21 Tests against England, he has claimed 105 wickets at an average of 28.88, with 12/167 being his best effort to date. In the ongoing five-match series, the veteran spinner has claimed 17 wickets in four matches at an average of 30.41.

As India holds an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, Ashwin will be eager to add to his tally and surpass English spinner Tom Hartley’s 20 wickets in the series. The Dharamshala Test will provide Ashwin with the perfect opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the greatest spinners of all time.

Categories: Cricket
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India-England Test: Slow Turner Expected in Dharamsala, Ashwin-Bairstow to Reach 100-Test Milestone

India-England Test: Slow Turner Expected in Dharamsala, Ashwin-Bairstow to Reach 100-Test Milestone

By March 6, 2024 0

The fifth and final Test match between India and England, scheduled to commence on Thursday in Dharamsala, is anticipated to feature a slow-turning pitch, as reported by the Indian Express. Untimely rainfall has hindered the ground staff’s efforts to prepare the surface, prompting discussions between the curators and the Indian team management regarding the pitch’s composition.

India’s spinners have been instrumental in securing the series victory for the hosts, and the Dharamsala pitch is expected to provide ample assistance to the likes of Rohit Sharma and his teammates. The slow and turning nature of the surface will favor the Indian spinners, who have played a pivotal role in the team’s success throughout the series.

Meanwhile, the Test match will witness a historic milestone as India’s off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and England’s batter Jonny Bairstow will become only the fourth pair of players to feature in their 100th Test match together. This exclusive club includes former England captain Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart, who achieved the feat against the West Indies in 2000.

In 2006, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, and Stephen Fleming played their 100th Test in the South Africa-New Zealand match in Centurion. The third instance occurred in 2013 when Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke reached the milestone during the England-Australia Ashes contest in Perth.

Ashwin and Bairstow will represent their respective teams in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, marking the second occasion when two players from opposing teams will play their 100th Test in the same game. Notably, just a day after the India-England match concludes, New Zealand captain Tim Southee and his predecessor Kane Williamson will also play their 100th Test together.

Categories: Cricket
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Marcos Giron Favored to Defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis at BNP Paribas Open

Marcos Giron Favored to Defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis at BNP Paribas Open

By March 6, 2024 0

The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells kicks off on Wednesday, March 6, with a tantalizing matchup between Thanasi Kokkinakis and Marcos Giron. While Kokkinakis boasts a powerful serve and impressive shot-making ability, experts predict that Giron’s consistency and defensive prowess will give him the edge on the slow-bouncing courts of Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Giron has been in excellent form since his five-set loss to Jack Draper at the Australian Open, winning eight of his last 11 hard-court matches. The American’s familiarity with the conditions in his home state of California will further enhance his chances.

Kokkinakis, on the other hand, may struggle to adapt to the slow courts, which will neutralize his booming serve and make it easier for Giron to return. The combination of wind and altitude could also lead to unforced errors from the Australian.

Giron’s defensive skills will force Kokkinakis to play extended rallies, which favors the American’s ability to win longer points. Giron’s consistent serve, with an 81.1% hold percentage and 64.4% first serve percentage, will also be crucial in this matchup.

While Kokkinakis remains a dangerous opponent, experts believe that Giron’s consistency and defensive abilities make him the more likely winner. A complete meltdown from Giron would be necessary for Kokkinakis to secure a victory.

Categories: Tennis
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Sunshine Swing Kicks Off with Kerber, Martic, and American Clash

Sunshine Swing Kicks Off with Kerber, Martic, and American Clash

By March 6, 2024 0

The Sunshine Swing kicks off with a captivating clash between two seasoned groundstrokers, Angelique Kerber and Petra Martic. Despite only meeting thrice, their last encounter was a decade ago. Kerber, a former world number one, seeks a significant result since her return from motherhood. Martic, known for her resilience, has been consistent in recent seasons.

In another intriguing matchup, American Christopher Eubanks faces rising star Brandon Nakashima. Eubanks, with a 1-3 record on hard courts this season, faces an uphill battle against Nakashima’s impressive 8-2 record. Both players possess powerful serves and anticipate momentum shifts, promising an intense three-set thriller.

Camila Giorgi and Katie Boulter, two evenly matched players, will meet for the first time. Boulter, fresh from her WTA 500 victory, faces a stern test against Giorgi’s aggressive style. Both players have struggled to overcome the hurdle of 1000s and Grand Slams, making this encounter a crucial test of their mental fortitude and ability to handle the pressure of the desert sun.

Categories: Tennis
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Mbappe Masterclass Fires PSG into Champions League Quarter-Finals

Mbappe Masterclass Fires PSG into Champions League Quarter-Finals

By March 6, 2024 0

Kylian Mbappe’s brilliance propelled Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League quarter-finals with a stunning brace in a 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad. The French superstar’s goals sealed a 4-1 aggregate triumph for the Ligue 1 giants.

Despite recent speculation surrounding his future, Mbappe proved his indispensable value to PSG. His electric pace and clinical finishing were too much for Real Sociedad to handle. The 25-year-old opened the scoring in the 15th minute, showcasing his exceptional skill with a clever touch and a powerful shot into the far corner.

Mbappe doubled PSG’s lead in the 56th minute, racing past the defense and coolly slotting home. His sixth goal in eight Champions League matches this season effectively ended the contest.

Real Sociedad fought valiantly but were unable to overcome Mbappe’s brilliance. Substitute Ander Barrenetxea had a goal ruled out for offside, while Gianluigi Donnarumma made a superb save to deny Benat Turrientes.

Mikel Merino scored a consolation goal for the hosts in the dying minutes, but it was too little, too late. PSG’s victory marked their first appearance in the Champions League quarter-finals since 2021.

Mbappe’s performance was hailed by both his teammates and opponents. PSG coach Luis Enrique praised his “unstoppable” ability in the final third, while Real Sociedad’s Merino acknowledged his devastating impact.

However, PSG will have to contend with the absence of Achraf Hakimi in the quarter-final first leg due to a booking. Despite this setback, the French champions will be confident of continuing their Champions League journey with Mbappe leading the charge.

Categories: Football
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Indian Badminton Stars Advance at French Open Super 750

Indian Badminton Stars Advance at French Open Super 750

By March 6, 2024 0

Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made a triumphant start to the French Open Super 750 tournament in Paris, securing a hard-fought victory over Malaysian duo Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi. The world no. 1 Indian pair, who won the title in 2022, displayed their dominance in the opening round, outplaying their world no. 12 opponents 21-13, 24-22 in a thrilling 47-minute encounter.

Satwik and Chirag, who have finished second in their last three tournaments, will face another Malaysian pair, Man Wei Chong and Kai Wun Tee, in the next round.

In other Indian action, World Championships bronze medalist Lakshya Sen overcame a slow start to defeat Japan’s Kanta Tsuneyama 15-21, 21-15, 21-3 in his opening match. The unseeded Indian will now face third seed Li Shen Feng in the pre-quarterfinals.

Commonwealth Games bronze medalists Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also advanced to the second round in women’s doubles, defeating Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto in an all-Indian clash. The two pairs are vying for qualification for the Paris Olympics, with Tanisha-Ashwini ranked 11th and Treesa-Gayatri at 14th in the Olympic Games qualification ranking.

Treesa and Gayatri have been in impressive form, playing a crucial role in the Indian women’s team’s historic victory at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Malaysia last month.

However, it was a disappointing day for Priyanshu Rajawat, who suffered a 8-21, 15-21 defeat to reigning Olympic champion and top seed Victor Axelsen.

Categories: Badminton
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Bayern Munich and PSG Advance to Champions League Quarterfinals

Bayern Munich and PSG Advance to Champions League Quarterfinals

By March 6, 2024 0

Bayern Munich’s resurgence under interim manager Thomas Tuchel continued on Tuesday as they secured a 3-0 victory over Lazio in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. The win, which sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph, propelled the German giants into the quarterfinals and reignited their hopes of European glory.

Harry Kane, Bayern’s talismanic striker, proved to be the difference-maker once again. The England international opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a diving header, canceling out Lazio’s first-leg advantage. He then doubled Bayern’s lead in the 66th minute, tapping in a rebound after Thomas Mueller’s effort had been parried.

Mueller had earlier made it 2-0 on the stroke of halftime, heading in a Matthijs de Ligt volley. The German forward’s goal proved to be a crucial moment, as it gave Bayern a comfortable cushion going into the second half.

Lazio, who were bidding for their first quarter-final appearance in 24 years, struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the match. Ciro Immobile’s header just before halftime was their best opportunity, but it sailed narrowly wide.

Bayern, on the other hand, were relentless in their attack. Jamal Musiala almost added a third goal seconds after Kane’s opener, but his sliding shot missed the target. Leroy Sane also came close in the second half, but his shot was palmed into Kane’s path for the third goal.

The win provides a much-needed boost for Bayern, who had won just one of their last five matches in all competitions prior to Tuesday. It also eases the pressure on Tuchel, who will leave the club at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain also booked their place in the quarterfinals with a comfortable 2-1 victory away to Real Sociedad. Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show for the French champions, scoring both goals in a match that wrapped up a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Mbappe’s first goal came in the 15th minute, as he curled a fabulous strike into the far corner. He doubled his tally in the 56th minute, bursting into the box and beating the goalkeeper at his near post.

Mikel Merino netted a consolation goal for Real Sociedad in the 89th minute, but it was too little too late to prevent PSG from reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in three years.

Categories: Football
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Mitchell Starc on the Brink of History, Credits Resilience to Tim Nielsen's Tough Love

Mitchell Starc on the Brink of History, Credits Resilience to Tim Nielsen’s Tough Love

By March 6, 2024 0

Mitchell Starc, on the cusp of surpassing Dennis Lillee as Australia’s fourth-highest Test wicket-taker, credits former coach Tim Nielsen’s tough love for his remarkable resilience. Starc, who has played seven consecutive Tests this summer, has overcome physical challenges to become Australia’s iron man.

Nielsen’s words, “harden the f* up,” have resonated with Starc, who has pushed through pain to represent his country. Despite lingering groin soreness, Starc was Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the Ashes last year. He also played through the World Cup with minor adjustments to his run-up.

Starc’s ability to withstand pain and perform at a high level is a testament to his experience and determination. He has learned to manage niggles and find ways to contribute to the team. Surpassing Lillee is a significant milestone, as Starc is the only bowler in Australia’s top eight wicket-takers with a strike-rate under 50.

Starc is also approaching another landmark: 100 Tests. Tim Southee will become the latest pace bowler to reach this milestone in Christchurch, and Starc is 12 away. If his body and form hold up, he could join the club in 2025.

Starc’s longevity and resilience are a testament to his dedication and the support of the medical staff. He has become a role model for young bowlers, showing that it is possible to overcome physical challenges and achieve greatness.

Categories: Cricket
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LIV Golf Withdraws World Ranking Application

LIV Golf Withdraws World Ranking Application

By March 6, 2024 0

The Great White Shark, LIV Golf, has withdrawn its application for recognition by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). CEO Greg Norman informed players of the decision, citing the OWGR’s unwillingness to work with LIV.

LIV’s initial application in July 2022 was rejected due to its unique format and lack of a path for players to qualify. The OWGR board maintained that it could not fairly compare LIV to other tours with more open tournaments.

The withdrawal has significant implications for LIV players, as the world ranking is used to determine eligibility for the majors and the Olympics. Top players like Cameron Smith and Tyrrell Hatton may struggle to qualify for these prestigious events.

Despite LIV’s efforts to create a more open qualifying system, the players are currently far removed from the top of the rankings. Only four LIV players are in the top 50, and even if adjustments were made, it would be challenging for them to make up ground.

The withdrawal also highlights the ongoing tension between LIV and the established golf ecosystem. The OWGR board, which includes representatives from the majors, has maintained that its decision was technical, not political. However, LIV has accused the board of bias and a lack of transparency.

Meanwhile, Gary Woodland has been honored with the Ben Hogan Award for his return to golf following brain surgery. The former U.S. Open champion underwent a serious operation to remove a lesion pressing on his brain.

In other news, Angela Stanford has received an exemption to the Chevron Championship, extending her consecutive LPGA major streak to 98. The USGA has also acquired memorabilia related to Charlie Sifford, the first Black player to win on the PGA Tour.

Categories: Others
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