Cricket

Victoria's relentless seamers dismantled a formidable New South Wales batting lineup, securing a resounding 141-run victory at the MCG. The triumph was overshadowed by the exceptional performance of Mitchell Starc, who showcased his readiness for the upcoming Test summer with a match haul of seven wickets.Victoria's victory was sealed before lunch on the fourth day, with Sam Elliott claiming the final four wickets, including the dismissal of Josh Philippe for a valiant 88. Elliott's 4 for 44 was complemented by Fergus O'Neill's player-of-the-match performance, which included figures of 4 for 29, 1 for 28, and crucial lower-order contributions of 28 and 33.Elliott's breakthrough came when Philippe edged a cut behind point, falling just 12 runs short of a century. Starc, who had earlier claimed 1 for 35 in the first innings, fell for 18 after top-edging a pull shot. Nathan Lyon also succumbed to the pull shot, miscuing to a fielder behind square leg. Elliott wrapped up the victory by clean bowling Jackson Bird.While the spotlight had been on Test hopefuls Marcus Harris and Sam Konstas, the post-match buzz centered around Starc's impressive display. NSW coach Greg Shipperd believes India will face a formidable challenge from Starc if conditions resemble those at the MCG."His pace, rhythm, and ability to engineer the sort of pace he was dealing with were exceptional," Shipperd said. "He changed the game when he decided to go short and really change the dynamic of the match. And in the second innings, we thought perhaps he'd done enough, but he kept coming. That's a good sign for Australia and troubles ahead, perhaps, on the right wicket for India."Victoria coach Chris Rogers praised his batting group's contributions in challenging conditions, highlighting the first-innings partnership between Campbell Kellaway and Peter Handscomb and the second-innings stand between Sam Harper and Tom Rogers as match-winning efforts in the face of Starc's barrage."For a 21-year-old kid [Kellaway] to get 50, along with Pete, that's right up there with some of the best batting I've seen him do," Rogers said. "That 100 was critical in us winning the game and having a first-innings lead.""And in the second innings, when they had us four for not many and Mitch Starc's got his tail up, we needed a couple of people to stand up, and two guys who were making names for themselves in Sammy Harper and Tommy Rogers played absolutely out of their skins, and that 130-run partnership was as good as I've seen from a partnership for a long time. Just absolutely fantastic."

India A Dominates UAE in Emerging Teams Asia Cup, Secures Semi-Final BerthIndia A emerged victorious in their Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), securing a seven-wicket win and a spot in the semi-finals.Led by captain Tilak Varma, India A's bowlers put on a stellar performance, restricting UAE to a mere 107 runs. Pacer Rasikh Salam Dar was the star of the show, claiming three wickets in his opening over, leaving UAE reeling at 40 for 5 within the power play. Ramandeep Singh also contributed with two wickets, helping India A bundle out UAE with over three overs to spare.In response, India A's openers made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 10.5 overs with seven wickets in hand. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a blistering 58 runs off 24 balls, including five fours and four sixes. Skipper Varma chipped in with 21 runs before being dismissed.Apart from the low-scoring chase, the match also witnessed a spectacular catch by Ayush Badoni. On the final delivery of the 15th over, Badoni dived towards his right and grabbed a stunning catch in the air, dismissing UAE batter Jawadullah for 1.India A's victory marks their second in the ongoing tournament, following their thrilling seven-run win against Pakistan on Saturday. They will now face Oman in their final Group Stage match on Wednesday in Al Amerat.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's heartwarming interaction with a young fangirl has captured the hearts of fans on social media. Ahead of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, the girl approached Rohit for an autograph, expressing her admiration and revealing that she had traveled a long distance.In a playful twist, the fangirl requested Rohit to convey her message to former captain Virat Kohli, saying, "Tell Virat bhai that a huge fan had come." Rohit responded with a smile, assuring her that he would pass on the message.The interaction highlights the special bond between cricketers and their fans. Rohit's willingness to engage with the young girl and fulfill her request demonstrates his humility and appreciation for the support he receives.Meanwhile, Team India is focused on leveling the ongoing Test series against New Zealand after a disappointing loss in the first Test. Despite wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant's knee injury, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate remains optimistic about his participation in the second Test.Pant's courageous 99 in the second innings of the first Test helped India recover from a disastrous first innings total of 46. However, he aggravated the same knee that was previously operated on following a severe car crash in 2022.India faces a selection dilemma, with Shubman Gill set to return while KL Rahul struggles with form. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be without their star batsman Kane Williamson, who is sidelined with a groin injury.The second Test promises to be an exciting contest as both teams look to gain an advantage in the series. Rohit Sharma's leadership and the team's determination will be crucial in their quest to level the series and regain momentum.

India's Batting Woes and the Importance of Defense in Modern CricketIndia's recent Test defeat against New Zealand in Bengaluru has sparked a debate about the team's batting approach and the role of defense in modern cricket. Skipper Rohit Sharma admitted to making a mistake by batting first on a challenging pitch, but some experts argue that the team's problems run deeper.The modern batting style emphasizes high-risk shots and a relentless pursuit of runs. While this approach can be exciting, it also carries significant risks. As coach Gautam Gambhir pointed out, "There will be days when we'll get bundled out for 100."In Bengaluru, India's batsmen fell victim to this high-risk strategy. They were unable to adapt to the conditions and defend against the New Zealand bowlers. The result was a paltry total of 46, India's lowest at home.The absence of defensive shots in India's batting arsenal was a major factor in their downfall. The sweep, traditional or reverse, is no substitute for old-fashioned defense and innings-building. As England discovered in Pakistan, the Bazball style can create its own pressure, forcing batters to live up to its tenets.The importance of defense in cricket cannot be overstated. It allows batsmen to survive difficult periods, build partnerships, and set up the team for a strong total. While high-risk shots can be effective in certain situations, they should not be the default approach.The Bengaluru Test also highlighted the importance of team selection and batting order. India's decision to leave out Cheteshwar Pujara, a renowned defensive batsman, may have been a mistake. Pujara's ability to anchor the innings and provide stability could have been invaluable on the challenging pitch.The toss also plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a match. Had New Zealand batted first, as skipper Tom Latham suggested, the result might have been different. The home team has the advantage of choosing the pitch and conditions that suit their strengths.In conclusion, India's defeat in Bengaluru serves as a reminder of the importance of defense in modern cricket. While high-risk shots can be effective, they should be balanced with a solid foundation of defensive technique. Team selection and batting order also play a vital role in determining the outcome of a match.

Pune is preparing a unique pitch for the second Test against New Zealand, aiming to neutralize the visitors' seamers who secured their first Test win in India in 36 years in Bengaluru. The pitch is expected to be bald, low-bounce, and made of black soil, a departure from the usual surfaces in India.However, New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell remains unfazed by the potential changes. He emphasizes the team's adaptability and resilience, stating that they cannot alter the surface and must react to the conditions. Mitchell acknowledges that he has been searching for form, but he remains confident in his ability to contribute to the team's success.With Kane Williamson still unavailable due to a groin strain, Will Young is expected to retain his spot at No. 3. He played a crucial role in New Zealand's chase in Bengaluru, forming an unbeaten 75-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra. Mitchell also praises the seamless transition of Young and Ravindra into the international setup.Another standout performer for New Zealand in the first Test was Will O'Rourke, who made his Test debut in India and impressed with a match haul of seven wickets. Mitchell highlights O'Rourke's height, release point, and ability to move the ball both ways as factors that make him a challenging bowler to face.Despite the potential challenges posed by the Pune pitch, Mitchell remains optimistic about New Zealand's chances. He believes the team will devise a plan to take 20 wickets and score enough runs to secure a positive result.

India's men's cricket team faces an uphill battle in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, trailing 0-1 after the first match. The focus now shifts to the second Test, scheduled to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.The pitch at the MCA Stadium has been under scrutiny, with concerns raised about its potential to favor spin bowling. India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, inspected the surface and engaged in discussions with the curators. The pitch is expected to be a turner, similar to the one used in the first Test against Australia in 2017, which proved challenging for India.New Zealand's batting mainstay, Daryl Mitchell, acknowledged the potential challenges posed by the pitch but expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt. "We can't change the surface. For us, it's reacting to what's coming at us and adapting on the fly," Mitchell said.India's fielding coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, assured that the team will not repeat the mistakes made in the first Test in Bengaluru, where they misread the conditions. "I don't think it was a massive miss. The conditions just caught us on the back foot a little," Doeschate said.The second Test promises to be a crucial encounter for both teams. India will be desperate to level the series, while New Zealand will aim to consolidate their lead. The pitch conditions will play a significant role in determining the outcome of the match.

New Zealand's resounding eight-wicket victory in the rain-affected first Test against India in Bengaluru has instilled a sense of optimism within the Kiwi camp. Middle-order batsman Daryl Mitchell expressed the team's readiness to confront any challenges, including spin-friendly tracks, in the upcoming second Test in Pune.The Kiwi pacers' remarkable performance in the first innings, dismissing India for a paltry 46, marked India's lowest Test total on home soil. Despite a spirited fightback in the second innings, erasing New Zealand's 356-run lead, India ultimately succumbed to defeat.Mitchell acknowledged the varying challenges posed by different soil conditions in Pune and Mumbai, but emphasized the team's preparedness to adapt. "Every country has its unique challenges," he said. "We've encountered different spinning wickets in Galle and Mumbai, with varying soil types. It's crucial to understand the threats each pitch presents and devise strategies to neutralize them while applying pressure on the bowlers."New Zealand's first Test victory in India in 36 years has boosted their confidence, but they anticipate a fierce response from a wounded Indian team, particularly with World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake. India currently leads the WTC standings and will aim to strengthen their position with another win."We can't alter the surface, so we must adapt to the conditions and respond effectively," Mitchell stated. "As Kiwis, we pride ourselves on embracing the moment and staying present. We can't control the wicket, but we'll formulate a plan to take 20 wickets and score runs."Mitchell also expressed admiration for Rishabh Pant's valiant 99 in India's second innings, despite his knee injury. "Rishabh is a world-class player, and I respect his approach to the game," he said. "Their partnership was impressive, but we recognized the need to continue taking wickets and applying pressure."

Khar Gymkhana Revokes Jemimah Rodrigues' Membership Over Misuse of PrivilegesKhar Gymkhana, a prestigious sports club in Mumbai, has unanimously revoked the membership of Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues. The decision was made during the club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) following complaints from members regarding the misuse of membership privileges by her father, Ivan Rodrigues.According to Shiv Malhotra, a member of the managing committee, Ivan Rodrigues had been booking the Presidential Hall at concessional rates using Jemimah's membership. These bookings were allegedly for organizing religious activities, which is a violation of Article 4 of the Gymkhana's by-laws. Malhotra and other members noticed these activities and, upon investigation, discovered that around 35 such events had taken place over the past year and a half."As far as her membership is concerned, absolutely she (Jemimah) is the pride of the country. We wish her well and wish she brings more accolades to the country. There is no issue about that," said Malhotra. "However, the membership was given to her...The privilege was misused by her father using her membership and booking the presidential hall. The booking was for 1.5 years, our members were not getting the space...To misuse that privilege is an issue..."Madhvi Ashar, Vice President of Khar Gymkhana, added, "When the motion came up for hearing and when it was explained to the members, our President was charing the meeting the house was really upset to hear all this. Spontaneously it happened that her membership should be cancelled..."The Gymkhana's decision underscores the importance of adhering to the institution's by-laws and maintaining fairness in the usage of its facilities. While Jemimah's contributions to Indian cricket are celebrated, the Gymkhana deemed it necessary to take action against the misuse of membership benefits.Rodrigues has played so far three Tests, thirty ODIs, and 104 T20Is for India, and accumulated 3087 runs and six wickets.

The Indian cricket team's home dominance was shattered in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, as they were humbled by a humiliating 10-wicket defeat. The Rohit Sharma-led side was dismissed for a paltry 46 in the first innings, their lowest Test score at home. New Zealand responded with a commanding 402, putting India on the back foot.Despite valiant efforts from Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, India managed to surpass New Zealand's total. However, a lower-order collapse left them with a meager target of 107 runs. Surprisingly, Ravichandran Ashwin, the most prolific wicket-taker among active cricketers, was introduced late into the attack.Former India opener Aakash Chopra expressed astonishment at the decision. "We didn't get Ashwin to bowl at all. I'm not saying we would have won if he had bowled, but we didn't even give him a chance," Chopra said. "That was surprising and inexplicable."Chopra questioned the logic behind using Ashwin as the fifth bowling option. "You can understand Bumrah's long spell because he took both wickets. But Siraj was bowling well with the new ball. You could have brought in Jadeja or Ashwin earlier," he said."The match was over. There was no life left in it. You called Ashwin to bowl when only 15 or 20 runs were left. It would have been better not to bowl him at all," Chopra added. "This question should have been asked in the post-match press conference - 'Rohit bhai, what did you do?' India definitely missed a trick, and it's beyond my understanding why Ashwin wasn't bowled."