Cricket

Mohammed Siraj's heart-wrenching experience during the 2020-21 tour of Australia, where he received the devastating news of his father's death, is a testament to the emotional challenges that athletes face. Despite the immense grief, Siraj chose to stay with the team, inspired by the unwavering support of Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri, and other senior players.Siraj's decision to prioritize his nation over personal tragedy is a reflection of the mental strength and resilience required in sports. He channeled his emotions into his performance, delivering stellar performances in the Melbourne, Sydney, and fourth Tests, playing a crucial role in India's historic 2-1 series win.Mental conditioning coaches play a vital role in helping athletes navigate such deeply emotional moments. They provide emotional support, help players develop coping mechanisms, and assist them in finding deeper meanings in their performances.Jody Martins, a South African mental and conditioning coach, emphasizes the importance of a robust identity, a deep understanding of one's performance process, and an awareness of how performance works. He works with teams to create systems, processes, and a performance-driven culture that fosters individual growth and team success.Martins' approach to coaching varies depending on the stage of an athlete's career. For young athletes, he focuses on general mental performance principles and helps them develop a well-rounded approach to cricket and life. For established international players, he provides more specific support, addressing challenges related to specific tours, opponents, or conditions.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaching, Martins highlights the importance of mental conditioning in helping players cope with isolation and perform under challenging conditions. He encourages players to embrace the experience, maintain a healthy routine, and stay connected with loved ones.In the aftermath of emotional setbacks, such as South Africa's heartbreaking loss to India in the recent T20 World Cup, Martins emphasizes the need for honest conversations about emotions, acknowledging them, and learning from the experience. He believes that emotions can become a source of strength if they are processed and integrated into an athlete's performance.Martins' work with Temba Bavuma, the South African captain, exemplifies the qualities of elite cricketers who seek to maximize their game in all aspects, including mental strength. He believes that vulnerability and openness are signs of mental strength, allowing players to share their shortcomings and seek support.

Mohammed Shami's Return Boosts India's Hopes for Border-Gavaskar TrophyWith the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia approaching, the return of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has ignited excitement among Indian cricket enthusiasts. Shami, who has been sidelined with a long-term injury, made a remarkable comeback in the Ranji Trophy, sparking calls for his inclusion in the Test squad.Kirti Azad, a member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team, believes Shami should be part of the squad for the second Test in Adelaide, provided he is fully fit. "Mohammed Shami is the best seam bowler India has," Azad said. "He has excellent control, can swing both ways, and is a very sensible bowler."Shami's return to competitive cricket has been impressive. In his first match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh, he claimed a seven-wicket haul, dismantling the opposition's batting lineup. He also contributed with the bat, scoring a quickfire 37 runs.To gain more playing time, Shami will represent Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 with the first Test in Perth, followed by a Day-Night encounter in Adelaide from December 6.Azad acknowledged the challenges of playing in Australia, particularly on the bouncy wickets of Perth and Melbourne. However, he expressed confidence in the Indian team's ability to adapt to any conditions. "The Indian team is capable of playing on any track," he said. "They have played against international bowlers and batters in IPL matches."Shami's return provides a significant boost to India's bowling attack. His experience, skill, and ability to swing the ball both ways will be crucial in the upcoming series. With Shami in the squad, India will have a more balanced and formidable bowling unit capable of challenging Australia's formidable batting lineup.

India's preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have suffered a setback with the news that opener Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hairline fracture on his left thumb. The injury occurred during a match simulation in Perth on Saturday, leaving Team India scrambling for a replacement in the playing XI.Former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Kirti Azad has suggested that Virat Kohli should be considered as the ideal candidate to fill the void at No. 3 in Gill's absence. Azad believes that Kohli's experience and ability to perform under pressure make him the best choice for the crucial position.However, Kohli's record at No. 3 in Test cricket has been inconsistent. In eight innings at the position since his debut, he has scored just 167 runs at an average of 23.85, with only one fifty to his name. His overall Test performance in 2024 has also been underwhelming, with 250 runs at an average of 22.72 across twelve innings.Despite Kohli's recent struggles, Azad remains confident that he can rediscover his form in Australia. "He likes challenges, though this is a tough one in Australia," Azad said.Other potential candidates to replace Gill at No. 3 include Hanuma Vihari, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav. Vihari has a solid Test record, averaging 32.61 in 16 matches, while Iyer has impressed in limited-overs cricket and has a first-class average of 52.18. Yadav, on the other hand, is a dynamic batter who has made a name for himself in the Indian Premier League.The Indian team management will have a tough decision to make in selecting Gill's replacement. Kohli's experience and pedigree make him the favorite, but his recent form is a concern. Vihari and Iyer offer more stability, while Yadav brings a touch of flair and unpredictability.

India's Opening Test Dilemma: Padikkal and Jurel Set to Replace Rohit and GillWith just three days remaining before India's highly anticipated Test series against Australia commences in Perth, the tourists have been dealt a blow with the absence of key players. Skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the series opener due to the birth of his son, while Shubman Gill has fractured his thumb during a simulation game.To fill the void left by Rohit and Gill, India have a pool of reserves to choose from, including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel. However, recent practice sessions have hinted at the team management's preference for Padikkal and Jurel.During a practice session on Tuesday, Padikkal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were observed fielding in the slip cordon, while Jurel, a wicket-keeper batter, was spotted in the gully. These fielding positions suggest that Padikkal and Jurel are likely to be included in the playing XI for the Perth Test.Jurel has impressed in the practice games he has played in Australia, scoring two half-centuries while batting in the middle order. However, with Rishabh Pant set to keep wickets, Jurel will need to play as a specialist batter in Perth.The names of Gaikwad and Easwaran were also considered as potential replacements for Rohit and Gill. However, the team management appears to have settled on Padikkal and Jurel for the opening Test.India's top six for the Perth Test is likely to be:1. Padikkal2. Kohli3. Rahul4. Jaiswal5. Jurel6. Pant (WK)This lineup will face a formidable Australian bowling attack led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon. India will be hoping that Padikkal and Jurel can provide a solid start and set the platform for a successful series opener.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, both teams are grappling with batting concerns. India is worried about Virat Kohli's recent poor form, while Australia is facing a dilemma over Steve Smith's position in the batting order.Kohli, the former India captain, has struggled for runs in recent months, averaging just 26.50 in his last 10 Test innings. His poor form has raised questions about his place in the team, especially with the emergence of young players like Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav.Australia, on the other hand, is facing a different kind of batting dilemma. Steve Smith, one of the world's best batsmen, has been struggling to find his form as an opener. In his last 10 Test innings as an opener, Smith has averaged just 27.80.Smith's struggles have led to calls for him to move back to his preferred position at number four. However, Australia's selectors are reluctant to make a change, especially with David Warner retiring from Test cricket.The return of Cameron Green from injury has further complicated Australia's batting order. Green, who is a genuine all-rounder, has been in excellent form with the bat in recent months. He is likely to bat at number four, which would push Smith down to number five.Smith has admitted that he has struggled as an opener. He said, "Marnus (Labuschagne) and Uzzie (Khawaja), they hated me up top, to be honest. They wanted me behind them. So that was a big part of it."Despite his struggles, Smith remains a key player for Australia. He has a phenomenal record in Test cricket, averaging over 60. However, if his poor form continues, Australia may be forced to make a change in their batting order.India will be hoping to exploit Smith's weakness against spin bowling. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have dismissed Smith eight times each in Test cricket. Ashwin has said that he has "the wood" over Smith, and he will be looking to continue his dominance over the Australian batsman.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most prestigious Test series in the world. India and Australia are two of the best teams in the world, and the series is always fiercely contested. The outcome of the series could hinge on the performances of Kohli and Smith.

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand cricket captain, made a triumphant return to competitive cricket after a two-month absence due to a groin injury. Playing for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield match against Auckland, Williamson scored a solid 60 runs, demonstrating his unwavering determination and skill.Auckland won the toss and elected to field, giving Northern Districts the opportunity to bat first. Williamson entered the crease after the fall of the first wicket and played a patient and composed innings. He faced 122 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries during his nearly three-hour stay at the crease.Williamson formed a crucial partnership with Robert O'Donnell, adding 52 runs for the fourth wicket. He also shared a 36-run stand with Brett Hampton before being dismissed lbw by Jordan Sussex.This match marked Williamson's first appearance in the Plunket Shield in five years, having last played in the competition in October 2019. Despite his extended absence, Williamson expressed his deep connection to Northern Districts, stating, "You always feel like an ND man, whether you are here or not."Williamson's return to competitive cricket is a significant boost for New Zealand ahead of their upcoming Test series against England. He missed the Test tour of India and the white-ball series in Sri Lanka due to his injury, but his inclusion in the squad for the England series is a testament to his importance to the team.The first Test against England will commence on November 28 in Christchurch, followed by matches in Wellington and Hamilton. This series will also mark the final Test appearances for Williamson's long-time teammate, Tim Southee, unless New Zealand qualifies for the World Test Championship final next year.

Australia Stuns India to Clinch Record-Extending Sixth ODI World Cup TitleOn a fateful night in November 2023, the Australian cricket team defied all odds to defeat India in their own backyard and claim a record-extending sixth ODI World Cup title. The iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, adorned with a sea of blue and over 100,000 fervent Indian supporters, fell silent as Pat Cummins and his team shattered the dreams of a billion fans.India, who had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, faced a formidable challenge in the final. Batting first, they got off to a decent start but lost wickets at crucial intervals. Despite a valiant 66 from KL Rahul, India could only muster a modest total of 240.Australia's chase began disastrously, with three wickets falling within the first seven overs. However, opener Travis Head emerged as an unlikely hero, playing the innings of his life. His magnificent 137 off 120 deliveries, coupled with a solid 58 from Marnus Labuschagne, propelled Australia to a stunning six-wicket victory.The match showcased the incredible grit and determination of both teams, but it was Australia who held their nerve under immense pressure. Their victory not only extended their record as the most successful ODI World Cup team but also shattered the hearts of a nation that had pinned its hopes on a home triumph.

India's women's cricket team has undergone significant changes for its upcoming ODI series against Australia, with opener Shafali Verma being dropped due to poor form. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who missed the recent home ODIs against New Zealand due to board exams, has returned to the squad.The 16-member squad for the three ODIs in Brisbane and Perth includes several new faces. Batters Priya Punia and Harleen Deol, legspinner Minnu Mani, and fast bowler Titas Sadhu have all received call-ups.Legspinner Asha Sobhana, who missed the New Zealand series due to injury, remains unavailable. Allrounder Pooja Vastrakar, who was rested against New Zealand, is also absent. Other notable omissions include offspinner Shreyanka Patil, spin-bowling allrounder D Hemalatha, uncapped seamer Sayali Satghare, and back-up wicketkeeper Uma Chetry.Middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis, legspinner Priya Mishra, and seamer Saima Thakor, who all made their debuts against New Zealand, have retained their spots to face Australia.The squad is led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and includes experienced players such as Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma. The team will be hoping to improve upon its recent performances, which have included a 4-1 series loss to New Zealand.

Nathan McSweeney, a 25-year-old debutant, has been entrusted with the responsibility of opening the batting for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Despite not being a specialist opener, McSweeney's impressive technique and ability to bat for extended periods have earned him the nod.David Warner, Australia's vice-captain, expressed confidence in McSweeney's abilities, stating that he possesses the necessary technique and patience to succeed at the highest level. Warner also highlighted the importance of being patient with young players like McSweeney, who will be facing a formidable Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.McSweeney's selection as an opener is a result of the absence of a clear contender to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order since Warner's retirement earlier this year. Steve Smith, who initially filled the role, has been moved back to his usual No. 4 position, while Marnus Labuschagne will bat at No. 3.Warner believes that McSweeney's partnership with Khawaja will be crucial for Australia's success. He emphasized the need for patience and support for the young opener, who will be making his debut in a high-pressure series.McSweeney's selection is a testament to his talent and the faith that the Australian selectors have in his abilities. With his technique and determination, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and establish himself as a reliable opener for Australia in the years to come.