Cricket

India's wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant is renowned for his animated and enthusiastic presence behind the stumps. During the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, Pant once again displayed his humorous side with a hilarious piece of advice for spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.As Bangladesh batter Mominul Haque repeatedly attempted to sweep Ashwin's deliveries, Pant suggested an unconventional strategy to trap him leg-before-wicket (LBW). "Helmet se ek LBW le sakta hai bhai (You can get him out LBW with his helmet)," Pant quipped to Ashwin from behind the stumps.Mominul's diminutive stature, standing at just 5'3", meant that his low sweeping technique brought his head close to the line of the stumps. Pant's spontaneous advice prompted Ashwin to consider the possibility of dismissing Mominul by hitting his helmet.Despite Pant's suggestion, Mominul remained unyielding, surviving the onslaught of Indian bowlers and eventually scoring a magnificent 13th Test century, his first on Indian soil. He remained unbeaten on 107 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 233.On the other hand, Ashwin claimed the wickets of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan, finishing with figures of 2/45 in 15 overs.India's response to Bangladesh's total was equally impressive. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma provided a flying start, guiding India to the fastest-ever team fifty in Test cricket history. Rohit and Jaiswal reached the milestone in just three overs.While Rohit departed soon after, Jaiswal continued the momentum alongside Shubman Gill. India reached the 100-run mark in 10.1 overs, also the fastest to that score in Test history, surpassing their own record set in 2023 against West Indies.

India's 'Bazball' Approach in Kanpur Test Draws Praise from Michael VaughanFormer England captain Michael Vaughan has lauded India's aggressive batting approach in the second Test against Bangladesh, likening it to England's "Bazball" style.India's batsmen displayed remarkable aggression in their first innings at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, piling up 285/9 in just 34.4 overs. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma set the tone, scoring at a blistering pace.Vaughan took to Twitter to express his admiration, stating, "I see India are playing Bazball." "Bazball" refers to England's attacking strategy under Brendon McCullum, who has transformed the team's red-ball cricket since taking over as coach in 2022.Despite losing wickets regularly, India maintained a high scoring rate throughout their innings. Jaiswal led the charge with a 31-ball half-century, while Rohit contributed 23 runs off 11 balls, including three sixes. Jaiswal ended with 72 runs from 51 balls, featuring 12 fours and two sixes.Contributions from Shubman Gill (39), Virat Kohli (47), and KL Rahul kept the momentum going. India's intent to push for a result was evident, considering two days of play had been washed out due to rain and a wet outfield.India's aggressive approach has put them in a strong position in the Test. They currently lead by 52 runs with one day remaining. A 2-0 series win against Bangladesh would strengthen their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) table and boost their chances of reaching a third consecutive final.However, if the Kanpur Test ends in a draw, India will face a tougher challenge, needing to win five out of their remaining eight matches in the WTC cycle. Following the Bangladesh series, India will host New Zealand for a three-Test series in October, before touring Australia for a five-Test series.

India tightened their grip on the rain-hit second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur on Monday, reducing the visitors to 26 for two in their second innings. Star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin struck twice to leave Bangladesh trailing by 26 runs with two days remaining.Earlier, India declared their first innings at 285 for nine, setting Bangladesh a target of 312. Yashasvi Jaiswal (71 off 52) and KL Rahul (68 off 43) played aggressive knocks to propel India to a commanding position. Virat Kohli also contributed with a fluent 47 off 35 balls.Bangladesh's veteran left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz shared eight wickets between them to restrict India's free-flowing batting. Shakib claimed four wickets for 78 runs, while Miraz picked up four for 41.In response, Bangladesh were bundled out for 233 in their first innings. India's bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj (3/30) and Umesh Yadav (3/53), shared the spoils.With Ashwin's early strikes in Bangladesh's second innings, India are now in a dominant position. The visitors need to bat out of their skins to save the match, while India will be looking to wrap up the victory and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the two-match series.

Rohit Sharma's Rare Outburst: Frustration Boils Over After Wrongful LBW CallIndia's captain, Rohit Sharma, experienced a rare moment of frustration during the first innings of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Despite providing a blistering start with three early sixes, Sharma's innings was cut short by a controversial LBW decision.Umpire Richard Kettleborough initially ruled Sharma out, but a swift DRS review revealed the ball was well outside leg-stump. The overturned decision sparked visible anger in Sharma, who punched the air in frustration.The incident seemed to disrupt Sharma's rhythm, as he was clean bowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz on the very next delivery. Sharma's 11-ball 23, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal's rapid start, had helped India achieve the fastest-ever team 50 in Test cricket history.India's aggressive approach continued throughout the innings, with the team piling up 285 runs in less than two sessions. They established a 52-run lead over Bangladesh's total of 233. India's dominance was evident in their record-breaking pace, setting the fastest team 50, 100, 150, and 200-run totals in Test history.Jaiswal continued his impressive form, scoring the joint third-fastest half-century by an Indian in Test cricket, reaching the milestone in just 31 balls. His 72 runs, along with contributions from KL Rahul (68), Virat Kohli (47), Shubman Gill (39), and Rohit Sharma (23), propelled India to a commanding position.Even Akash Deep made a significant contribution, hitting two towering sixes down the order. India's relentless scoring rate, exceeding 8 runs per over, showcased their aggressive intent and determination to secure a victory in the second Test.

India's Batting Blitz Overwhelms Bangladesh in Kanpur TestKANPUR, India - India's batsmen unleashed a relentless assault on Bangladesh's bowlers on Monday, overhauling the visitors' first innings total in just 28 overs and injecting new life into the rain-marred second test in Kanpur.After quickly dismissing Bangladesh for 233, India's openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, set the tone for a batting blitz at the Green Park Stadium. Jaiswal smashed three fours in the first over, while Rohit hit three sixes in his first five deliveries.The carnage continued as India reached 50 runs in three overs, 100 in 10.1, and 200 in 24.2 - the fastest ever by a test team. Jaiswal raced to a 31-ball half-century, while Shubman Gill (39) and Rishabh Pant (25) also contributed.KL Rahul (68) and Virat Kohli (47) maintained the tempo, and even tailender Akash Deep smashed two sixes before Rohit declared the innings at 285-9.Earlier, Bangladesh had resumed on 107-3 but lost wickets in quick succession. Mominul Haque, who had scored a century on the opening day, was left stranded on 107 not out as the bottom half of the order collapsed.India's superb catching led to the dismissals of Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan, while Jasprit Bumrah claimed three wickets.With Bangladesh chasing victory, Ravichandran Ashwin struck twice in his successive overs to reduce the visitors to 26-2 at stumps. Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque were at the crease, with Bangladesh still 26 behind.The match, which has lost more than two days' play to bad weather, seemed destined for a draw, but India's batting blitz has opened up the possibility of a result.

Virat Kohli's Close Call and India's Dominant Display in Kanpur TestOn the fourth day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, Indian captain Virat Kohli narrowly escaped a run-out after a miscommunication with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. The incident occurred when Kohli attempted a drive off Khaled Ahmed and got an inside edge. Pant called for a single, but Kohli quickly realized the danger and retreated, leaving him stranded far from the crease. Fortunately for India, Khaled missed the opportunity to complete the run-out.Despite the close call, India remained in control of the match. Earlier in the day, they had declared their first innings at 285 for nine, giving them a 52-run lead. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul played aggressive knocks, scoring 72 off 52 balls and 68 off 43 balls respectively. Virat Kohli also contributed with a fluent 47 off 35 balls.Bangladesh's bowlers struggled to contain India's batsmen, with veteran left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan taking 4/78 and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz claiming 4/41.In response, Bangladesh were bowled out for 233 in their first innings. India's bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj (3/30) and Umesh Yadav (3/40), kept the Bangladeshi batsmen in check.With a substantial lead, India will be confident of securing a victory in the second Test and taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

South Africa has announced a 15-man squad for their upcoming two-Test tour of Bangladesh in October, featuring a trio of spinners to combat the expected conditions. Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Piedt, and Keshav Maharaj will lead the spin attack, while Matthew Breetzke is the sole uncapped player in the squad.The tour, part of the World Test Championship, had been in doubt due to political unrest in Bangladesh. However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) gave the green light after a security assessment team inspected the venues in Dhaka and Chattogram."Bangladesh is always a tough place to tour," said South Africa red-ball coach Shukri Conrad. "We have chosen a squad for the conditions we are expecting to greet us."The three spinners will be supported by a pace attack consisting of Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, Dane Paterson, and allrounder Wiaan Mulder. Paterson and Piedt, both veterans, were part of South Africa's Test tour of New Zealand earlier this year.Breetzke, a highly rated top-order batter, has limited international experience with only eight T20Is to his name. However, he faces stiff competition for a Test debut with Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne all in the mix.Ashwell Prince, who previously served as Bangladesh's batting coach, will join the South Africa management team. His knowledge of the local conditions could prove invaluable.

South Africa's two-Test series in Bangladesh has been confirmed to proceed as scheduled, following a thorough security assessment by Cricket South Africa (CSA). The first Test will commence in Dhaka from October 21-25, while the second will take place in Chattogram from October 29 to November 2.CSA's decision to approve the tour stems from an "in-loco inspection" conducted by its operations manager, team security manager, safety and security consultant, and a representative of the South African Cricketers' Association. The delegation visited Bangladesh last week and submitted their recommendations to the board.South Africa's initial concerns regarding the security situation in Bangladesh arose from the anti-government protests that occurred in July-August. These protests led to the resignation of Sheikh Hasina's government and the relocation of the women's T20 World Cup to the UAE.However, CSA sources have since indicated that the situation in Bangladesh has "settled." The tour will proceed as planned unless any risks are identified in the ongoing security assessments.South Africa's participation in this series is crucial for their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final at Lord's next year. With only six Test matches remaining in the current cycle, they need to win at least five of their remaining games.The Proteas have already played six Tests, winning two, losing three, and drawing one. They currently sit sixth on the points table. All six of their series in this cycle have been limited to two Tests, as CSA prioritized the launch of the SA20 domestic T20 franchise competition and cost-cutting measures.South Africa's last Test series against Bangladesh was held in South Africa in March-April 2022. The Proteas' white-ball squads are currently in the UAE for a series against Ireland.

India's Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal Blaze to Record-Breaking Start in Kanpur TestIn a bid to secure crucial World Test Championship points, India's openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal unleashed a blistering assault on Bangladesh's bowling attack on Day 4 of the second Test in Kanpur.With two days lost to rain, India's hopes of reaching the WTC final hinge on a positive result. Jasprit Bumrah's three-wicket haul had earlier dismissed Bangladesh for 233 in their first innings.Sharma and Jaiswal wasted no time in setting the tone for India's response. Jaiswal opened his account with three consecutive boundaries off Hasan Mahmud, while Sharma smashed Khaled Ahmed for two sixes in the following over.Jaiswal continued his onslaught, hitting the last ball of Ahmed's over for four. Sharma then targeted Mahmud, sending the pacer for a six and forcing him to overstep for a no-ball.Jaiswal capped off the over with a six and two fours, propelling India to the fastest 50 in Test cricket history. The Indian duo's relentless attack marked the first time a team had scored 50 runs within the first three overs of a Test match.Sharma and Jaiswal's blistering start has put India in a commanding position as they seek to secure a victory that would boost their chances of reaching the WTC final.