Cricket

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, is back in action after undergoing heel surgery earlier this year. The 34-year-old has been pain-free since the procedure and is eager to regain his sharpness ahead of the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia.Shami has not played for the national team since the 2019 World Cup final against Australia. He had almost returned to full fitness before being ruled out of the ongoing three-test series against New Zealand due to a separate knee injury.With the Border Gavaskar Trophy approaching, India is keen to have Shami back in their ranks. The pace bowler has been bowling during practice and is confident of being ready for the five-test series in Australia next month."I'm 100% pain-free," Shami said. "It felt great yesterday because I had been bowling with half a run-up on and off since I can't put too much stress on my body."Shami is aware of the importance of the upcoming series and is determined to be at his best. "I know what kind of an attack we want for that test series (against Australia), so it's better I spend some more time on the ground before going," he said.The fast bowler is also considering playing a couple of domestic matches to improve his sharpness. "If I get fit and I get a gap of eight to 10 days, then it's better I play one or two domestic matches before going to Australia," he added.India's tour of Australia begins in Perth on November 22. Shami's return to the team will be a major boost for India's chances of success in the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

South Africa's batters faced a challenging first evening on a turning pitch in Dhaka, but Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder's resilient partnership of 32 guided them through without further damage. However, the pitch seemed to settle overnight, allowing Verreynne and Mulder to consolidate their position and extend their seventh-wicket stand to a decisive 119.Despite the threat of Bangladesh's three spinners, it was Hasan Mahmud's pace and reverse swing that proved most effective, claiming the only two wickets of the session. However, South Africa had already established a commanding 137-run lead by lunch, with Verreynne remaining unbeaten on 77.Bangladesh's spinners, Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan, struggled to extract turn on the second morning, while Verreynne and Mulder played with confidence and composure. They effectively utilized the sweep and reverse sweep, taking advantage of the slow surface and the lack of turn.Verreynne reached his half-century with a drilled sweep, while Mulder followed suit with a cut for four behind point. Mahmud's reintroduction into the attack brought about a brief setback, as he dismissed Mulder and Keshav Maharaj in consecutive deliveries.However, Verreynne remained unyielding, anchoring the innings and guiding South Africa to a comfortable lead. Dane Piedt provided valuable support at the other end, ensuring that South Africa maintained their momentum heading into the afternoon session.

Mitchell Starc, Australia's premier fast bowler, made a triumphant return to first-class cricket on Monday, claiming six wickets for New South Wales against Victoria in Melbourne. Starc's impressive performance marks his successful re-entry into the game after a brief hiatus and bodes well for Australian cricket.During the second innings, Starc showcased his exceptional bowling skills, capturing six wickets for 81 runs in 17.5 overs. His victims included Ashley Chandrasinghe, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Elliott, Fergus O'Neill, and Todd Murphy.Starc's return to form is particularly significant as he prepares to face India's formidable batting lineup in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series. The left-arm pacer is currently the third leading wicket-taker in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with 48 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 28.37.In the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, Starc has taken four four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul, making him the joint third-highest wicket-taker alongside Pat Cummins. The leading bowlers in this WTC cycle are Ravichandran Ashwin with 59 wickets and Josh Hazlewood with 51 wickets.Starc's performance against Victoria is a testament to his unwavering determination and skill. He is now eyeing significant milestones in the upcoming Border Gavaskar series, including reaching 400 Test wickets and 700 international wickets. So far, he has claimed 358 wickets in 89 Test matches and a total of 678 wickets in 279 international matches.Starc's return to form is a major boost for Australia as they prepare to face India in a highly anticipated Test series. The Border-Gavaskar series, which begins on November 22, will be a crucial test for both teams as they aim to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

India's formidable fast-bowling duo, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, have established themselves as one of the most potent partnerships in world cricket. Their contrasting yet complementary skills have proven highly effective, particularly in Test matches.Bumrah, known for his unorthodox action and ability to generate high speeds, excels in bowling yorkers and seam movement. His accuracy and control make him a lethal force, especially at the death. Shami, on the other hand, focuses on seam position and swing, both conventional and reverse. His ability to maintain accuracy with both new and old balls makes him dangerous across all formats.In India's historic Test series triumph in Australia in 2018-19, Bumrah and Shami played pivotal roles. Bumrah emerged as the bowling mainstay, taking 21 wickets at an average of 17.00. His career-best figures of 9/86 in the Boxing Day Test cemented his status as a world-class bowler.Shami, too, made significant contributions, taking 16 wickets at an average of 26.18. His career-best haul of 6/56 in the second Test in Perth helped India bowl out Australia for 243 runs in their second innings.The ability of Bumrah and Shami to bowl in tandem makes them a formidable duo. Their contrasting styles complement each other, creating a challenging proposition for opposing batsmen. They have consistently delivered for India both at home and abroad, making them one of the most feared fast-bowling partnerships in modern cricket.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proposed significant changes to promote Test and ODI formats. The Cricket Committee has recommended that every World Test Championship (WTC) series should have a minimum of three Tests, ensuring a more balanced and competitive format.To enhance the appeal of Test cricket, the committee has also suggested that host nations prioritize scheduling more day-night Tests. The success of pink-ball Tests in Australia and India has demonstrated their ability to attract larger crowds and create a more engaging atmosphere.In an effort to restore balance to ODIs, the committee has proposed using two new balls for the first 25 overs. This measure aims to reduce the dominance of batters and bring reverse swing and finger spinners back into the game. The recommendation will be presented to captains for their feedback and consensus.Another significant change approved by the ICC board is the extension of the tenure for the ICC chair and independent directors to two terms of three years. This means that Jay Shah, who is set to take over as ICC chair, could potentially hold the position for six years.The ICC's recommendations are aimed at addressing concerns about the declining popularity of Test cricket and the imbalance in ODIs. By increasing the number of Tests in WTC series, promoting day-night Tests, and potentially introducing two new balls in ODIs, the ICC hopes to revitalize these formats and ensure their long-term sustainability.

New Zealand's star batter Kane Williamson has been officially ruled out of the second Test against India, scheduled to commence on October 24 in Pune. Williamson continues to recuperate from a groin strain he sustained during the recent series against Sri Lanka.Head coach Gary Stead confirmed the decision, stating that while Williamson's recovery is progressing, he is not yet physically fit enough for the rigors of Test cricket. "Kane is moving in the right direction, but he's not at 100% fitness yet," Stead explained. "We're hopeful that he'll show further improvement and be available for the third Test."The New Zealand team is adopting a cautious approach with Williamson's recovery, ensuring he receives ample time to regain full fitness. "We'll give him as much time as possible to get himself ready, but certainly continue to take a cautious approach," Stead added.Williamson's absence is a setback for the Kiwis, who currently hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after a thrilling first Test victory in Bengaluru. The New Zealand camp remains optimistic about Williamson's availability for the third Test, with the team management closely monitoring his recovery.Meanwhile, New Zealand made history in the first Test by securing their first victory on Indian soil in 36 years. They chased down 107 runs on the final day, defeating India by eight wickets. Rachin Ravindra (39 not out) and Will Young (48 not out) led the successful chase with a 75-run partnership, giving the visitors a 1-0 series lead.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has received bids from several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants, for potential ownership stakes in the Hundred competition. Other notable bidders include the GMR Group, the new owner of Hampshire cricket, and Avram Glazer, co-owner of Manchester United Football Club.The ECB set an October 18 deadline for potential investors to express interest in buying stakes in the eight Hundred teams. The bids submitted last week represent a one-time sum to acquire a 49% stake in each team, currently held by the ECB.In the next stage, which begins in November, investors will meet with the host counties of each Hundred franchise. They will then need to narrow down their choices to four teams, followed by a final selection of two teams.While the ECB aims to announce the final set of investors by early 2025, it has emphasized that it will not rush the process and risk "underselling" the Hundred. ECB chairman Richard Thompson has suggested that a hybrid model could be adopted, with the ECB owning some teams and private investors owning others.However, not all IPL teams have submitted bids. Punjab Kings have opted out, while there is no confirmation on the participation of Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans. Pakistan Super League (PSL) winners Multan Sultans and global sports investors INEOS have also declined to bid.One of the concerns raised by IPL franchises is their potential role as passive investors. Additionally, former IPL architect Lalit Modi has criticized the ECB's financial projections for the Hundred's growth beyond 2026, calling them "overly optimistic."Despite these reservations, the ECB remains confident in the Hundred's potential. CEO Richard Gould has stated that over 100 potential investors from India and the USA have sought information on the privatization.

Ishan Kishan, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, has earned a recall to the India A team for their upcoming tour of Australia in November. The 24-year-old was dropped from the BCCI's central contracts earlier this year due to disciplinary issues, but has since worked his way back into contention with impressive performances in domestic cricket.Kishan's inclusion in the India A squad is a testament to his talent and determination. He has been in excellent form this season, leading Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy and scoring a century for India C in the Duleep Trophy. His performances have caught the attention of the selectors, who believe he is ready to make a return to the international stage.The India A team will play two first-class matches against Australia A in Mackay and Melbourne, respectively. They will then take part in a three-day intra-squad game against the senior Indian team in Perth. This tour will provide Kishan with an opportunity to showcase his skills against high-quality opposition and stake his claim for a place in the Indian team.Kishan's recall is a positive sign for Indian cricket. He is a talented player with the potential to become a world-class performer. His return to the national setup will bolster India's batting lineup and provide them with another option in the wicketkeeper-batter role.

Karnataka and Kerala were forced to share a point each after their Ranji Trophy Elite Group-C encounter at the Alur Grounds ended in a frustrating draw due to persistent rain. The match was marred by inclement weather, with only two sessions of play possible out of a total of 12.On the opening day, Kerala managed to reach 161 for three in the final session. However, the second day's play was completely washed out, leaving both teams with a solitary point. The result was particularly disappointing for Karnataka, who had also been forced to settle for a draw in their rain-affected opening tie against Madhya Pradesh.Kerala, on the other hand, had secured a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Punjab in their first game, giving them a total of six points. Karnataka, with just one point from two matches, will now travel to Patna to face Bihar from October 26. Kerala, meanwhile, will clash with Bengal in Kolkata.The draw has left both teams in a precarious position in the standings. Karnataka, the eight-time Ranji Trophy champions, will need to secure victories in their remaining matches to stay in contention for a place in the knockout stages. Kerala, too, will need to perform consistently to maintain their position in the top half of the table.The weather conditions have played a significant role in the early stages of the Ranji Trophy, with several matches being affected by rain. The BCCI will be hoping for better weather in the coming weeks to ensure that the tournament can be completed as scheduled.