Cricket

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a prestigious Test cricket series between India and Australia, is set to expand to five matches for the first time since the 1991-92 season. The announcement was made by Cricket Australia (CA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).The extended series will be a highlight of the 2024-25 home summer schedule for Australia. The full schedule is expected to be released soon. The opening Test of the five-match series is scheduled to be played in Perth.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been a fiercely contested rivalry between India and Australia. India has won the last four series, including back-to-back away Test series victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21. However, Australia, led by Pat Cummins, defeated India in the World Test Championship final in London last year.The extension of the series to five Tests is a testament to the intense rivalry between the two cricketing nations. It will provide more opportunities for both teams to showcase their skills and compete for the coveted trophy.The BCCI and CA have expressed their commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Test cricket. The extended series is seen as a way to elevate the significance of Test cricket and uphold its legacy.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing calendar. The five-match series promises to deliver thrilling contests and unforgettable moments.

Western Australia's triumph in the Sheffield Shield final marked a significant milestone for the team, particularly for veteran paceman Joel Paris. With the victory, WA secured a hat-trick of titles, but for Paris, this one held special significance."I reckon this means more than the other two," Paris confided in teammates Sam Whiteman and Hilton Cartwright.Paris's words resonated with the team's resilience and determination throughout the season. Despite injuries to key quicks Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, and Matthew Kelly, WA relied on their fringe bowlers to step up. Cameron Gannon and Charlie Stobo played crucial roles, but it was Paris's unwavering presence that anchored the attack.Paris's new-ball bowling was instrumental in setting the tone for both of Tasmania's innings. He exploited the grassy surface, consistently beating the bat with sharp seam movement. Despite taking only two wickets in the final, Paris's contribution was undeniable.Over the course of the season, Paris amassed 39 wickets at an exceptional average of 15.2. His career tally now stands at 174 wickets in 44 first-class matches, with an impressive average of 20.05.Paris's durability was also remarkable, as he played five consecutive Shield matches and the Marsh Cup final despite a delayed start to the season due to a hamstring injury."When you're in a situation where you just have to keep going, I think your body senses that and just finds something," Paris said. "I'm really proud of what I've been able to achieve this year."Despite his limited international appearances, Paris remains on the radar of the Australian hierarchy. He played for Australia A last year and was considered for the Ashes tour."That desire to play for Australia is always there. For me that will never go away until I put up the boots," he said.Paris's future plans are uncertain, but he is considering a stint in the UK. For now, however, he is savoring the moment and looking forward to a well-deserved break.

As a spinner, dew can be a formidable adversary. However, when the opposition is cruising at 107 for 2, needing just 62 runs off 48 deliveries, the challenges escalate exponentially.R Sai Kishore, having bowled three wicketless overs for 19 runs, faced this daunting task. Rohit Sharma, set on 43, threatened to extinguish the Gujarat Titans' hopes. But it was at this critical juncture that Sai Kishore rose to the occasion."I anticipated dew to play a significant role," he later remarked. "The ball was damp, but surprisingly, it still held on the wicket. Usually, it slides on, but I was astonished by the grip I was getting. So, I adjusted my length and varied my pace, slowing down the ball in the air."Sai Kishore, who had not featured for the Titans throughout the previous season due to team composition, had made only five sporadic appearances in 2022. He recognized the need to produce something extraordinary to keep the Titans alive. By shortening his length and inducing the ball to dip, he achieved just that.Rohit Sharma fell victim to a sweep shot, trapped plumb in front. Sai Kishore's intervention had brought the game back to an even footing. His figures of 1 for 24 played a pivotal role in Mumbai's slowdown, particularly in the latter stages of their chase. The Titans varied their lengths and bowled into the pitch to deny the batters."Given the two-paced nature of the wicket, we opted to bowl into the wicket more frequently, trusting our length rather than aiming for yorkers," Sai Kishore explained. "This strategy yielded several wickets. It was aggressive bowling, even though the situation may have suggested otherwise."At the Titans, Sai Kishore has adapted to the role of second spinner behind Rashid Khan. In the TNPL and for Tamil Nadu, he is often deployed as a trump card in the Powerplay. This change of role can be challenging, but for someone eager for opportunities, it was the opening he needed."In other teams, I typically play the lead role. To assume the second role makes it even more exciting," Sai Kishore said. "Most batters will play off Rashid and target me. That makes the challenge more stimulating.""The coordination with Rashid is excellent; we discuss the game thoroughly. One of the strengths of this team is the unity among the players. Jayant Yadav, the offspinner, would often come in and offer advice. The communication is always open, which is fantastic."Sai Kishore believed the Titans were at least 10 runs short of their desired total. The plan was to stay in the game as long as possible and seize key moments, as they did in the death overs with Mohit Sharma and Rashid building on Sai Kishore's foundation."We felt we were 10 runs short, but the essence of this team and its management over the past two years is the emphasis on competition. Regardless of the outcome, we take pride in our performance. We competed exceptionally well. That was the message conveyed by our head coach, Ashish Nehra.""All credit to the culture he has established over the last two years. Players are not solely focused on the result; they prioritize competition and staying in the game."Sai Kishore is coming off a remarkable Ranji Trophy season, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker. He also made his mark as a captain, supporting young players who flourished due to clear role definitions.At the Titans, Sai Kishore relishes every opportunity to play, prepared to undertake the tough tasks without fear of consequences. "When you bowl four overs consecutively, it's like a one-day game; you can find your rhythm more easily.""With the Impact Player rule, we're playing six bowlers. I'm getting the role where I'm bowling four overs on the trot in the middle. I'm open to bowling one-over spells. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy or TNPL, that's how I use my overs, but with the quality of bowlers we have, I'm getting to bowl four overs, which I'm enjoying."

Kolkata Knight Riders' Andre Russell once again proved his worth at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, leading his team to a thrilling four-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite losing four wickets early on, Russell's explosive 25-ball 64, featuring seven sixes and three fours, propelled KKR to a formidable total of 208 for seven.Russell's teammate Phil Salt, who witnessed his power-hitting firsthand in The Hundred, expressed his admiration. "He's a phenomenal ball striker, the best in the world on his day," Salt said. "To see him do what he did is incredible."Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged Russell's impact, stating, "He takes the game away with his power and skill. At Eden, it's very tricky to challenge him."However, it was young Ramandeep Singh who laid the foundation for Russell's heroics. The 26-year-old's 35 runs off 17 balls, including a 54-run partnership with Salt, steadied the KKR innings."Ramandeep's innings set up the platform for Russell," Vettori said. "He put the pressure back on us."Salt also praised Ramandeep's contribution, saying, "He took the pressure off me and allowed me to play my game."Despite KKR's strong start, Heinrich Klaasen's counter-attacking fifty threatened to turn the tide. However, pacer Harshit Rana's two wickets in the final over, defending 12 runs, sealed the victory for KKR.Skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted to feeling nervous during the last over. "I had butterflies in my stomach," he said. "But I had belief in Harshit. This was his moment to become a hero."Rana's performance earned him a fine of 60% of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.

Corey Rocchiccioli's heroic performance in the Sheffield Shield final, despite battling a fever and cramps, has cemented his status as a rising star in Australian cricket.Despite waking up with a fever on the first day of the final, Rocchiccioli refused to let his illness sideline him. He took his place in the Western Australia team and bowled 22 overs on day two, claiming two crucial wickets that thwarted Tasmania's momentum.Rocchiccioli's determination was even more remarkable considering he was also battling cramps in both calves. "It was pretty hard at times," he said. "But playing in a Shield final, you've got no excuses."His efforts helped WA gain a decisive 161-run first-innings lead. Rocchiccioli finished with 4 for 48 from 28 overs, a performance that has drawn comparisons to Michael Jordan's famous "flu game" in basketball.On day four, Rocchiccioli tore through Tasmania's lower order, finishing with 3 for 55 to help WA clinch their third straight title. His performance has put him in contention to succeed Nathan Lyon in the Test team.Rocchiccioli's rise has been meteoric. He has become a WACA specialist, utilizing his height and canny drift to generate awkward bounce and deceive batters. His performances have caught the attention of national selectors, who were in attendance during the final.While Rocchiccioli remains humble about his chances of playing for Australia, his outstanding performances have consigned left-arm spinner Ashton Agar to the outer for WA. Rocchiccioli paid tribute to Agar, his club cricket teammate and close friend, for his support and guidance.Rocchiccioli's success is a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite not coming through WA's strong pathway program, he has worked tirelessly to establish himself as one of the most promising young spinners in the country.

Delhi Capitals' IPL campaign got off to a disappointing start with a four-wicket loss to Punjab Kings, but assistant coach Pravin Amre found solace in the scintillating cameo of Abhishek Porel.Porel, brought in as an Impact Substitute in the death overs, smashed an unbeaten 32 off 10 balls to help DC post a competitive 174/9. However, the total proved insufficient as Punjab chased down the target with four wickets to spare.Amre acknowledged the team's sloppy display on the field, which contributed to the loss. "Not the start we wanted, every team wants to start on a winning note. But there are a lot of positives from the game, our intent in batting was good," he said.Despite the defeat, Amre highlighted Porel's performance as a major positive. "We can also see the positive about Abishek Porel, the guy who came in and scored runs at a strike rate of more than 300. He got us to the par score of 170-plus," he added.DC suffered a major setback when pace spearhead Ishant Sharma sustained an ankle injury. To add to their woes, the Capitals dropped three catches, including that of Sam Curran, who went on to score a match-winning 63."In the bowling, I think Ishant's injury cost us and we all know catches win matches. We dropped a couple of crucial catches and maybe the outcome would have been different," Amre said."When you lose your main bowler it becomes difficult to contain them (opponents), but you have to credit Sam and Liam (Livingstone) for the way they batted and finished the game."The match marked skipper Rishabh Pant's comeback to cricket after a horrific car crash 15 months ago. Amre expressed his admiration for Pant's resilience."Sometimes as coaches, we don't get emotional, but this was emotional. Personally, it was special because I have closely seen his journey since his initial days at DC," he said."We are really happy with the way he conducted himself, it's not easy after a 14-month comeback and handling that kind of pressure."The Capitals will take on Rajasthan Royals in their next match on March 28.

Mumbai Indians have a history of fielding iconic T20 batters at the crucial No. 3 position, including Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and Cameron Green. However, in a recent match against Gujarat Titans, a relatively unknown name, Naman Dhir, took the stage at No. 3 after Ishan Kishan's early dismissal.Dhir, a 24-year-old hard-hitting batter from Punjab, has played only five T20 matches in his professional career and is yet to make his debut in 50-over domestic cricket. Despite his limited experience, he was acquired by Mumbai Indians for INR 20 lakh at the last auction.Dhir's selection is a testament to Mumbai Indians' scouting prowess. He has impressed with his big-hitting abilities, particularly in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup last year, where he amassed 466 runs at a strike rate of 192.56.In his IPL debut, Dhir showcased his power-hitting skills, smashing three consecutive fours and a six against Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai. He also lofted a six over long-off in the third over. However, Omarzai eventually dismissed Dhir lbw with the help of a review.Despite Dhir's impressive start, Mumbai Indians fell short by six runs in the end. However, his performance has raised eyebrows and suggests that he could be a valuable asset to the team in the future.

Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, has silenced his critics with an impressive knock in the opening match of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Parag, who has often been criticized for failing to capitalize on his opportunities, showcased his talent with a blistering 43 off just 29 deliveries against the Lucknow Super Giants.Parag's innings was a testament to his hard work and dedication in the off-season. He had a stellar run of form in domestic cricket, and he has carried that momentum into the IPL. His knock was characterized by aggressive strokeplay, with three towering sixes and one boundary.Parag's performance earned him widespread praise on social media, with fans and experts alike applauding his efforts. Many hailed it as a sign of his redemption and a potential breakout season for the young all-rounder.The Rajasthan Royals captain, Sanju Samson, had expressed confidence in Parag before the match, stating that he would be their number four batter. Parag justified Samson's faith with his impressive display, providing a much-needed boost to the Royals' batting lineup.The Royals, who won the toss and elected to bat first, posted a competitive total of 180/6. Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer also made significant contributions with scores of 45 and 37, respectively.The Lucknow Super Giants, in reply, fell short of the target, managing only 165/8. Marcus Stoinis top-scored for the Giants with 46, while Quinton de Kock and Nicholas Pooran chipped in with 35 and 32, respectively.The Royals' victory was a perfect start to their IPL campaign, and Parag's knock was a major highlight. The all-rounder has proven that he has the talent and determination to succeed at the highest level, and he will be looking to continue his impressive form throughout the season.

Australia's all-rounder Sophie Molineux made a triumphant return to ODI cricket, leading her team to a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second match of the three-game series. Molineux, who had been sidelined for over a year due to injuries, claimed impressive figures of 3 for 10 from 10 overs, helping to restrict Bangladesh to a meager total of 97.Bangladesh's innings was characterized by a lack of resistance, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Molineux played a pivotal role in their downfall, claiming the wickets of opener Shamima Sultana, captain Nigar Sultana, and all-rounder Fahima Khatun. The Australian bowlers, including Megan Schutt, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, and Alana King, collectively overwhelmed the Bangladesh batters, with only No. 9 Nahida Akter managing to reach double figures.In response, Australia's batters chased down the target with relative ease, despite losing three early wickets. Ellyse Perry top-scored with an unbeaten 35 from 50 balls, anchoring the innings and guiding her team to victory. Phoebe Litchfield and Tahlia McGrath both fell cheaply, but Perry combined with Gardner to steer Australia to a comfortable win.Molineux's performance was particularly impressive, as she demonstrated her versatility and ability to contribute in both bowling and batting. Her return to the Australian set-up is a significant boost for the team, as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa.Australia's victory gives them a 2-0 lead in the series, with the third and final ODI scheduled for Wednesday. The series will be followed by three T20Is, providing both teams with valuable preparation for the global tournament.