Dale Steyn Steps Down as SRH Bowling Coach, Pat Cummins Eyed as Captain

Dale Steyn Steps Down as SRH Bowling Coach, Pat Cummins Eyed as Captain

Former South African pace legend Dale Steyn will not be part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) coaching staff for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Steyn has requested a break from his coaching responsibilities, prompting the franchise to search for a replacement bowling coach.

Steyn’s departure comes after a successful stint with SRH, where he played a pivotal role in the development of young speedster Umran Malik. Malik has since earned an India cap in T20Is and ODIs, and recently received a fast-bowling contract from the BCCI.

Despite his absence, Steyn is expected to return to the franchise next season if all necessary arrangements are met. SRH has already appointed former New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori as their new head coach.

The franchise is also considering appointing Pat Cummins as their captain for the upcoming season. Cummins, who was acquired for a whopping INR 20.5 crore in the auction last year, has led Australia to victory in the 2023 World Test Championship and Men’s ODI World Cup.

SRH, who finished at the bottom of the points table last year, will be hoping for a turnaround under Vettori and Cummins’ leadership. They will open their 2024 campaign on March 23 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, followed by their first home match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on March 27 against Mumbai Indians.

Mumbai Indians Restrict Bangalore to 131, Win by 11 Runs

Mumbai Indians Restrict Bangalore to 131, Win by 11 Runs

Mumbai Indians’ bowlers put up a clinical performance to restrict Royal Challengers Bangalore to a modest 131/8 in the Women’s Premier League match on Saturday.

After being asked to bat first, Bangalore lost three wickets in the powerplay and struggled to gain momentum. Ellyse Perry (44* off 38) and Georgia Wareham (27) provided some stability with a 52-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but the Mumbai bowlers kept the pressure on.

Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Pooja Vastrakar picked up two wickets each, while Issy Wong and Saika Ishaque took one apiece. The surface appeared slow, making it difficult for the batters to score freely.

In the chase, Mumbai openers Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews got off to a solid start, putting on 29 runs for the first wicket. Bhatia was particularly impressive, hitting two boundaries and a six in her 18-ball 23.

However, Bangalore fought back with the wickets of Bhatia and Matthews in quick succession. Sophie Devine then dismissed Richa Ghosh for a duck, leaving Mumbai at 35/3.

Natalie Sciver-Brunt (15) and Amelia Kerr (14*) steadied the ship with a 29-run partnership, but the required run rate continued to climb.

In the end, Mumbai fell short by 11 runs, with Perry and Wareham remaining unbeaten at the crease.

Avesh Khan's Pace Prowess Gives MP Control in Ranji Semifinal

Avesh Khan’s Pace Prowess Gives MP Control in Ranji Semifinal

Avesh Khan’s incisive bowling spearheaded Madhya Pradesh’s dominance on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha in Nagpur. The pacer’s four-wicket haul, complemented by Kulwant Khejroliya and Venkatesh Iyer’s two wickets each, restricted Vidarbha to a paltry 170.

The VCA Stadium pitch offered ample carry, allowing the MP bowlers to exploit the conditions. Avesh struck early, dismissing opener Dhruv Shorey, and continued to trouble the Vidarbha batsmen throughout the innings. Khejroliya and Iyer provided valuable support, keeping the pressure on the opposition.

Vidarbha’s only resistance came from Karun Nair, who top-scored with a gritty 63. However, he lacked support from his teammates, as wickets fell at regular intervals. Atharva Taide and Aman Mokhade shared a 36-run partnership, but it proved insufficient to build a substantial total.

MP’s fielding was equally impressive, with Yash Dubey taking a stunning catch to dismiss Akshay Wadkar. The visitors’ bowlers maintained their accuracy throughout the day, preventing Vidarbha from gaining any momentum.

In response, MP reached 47 for one at close, trailing by 123 runs. The lone wicket to fall was that of Dubey, who edged Umesh Yadav to Wadkar.

Avesh Khan’s performance has put MP in a commanding position in the semifinal. The pacer’s ability to extract bounce and movement from the pitch has made him a key threat to Vidarbha’s hopes of a comeback.

Mumbai Bowlers Dominate Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy Semifinal Opener

Mumbai Bowlers Dominate Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy Semifinal Opener

Mumbai’s bowlers, led by Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur, dominated the opening day of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu, bowling out the visitors for a paltry 146.

Deshpande (3/24) and Thakur (2/48) exploited the movement and turn on offer at the BKC Ground, making life miserable for the Tamil Nadu batters. B Sai Sudharsan was trapped leg-before on the fourth ball of the match, setting the tone for a disastrous start for the visitors.

Mohit Avasthi had N Jagadeesan caught at short leg, while Deshpande took a fine return catch to dismiss Pradosh Ranjan Paul. Tamil Nadu skipper B Sai Kishore promoted himself ahead of Baba Indrajith, but his footwork was all over the place as Deshpande bowled him for 17.

Tanush Kotian took a sharp diving catch to remove Indrajith, leaving Tamil Nadu reeling at 17/4. Vijay Shankar and Washington Sundar fought back with a 67-run partnership, but Deshpande’s relentless pressure led to Shankar’s dismissal for 44.

Sundar, who was dropped twice, showed some resistance with a 43-ball 43, but Mohammed Mohammed’s late flurry of fours helped Tamil Nadu reach 146.

Mumbai lost Prithvi Shaw and Bhupen Lalwani cheaply, but Musheer Khan (24 not out) and nightwatchman Mohit Avasthi (1 not out) guided the hosts to 45/2 at stumps, trailing by 101 runs.

DRS Controversy Erupts After Joe Root's Controversial Dismissal

DRS Controversy Erupts After Joe Root’s Controversial Dismissal

Joe Root’s controversial LBW dismissal in the fourth India-England Test in Ranchi has sparked a heated debate over the use of DRS (decision review system). The England camp has vehemently criticized the technology, demanding its abolition, while former skipper Michael Vaughan has labeled Root’s dismissal a “shocker.”

Paul Hawkins, founder of Hawk-Eye, the technology provider for DRS, has hit back at Vaughan’s comments, dismissing them as “uneducated.” He maintains that the correct decision was made by third umpire Joel Wilson in overturning on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s call.

Hawkins has accused Vaughan of lacking understanding of the technology and its operation. He has urged journalists to be more responsible in their reporting and to ensure factual accuracy.

Vaughan, in response, has demanded full transparency from Hawk-Eye, requesting them to demonstrate the exact workings of the system. He believes that this will help dispel any misconceptions and provide a clearer understanding of how DRS operates.

The DRS controversy has cast a shadow over the ongoing Test series, which India has already clinched with an unassailable 3-1 lead. The fifth and final game will commence in Dharamsala on March 7.

Eric Dier's Bayern Munich Loan Move Made Permanent

Eric Dier’s Bayern Munich Loan Move Made Permanent

Eric Dier’s loan move from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich has been made permanent after he completed the required number of appearances mentioned in his contract, the German Bundesliga club announced on Saturday. The 30-year-old England midfielder joined Bayern on loan in January in a deal to the end of the season after spending a decade with Spurs, reuniting with former team mate Harry Kane.

Bayern confirmed that Dier’s contract has been extended until June 2025. Max Eberl, Bayern’s board member for sport, praised Dier’s contributions, stating that the 30-year-old England international provided “valuable support” in defense.

Dier has made seven appearances for Bayern in the Bundesliga, including five starts. He has impressed with his versatility, playing both as a center-back and a defensive midfielder.

“I’m happy in Munich,” Dier said. “Now my future is sorted and I can focus on playing well for the club and trying to help the club to win games, win competitions, even though it’s been a difficult period for us.”

Bayern, who have won the Bundesliga 11 years in a row, are currently second in the standings this season, seven points behind unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen who have a game in hand. Bayern will host Lazio on Tuesday in the Champions League last 16 with the German side trailing 1-0 from the first leg.

Dier’s permanent move to Bayern Munich is a significant development for both the player and the club. Dier brings experience and leadership to a Bayern team that is looking to regain its dominance in the Bundesliga and make a deep run in the Champions League.

LPGA Partners with Naomi Osaka's Hana Kuma to Elevate Player Profiles

LPGA Partners with Naomi Osaka’s Hana Kuma to Elevate Player Profiles

The LPGA, the premier women’s professional golf tour, has partnered with Hana Kuma, the production company founded by tennis superstar Naomi Osaka, to elevate the profiles of its players and strengthen the tour’s brand.

This innovative collaboration aims to make LPGA players household names by providing them with tailored assistance to enhance their personal brands. Eight players will be selected for an inaugural pilot program, receiving guidance on building their social media presence, engaging with fans, and developing their personal narratives.

All LPGA athletes will also participate in a brand-building workshop in May, focusing on developing their personal brands and connecting with audiences. These initiatives are part of the LPGA’s strategy to increase player recognition and build a stronger connection with fans.

LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan emphasized the importance of showcasing the athletes’ personal stories and athletic achievements. “Fans follow people and build strong affinity with those whom they know and connect,” she said. “Our athletes are inspiring, particularly for young girls, and we can’t wait to help give them the biggest platform possible.”

Osaka, who has been a vocal advocate for women’s sports, expressed her excitement about the partnership. “With Hana Kuma, I want to pay it forward by helping empower and champion the LPGA players,” she said. “Together, we can continue to uplift and inspire the next generation of female athletes.”

Stuart Duguid, Osaka’s longtime agent and co-founder of Hana Kuma, believes the partnership has the potential to transform women’s sports. “We’re excited to embark on this journey with the LPGA,” he said. “Our commitment extends to amplifying the diverse narratives of LPGA athletes, reshaping their interactions with fans and sponsors, and pushing the boundaries to elevate women’s sports to new heights.”

The LPGA’s revenue has grown significantly in recent years, but only two golfers made Forbes’ list of highest-paid female athletes last year. This partnership with Hana Kuma aims to address this disparity by providing players with the tools and resources to build their brands and increase their earning potential.

James Anderson rues Virat Kohli's absence in India-England Test series

James Anderson rues Virat Kohli’s absence in India-England Test series

The absence of Virat Kohli has cast a long shadow over the India-England Test series, with legendary England pacer James Anderson expressing his disappointment at missing out on a chance to face the Indian batting maestro.

Kohli opted out of the series citing personal reasons, having recently welcomed his second child with wife Anushka Sharma. Anderson, who has engaged in several memorable on-field battles with Kohli, lamented the star batter’s absence.

“Yeah, you always want to play against the best players. And it’s been a shame that he’s not been a part of the series. We have had some great battles over the years,” Anderson said on JioCinema.

Anderson acknowledged that Kohli’s absence may have been a relief for England fans, but he emphasized the importance of facing the world’s best players.

“I guess English fans will be thankful he’s not playing because he’s such a quality player. But from our point of view you want to test yourself, you want to come up against the best and he’s been someone who I’ve found really challenging to bowl at over the years and it’s a shame he’s not been playing,” Anderson added.

India have already secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, with the fifth and final Test set to be played in Edgbaston. India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will return for the final Test, while batter KL Rahul will miss out again due to a quad injury.

Despite Kohli’s absence, the series has been marked by intense competition and high-quality cricket. England will be looking to salvage some pride in the final Test, while India will aim to complete a memorable series victory.

Fila Unveils New Gear and Expands Presence at BNP Paribas Open

Fila Unveils New Gear and Expands Presence at BNP Paribas Open

Fila, the official apparel and footwear supplier of the BNP Paribas Open, will once again have a significant presence at the prestigious Indian Wells tournament. The brand has unveiled its latest Axilus 3 Energized shoe, designed with input from sponsored athletes to enhance agility and comfort. The Tie Breaker apparel collection, featuring cool tones that complement the desert backdrop, will be worn by players like Emma Navarro, Brandon Nakashima, and Barbora Krejcikova.

Fila’s long-standing partnership with the BNP Paribas Open, the first combined ATP and WTA 1000-level event of the year, was extended in 2019. Beyond merchandise, Fila’s involvement includes autograph sessions, a giveaway day, and a live DJ at its flagship on-site store. On International Women’s Day, the brand will host a panel discussion titled “Inspiring the Next Generation,” featuring female leaders sharing their experiences.

Fila is also the title sponsor of the Fila International Junior Championships, a top-level junior event that offers wildcards into the 2025 tournament. The brand’s commitment to the community extends to donating tickets to area high-school tennis teams.

Fila’s presence at the BNP Paribas Open showcases its dedication to the sport and its commitment to providing athletes with high-quality apparel and footwear. The brand’s involvement in various activities throughout the tournament enhances the fan experience and supports the development of tennis at all levels.

WA's Shield Title Hopes Revived with Dominant Bowling Display

WA’s Shield Title Hopes Revived with Dominant Bowling Display

Western Australia’s quest for a third consecutive Sheffield Shield title gained momentum after a dominant bowling performance against Queensland at the WACA Ground.

In response to WA’s competitive 310, Queensland were bundled out for a paltry 170 in 54.5 overs on a challenging day marked by overcast conditions and gusty winds. WA openers Cameron Bancroft and Sam Whiteman safely negotiated 16 runs before lightning forced an early end to the day’s play.

Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli played a pivotal role in dismantling Queensland’s tail, claiming 4 for 54. Joel Paris continued his impressive form with 2 for 15 off 12 overs, while Charlie Stobo and Cameron Gannon also chipped in with wickets.

Queensland’s top order faltered in the overcast conditions, with Paris dismissing Bryce Street for a duck. Gannon produced a spectacular diving one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Angus Lovell. Jack Clayton, Jimmy Peirson, and Jack Wildermuth all made starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores.

WA’s bowlers maintained a relentless pressure, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Queensland managed to add 46 runs for their last two wickets, but WA held a commanding lead of 156 runs.

The victory puts WA in a strong position to secure a top-two finish in the Shield standings. They currently sit third but have an opportunity to leapfrog second-placed Victoria, who are facing defeat against ladder leaders Tasmania.

WA will face Victoria in the final round at Junction Oval, meaning their fate is in their own hands. Bancroft and Whiteman will be crucial in forming a solid second-innings partnership when play resumes on Sunday.

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