Cricket

Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has thrown down a playful challenge to Indian captain Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming Test series between the two nations. Labuschagne, known for his exceptional batting skills, has hinted that he may surprise Kohli with his bowling prowess.In an interview with Australian channel Channel 7, Labuschagne revealed that he believes he can bowl bouncers up to 135 kmph. While he admitted to never reaching that mark, he claimed to have come close."I'd love to hit a little 135 bouncer. I've got that in me, I reckon," Labuschagne said jokingly. "My highest recorded is 132. So 3 kmph."Labuschagne's playful banter has sparked curiosity among cricket fans, who are eager to see if he can back up his words against one of the world's best batsmen. Kohli, who has struggled in recent Test matches, will be keen to prove his mettle against Australia, especially after missing three of the four Tests Down Under in the previous series.Labuschagne's bowling aspirations may seem surprising, given that he has primarily focused on his batting throughout his career. However, he has occasionally bowled legbreaks in Test matches, claiming 13 wickets in 50 games.The upcoming Test series between Australia and India promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to claim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Labuschagne is expected to play a crucial role in Australia's middle order, while Kohli will be determined to lead India to victory.

South Africa's interim coach, Dillon du Preez, has guided the team to the final of the Women's T20 World Cup, but his future in the role remains uncertain. Du Preez, who took over from Hilton Moreeng in May, has expressed reservations about continuing due to his limited experience and the team's need for additional support.Despite his initial hesitation, du Preez has overseen a successful campaign for South Africa. The team reached the final after defeating defending champions Australia in the semi-final, showcasing a fearless and aggressive approach. However, they fell short in the final against New Zealand, highlighting the need for further development.Du Preez has emphasized the importance of creating a positive team culture and providing clear guidance. He has also benefited from the addition of specialized coaches, such as batting coach Baakier Abrahams and spin lead Paul Adams.Despite their success in the World Cup, South Africa has struggled in recent series, winning only one of seven before the tournament. Du Preez acknowledges the need for improvement and believes that the team's high-risk approach will eventually yield positive results.However, du Preez's future remains uncertain. He has expressed a desire to discuss his role with the director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe, upon his return home. Given the upcoming schedule, which includes an all-format tour against England in November-December, it is likely that du Preez will remain in charge until the end of the year.Du Preez's hesitation stems from his limited experience at a high level. After a 14-year provincial cricket career, he coached at the University of the Free State before taking over the women's team in Bloemfontein. While he has developed a coaching style based on his experience and knowledge, he recognizes the need for further development.

Shubman Gill's return to the Indian Test squad for the second match against New Zealand has boosted the team's morale after their disappointing loss in the first Test. Gill, who missed the Bengaluru Test due to an injury, is expected to play a crucial role in India's batting lineup.India's batting woes were evident in the first Test, where they were bowled out for a mere 46 runs in their first innings. The absence of Gill, a talented opener, was keenly felt as the team struggled to build partnerships.However, with Gill back in the fold, India will be hoping for a much-improved performance in the second Test. The 23-year-old has been in impressive form in recent months, scoring a century in the first Test against Bangladesh and a half-century in the second.India's bowling coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate, confirmed Gill's availability, stating that he is "fine for this Test." This news will come as a relief to captain Rohit Sharma, who will be looking to his team to bounce back from their defeat in Bengaluru.The second Test will be played from October 24 to October 28 in Mumbai. India will be eager to level the series and gain momentum ahead of the third and final Test in Indore.

Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins has identified Rishabh Pant as India's "X-factor" in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Cummins acknowledged Pant's exceptional performance in Australia during the previous series, highlighting his unpredictable nature and ability to entertain with his on-field antics.Cummins expressed his determination to rectify Australia's recent setbacks against India, having lost four consecutive Test series. He emphasized the team's high expectations when playing at home and their desire to make amends for the disappointing results in the past.The Australian captain also praised the young Indian talents Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, acknowledging their impressive performances in various formats. However, he admitted that the team had not yet devised specific plans to counter them.Cummins lamented the absence of Cameron Green, a key all-rounder who will miss the series due to a lower back stress fracture. He described Green as a significant loss, not only for his batting but also for his exceptional fielding and bowling abilities.Prior to the Test series, Australia will face Pakistan in a white-ball series. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series will commence on November 22 in Perth, marking the first five-match Test series between Australia and India since 1992.

India's Test woes continued as they suffered a humiliating eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Despite a valiant fightback in their second innings, India's poor batting display in the first innings proved costly.After being bundled out for a paltry 46 in the first innings, India showed resilience in the second, posting a respectable 462. Young batter Sarfaraz Khan emerged as a beacon of hope, scoring a magnificent 150 off 195 balls, studded with 18 fours and three sixes.Khan's heroics raised questions about the team's selection dilemma. With Shubman Gill recovering from a stiff neck and expected to return, the Indian team management faces a tough decision. KL Rahul or Sarfaraz, who will make way for Gill?Former India batter Aakash Chopra weighed in on the debate, drawing parallels to Karun Nair's fate. Nair, the only other Indian to score a triple-century after Virender Sehwag, was dropped from the playing XI after his historic 303 not out against England in Chennai in 2016.Chopra suggested that a similar theory could see Sarfaraz being dropped, but he believes the team management will retain the young batter in the playing XI. "One more thing is important in Indian cricket - outside noise - and that favours Sarfaraz right now," Chopra said.India's batting woes were evident in the first innings, where they were bundled out for their lowest Test score against New Zealand. The top order failed to fire, with only Cheteshwar Pujara (11) and Virat Kohli (12) reaching double figures.In the second innings, India showed more fight, with Khan leading the charge. However, the loss of wickets at regular intervals prevented them from building a substantial lead.New Zealand, in contrast, displayed their batting prowess, chasing down the target of 122 with ease. Tom Latham (52) and Devon Conway (54) anchored the chase, ensuring a comfortable victory for the visitors.The defeat has raised concerns about India's batting depth and their ability to compete against top-quality opposition. The second Test of the series will be played in Mumbai from December 3-7, where India will be desperate to level the series.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins is determined to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from India in the upcoming five-match Test series, which begins on November 22 in Perth. Cummins acknowledges that Australia has struggled against India in recent Test series, but he is confident that his team can turn things around on home soil."We haven't had a lot of luck against India over the last few Test series, but we always pride ourselves on playing well here in Australia," Cummins said. "We have really high expectations when we play Test cricket in Australia, so anytime we don't win down here, of course, you look at those series a bit more closely."The last Test series between Australia and India in Australia was a particularly tough one for the hosts, with India winning 2-1. Rishabh Pant's heroics in the final Test at the Gabba sealed a historic three-wicket win for India."The last series, in particular, was a really tough one," Cummins said. "It went right down to that last session at the Gabba, and unfortunately, we couldn't pull it off. A lot of the guys in the team are the same as those who played in that series, and we're here to make amends."Cummins identified Pant as India's "X-factor," but stressed that his team is focused on rectifying the setbacks from four consecutive series defeats to India."Rishabh had a great series here in Australia last time," Cummins said. "He's always a bit of that X-factor in the middle order. You never quite know what you're going to get, which is exciting, even as the opposition."Australia will face Pakistan in a white-ball series before the much-anticipated Test series against India. It will be the first Test series between India and Australia comprising five matches since 1992.

Former England opener Alastair Cook, recently inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, has lauded the aggressive and boundary-pushing approach of the current England Test team under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. Cook believes that the team's "Bazball" brand of cricket is unprecedented in its relentless pursuit of runs.Cook, who witnessed the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final in the UAE, acknowledged the significant evolution in Test cricket. He attributed the shift to Eoin Morgan's leadership in one-day cricket and Stokes's transformative influence in the Test arena.England's recent first Test against Pakistan exemplified their attacking mindset, with Harry Brook's blistering 317 becoming the second-fastest triple century in history. Cook emphasized that England's strength lies in the collective aggression of its players, rather than isolated feats.However, Cook cautioned against overlooking past greats who also possessed belligerent batting styles. He cited Virender Sehwag's record-breaking triple century in 2008 as an example. Nonetheless, he believes that the current England team is pushing the boundaries of run-scoring like never before."I have never seen a team push the boundaries quite as much as this England team have done," Cook said. "There have obviously been great sides in the past who would score quickly, but not quite as quickly as this side seemed able and willing to do."Cook believes that the increased aggression in red-ball cricket is a positive development, as it ultimately leads to more runs being scored. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the end product rather than comparing generations of players.Cook's induction into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside Neetu David and AB de Villiers is a testament to his exceptional career. As the England-Pakistan series reaches its conclusion, Cook's insights provide valuable context for the ongoing transformation of Test cricket.

New South Wales' hopes of victory in their Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria dwindled on day three as they were left chasing an improbable 383 runs with just four wickets in hand. Despite a valiant six-wicket haul from Mitchell Starc, the Blues were left reeling at 185 for 6 at stumps, still 197 runs adrift of their target.Sam Konstas, who had been touted as a potential Test debutant, failed to capitalize on his opportunity, scoring 43 before being dismissed by Todd Murphy. Steven Smith also fell cheaply, trapped lbw by Scott Boland for a duck.Josh Philippe provided some resistance with an unbeaten half-century, but the Blues' chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost four wickets for just 35 runs. Boland was the chief destroyer, claiming the scalps of Nic Maddinson, Smith, and Ollie Davies.Earlier in the day, Victoria had set the Blues a daunting target thanks to half-centuries from Sam Harper and Tom Rogers. Harper made 72 before holing out to wide fine leg, while Rogers scored 59 in his maiden first-class half-century.Starc was the standout performer for the Blues, finishing with figures of 6 for 81 from 17.5 overs. He dismissed both O'Neill and Murphy to complete his six-wicket haul, but the damage had already been done.With just one day remaining in the match, Victoria are firm favorites to secure victory. The Blues will need to produce a remarkable batting performance to pull off an unlikely win.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow will not feature cricket, marking its absence from the quadrennial event. This decision has raised questions about the future of cricket in multi-sport competitions.The CWG Federation has cited budgetary constraints as the primary reason for the exclusion of cricket and other sports like field hockey, badminton, shooting, and wrestling. CEO Katie Sadleir emphasized the need to "reset and redefine the Games" to reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and enhance social impact.Cricket's return to the CWG in 2022 after a 24-year hiatus was met with enthusiasm. Australia emerged victorious in the women's T20 competition, while South Africa had won the men's 50-over gold in 1998. However, its absence in 2026 has cast doubt on its long-term presence in the Games.Despite its exclusion from the CWG, cricket is set to make a grand return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. The International Olympic Committee's decision to include men's and women's T20s as new disciplines reflects the growing popularity of the sport in the United States.The Asian Games has also reinstated cricket, with India dominating the T20 events in the 2022 edition. This suggests that cricket remains a popular sport in Asia and could potentially be included in future multi-sport competitions in the region.The absence of cricket from the 2026 CWG is a setback for the sport's inclusion in major international events. However, its inclusion in the Olympics and the Asian Games provides hope for its future in multi-sport competitions. The decision to exclude cricket from the CWG highlights the challenges faced by organizers in balancing budgetary constraints with the desire to include popular sports.