Cricket

Shakib Al Hasan, the legendary Bangladesh all-rounder, has been requested by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to undergo an analysis of his bowling action. This request comes after umpires reported him during his solitary appearance for Surrey in the County Championship this season.Shakib, now 37, made a significant impact in his first County Championship appearance since 2011, claiming nine wickets for Surrey in a thrilling clash with Somerset at Taunton in September. As a left-arm spinner, he had agreed to a short-term deal to bolster Surrey's resources during their title push, with eight players absent on England duty.Despite his immediate impact, Shakib was unable to prevent Somerset from securing a remarkable 111-run victory that briefly halted Surrey's march towards their third consecutive Championship title. He bowled over 63 overs in the fixture, and while he was not no-balled for throwing at any stage, it has now emerged that the on-field umpires, Steve O'Shaughnessy and David Millns, subsequently deemed his bowling action to be suspect.Shakib is not currently suspended from playing, but negotiations are reportedly underway for him to undergo further tests in an approved location within the next couple of weeks. This is believed to be the first time that Shakib's bowling action has come under scrutiny in his illustrious career spanning two decades. He has taken a total of 712 wickets across 447 international matches, including 246 in 71 Tests.Shakib's international career is currently in limbo following protests that accompanied his withdrawal, on security grounds, from Bangladesh's Test squad to face South Africa at Mirpur last month. He had previously served as an MP for the longstanding Awami League-led government, which was toppled amid student protests in July.

Jasprit Bumrah's Iconic Bowling Action Remains Unchanged: Mumbai Indians' Viral Video Sparks ExcitementMumbai Indians ignited a frenzy on social media with a captivating video showcasing Jasprit Bumrah's signature bowling action. The post, part of the "10-year challenge," juxtaposes Bumrah's bowling technique from 2014 to 2024. Despite the passage of time, fans were mesmerized by the uncanny resemblance in his unique delivery, underscoring why Bumrah is hailed as one of India's greatest fast bowlers.The video's release coincides with Bumrah's unexpected inclusion in India's squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Having last featured in red-ball cricket in March 2024, many anticipated Bumrah's exclusion, particularly given the demanding international schedule ahead, including Tests against New Zealand and a highly anticipated series against Australia later this year. However, selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, appear to have a different strategy.Bumrah's selection for the Bangladesh series is likely a calculated move to ensure the pacer remains match-fit for the upcoming crucial fixtures. Bumrah has been India's indispensable bowler in overseas conditions, especially in Australia, where his ability to generate bounce and swing has been instrumental. With 32 wickets in just seven matches in Australia, his record speaks volumes. His potential to play a pivotal role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy means India cannot afford to have a rusty Bumrah stepping straight into action.The first Test against Bangladesh, commencing in Chennai, provides an ideal opportunity for Bumrah to gradually reintegrate into red-ball cricket. While spin is expected to dominate the series, Bumrah's workload will likely be carefully managed, possibly playing just one Test to fine-tune his rhythm.Bumrah's inclusion in the Test squad has sparked a debate among cricket enthusiasts. Some argue that it is a prudent decision to ensure his fitness for the upcoming challenges, while others believe it is unnecessary to risk his well-being in a series where spin is likely to play a more significant role.Regardless of the differing opinions, Bumrah's iconic bowling action remains a sight to behold. The Mumbai Indians' viral video serves as a testament to his unwavering consistency and exceptional talent. As India gears up for a challenging international schedule, Bumrah's presence in the squad provides a sense of reassurance and anticipation.

Young Girl Impresses with Spot-On Imitation of Jasprit Bumrah's Bowling ActionA young girl has become an internet sensation after her uncanny imitation of Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's unique bowling action went viral on social media. The video showcases the girl's remarkable ability to replicate Bumrah's signature style, from his short run-up to his rapid arm movement and release.Bumrah's unorthodox bowling action has become a trademark of his bowling prowess, baffling batsmen around the world. The girl's ability to mimic his action with such precision has garnered praise from cricket enthusiasts and fans alike. The video has been widely shared across social media platforms, with users applauding the girl's talent and potential.Bumrah is expected to return for the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand, which is set to commence on October 16. The talented bowler has been on a well-earned break following India's triumphant campaign in the T20 World Cup.However, it is anticipated that Bumrah might continue his rest period during the two Tests against Bangladesh scheduled for September. The Indian team management and selectors are reportedly exploring options to introduce more variety into the pace attack. As a result, there is a possibility of including a left-arm seam and swing bowler to the pool of pacers who are competing for a spot in the Test squad.This strategic move aims to add depth and versatility to the bowling lineup, providing the team with a wider range of options to choose from based on the playing conditions and opposition.

Lauren Bell's maiden international five-wicket haul sealed a 3-0 sweep for England in their ODI series against New Zealand. The 23-year-old seamer has been working on remodeling her bowling action, which has led to an ability to swing the ball both ways.Bell's journey to this breakthrough has been challenging. After returning from England's tour of New Zealand earlier this year, she was tasked with bowling more upright. This change has been tricky to implement while playing on the international stage, but Bell has persevered with the support of her team-mates and coaching staff."It's been a tricky few months, so yeah, it was nice to come out of today with some real success, it was a great day," Bell said. "I got back from the series in New Zealand and we just thought to push my career on, make me a better bowler, we'd changed a few things with my action.""But obviously when you bowl a certain way for however long, it has been tricky. I don't really have a training block, I've just been playing, but it's definitely for the best in the long term and I guess today shows that it is going to push me forward. But yeah, it is obviously hard doing it on an international stage."Bell's wickets on Wednesday came from a back-of-a-length, top-of-the-stumps approach. However, she believes that her new action will allow her to be more versatile in the future."I fell away a lot, and so we thought if we could get me more upright, it'd be safer. It means I can bowl more and it means I should be quicker and from being taller I get more bounce," she explained. "So it came from that point of view initially, to add pace to my bowling, pace and bounce, and leading me to be more upright allowed me to then be able to swing it both ways."Bell's bowling coach, Matt Mason, has been a key figure in her development. "I think he would've felt like a proud dad today," Bell said. "There's been tears, there's been drama, there's been disagreements. We work really closely and he's put in a lot of time to get me here."Bell is confident that her new action will help her become a more effective bowler in the long run. "I've gone a long time not really having to think much about how I bowl. Now, my change in action, I very much have to concentrate on it, so I've learned that I need to focus and I've got a couple of cues that help me with that. I reset every ball and I focus in on my cues. It is a bit of a routine that I've picked up in the last couple of months that I think will take me a long way, especially in pressure situations."

Mayank Yadav, the young pace sensation from India, has emerged as a standout performer for the Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. His raw pace and precision have impressed fans and experts alike, but his promising start was abruptly halted by an injury during the third game for the franchise.Former India pacer Varun Aaron has weighed in on the matter, suggesting that a minor flaw in Yadav's bowling action could be contributing to his injury risks. Aaron, known for his own pace and action, commended Yadav's technique but highlighted that his left arm gets stuck into his hip when it comes down."His action is really, really good, and I really love his action. The only place where I feel he could look is where his left arm is. When it comes down, it gets stuck into his hip," Aaron shared on Star Sports.Aaron suggested that allowing the left arm to flow through instead of getting stuck could alleviate some of the strain on Yadav's body, potentially reducing the risk of injury."So when you talk about generating force and then releasing that force. If you are generating so much force, force is not getting released in the same intensity. You're gonna have a blockage, there's gonna be injuries. So if he can get his left arm go through instead of getting stuck. That will definitely put a little less load on the body," Aaron elaborated.Despite the setback, there's hope on the horizon for the 21-year-old speedster. After a near three-week layoff due to a lower abdominal injury, Yadav has resumed bowling in the nets, indicating progress toward a return to action. Lucknow Super Giants' assistant coach Sridharan Sriram expressed optimism about Yadav's recovery, hinting that he is nearing a comeback.Yadav's electrifying performances in his maiden IPL stint, where he consistently breached the 150 km/h mark and impressed with his wicket-taking ability, have undoubtedly left a lasting impression. His return to action will be eagerly anticipated by fans and experts alike, who are keen to see him continue his promising journey in the world of cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian spin maestro, has expressed concerns over the bowling action of Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, highlighting the potential risks to his physical well-being.Pathirana, who impressed for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their title-winning IPL campaign last year, has drawn comparisons to Lasith Malinga due to his slingy action. However, Ashwin believes that Pathirana's lower angle of release puts excessive strain on his back and front leg."His angle of release is much lower, which puts immense strain on his back," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. "His front leg literally collapses when he releases the ball; the core gets worked up too much, and it is very strenuous."In contrast, Ashwin praised Malinga's side-on action, which he described as "beautiful" and less taxing on the body. "Lasith Malinga goes for a beautiful side-on position. His back and feet will be parallel to the crease," Ashwin explained.Ashwin also noted that Pathirana's action is causing him to get into "dangerous positions and complications." He added, "I understand the complexity of facing him is different, but he is facing different problems now. This might be just his early stages, and his body needs to fill up more, but he is getting into some dangerous positions and complications."Pathirana's fitness is currently a concern after he suffered a hamstring injury during the second T20I against Bangladesh. His participation in the upcoming IPL season, which begins on March 22, remains uncertain.Ashwin's analysis highlights the importance of proper bowling technique to prevent injuries and ensure longevity in the sport. Pathirana's unique action may give him an advantage on the field, but it also raises questions about its long-term sustainability.