Latham Hopes for Fast Bowler Advantage in India Test Opener

Latham Hopes for Fast Bowler Advantage in India Test Opener

New Zealand Test captain Tom Latham is hopeful that the overcast conditions and the pitch being under covers for an extended period due to heavy rainfall in Bengaluru will favor the fast bowlers, giving the visitors a chance to compete in the first Test against India.

Latham acknowledged the challenges New Zealand faced against spin in their recent 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka, where they lost 37 wickets to spinners. However, he emphasized that the team performed well in other aspects, particularly in the first Test in Galle, where they scored 340 and 211.

Despite the setbacks in Sri Lanka, Latham believes that the conditions in India may offer more opportunities for the seamers. He also noted that spin could become a more significant factor in the later stages of the series.

As the new full-time Test captain, Latham is eager to lead the team to success. He has a decent record in Tests in India, with five fifties in as many Tests while averaging 35.70. He is confident that his past experiences in India will be beneficial in this crucial three-game series.

While acknowledging the trend towards more aggressive batting in Test cricket, Latham wants his players to play to their strengths. He believes that each player has a different game plan, and the team’s focus is on allowing them to express themselves and execute their plans effectively.

New Zealand has never won a series in India, and Latham recognizes that his side will need to perform exceptionally well to change that record. He is banking on the team’s recent visits to India and their subcontinent experience to help them achieve a positive result.

SA20 Auction Set to Feature International Stars

SA20 Auction Set to Feature International Stars

The upcoming SA20 auction promises to be a thrilling affair, with a host of international stars set to go under the hammer. Fast bowlers Shamar Joseph, Naseem Shah, Josh Little, and Josh Hull are among the overseas players who will be up for grabs.

Nearly 200 players, including 115 South Africans, have made the shortlist, but only 13 spots are to be filled up by the six franchises. Paarl Royals have the biggest purse of R11.95m to spend at the auction, followed by MI Cape Town with R8.275m and Pretoria Capitals with R4.575m.

Other overseas attractions in the shortlist include New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, and Afghanistan wristspinner Qais Ahmad.

“Some of the biggest names on the international T20 circuit have already signed up for season 3 and I am looking forward to see how the teams finalise their squads from this competitive auction list of players,” said Graeme Smith, the former South Africa captain and current SA20 commissioner.

Reeza Hendricks, who was released by Super Kings, is perhaps the most high-profile South African in the shortlist along with fellow opener Tony de Zorzi.

All squads are required to have 19 players, with a minimum of ten South African players, a maximum of seven international players, a rookie, and a wildcard player.

Barring Super Kings, all franchises have announced their wildcard picks. Notably, Paarl Royals picked former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik as their wildcard. Having retired from Indian and international cricket in June earlier this year, Karthik will become the first Indian to feature in the SA20.

Super Kings have until December 30 to lock in their wildcard player.

The SA20 2025 auction will take place on October 1 and the tournament will begin on January 9, clashing with Australia’s Big Bash League, UAE’s ILT20, and New Zealand’s Super Smash.

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.

India Plans to Manage Fast Bowlers Amidst Grueling Schedule

India Plans to Manage Fast Bowlers Amidst Grueling Schedule

India’s cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, is gearing up for a grueling schedule that includes 10 Tests in 15 weeks. The team is aware of the strain this can put on their fast bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who are expected to play a significant role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

To manage the workload, India has implemented a plan to monitor and rest their bowlers as needed. They have already given Bumrah and Siraj breaks during previous Test series. The team is also expanding its fast-bowling pool, with left-armer Yash Dayal joining the squad for the Bangladesh series.

Despite the challenges, India is not viewing their home series against Bangladesh as preparation for their overseas tours. Rohit Sharma emphasized that every game is important, and they aim to win every Test match.

The team has been in Chennai for a week-long training camp to prepare for the Bangladesh series. The camp has allowed them to spend ample time on the field and get ready for the challenges ahead.

Sri Lanka's Fast Bowlers Triumph in Challenging Conditions at The Oval

Sri Lanka’s Fast Bowlers Triumph in Challenging Conditions at The Oval

Sri Lanka’s historic victory at The Oval in 2024 marked a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. While their 1998 triumph at the same venue remains etched in memory, the conditions faced by the 2024 team were far more challenging.

Sanath Jayasuriya, a key figure in the 1998 victory, hailed the fast bowlers for their exceptional performance. Unlike the dry and sunny conditions of 1998, the 2024 match was played on a green-tinged track under cold and cloudy skies.

“These guys played in different conditions altogether,” Jayasuriya said. “It was tough conditions, with the grass, the weather, and everything was cloudy and cold. All credit to these boys.”

Sri Lanka’s quartet of quicks, Asitha Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, Vishwa Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara, shared 18 wickets between them. Kumara’s aggressive approach and Fernando’s consistency were particularly noteworthy.

“It’s the first time we went with four fast bowlers, and we went with that because of the conditions here, and all of them went beyond 100% in their efforts,” Jayasuriya said.

The series also witnessed the emergence of young talents like Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. Mendis, batting at No. 7 and 8, scored 267 runs, including a century. Nissanka’s aggressive batting, particularly his 127 not out in the second innings, played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s chase.

“Pathum couldn’t play Tests for a few years because of injuries, but he’s been doing well in T20s and one-dayers,” Jayasuriya said. “He played his natural game here, and I love to see him doing that.”

Rathnayake, who made his debut in the first Test, impressed with both his bowling and batting. He took 10 wickets and scored 72 and 43 down the order.

“Milan played Sri Lanka A cricket and we knew that he was a good bowler and could bat well,” Jayasuriya said. “But the world didn’t know he could bat. He batted really well and bowled really well right through this Test series.”

Sri Lanka’s victory at The Oval in 2024 showcased the resilience and determination of their team. The fast bowlers’ exceptional performance, coupled with the emergence of young talents, bodes well for the future of Sri Lankan cricket.

IPL 2023: High Scores, Fast Bowlers Dominate as Trends Shift

IPL 2023: High Scores, Fast Bowlers Dominate as Trends Shift

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has witnessed a significant shift in trends, with high-scoring matches and a dominance of fast bowlers becoming the norm.

250 is the New 200

In previous seasons, a total of 250 runs was considered exceptional. However, this year, there have been eight instances of teams scoring over 250, with Sunrisers Hyderabad leading the way with three such totals. This indicates that teams are now aiming for higher scores, with 200 runs becoming a par score.

12 Runs per Over in Powerplays

Top-order batsmen have maximized the first six overs, scoring at an unprecedented rate. Teams are now regularly notching up 70-plus runs in the Powerplay, compared to the previous benchmark of 55-60 runs. Sunrisers Hyderabad even scored a record 125/0 against Delhi in the Powerplay.

No Need for Consolidation

With the introduction of the ‘Impact Player’ rule, teams are maintaining the momentum even after the Powerplay. Batters are now taking 10-12 runs per over during the so-called ‘consolidation period,’ aiming for sixes and boundaries rather than rotating the strike.

Featherbed Pitches on Offer

Traditionally, different IPL venues had distinct characteristics. However, this season, most pitches have become batter-friendly, offering little assistance to bowlers. The Wankhede stadium, known for its pace and bounce, has become a flat track, while the turning wicket in Chennai has also lost its character.

Fast Bowlers are the Rage

Except for Delhi Capitals, most teams are relying heavily on their pace bowlers. Even Chennai Super Kings, traditionally known for their spin attack, have turned to pacers like Mustafizur Rahman and Deepak Chahar. Among the top-20 wicket-takers, only two are spinners, highlighting the dominance of fast bowlers in this IPL.

Dwayne Bravo: Yorkers, Fast Bowlers Key to CSK's Bowling Dominance

Dwayne Bravo: Yorkers, Fast Bowlers Key to CSK’s Bowling Dominance

Dwayne Bravo: Yorkers, Fast Bowlers, and CSK’s Bowling Dominance

In the lead-up to the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against the Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings’ bowling coach Dwayne Bravo shared his insights on the significance of yorkers, his preferred fast bowlers within the squad, and the team’s unwavering commitment to being the most astute bowling unit in the tournament.

The Importance of Yorkers

Bravo emphasized the pivotal role of the yorker as the primary weapon for pacers, stressing that sustained success in the T20 format hinges on mastering this delivery. He highlighted the consistent use of yorkers and their diverse variations by some of T20 cricket’s most accomplished bowlers, including himself, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana.

“You cannot last long without a yorker. If you look at players who have had most of the success in T20 cricket, Lasith Malinga, Bumrah or Pathirana, myself when I played, we had a similar plan, try to bowl as many yorkers as possible, with our variations,” said Pathirana.

CSK’s Preferred Fast Bowlers

Bravo praised the young Pathirana, who shot to fame with his slingy, Malinga-like action. During the last season, he took 19 wickets in 12 matches for CSK. Currently, he has nine wickets in four games of IPL 2024.

“Pathirana is very special. I call him Baby Malinga. I also call him Baby GOAT (Greatest of All Time). He is not someone you try to coach because he has a natural ability and skill,” Bravo said.

Bravo also pointed out that Bangladesh veteran Mustafizur Rahman is also very special to him. He has taken 11 wickets in six games in the ongoing season.

“He has the reputation of having one of the best slower balls in the world. You don’t try to over-coach these players. You just empower them with knowledge, and information and try to keep it simple,” he added.

CSK’s Bowling Philosophy

The West Indies legend is also impressed with pacer Tushar Deshpade, who made a name for himself with a breakthrough IPL 2023. He took 21 wickets in 16 games to guide CSK to their fifth title win.

Bravo said that during the team meetings, CSK asserts its resolve to be the “smartest bowling team in the competition” and prepares for all possible scenarios and does not look to repeat its mistakes.

“We do drills, especially by keeping in mind the ground dimension. We practice with vision, with a purpose. When people look at us, they should see a plan, sometimes it does not work, but most times, it will,” Bravo added.

Ihsanullah Departs for UK Treatment Amid PCB Medical Controversy

Ihsanullah Departs for UK Treatment Amid PCB Medical Controversy

Pakistan’s fast-bowling sensation Ihsanullah has embarked on a journey to the United Kingdom for specialized medical treatment of a persistent elbow injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assumed full responsibility for Ihsanullah’s treatment, which has been a subject of controversy.

Ihsanullah’s elbow injury dates back to April 2023, following a white-ball series against New Zealand. Initially, the PCB downplayed the severity of the injury, and the subsequent treatment, involving gym and weight work, may have aggravated the condition.

For over a year, there was a lack of official updates on Ihsanullah’s progress. However, the case gained media attention when Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen accused the PCB of neglecting the player’s treatment. Tareen claimed that the franchise had covered a significant portion of Ihsanullah’s expenses and that he required further surgery.

PCB’s chief medical officer, Dr. Sohail Saleem, defended the board’s handling of the case, but admitted to a delay in proper diagnosis. The PCB has now secured an appointment with renowned UK-based orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Adam Watts, in collaboration with Multan Sultans.

Ihsanullah’s case has highlighted concerns about the PCB’s medical record, particularly in managing fast bowlers’ injuries. Several players and staff have expressed a lack of trust in Dr. Saleem, a situation that may intensify following Ihsanullah’s treatment.

In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a string of lengthy injury layoffs among its fast bowlers. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Khurram Shahzad have all faced significant setbacks. The PCB’s handling of these injuries has raised questions about its ability to effectively manage and rehabilitate its players.

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