Cricket

Hardik Singh Draws Inspiration from Cricket Star Hardik Pandya's Clutch PerformancesIndian hockey vice-captain Hardik Singh has revealed that star cricket all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been a source of inspiration for him due to his ability to deliver exceptional performances in crucial moments.Hardik Singh, who played a pivotal role in India's historic bronze medal triumph at the Paris Olympics, praised Pandya's spectacular performances on the field. "I think Hardik Pandya is doing a really good job for the last 4-5 years. He is doing great," Singh said.Singh noted that Pandya's ability to stand up in important matches and play a decisive role is particularly inspiring. "I try to be myself, but I take inspiration from him as he stands up in important matches and plays a really important role," he added.Pandya's impact was evident in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, where he delivered a match-winning performance in the final against South Africa. He took crucial wickets and bowled a tight final over to defend 16 runs, helping India secure the title.Singh also acknowledged the uncanny success that the name "Hardik" has enjoyed across different sports fields this year. "Hardik naam hi achha hai," he said with a smile.Both Hardik Singh and Hardik Pandya have been instrumental in their respective teams' achievements. Singh's influential performances helped India claim back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympics, while Pandya's all-round brilliance has made him one of the top T20I all-rounders in the world.

Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has embarked on a new chapter in his cricketing career, taking the reins as head coach of the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL). Paine's appointment comes less than two years after he retired from professional cricket.Paine's coaching journey has been swift. After serving as Jason Gillespie's assistant with the Strikers last season, he has now taken over the top job following Gillespie's departure. The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) has opted to separate the state and BBL coaching roles, with Ryan Harris recently appointed as South Australia's head coach.Paine has gained valuable coaching experience in recent times. He is currently guiding the NT Strike in the Top End T20 series, and has previously assisted Adam Voges with Australia A, worked with the Under-19 setup, and coached the women's team."I am honored and excited by the opportunity to coach such a well-established and strongly supported club," Paine said. "I believe the Strikers team and the whole of South Australian cricket has huge potential, and I'm looking forward to being part of taking it forward and winning a few trophies."Last season, the Strikers surged into the finals with four consecutive victories, defeating the defending champions Perth Scorchers in the Knockout before bowing out to the eventual winners Brisbane Heat in the Challenger.Paine's international career came to an abrupt end when he resigned as Test captain on the eve of the 2021-22 Ashes series. His first major task as Strikers coach will be overseeing the BBL draft alongside captain Matt Short on September 1. The club has yet to announce any pre-draft signings and will have picks 5, 11, 20, and 29.Rashid Khan, a long-time Strikers player, was expected to return last season but was ruled out due to injury. He will be part of MI Cape Town in the SA20, which overlaps with the BBL in January. It remains to be seen whether he will nominate for the Strikers this year.The Strikers will be bolstered by the availability of Chris Lynn for the entire tournament after he signed a new one-year deal. Lynn had previously left the BBL early to play in the ILT20.

Lancashire's Josh Bohannon and Worcestershire's Jake Libby starred in a thrilling encounter at Emirates Old Trafford, with Lancashire ultimately prevailing by a narrow three-run margin.Lancashire, batting first, struggled initially against Worcestershire's pace attack. However, Bohannon's composed 87 and a 63-run partnership with Venkatesh Iyer steadied the innings. Bohannon's dismissal for 87 triggered a collapse, but George Balderson's 50 and Harry Singh's late cameo helped Lancashire post a competitive 237.Worcestershire's chase began poorly, with Ed Pollock and Gareth Roderick falling cheaply. Libby and Tom Taylor then combined for an 89-run stand, keeping Worcestershire in contention. However, Libby's dismissal for 83 proved pivotal.With 40 runs required off 28 balls, Tom Hinley threatened to snatch victory for Worcestershire. However, Venkatesh Iyer dismissed Hinley and Harry Darley in quick succession to secure a dramatic win for Lancashire.For Lancashire, the victory provided a much-needed boost after a disappointing 50-over campaign. Bohannon's innings was a highlight, while Charlie Barnard's three wickets showcased his bowling prowess.Worcestershire, despite the defeat, secured a home quarter-final against Warwickshire. Skipper Jake Libby's 83 ensured their overall run rate remained healthy.

Former Australian captain Allan Border has sparked controversy by calling for the iconic Gabba cricket ground in Brisbane to be demolished and replaced with a new multi-purpose stadium for the 2032 Olympics. Border believes that a new 60,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park would better serve the needs of multiple sports, including rugby, cricket, Australian rules football, and the Olympics.The Gabba has been a fortress for Australia, but India's historic Test series win in 2021 raised questions about its future. The Queensland government recently abandoned a $2.7 billion plan to demolish and rebuild the Gabba for the Olympics, instead investing in upgrades to other sporting facilities.Border argues that a new stadium would not only provide a world-class venue for major events but also generate revenue through the sale of property on the Gabba's current site. He believes that the uncertainty surrounding the Gabba's future has led to Brisbane being excluded from Australia's Test match schedule for the next seven years.Former wicketkeeper-batter Ian Healy shares Border's concerns, expressing Cricket Australia's anxiety about the future of cricket in Brisbane. Healy points out that other states are investing in new stadiums, while Brisbane has been left behind.The Queensland government's decision to reject a proposal for a new oval stadium at Victoria Park has further complicated the situation. With state elections approaching in October, the future of the Gabba remains uncertain.Border's proposal has sparked debate, with some supporting his call for a new stadium and others arguing for the preservation of the Gabba's heritage. The Queensland government will ultimately decide the fate of the iconic venue, which has played a significant role in Australian cricket history.

Yuzvendra Chahal, the renowned Indian leg-spinner, has joined Northamptonshire for the remainder of their Royal London One-Day Cup and County Championship campaigns. Chahal's arrival bolsters Northamptonshire's bowling attack, adding experience and wicket-taking prowess to their squad.Chahal, 34, has a distinguished record in international cricket, having played a pivotal role in India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. Despite not featuring in the tournament, he remains a valuable asset for the Indian team, particularly in the shortest format.Northamptonshire head coach John Sadler expressed his excitement about Chahal's addition to the team. "Yuzvendra is a high-profile overseas player who brings a wealth of experience and incredible skills," Sadler said. "His wicket-taking ability will add strength to our attack."Chahal's arrival comes at a crucial time for Northamptonshire, who are currently struggling in the One-Day Cup Group A table. With just one win from seven matches, they are one place off the bottom. Chahal's experience and skill could prove invaluable in helping the team improve their fortunes.In addition to the One-Day Cup, Chahal will also feature in the remaining five County Championship fixtures for Northamptonshire. This will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his red-ball skills and stay match-fit ahead of potential international commitments.Chahal's signing is a significant boost for Northamptonshire, who will be hoping to climb the standings in both competitions. His experience and wicket-taking ability could make a significant difference in their quest for success.

Babar Azam remains the undisputed king of ODI batting, holding onto the top spot in the ICC rankings. However, Rohit Sharma has made significant strides, climbing to the second position after his impressive performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka.Rohit's consistent batting in Sri Lanka, where he amassed 157 runs at an average of 52.33, has propelled him up the rankings. His scores of 58, 64, and 35 have earned him 765 points, just behind Babar's 824 points.Shubman Gill, who previously held the second spot, has dropped down to third, while Virat Kohli remains in fourth place. Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka has made a notable rise, moving up one spot to eighth.Sri Lanka's batting lineup also saw some impressive performances. Avishka Fernando (137 runs), Dunith Wellalage (108), Kusal Mendis (103), and Nissanka (101) were the key contributors. Nissanka's consistent performance has solidified his position in the top ten, while Mendis and Avishka have made significant gains in the rankings.Wellalage's bowling prowess was also on display, particularly his 5 for 27 in the final ODI. This performance has earned him a jump of 17 spots to 59th among bowlers.In the Test arena, South Africa's Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj have made notable progress. Bavuma's 86 in the first innings and 15 not out in the second have moved him up two spots to 16th on the batters' table. Tony de Zorzi's scores of 78 and 45 have also earned him a rise of 29 spots to 85th.Maharaj's exceptional bowling performance, with returns of 4 for 76 and 4 for 88, has earned him the Player-of-the-Match award and a jump of seven spots to joint 21st on the Test bowlers' table.

India's formidable bowling attack and exceptional batting lineup have positioned them as strong contenders for a third consecutive Test series victory in Australia, according to former head coach Ravi Shastri.With Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja leading the bowling charge, India possesses a potent arsenal capable of dismantling Australia's batting order. Shastri believes that if the Indian batsmen, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, can rise to the occasion, India has every chance of completing a hat-trick of series wins Down Under.Despite Ricky Ponting's prediction of a 3-1 series win for Australia, Shastri remains confident in India's ability to overcome the challenge. He emphasizes that the Indian bowlers have the experience and skill to deliver success, provided the batsmen provide adequate support.The upcoming five-match series in Australia, commencing in Perth in November, is highly anticipated. India has emerged victorious in the previous two Test series in Australia, retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2015.Shastri acknowledges that Australia, boasting a potent bowling lineup of their own, will be eager for revenge after suffering back-to-back series defeats. However, he believes that India's batting prowess and bowling strength will prove too formidable for the hosts.The clash between India's batting and Australia's fast bowlers is expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the series. Shastri highlights that the Indian bowling attack will also be under scrutiny, as they aim to replicate their success in previous tours of Australia.

Umpires Admit Error in Not Enforcing Super Over in Sri Lanka-India ODIIn a surprising turn of events, match officials involved in the tied first ODI between Sri Lanka and India have acknowledged that they mistakenly failed to enforce a Super Over as per the International Cricket Council's (ICC) playing conditions.According to ESPNcricinfo, the on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Raveendra Wimalasiri, along with match referee Ranjan Madugalle, TV umpire Paul Reiffel, and fourth umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, have internally admitted to misinterpreting the ODI playing conditions. The rules clearly state that in the event of a tie, teams must contest a Super Over to determine a winner.While there was initial confusion over whether the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the tour allowed for a Super Over, it has since been clarified that all tied ODIs will feature a Super Over, provided time and conditions permit.Despite the tie, neither team inquired about the absence of the Super Over, and the players immediately shook hands. However, questions quickly arose on social media, prompting the match officials to review their decision.The latest edition of the ODI playing conditions, released by the ICC in December 2023, explicitly states: "If the teams' scores are equal after both innings have been completed, then a Super Over shall be played. If the Super Over is a tie, then unless exceptional circumstances arise subsequent Super Overs shall be played until there is a winner. Should it not be possible to play or to complete the Super Overs needed to determine a winner, the match shall be tied."It is understood that Madugalle, Wilson, and Wimalasiri did not initially discuss any specific reason for not enforcing the Super Over. However, after further discussions, they decided to activate the Super Over in case of another tie in the remaining two ODIs of the three-match series, which Sri Lanka eventually won 2-0.In the match in question, India needed five runs from the final three overs, with two wickets in hand, to chase down the target of 231. Shivam Dube managed a four, but India lost consecutive wickets in the 48th over, resulting in the tie.The admission of error by the match officials highlights the importance of adhering to the established playing conditions to ensure fair and consistent outcomes in cricket matches.