Cricket

Mitchell Marsh's return to bowling remains uncertain as Australia prepares for their T20I series against Pakistan. Marsh has been sidelined for five months due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL. Despite his absence, Australia boasts a plethora of all-rounders, including Jake Fraser-McGurk, who is the only squad member who neither bowls nor keeps wicket.Marsh expressed his willingness to prioritize opportunities for Cameron Green and Aaron Hardie with the ball, suggesting that his own medium pace may not be necessary. "I'm sort of just building," Marsh said. "I don't tend to bowl myself too much, and we're lucky that we've got plenty of bowling options within our team."Australia's management is prioritizing player workloads ahead of the five-match Test series against India, which begins on November 22. Pat Cummins has been rested from the entire England tour to manage his bowling load. "A lot of our priorities will be geared around that," said coach Andrew McDonald. "We'll be very pointed around who does what in terms of [Sheffield] Shield cricket coming into the summer to make sure that they are ready for that first Test match."Marsh's availability for the T20Is against Pakistan is uncertain, as players included in the Test squad are expected to be rested. "We may have to give up a little bit in terms of that Pakistan white-ball series with certain players, to make sure that we are firmly prepared," McDonald said.Australia's recent T20 World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, with back-to-back defeats against Afghanistan and India eliminating them from the Super Eight. Marsh, who retained the T20 captaincy, acknowledged the team's shortcomings. "We went there with the hope of winning it, like every other team did, and unfortunately, we didn't play our best cricket at the right time," Marsh said.McDonald identified fielding as a key area for improvement. "We've got a few things that we need to work through, but clearly the key area for us that was disappointing was our fielding," he said. "That makes it really difficult for the captain and the team to function."

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has earned widespread acclaim for his exceptional bowling skills. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has recently heaped praise on Bumrah, stating that his unique action would pose a threat to batters even on cement pitches.Bumrah's unorthodox bowling style has been a subject of discussion throughout his career. Despite initial skepticism about his ability to succeed in Test cricket, Bumrah has silenced critics with his impressive performances. He boasts an average of just 20.69 and a strike rate of 45.1 in the longest format of the game.Ali highlighted Bumrah's ability to deceive batters with his awkward action. "Even if you play Bumrah on a cement pitch, his awkward action could deceive batters. That is the reality. Not the rest of the bowlers. For the rest, it depends on form and rhythm," Ali said on his YouTube channel.Bumrah's versatility extends beyond his Test prowess. He has also been instrumental in India's success in limited-overs cricket, winning the Player of the Tournament award in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Ali praised Bumrah's ability to pick up wickets with deliveries typically used in white-ball cricket."He comes in, takes a wicket and then picks three in his next spell. He is very deceptive, his slower one is accurate. Usually, the deliveries you bowl in white-ball cricket, he picks wickets on such deliveries in the Test format. He is special," Ali said.Despite his impressive performances, Bumrah was not named as the vice-captain for India's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. This decision has raised eyebrows, as Bumrah has assumed deputy roles in recent Test series. However, it may indicate that the BCCI and Gautam Gambhir are considering a more long-term captaincy option.Bumrah has already claimed 159 wickets in just 36 Test matches and is rapidly approaching the 200-wicket mark. He will be joined by Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and debutant Yash Dayal in the pace attack during the Bangladesh series.

Suryakumar Yadav, renowned for his explosive batting in limited-overs cricket, has recently turned heads with his unexpected bowling exploits. During Mumbai's Buchi Babu tournament match against TNCA XI, Yadav experimented with off-spin, delivering a high full toss that nearly resulted in an injury. The incident highlighted Yadav's willingness to contribute in all aspects of the game.Yadav's bowling adventure didn't end there. In a T20 match against Sri Lanka last month, he surprised many by bowling and even completing a Super Over. However, his bowling exploits in the Buchi Babu tournament were overshadowed by Mumbai's struggles against a dominant TNCA XI.Despite Himanshu Singh's five-wicket haul, TNCA XI posted a commanding first innings total exceeding 350 runs. R Sai Kishore then spearheaded the bowling attack, dismantling Mumbai's batting lineup, which folded for a paltry 156 runs.While the team's performance was underwhelming, the tournament holds significant weight for Suryakumar Yadav's Test aspirations. Having made his Test debut earlier this year against Australia, Yadav is aiming for a recall to the Indian Test squad for the upcoming Bangladesh series.With his inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad, Yadav views the Buchi Babu tournament and the upcoming first-class competition as crucial opportunities to showcase his red-ball prowess and solidify his position in the Test team. Whether Yadav can replicate his limited-overs success in the longer format remains to be seen, but his participation in the Duleep Trophy indicates a clear intention to excel in red-ball cricket.

James Anderson, England's legendary fast bowler, has hinted at a potential return to competitive cricket after his international retirement. Despite turning 42 recently, Anderson believes he still has the skills and desire to contribute as a bowler.Following his final Test match at Lord's, Anderson has been assisting England's bowlers in a coaching capacity. However, he may consider stepping back from this role during the upcoming tours to Pakistan and New Zealand, opening up his schedule for overseas opportunities."I feel there's something there, that I still want to play a little bit more," Anderson said. "I'm pretty open to anything at the minute. Things will become clearer as the rest of the year progresses."Anderson has not played white-ball cricket since 2019, but he remains England's all-time leading ODI wicket-taker. He believes he can still be effective in this format, having bowled at England's batters in the nets recently."I don't know how seriously I'm actually thinking about this myself right now," Anderson admitted. "But the bowling thing is still a definite option for me, the way my body feels right now, the way my head is."Anderson also expressed his desire to give back to Lancashire, the county where he developed as a young bowler. "I've played more Tests than I have first-class games for Lancs," he said. "Whenever I've gone back, I've tried my very best and loved it."Despite his age, Anderson remains confident in his ability to bowl fast and effectively. "There will be a time when I can't turn my arm over at all and I can't bowl at 50mph, never mind 80, so while I can do that, I want to keep doing it," he said.Anderson's potential return to competitive cricket would be a remarkable achievement for a player of his age. It would also provide a valuable opportunity for younger bowlers to learn from one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.

Jasprit Bumrah Praises Rohit Sharma's Leadership, Reflects on Growth as a BowlerIndian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has heaped praise on Rohit Sharma's leadership skills, highlighting the strong bond and understanding they have developed over the years.Bumrah, who has played under Rohit's captaincy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Indian national team, recalled his early days with the Mumbai Indians, where he relied heavily on Rohit to set the field placements for him. However, over time, he realized the importance of becoming more self-reliant and started learning the craft himself."When I came into cricket, I didn't know a lot - when I started playing IPL - I used to go and tell Rohit Sharma you set the field, I don't know. I am going to bowl this ball, you set the field & I trust you, whatever the field right you set the field' - then slowly I realised I can't be overly dependent on others then I started learning the craft," Bumrah told Indian Express.Bumrah's growth as a bowler has been remarkable, and he is now considered one of the best in all three formats of the game. His stellar performance at the T20 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament, further cemented his status.Bumrah's ability to adapt and learn has been a key factor in his success. He has worked tirelessly to improve his skills and has become a more complete bowler. His ability to bowl with pace, accuracy, and control makes him a formidable opponent for any batsman.Bumrah's admiration for Rohit's leadership is a testament to the strong relationship they have built over the years. Rohit's ability to inspire and motivate his players has been a key factor in India's success under his captaincy.

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he claimed 15 wickets and earned the Player of the Tournament award, further cemented his status as a cricketing icon. His unique bowling action has garnered admiration from experts and fans alike.However, a young boy has recently emerged on social media, captivating attention with his uncanny resemblance to Bumrah's bowling style. The boy's video caught the eye of legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram, who shared it with the caption: "Wah jee wah look at that control and action exactly like the great @Jaspritbumrah93 video of the day for me. #crickethavenoboundiers."Bumrah's impact extends beyond T20 cricket, as he has proven equally effective in ODIs and Tests. Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja recently hailed Bumrah as a "legend of all three formats," praising his ability to excel in all aspects of the game.Raja's comments resonated with India's new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who emphasized the importance of all-format players. "I'm a very strong believer in one thing, that if you're good, you should be playing all the three formats," Gambhir said. "They don't want to stay and they don't want to be labelled as red-ball bowler or white-ball bowler."Bumrah's success has inspired a new generation of cricketers, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. The young boy's emulation of Bumrah's bowling action serves as a testament to the Indian pacer's influence on the sport.

The Indian cricket team's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup was a testament to their exceptional bowling prowess. Among the standout performers was young pacer Arshdeep Singh, who emerged as a joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi.Arshdeep's impressive tally of 17 wickets, coupled with his economical bowling average of 7.16, earned him high praise from former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja. Raja lauded Arshdeep's ability to thrive under pressure and his willingness to learn from his more experienced teammate, Jasprit Bumrah."Arshdeep is not getting pressured by Bumrah's presence," Raja said. "He's learning from him and not feeling the pressure. It's important for him to back himself and prove that he's at par with Bumrah, if not better than him."Raja highlighted Arshdeep's versatility and adaptability, noting his ability to bowl a variety of deliveries, including length balls, slower balls, and slower bouncers. This versatility allowed him to effectively navigate the challenging batting conditions on flat tracks."He comes on to bowl in do-or-die situations," Raja said. "But he bowls cleverly and to his field. He offers a lot of advantage to his team."Raja also praised the overall improvement in the skill level of Indian bowlers, attributing it to a willingness to learn and a competitive environment."The skill level is going up and there is a willingness to learn," Raja said. "That's an important element you see in Arshdeep's bowling."Arshdeep's performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup has solidified his status as a rising star in Indian cricket. His ability to complement Bumrah's brilliance and his unwavering determination to improve make him a valuable asset to the team.

Sophie Ecclestone, the world's top-ranked bowler in both T20Is and ODIs, has been a dominant force in women's cricket for nearly five years. However, keeping her motivated remains a priority for the England Women's team.Ecclestone's exceptional left-arm spin has terrorized opposition batters, with her recent 5-wicket haul against New Zealand highlighting her prowess. England captain Heather Knight acknowledges the need to keep Ecclestone engaged, stating, "She loves taking wickets and we have to do some funky fields to keep her interested."Head coach Jon Lewis emphasizes the importance of ensuring Ecclestone's enjoyment of the game. "She has an incredible talent, and our job is to make sure she keeps enjoying her cricket," he said.Ecclestone attributes her motivation to the camaraderie within the team and the thrill of competition. "That definitely keeps me interested, that I travel the world with my best mates and you play cricket for your country with your best mates," she said. "And the competition, I love the competition. Ashes series, World Cup finals, super overs in a World Cup, that's what I live for, that's what I train for."Ecclestone's journey began in 2016, and she has since become England's leading wicket-taker in T20Is. She also has an impressive ODI record, with 108 wickets at an exceptional economy rate of 3.66.Despite missing out on England's 2017 World Cup triumph, Ecclestone has played a crucial role in the team's subsequent success. She is eager to add a World Cup and Ashes victory to her resume, with the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and the Ashes series in Australia being key motivators."It's just win a World Cup and an Ashes," Ecclestone said. "That World Cup at Lord's, that was the last World Cup [England] won and we've not won an Ashes since because I've been a part of them all, so it'd be really nice to do that in the space of six months, win the World Cup in Bangladesh, win the Ashes. It would be an amazing few months for us."Ecclestone's humility and team-oriented mindset are evident in her praise for her fellow spinners, Sarah Glenn and Charlie Dean. "It's a nice little trio, me, Glenny, and Deano, and we all bring something different whether it's on the pitch or off the pitch," she said.Ecclestone's infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to her team make her an invaluable asset. As she continues to dominate the world of bowling, her teammates and fans alike can expect more exceptional performances and a continued pursuit of cricketing glory.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has emerged as the most dominant bowler of his generation, showcasing an unparalleled combination of skill, precision, and versatility. His exceptional performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup cemented his status as a true maestro of the game.Bumrah's bowling technique is a marvel to behold. With a hyperextended right elbow and a braced left knee, he generates immense pace and momentum. His ability to shape the ball in the air, break away on pitching, and tail in late makes him a nightmare for batters. He can also grip and turn the ball, delivering it with a slight tweak of the fingers, making him equally effective against both right-handers and left-handers.In the T20 World Cup, Bumrah was the tournament's leading wicket-taker, claiming 15 wickets at an astonishing average of 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17. His impact on India's campaign was immeasurable, as he consistently provided crucial breakthroughs and controlled the flow of runs.One of Bumrah's most memorable performances came in the final against South Africa. With India needing to defend 30 runs off 30 balls, Rohit Sharma turned to his ace bowler. Bumrah delivered a gun 16th over, conceding just four singles and putting immense pressure on the Proteas.In the 18th over, Bumrah produced another masterpiece, dismissing Marco Jansen with a pearler. This wicket tilted the balance in India's favor and paved the way for their eventual victory.Beyond his bowling prowess, Bumrah has also emerged as a leader and mentor within the Indian team. He was seen offering encouragement and guidance to his fellow bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh, who was the joint leading wicket-taker of the tournament alongside Bumrah.Former Indian pacer Lakshmipathi Balaji has hailed Bumrah as the second best Asian fast bowler ever after Wasim Akram, citing his ability to generate pace and power from the upper body rather than the lower body. Balaji also praised Bumrah's remarkable recovery from a career-threatening back injury last year.As Bumrah continues to dominate the world of cricket, his legacy as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time is being cemented. His unique combination of skill, versatility, and leadership makes him a true force to be reckoned with.