Cricket

England's promising start in the second Test against Pakistan was abruptly halted by the brilliance of Sajid Khan, whose incisive off-spin triggered a rapid batting collapse. After reaching a comfortable position of 211/2, England lost four wickets for a mere 14 runs, leaving them reeling at 225/6 at the end of Day 2 in Multan.Sajid's exceptional bowling performance proved pivotal, seizing control for Pakistan at a crucial juncture. The collapse began with the dismissal of England's talisman, Joe Root, who had looked settled until Sajid deceived him with a well-flighted delivery. Root's attempted sweep resulted in an inside edge onto his boot, sending the ball rolling into the stumps.Sajid's next victim was Ben Duckett, who had earlier anchored the innings with a fluent 114. Despite surviving multiple close calls, Duckett eventually succumbed to Sajid's persistent pressure. An aggressive drive off a full-length delivery found a thick outside edge, which Agha Salman at first slip gratefully accepted.With Duckett's departure, England's batting order crumbled. Harry Brook was bowled trying to punch a spinning delivery off the back foot, misjudging the sharp turn and allowing the ball to crash through the gap between bat and pad.England's woes were compounded by Noman Ali, who dismissed captain Ben Stokes for a mere 1. Stokes failed to adjust to Noman's turn, edging a defensive push onto his pad, which Abdullah Shafique at short leg completed with an outstanding diving catch.From a position of strength at 211/2, England were now in deep trouble at 225/6, leaving Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse to steady the ship before stumps. However, the pair managed to stabilize the innings and guided England to 239/6 by the end of the day.Sajid Khan finished the day with figures of 4/86, his devastating spell turning the match on its head. With Pakistan's bowlers firing on all cylinders and England trailing by 127 runs, Day 3 promises to be a pivotal chapter in this thrilling Test series at Multan.

Former India captain Anil Kumble has opined that KL Rahul should open the batting for India in the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia if Rohit Sharma is unavailable due to personal reasons. Kumble believes that Rahul's adaptability and experience make him the ideal candidate for the role, while Shubman Gill should continue to excel at the No. 3 position.Kumble suggests that Yashasvi Jaiswal could partner Rahul at the top of the order, maintaining a balanced batting lineup. He emphasizes Gill's versatility and ability to adapt to different batting positions, including his successful stint as an opener in the past.Kumble acknowledges that Gill's batting style differs from traditional No. 3 stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara, but believes that his dynamic strokeplay and adaptability could provide India with an edge in challenging Australian conditions.The former India head coach notes that the No. 3 batsman often faces the new ball and must control the first session of play. He believes that Gill has the ability to fulfill this role effectively, ensuring that the middle-order batsmen can come in later and score runs comfortably.Kumble emphasizes that Gill may need to adjust his approach based on the conditions in Australia, but he has the ability to do so. He believes that India can benefit from Gill's adaptability and versatility in the upcoming series.

Former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani has emerged as a potential candidate for the head coach position at Delhi Capitals (DC), while Munaf Patel is being considered for a role in the support staff. The franchise recently parted ways with Australian legend Ricky Ponting due to scheduling conflicts.DC is reportedly seeking experienced domestic coaches, and Badani and Patel's names have been shortlisted. Badani, a former left-handed batsman, has previously worked with Brian Lara at Sunrisers Hyderabad. If appointed, it would be a significant opportunity for him.Patel, a former pacer, could potentially join the support staff as bowling coach. The franchise is expected to retain three players: captain Rishabh Pant, all-rounder Axar Patel, and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.With a retention budget of Rs 75 crore, DC may use Right To Match (RTM) cards to acquire Jake-Fraser McGurk and Tristan Stubbs, two key foreign contributors.Badani's potential appointment as head coach could indicate a shift in management, with GMR taking over the reins for the next two years. The co-owners have an agreement to alternate micro-management of the team.Badani, who played four Tests and 40 ODIs for India, will be tasked with guiding DC to its first IPL title. The franchise has reached the final only once, in 2020, but lost to Mumbai Indians.

In a remarkable turn of events, former South African batter and current batting coach Jean-Paul Duminy took to the field as a substitute fielder during the final ODI against Ireland in the United Arab Emirates. The unusual occurrence stemmed from the intense heat, which forced several regular South African players to leave the field due to fatigue.Duminy, now 40 years old, last played for South Africa in 2019. However, his fielding skills remained sharp as he made an impressive one-handed save in the 50th and final over of Ireland's innings. Irish batter Harry Tector mistimed a reverse sweep, and Duminy, positioned at short third-man, reacted swiftly to prevent a boundary.Duminy's fielding prowess was a testament to his exceptional abilities during his playing days. He was known for his agility and quick reflexes, making him a valuable asset to the South African team.The match itself saw Ireland post a respectable 284 in 50 overs, led by captain Paul Stirling's 88 off 92 balls. In response, South Africa struggled to keep up, losing three early wickets. Jason Smith provided some resistance with a valiant 91 off 93 balls, but Ireland ultimately secured a convincing 69-run victory.Duminy's appearance as a substitute fielder highlighted the challenges faced by players in the extreme heat of the UAE. It also showcased the versatility and dedication of the South African coaching staff, who are willing to go the extra mile to support their team.

The Abu Dhabi T10, a fast-paced and exciting cricket tournament, is set to return in 2024 with a star-studded lineup. The tournament, which will expand to a ten-team league, has attracted some of the biggest names in the sport.Rashid Khan, the Afghan spin sensation, and Jos Buttler, the England wicketkeeper-batter, are among the high-profile players who have signed up for the tournament. Khan will join the Bangla Tigers, while Buttler will represent the Deccan Gladiators.Other notable signings include Dinesh Karthik, who has joined the Tigers after retiring from international cricket. Karthik, who is known for his explosive batting, will be a valuable addition to the Tigers' lineup.The defending champions, New York Strikers, have retained their core of Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, and Akeal Hosein. The Strikers have also added Matheesha Pathirana, the Sri Lankan fast bowler, to their squad.The Deccan Gladiators have retained Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, and Maheesh Theekshana. They have also signed Marcus Stoinis, the Australian all-rounder, who will add depth to their batting and bowling.The Abu Dhabi T10 will also feature some of the most exciting young talents in the game. Finn Allen, the New Zealand opener, will join the Northern Warriors, while Lockie Ferguson, the New Zealand fast bowler, will represent Team Abu Dhabi.The tournament will run from November 21 to December 2, avoiding an overlap with other major cricket tournaments. This will allow players to participate in the Abu Dhabi T10 without missing out on other commitments.The Abu Dhabi T10 is a major boost for cricket in the United Arab Emirates. The tournament has helped to raise the profile of the sport in the region and has attracted some of the biggest names in the game.

Bengaluru's SubAir System Poised to Play Crucial Role in India-New Zealand TestBengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium is bracing for a potential weather battle as the first Test between India and New Zealand looms on Wednesday. Persistent rain has already delayed the toss, but the venue's state-of-the-art drainage system, known as the "SubAir" system, stands ready to mitigate the impact of further downpours.The SubAir system serves two vital functions: water drainage and aeration. By facilitating proper air circulation within the soil, it promotes the health and vitality of the grass. The system can seamlessly switch between drainage and aeration modes, adapting to the specific requirements of the moment.During rainfall, the SubAir system swiftly activates its drainage mode, efficiently removing excess water from the surface. This rapid drainage capability ensures that the grass remains in optimal condition, preventing waterlogging and associated issues that could compromise the quality of the turf.The SubAir system was reportedly introduced at the venue in 2017 and has proven its effectiveness in ensuring timely resumption of play after rainfall. It can reportedly get the ground ready for play within half an hour after the rain stops.Both India and New Zealand will be eager to get the match underway. India seeks to consolidate their position atop the World Test Championships Table, while New Zealand, the inaugural edition's champions, needs victories to keep their slim chances of finishing in the top two alive.The SubAir system will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the series opener. If the weather relents and there is no further rain, the system will ensure that the match can proceed as scheduled. However, if the rain persists, the system's ability to rapidly drain excess water will be crucial in minimizing the impact on the game.

Cricket Australia has announced the schedule for the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia, with significant changes to the traditional rotation. The Gabba will host the second Test as a day-night match, while Adelaide will host the third Test as a day game.The series will commence with the first Test in Perth from November 21-25, followed by the day-night Test in Brisbane from December 4-8. Adelaide will host the third Test from December 17-21, with the traditional Boxing Day Test taking place at the MCG from December 26. Sydney will host the fifth and final Test from January 4-8.The shift of the day-night Test from Adelaide to Brisbane is a notable departure from the previous rotation. Adelaide has been the home of the day-night Test since its inception in 2015, hosting the second Test in the 2017-18 and 2021-22 Ashes series. However, South Australia's government and Cricket Australia were keen to give Adelaide a marquee holiday slot, recognizing its popularity as a tourist destination.The Gabba has previously hosted three day-night Tests, including the West Indies' famous victory in January 2023. However, it will be the first time Brisbane has not hosted the Ashes opener since 1982-83. The future of the Gabba as a Test venue remains uncertain due to redevelopment plans for the stadium ahead of the 2032 Olympics.There has been some criticism of Cricket Australia's decision to move the Ashes opener away from the Gabba, with former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson among those who believe it should remain the traditional starting point of the summer. However, the Australian team is reportedly content with playing the opening Test in Perth, where they have an unblemished record.The use of the pink ball at the Gabba has also raised concerns, as Australia's bowlers have previously expressed reservations about its suitability for the pitch. The ball has been known to soften quickly at the Gabba, leading to periods of stagnation in play.Despite these concerns, the 2025-26 Ashes series promises to be a highly anticipated event, with both Australia and England looking to claim the coveted urn.

India's T20 Batting: A Symphony of Innovation and AudacityIn the realm of cricket, India's T20 batting has emerged as a captivating spectacle, leaving spectators in awe and opponents bewildered. The team's ability to execute unorthodox strokes with precision and audacity has redefined the boundaries of the game.Like the legendary Brazilian football team, India's T20 batters have mastered the art of improvisation, exploiting angles and creating space to drive the ball through the gaps. They have taken the traditional orthodoxy of cricket and pushed it to its limits, resulting in a mesmerizing display of skill and imagination.One of the most striking aspects of India's T20 batting is the sheer variety of strokes employed. Suryakumar Yadav's flick over square leg, Sanju Samson's powerful drives, and Hardik Pandya's effortless sixes are just a few examples of the innovative shots that have become synonymous with the team.These strokes are not merely the result of random experimentation but rather the culmination of countless hours of practice and a deep understanding of the game. The players have honed their skills to such an extent that they can execute these complex maneuvers with astonishing consistency.The precision required to execute these shots is staggering. Suryakumar Yadav's ability to scoop a potential yorker over point for six is a testament to his exceptional hand-eye coordination and timing. Even seasoned commentators like Sunil Gavaskar have expressed their amazement at the level of skill on display.The emergence of India's T20 batting prowess has also been attributed to a shift in mindset. The retirement of Virat Kohli has freed up the team's approach, allowing younger players to express themselves without fear of failure. This has resulted in a more aggressive and innovative style of play.The impact of India's T20 batting has been profound. It has not only entertained fans but also inspired a new generation of cricketers to push the boundaries of the game. As the team continues to evolve and innovate, it is clear that the future of T20 cricket is in safe hands.

Manchester Originals have extended Simon Katich's contract for another year, despite the men's team's disappointing performance this season. However, Stephen Parry has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the women's side after two years.The decisions were made by the Originals board, which has been restructured to reflect the team's closer ties with Lancashire from 2025. Lancashire will become majority shareholders in Originals next season, acquiring a 51% stake from the ECB, while the remaining 49% will be sold to a private investor.Mark Chilton, Lancashire's director of cricket, will lead the search for Parry's successor as women's head coach. James Sheridan, a member of the Lancashire board, has replaced Mark Chapman as Originals' chair, although Chapman remains on the board.Katich, a former Australian batter, has coached Originals men since the Hundred's inception in 2021. Despite finishing as runners-up in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the team struggled this year, winning only one of their eight matches."We were all disappointed with how this season went," Katich said. "I feel we have unfinished business given the events of the last three editions of the Hundred and all of us at the Originals will ensure that we get back on track next year… We are determined to win it for Manchester."Parry, on the other hand, has been replaced after his side finished sixth in the women's Hundred this season. Originals are the only women's team who have not reached the knockout stages in any of the tournament's first four editions."Stephen leaves us with our thanks and best wishes," Sheridan said. "He joined us with our women's team under-strength and still finding its feet at this level of cricket… We are in a much better place following two years with Stephen at the helm."The recruitment process for Parry's successor will begin immediately, with Chilton overseeing the search. "Our aim now is to recruit a world-leading women's short-format head coach, and we are very excited where this group of players can take Manchester Originals next year and beyond," Chilton said.These announcements come ahead of Friday's deadline for first-round bids in the ECB's sale process of the Hundred. Lancashire is actively seeking a "sporting partner" to become co-owners of Originals.