Cricket

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia and India promises to be an enthralling spectacle, with both teams eager to prove their dominance. For the Indian cricketers, the challenge of playing in Australia's demanding conditions looms large.Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar emphasized the significance of the series, stating that it presents the ultimate test for Indian cricketers. India's recent dominance in the series, with four consecutive series wins, has instilled a sense of confidence within the team. However, Nayar cautioned that overcoming the challenges of Australian conditions requires a special mindset."It's one of the toughest challenges for an Indian cricketer, coming here and overcoming it," Nayar said. "I think a lot of the young boys are really keen and raring to go and hopefully make a name for themselves by the end of this tour."The Border-Gavaskar series will commence on November 22 with the first Test at Perth. The second Test, scheduled for December 6-10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the captivating day-night format. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14-18, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26-30. The series will culminate with the fifth and final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7.India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series includes a blend of experienced and promising players. Rohit Sharma will lead the team, with Jasprit Bumrah serving as vice-captain. Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, and Virat Kohli are among the senior players expected to play key roles.The series is poised to be a fierce battle between two of the world's top cricketing nations. India will be determined to extend its winning streak, while Australia will be eager to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil.

Sri Lanka's victory in the first ODI against New Zealand was a testament to their bowlers' resilience and adaptability. Despite a strong start from New Zealand's openers, Sri Lanka's bowlers managed to turn the tide and secure a 45-run victory via the DLS method.Kusal Mendis, who scored a career-best 143, was named Player of the Match. However, it was the bowlers who laid the foundation for Sri Lanka's success. Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, and Maheesh Theekshana faced a challenging situation after heavy rain during the innings break. The wet ball and outfield made it difficult for them to control the run rate.Theekshana eventually provided the breakthrough with a double-strike in the 14th over, removing both openers. Charith Asalanka then struck in consecutive overs, reducing New Zealand from 88 for 0 to 100 for 4. Asalanka's bowling exploits have become increasingly valuable for Sri Lanka, as he has picked up nine wickets in his last nine ODIs.Sri Lanka's decision to go with just four frontline bowlers was justified by Asalanka's performance. The trio of Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage provides Sri Lanka with flexibility in their bowling options.While the long-term feasibility of this strategy remains questionable, Sri Lanka is currently content with trialing out their current combination. The bowlers' ability to adapt to challenging conditions and execute their plans effectively was crucial in their victory against New Zealand.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has come under scrutiny for its handling of the ongoing impasse surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy. The tournament, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, has been thrown into jeopardy after India's refusal to travel to the country due to diplomatic tensions.Despite India's long-standing stance of not touring Pakistan, the ICC failed to anticipate the potential conflict when it awarded the hosting rights to the PCB. According to Cricbuzz, an unnamed "key official" criticized the ICC for not being more proactive in addressing the issue.The official pointed out that India's absence from the Champions Trophy was not raised as a concern in any of the 12 ICC Board meetings held since the tournament schedule was announced. This suggests that the ICC may have been complacent in its oversight of the situation.The PCB has maintained its position that it will not agree to a hybrid model for the tournament, similar to the Asia Cup last year where India's matches were played in Sri Lanka. The PCB insists that security is not an issue in Pakistan, citing the successful hosting of England and New Zealand recently.The ICC has yet to respond to the PCB's request for written confirmation from the BCCI regarding India's inability to travel to Pakistan. The governing body is reportedly discussing the schedule with participating teams, but no decision has been made.The PCB has also indicated that it is not willing to host the tournament outside of Pakistan, including in the UAE. This stance further complicates the situation, as the ICC may struggle to find an alternative venue that meets the requirements of all parties involved.The launch event for the Champions Trophy, which was scheduled to take place in Lahore, has been postponed indefinitely. This is a clear indication that the tournament is facing significant challenges and its future remains uncertain.

Rinku Singh's life took a dramatic turn after his extraordinary feat of hitting five consecutive sixes against Gujarat Titans' Yash Dayal in an IPL 2023 match. This remarkable performance not only propelled him to international fame but also earned him a lucrative contract renewal with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a staggering Rs 13 crore.Born into a humble family in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Singh's journey to the pinnacle of cricket is a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience. Despite facing financial hardships, his passion for the sport and his desire to support his family drove him to pursue cricket professionally.Singh's rise through the ranks was marked by hard work and exceptional talent. He honed his skills at the local level before making his mark in the domestic circuit. His fearless batting and exceptional finishing abilities caught the attention of KKR, who signed him in 2022.In the 2023 IPL season, Singh's star shone brightly. His unforgettable performance against Gujarat Titans, where he smashed five sixes in an over, cemented his place as a key player for KKR. This incredible feat earned him widespread recognition and admiration from cricket fans across the country.With his recent contract renewal, Singh has decided to invest in his dream home in his hometown of Aligarh. The luxurious bungalow, located in The Golden Estate of Ozone City, is a symbol of his achievements and gratitude towards his roots. The 500-square-yard property boasts a rooftop bar, private pool, and a special space dedicated to the bat with which he hit those five historic sixes.Singh's journey is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. His success story highlights the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering belief in one's dreams.

New Zealand's recent ODI loss to Sri Lanka in Dambulla may have been a setback, but it provided valuable lessons for the young Kiwi squad. With three debutants in the lineup, the match offered an opportunity to observe and learn from the hosts' mastery of unfamiliar conditions.Michael Bracewell, one of the debutants, emphasized the importance of adapting to the unique challenges of playing in Sri Lanka. "The conditions here are very different from what we face back home," he said. "We need to bank these experiences and learn from them to become better players."Sri Lanka's openers, Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando, showcased their expertise on a sluggish pitch, amassing a 206-run partnership that set the tone for the match. Bracewell acknowledged the significance of partnerships, noting that the Mendis-Fernando duo's contribution "changed the game."Despite a promising start from New Zealand's openers, Will Young and Tim Robinson, the chase faltered after their dismissals. Bracewell, who remained unbeaten on 34, expressed regret over not taking the game on earlier. "I could have taken the game on a little bit earlier," he said. "We didn't quite time the chase very well."The match highlighted the challenges of batting on Sri Lankan wickets, where spin is often dominant. However, Bracewell emphasized that batters can still succeed on such surfaces. "The batters played really well," he said. "We'll have to keep coming up with different answers and throwing different things at the Sri Lankan batters throughout the series."

Courtney Winfield-Hill, a former dual-sport professional, has been appointed as an assistant coach for the England Women's cricket team. She will join the squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa and the Women's Ashes.Winfield-Hill, 37, has a wealth of experience in both cricket and rugby league. As a player, she represented Queensland Fire and Brisbane Heat in cricket, and Leeds Rhinos in rugby league, leading them to a Grand Final and Challenge Cup double in 2019. She also represented England in rugby league at the 2022 World Cup.In recent years, Winfield-Hill has transitioned into coaching, holding roles with WBBL side Brisbane Heat, Trent Rockets in the Women's Hundred, and Northern Diamonds. She has also worked as an assistant coach with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women's Premier League and England Women's A and U19 squads.Winfield-Hill's appointment is seen as a positive step for the England Women's team, as she brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the coaching staff."I am really proud to be a part of the set-up," Winfield-Hill said. "Since working with England teams, I have been made to feel nothing but welcomed and feel the ECB have invested in developing me as a coach.""The development of the domestic game over the last five years has been brilliant to watch and I have taken a lot from recent involvements with the England A, development games and the Ireland tour. South Africa and the Ashes are two exciting series and I am really looking forward to linking up and working with the group."Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women's Cricket, praised Winfield-Hill's appointment, saying: "Courtney has played such an important role in developing the up-and-coming players on our international pathway and adds tremendous value in any environment she is part of.""She will bring a different outlook on the game into the coaching team which will ensure the support we provide to players continually moves forward in what will be an exciting period for the senior team."

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is undergoing rigorous training in Mumbai to prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Despite uncertainty surrounding his participation due to family reasons, Rohit is determined to stay match-fit.Sources close to the team reveal that Rohit is training at both the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) facilities and Reliance Corporate Park (RCP). His training regimen includes treadmill sprints, weight training, and outdoor runs. The focus is on honing his skills and conditioning for the challenging series against Australia.Rohit's decision on his travel plans will be made after attending to family matters. Meanwhile, other members of the Indian team have already arrived in Perth. Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Mohammed Siraj traveled in two batches, while former captain Virat Kohli arrived with his family. Jasprit Bumrah joined the team later on Monday.As captain, Rohit faces added pressure following India's recent struggles in Test matches. His own form has also been under scrutiny. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which kicks off on November 22 in Perth, will be a crucial test for Rohit and the Indian team. The series features a day-night Test in Adelaide and concludes in Sydney in early January.

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, has been diligently preparing for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in Perth. A recent video shared by Fox Cricket on Twitter captured Kohli's intense training session, showcasing his unwavering determination ahead of the crucial series.Kohli's presence in Australia has generated immense excitement among fans, who eagerly gathered at the Perth nets to witness their hero in action. The video highlights the lengths fans went to catch a glimpse of the "King," as Fox Cricket aptly described him.Kohli's popularity in Australia has always been evident, with his presence consistently attracting extensive media coverage and high viewership. However, this upcoming series holds immense significance for Kohli, who is facing pressure to regain his best form and secure his place in the Test squad.With younger players emerging and vying for spots in the starting eleven, Kohli's position in the team is under scrutiny. The Australian series presents him with an opportunity to silence critics and prove his worth. Kohli has a history of exceptional performances in Australia, and his supporters are hopeful that he can replicate his past success.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a pivotal moment in Kohli's illustrious career. It is a chance for him to demonstrate his resilience and reaffirm his status as one of the greatest batters of all time. With the eyes of the cricketing world upon him, Kohli is determined to deliver and lead India to victory.

Jackson Bird, a veteran seamer, turned back the clock with a remarkable seven-wicket haul as New South Wales (NSW) secured a 30-run first-innings lead over South Australia (SA) on day one of their Sheffield Shield match.Bird's exceptional performance at Adelaide's Karen Rolton Oval on Thursday saw him torment SA's batters, who were dismissed for a paltry 110. His nagging deliveries outside the off stump proved too much for the hosts, with five batters edging to the slips. Conor McInerney also fell victim to Bird's guile, inside-edging a ball to short leg in the opening over.NSW openers Sam Konstas and Nic Maddinson provided a solid response, reaching 140 for 2 at stumps. Maddinson led the way with a patient 69 from 163 balls, while Konstas contributed a promising 28 before falling lbw to Harry Conway.Konstas, considered a rising star in Australian cricket, showcased his potential with some impressive shots, including a delightful drive down the ground off Conway. However, his dismissal to a ball that nipped back into him highlighted the challenges of facing a quality bowling attack.Maddinson, on the other hand, displayed his experience and composure, absorbing pressure before taking charge in the final session. He struck two elegant drives off Nathan McAndrew and smashed Conway through cover to reach his half-century.However, a moment of brilliance from Lloyd Pope brought Maddinson's innings to an end. Pope's delivery drifted, dipped, and spun back between Maddinson's bat and pad, bowling him in a rare bright spot for SA.Despite Maddinson's departure, NSW remains in a strong position heading into day two. Patterson, who finished the day unbeaten on 32, will look to build on his innings and extend the Blues' lead.