Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin's stellar performance in the recently concluded India-Bangladesh Test series has sparked a debate about his status as an all-rounder. Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja believes that the 38-year-old Indian spinner deserves more recognition for his all-round abilities.In the two-match series, Ashwin emerged as the highest wicket-taker alongside Jasprit Bumrah, claiming 11 wickets. With the bat, he scored 114 runs at a strike rate of 83.21, including a crucial 113-run knock in the first innings of the Chennai Test. His all-round contributions earned him the 'Player of the Series' award.Raja praised Ashwin's performance, highlighting his ability to score centuries and take wickets consistently. He noted that Ashwin's understated demeanor and lack of drama after his achievements further enhance his value as a team player."He is no less than anyone else," Raja said. "He scores a century at every opportunity, takes wickets at every opportunity, and doesn't show too much pride or make any drama."Raja also acknowledged India's dominance on home soil, stating that Rohit Sharma's side is the strongest team to beat in their own backyard. He added that Bangladesh lacked the capacity to challenge India, making a Test match victory a distant dream for the visitors.The match itself saw Bangladesh resume their innings on day four, with Momimul Haque scoring a century to take their total to 233. India responded with a strong batting performance, declaring on 285/9 thanks to quickfire fifties from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul.India's bowlers then took control, dismissing Bangladesh for 146. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Bumrah shared nine wickets between them. India chased down the target of 95 runs comfortably, with Jaiswal and Virat Kohli leading the way.

Liam Dawson has emerged as the first domestic cricketer since 2018 to claim the coveted PCA Men's Player of the Year award. His exceptional all-round performance for Hampshire in the 2023 season, where he amassed 71 wickets and 1,280 runs across all formats, propelled him to the top of the Overall MVP table.Dawson's triumph follows a string of England players who have secured the honor, including Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, and Ben Stokes. Joe Denly was the last county player to receive the award in 2018.In addition to the Player of the Year accolade, Dawson also scooped the PCA Men's Domestic Overall MVP and the Vitality County Championship Player of the Year awards. He was also named captain of the IG PCA Men's Team of the Year."It's a huge honor," said Dawson. "I didn't expect this, so to win the award is a very proud moment. It's a real highlight of my career."Scotland's Kathryn Bryce was crowned the Women's Player of the Year after leading The Blaze to the Charlotte Edwards Cup victory. She also claimed the PCA Women's Domestic Overall MVP, Charlotte Edwards Cup Player of the Year, and captained the Metro Bank PCA Women's Team of the Year."It's been a brilliant year," said Bryce. "This is a year I will remember for a long time."Jamie Smith and Ryana MacDonald-Gay were recognized as the PCA Men's and Women's Young Players of the Year, respectively. Smith made an immediate impact in Test cricket for England, while MacDonald-Gay made her England debut against Ireland.The PCA Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to Matthew Maynard for his work with the Tom Maynard Trust, while James Anderson received the Special Merit award following his international retirement.Neil Bainton and Anna Harris were named the PCA's Umpires of the Year, and England players Harry Brook and Lauren Bell received the Rado Recognition award.

Ravindra Jadeja's exceptional all-around abilities have earned him high praise from India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel. Jadeja recently achieved the remarkable feat of 300 Test wickets and 3000 runs, becoming the second fastest to reach this milestone.Morkel hailed Jadeja as a "complete package" who excels in all aspects of the game. "He bats, he bowls, he's a guy in the field that can make magic happen," Morkel said. "He's a guy that you want in your team, and he's done that for so many years for India."Jadeja's partnership with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been a formidable force for India. Morkel noted that the duo's ability to restrict scoring opportunities has been key to their success. "These are guys that don't give you any bad balls," he said. "You always have to find ways to score. If you face that from both ends, you're going to work hard for your run."Despite facing weather-related challenges in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh, Morkel praised the Indian team's resilience. "The way the guys went off the field, still doing their gym work, looking after their bodies, was impressive to see," he said. "We knew, once we get the opportunity, we're always going to look at the positive way and how we can impact that."Morkel also commended the Indian batters for their aggressive approach in the first innings. "The way the boys went to the ball up-front, it was incredible to see," he said. "We created the pressure (with the ball) and brought wickets, and then to show the intent with the bat was awesome."Morkel emphasized the importance of creating pressure in Test cricket. "If you can do that for a long period, you'll get results," he said. "This group so far has been on the money, great to see how we adapt to conditions."He also praised the Indian batters' versatility and ability to adapt to different situations. "We've got guys that can play different styles," he said. "That's one of the advantages of our batting line-up is that we've got guys that can really sort of play the moment and put bowlers under pressure."Morkel concluded by expressing his admiration for the Indian team's professionalism. "For me, it's so far, so enjoyable to see how professional they are and how they go about their daily life to put on a performance," he said. "When it comes to recovery, you know, it's right up there."

Ravindra Jadeja, India's star all-rounder, has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by claiming his 300th wicket in the longest format of the game. The milestone moment came on day four of the second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka, as Jadeja dismissed tailender Khaled Ahmed to seal India's victory.Jadeja's journey to 300 Test wickets has been a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering determination. The left-arm spinner has consistently troubled batsmen with his accurate line and length, coupled with his ability to extract turn and bounce from the surface. His 300th wicket places him among the elite group of Indian bowlers to achieve this feat, joining the likes of Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kapil Dev, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, and Ishant Sharma.Notably, Jadeja is the second-fastest Indian bowler to reach the 300-wicket mark in Tests, based on the number of balls delivered. According to Cricbuzz, he has achieved this milestone in just 17,428 deliveries, trailing only Ashwin (15,636 deliveries). This remarkable feat underscores Jadeja's exceptional consistency and ability to strike regularly.Beyond his bowling prowess, Jadeja has also established himself as a formidable batsman in Test cricket. He has amassed 3122 runs at an impressive average of 36.73, including four centuries and 21 half-centuries. His all-round contributions have made him an indispensable asset to the Indian team, and he continues to play a pivotal role in their success.As India celebrates Jadeja's historic achievement, it is worth noting that he has achieved this milestone in just 73 Tests. His ability to perform at the highest level consistently is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the game. Jadeja's 300th Test wicket is a fitting tribute to his exceptional talent and a reminder of his status as one of the finest all-rounders in the world.

Ravindra Jadeja, India's enigmatic all-rounder, has etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the first player to amass over 2000 runs and claim more than 200 wickets in winning causes. This remarkable feat was achieved during India's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.Jadeja's all-round brilliance has been a cornerstone of India's success in recent years. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made him an indispensable member of the team. In the Chennai Test, he played a pivotal role in India's recovery from a precarious position of 144 for six.Batting alongside Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja forged a crucial 199-run partnership for the seventh wicket, guiding India to a respectable total of 376. His gritty knock of 86 was overshadowed by Ashwin's century, but it was equally vital in setting up India's victory.With the ball, Jadeja claimed five wickets in the match, including three in the second innings. His accurate spin bowling and ability to extract turn from the pitch proved too much for the Bangladesh batsmen.Jadeja's achievement is even more remarkable considering that he has often played in the shadow of Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner. Despite his exceptional skills, Jadeja has remained humble and focused on his role within the team.His fighting spirit and task-oriented approach have made him a valuable asset for India. In the first Test against Bangladesh, he once again proved his worth by bailing out the team from a difficult situation.Jadeja's record-breaking feat is a testament to his all-round abilities and his unwavering determination. He has joined an elite group of cricketers who have achieved the grand double of 300 wickets and 3000 runs in Test cricket.

Shakib Al Hasan Announces Retirement from Test Cricket, Hints at Farewell in IndiaBangladesh's legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has expressed his desire to retire from Test cricket, with his final match potentially being against South Africa in Mirpur or India in the upcoming second Test. The 35-year-old also confirmed his retirement from T20 cricket.Shakib made the announcement during a pre-match press conference in Kanpur ahead of the first Test against India. "I have expressed my desire to play my last Test in Mirpur, if that won't happen, the second Test against India would be my last," he said.Shakib's Test career has been a remarkable one. In 70 matches, he has amassed 4600 runs at an average of 38.33, including five centuries and 31 half-centuries. With the ball, he has claimed 242 wickets, including 19 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket matches.His all-round abilities have made him an indispensable member of the Bangladesh team. He has often played match-winning innings and taken crucial wickets, guiding his side to memorable victories.Shakib's retirement from Test cricket will mark the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket. He has been a role model for aspiring cricketers and has played a pivotal role in the team's rise to prominence.While he may be stepping away from the longest format, Shakib is expected to continue playing One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He remains one of the most experienced and respected players in the world, and his contributions to Bangladesh cricket will continue to be invaluable.

Ravindra Jadeja, the enigmatic all-rounder, has quietly established himself as a cornerstone of India's Test machine. Despite often being overshadowed by the spectacular performances of his teammates, Jadeja's contributions have been instrumental in India's recent successes.In the recently concluded Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja played a pivotal role in India's 280-run victory. His 86 in the first innings, when India was struggling at 144 for five, provided a much-needed foundation. He then chipped in with five wickets in the match, including the crucial dismissals of Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das, helping India secure a 227-run lead.Jadeja's all-round brilliance is not a recent phenomenon. Since his comeback in 2018, he has amassed 1926 runs at an impressive average of 43.77 while picking up 128 wickets (avg 25.16). During this period, he has scored four centuries and taken as many five-wicket hauls.His exceptional fielding skills have also earned him widespread acclaim. Widely regarded as one of the best fielders in the world, Jadeja's athleticism and anticipation have saved countless runs and created numerous opportunities for his team.Jadeja's rise to prominence has coincided with a shift in India's Test strategy. The team has moved away from its traditional reliance on pace-bowling all-rounders and embraced the versatility of players like Jadeja and R. Ashwin.As India prepares for the second Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja stands on the cusp of a significant milestone. He is one wicket away from entering the elite club of players who have taken 300 Test wickets. If he achieves this feat, he will become only the seventh Indian to do so.Jadeja's journey from a promising young spinner to a world-class all-rounder is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. As he continues to scale new heights, he is sure to leave an enduring legacy in the annals of Indian cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin's stellar performance in the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has earned him the title of hero. Ashwin's crafty 113 in his only batting opportunity and his impressive bowling figures of 6 for 88 in the final innings played a pivotal role in India's resounding 280-run victory.Ashwin's all-round brilliance has been a cornerstone of India's recent Test successes. In an interview with JioCinema, he revealed his evolved approach to both bowling and batting. "I don't think like, 'I want to go out there and make a hundred.' I genuinely aim to get a five-wicket haul in every Test match," Ashwin said.While his primary focus remains on his bowling, Ashwin has also made significant strides in his batting. "But in recent years, my batting has become simpler than it was in the past. I used to confuse myself, overthinking as a bowler while batting, but now I keep it simple--watch the ball and react," he explained.This shift in mindset has transformed Ashwin into a more reliable lower-order batter. However, he acknowledges the challenges of balancing both aspects of his game. "Compartmentalizing both aspects was a challenge, but I feel like I've cracked it," Ashwin stated confidently.Ashwin's performance in Chennai was a testament to his hard work and dedication. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an invaluable asset to the Indian team. As India looks to secure the series victory in the second Test, Ashwin will undoubtedly be a key figure in their plans.

Ravindra Jadeja's impending entry into the elite club of cricketers with 300 wickets and 3000 runs in Test cricket is a testament to his exceptional all-round abilities. Only ten players in history have achieved this milestone, including Kapil Dev and Ravichandran Ashwin.Jadeja's low-key approach sets him apart from other all-rounders. Unlike Ashwin, who is known for his vocal presence, Jadeja operates quietly, relying on his fighting instincts and competitive spirit. His contributions often go unnoticed, overshadowed by the brilliance of his teammates.In the first Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja's partnership with Ashwin was crucial in India's victory. Their 199-run stand for the seventh wicket rescued India from a precarious position. While Ashwin's century grabbed the headlines, Jadeja's 86 and five wickets were equally significant.Ashwin himself acknowledges Jadeja's importance, stating that he has been "a very inspirational story" and that he is "totally inspired by what he's done." Since 2012, Jadeja and Ashwin have formed a formidable partnership in home Tests, winning 34 out of 45 matches.Jadeja's selfless nature and lack of self-promotion further distinguish him. He rarely gives interviews or seeks recognition, preferring to focus on contributing to the team. After the Chepauk Test, while others celebrated, Jadeja stood quietly, contemplating strategies for the next match.Jadeja's achievements are a testament to his unwavering determination and ability to perform under pressure. His partnership with Ashwin has been a key factor in India's success in home Tests. Despite his low-profile approach, Jadeja's contributions are undeniable, making him one of the most valuable all-rounders in the game today.