Cricket

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), a Test series between India and Australia, has emerged as one of the most captivating rivalries in cricket history, rivaling the legendary Ashes. Since its inception in 1996, the BGT has produced countless unforgettable moments and intense battles between two cricketing powerhouses.Statistically, the teams have faced off in 56 Test matches as part of the BGT. India holds a slight advantage with 24 victories, while Australia has won 20. Twelve matches have ended in draws.Home advantage plays a significant role in the BGT. Australia has dominated on home soil, winning the majority of their matches Down Under. Similarly, India has been formidable at home, securing 18 victories in 29 matches.However, both teams have also shown resilience in away matches. Australia and India have each recorded six away wins in the BGT. India's overall superiority stems from their impressive home record.Beyond match victories, India has also won more series than Australia. Out of 16 BGT series, India has triumphed in 10, both home and away. Australia has won five series, while only one has ended in a draw.The upcoming BGT series, scheduled for November, promises to be another thrilling chapter in this epic rivalry. India will aim to extend their dominance by securing a fifth consecutive series win. They will also be eyeing a hat-trick of away series victories in Australia.The BGT has captivated cricket fans worldwide with its high-stakes matches, intense competition, and memorable moments. It has become a symbol of the fierce rivalry between two of the world's top cricketing nations.

Shahid Afridi's Blazing Century: A Record-Breaking Moment in ODI HistoryOn October 4, 1996, the world of cricket witnessed a remarkable feat that would forever etch the name of Shahid Afridi in the annals of the sport. In a match against Sri Lanka at the KCA Centenary Tournament, the Pakistani all-rounder unleashed a blistering century that shattered the record for the fastest century in One Day Internationals (ODIs).Afridi, batting at number three, was tasked with providing quick runs for Pakistan. He responded with an astonishing display of power hitting, reaching the century mark in a mere 37 balls. This eclipsed the previous record of 48 balls held by Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya.Afridi's innings was a symphony of destruction. He smashed 11 sixes, equaling Jayasuriya's record for the most sixes in an ODI century knock. One over from Sri Lankan bowler Pramodya Wickramasinghe yielded 28 runs, a record at the time.Afridi's century propelled Pakistan to a formidable total of 371 for 9. Opener Saeed Anwar also contributed a century (115). Sri Lanka, despite a valiant effort from Aravinda de Silva (122), fell short by 82 runs.Afridi's record stood for 17 years until it was broken by New Zealand's Corey Anderson in 2013. Anderson reached the century mark in 36 balls, one delivery faster than Afridi. However, South Africa's AB de Villiers later surpassed Anderson with a stunning 31-ball century.Afridi's blazing century remains a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he had on the game of cricket. It was a moment that showcased his raw power and the excitement he brought to the sport.

India Women's Cricket Team Aims for T20 World Cup GloryNearly four months after India's historic T20 World Cup triumph, the spotlight now shines on the Indian women's cricket team as they embark on their quest for their maiden title. Led by the indomitable Harmanpreet Kaur, the team is determined to replicate the success of their male counterparts and etch their names in the annals of cricket history.India's journey begins on Friday against New Zealand in Dubai, marking the ninth edition of the Women's T20 World Cup. Despite reaching the final in 2020, the team has yet to claim the coveted trophy. However, this time around, they are brimming with confidence and eager to break the jinx.Captain Harmanpreet Kaur exudes optimism, stating, "Yes, hopefully. That's our aim." She emphasizes the team's preparation, positivity, and unwavering belief in their abilities. "We just want to go out and give our best," she adds.The Indian skipper's mantra for her team is simple: "Go and enjoy your game." She believes that when her players are relaxed and enjoying themselves, they perform at their peak.India's group stage fixtures include matches against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia. The team is well aware of the challenges ahead, but they are determined to start strong and maintain their momentum throughout the tournament.The Indian women's cricket team has a rich history and a talented squad. With Harmanpreet Kaur at the helm, they possess the experience, skill, and determination to make their dreams a reality. As they embark on their T20 World Cup journey, the nation stands behind them, cheering them on every step of the way.

The Sheffield Shield, Australia's premier domestic cricket competition, kicks off its new season on October 8 with Western Australia aiming to make history. No team has won four consecutive Shields since the competition expanded to six teams in 1977-78.New South Wales:NSW, under captain Moises Henriques, has made significant off-season signings with Nic Maddinson and Josh Philippe joining the squad. They will look to improve on last season's third-place finish, relying on a potent new-ball attack featuring Chris Tremain and Jackson Bird.Queensland:Queensland, led by Marnus Labuschagne, has a new coach in Johan Botha and a new captain in Labuschagne. They will aim to improve on last season's dismal performance, with a focus on settling a young middle-order.South Australia:South Australia, under captain Nathan McSweeney, has undergone leadership changes and recruited Jason Sangha from NSW. They will look to address their batting woes and rely on a strong fast-bowling attack.Tasmania:Tasmania, last season's finalists, will be bolstered by the addition of Test spinner Matt Kuhnemann. They will aim to build on their success, with a balanced attack and a solid batting lineup led by Beau Webster.Victoria:Victoria, under captain Will Sutherland, will look to bounce back from last season's disappointing finish. They have a similar group to last year, with a well-balanced attack and experienced batters.Western Australia:Defending champions Western Australia, led by Sam Whiteman, will face their toughest challenge yet. They have an international-standard team but will need to rely on their depth due to injuries and international departures.Australia Impact:The Shield season will be impacted by Australia's Test series against India, with several players expected to miss games. NSW, Queensland, and Victoria will be particularly affected, with the likes of Nathan Lyon, Marnus Labuschagne, and Scott Boland likely to be unavailable at times.

Ravichandran Ashwin's stellar performance in the recently concluded India-Bangladesh Test series has sparked a debate about his status as an all-rounder. Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja believes that the 38-year-old Indian spinner deserves more recognition for his all-round abilities.In the two-match series, Ashwin emerged as the highest wicket-taker alongside Jasprit Bumrah, claiming 11 wickets. With the bat, he scored 114 runs at an impressive strike rate of 83.21. His contributions earned him the 'Player of the Series' award.Raja praised Ashwin's performance, particularly his century in the first innings of the Chennai Test. He also highlighted Ashwin's ability to perform consistently without making a fuss."Ashwin is no less than anyone else," Raja said. "He scores centuries and takes wickets at every opportunity, but he doesn't show too much pride or make any drama."Raja believes that India is the strongest team to beat on their home soil. He noted that Bangladesh lacked the capacity to challenge the Indian team, which won the series comfortably.

Steve Bucknor, the legendary West Indian umpire known for his meticulous decision-making, faced intense criticism for two high-profile blunders involving Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. These errors, occurring in crucial matches at the Gabba in 2003 and Eden Gardens in 2005, sparked outrage among fans and raised questions about Bucknor's judgment.In the 2003 Test match between India and Australia, Bucknor controversially ruled Tendulkar out lbw off Jason Gillespie. Replays clearly showed the ball missing the stumps, leading to widespread condemnation of Bucknor's decision. This dismissal robbed Tendulkar of a potentially match-winning innings and left Indian fans furious.A similar incident occurred in 2005 during a Test match against Pakistan at Eden Gardens. Bucknor adjudged Tendulkar caught behind off Abdul Razzaq, despite the ball not making contact with his bat. This decision again proved pivotal, ending Tendulkar's promising innings and shifting the momentum of the match. Indian fans and pundits were outraged, demanding higher umpiring standards.Bucknor's slow and deliberate style came under scrutiny after these incidents, with some suggesting it contributed to his errors. However, Bucknor, who officiated in a record 128 Test matches and five consecutive Cricket World Cup finals, later admitted to the mistakes and expressed regret. He acknowledged the pressure umpires face and the human nature of errors.Despite these controversies, Bucknor's long career remains notable for his contributions to the game. He is widely regarded as one of the best umpires of his time, but the blunders involving Tendulkar continue to overshadow his legacy among the Indian cricket faithful.

South Africa's T20I captain Aiden Markram recently addressed the media ahead of the T20I series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. He discussed the team's recent ODI series loss to Afghanistan, his batting form, the promising newcomers in the squad, and the team's preparations for the upcoming busy schedule.ODI Series Loss to AfghanistanMarkram acknowledged the disappointing result in the ODI series against Afghanistan, but emphasized the lessons learned from the experience. He praised Afghanistan's quality as a team, particularly in their home conditions. Markram believes that the series exposed areas where South Africa needs to improve, and that each player can take away valuable insights to enhance their game.Batting FormMarkram admitted to a lean patch in his batting form, but expressed confidence in his ability to regain his touch. He emphasized that his focus is on contributing to the team's success, rather than chasing personal milestones. Markram believes that his recent unbeaten 69 in the consolation ODI win is a positive sign of his return to form.Promising NewcomersMarkram highlighted the significant role that the SA20 league has played in unearthing promising young talents for South Africa. He praised players like Nqabayomzi Peter, Jason Smith, and Ottniel Baartman for their impressive performances in the league. Markram believes that these players have the potential to make a significant impact on the T20I team in the future.Guiding NewcomersAs a senior player and leader, Markram emphasized his commitment to supporting and guiding the promising newcomers in the squad. He believes that sharing his experience and insights can help them develop their skills and adapt to the demands of international cricket. Markram aims to create a positive and supportive environment where the younger players can thrive.T20 World Cup FinalMarkram reflected on South Africa's journey to the T20 World Cup final earlier this year. He described the squad as a special group that had built a strong bond over many years. Markram believes that the team's unity and determination were key factors in their success. He also acknowledged the lessons learned from the final, which will help the team improve in the future.Busy ScheduleMarkram acknowledged the demanding schedule ahead for the South African team, including the upcoming India series, SA20, and Champions Trophy. He emphasized the importance of managing player workloads and ensuring that the team remains fresh and focused throughout the season. Markram believes that the team's depth and experience will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the busy schedule.

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin has lauded Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for his astute leadership in guiding India to a remarkable victory in the rain-affected Kanpur Test against Bangladesh. Haddin believes that India's aggressive approach and unwavering determination to win, even in challenging conditions, bodes well for their upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia.Despite losing two days of play due to rain and a wet outfield, India managed to pull off a stunning victory by dismissing Bangladesh for 146 in their second innings and chasing down a modest target of 95. Haddin praised India's attacking mindset, which allowed them to create opportunities to bowl out Bangladesh within the remaining time."They gave themselves a chance to win the game," Haddin said. "It was not about 'How many runs I score', it is about finding enough time to bowl Bangladesh out. They played a great brand of cricket, but it was all about giving them enough time."Haddin highlighted Rohit Sharma's leadership as a key factor in India's success. "Rohit had nothing to lose," he said. "How good was it to watch! It's a wonderful way to win Test cricket."Haddin believes that India's performance in Kanpur is a testament to their ability to adapt and overcome adversity. "The mindset of Rohit Sharma to find a way to manipulate a result... teams are scared to go 10 runs/over in 20 overs cricket! So, I take my hats off to India," he concluded.As India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, Haddin is optimistic that they can replicate their aggressive and determined approach. "I actually do (If India will play same cricket in Australia). Because if you look at this result... the worst result for India would have been a draw. There was no way India would have lost it," he said.The Border-Gavaskar series kicks off on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. India will be aiming to retain the trophy they won in 2018-19, while Australia will be eager to reclaim it on home soil.

Tilly Corteen-Coleman, the 17-year-old spinner who impressed in the Women's Hundred, has been named in England's 15-player squad for the upcoming Women's Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.Corteen-Coleman made a strong debut for Southern Brave in the Hundred, dismissing Australia's Meg Lanning. She also impressed for South East Stars in domestic competitions, claiming 5 for 19 against Northern Diamonds.Davina Perrin, who was part of England's squad that lost to India in the inaugural Under-19 tournament in 2023, is also included. A captain will be named closer to the tournament.Sixteen teams will participate in the 41-match event from January 18 to February 2, 2025. England has been drawn in Group B alongside Ireland, Pakistan, and USA.Chris Guest, Performance Lead for the women's Under-19 set-up, said he is excited to guide another group of young players through their maiden global event. He emphasized the importance of the tournament for player development, citing the examples of Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Hannah Baker, Seren Smale, and Charis Pavely, who have all represented the senior team after playing in the Under-19 World Cup.Guest will be joined by assistant coaches Dan Helesfay and Beth Morgan. Morgan, a former England international, currently works as a Regional Talent Manager for Southern Vipers.Richard Bedbrook, Head of England Women Performance Pathways, said the quality of the squad highlights the work of the regional teams. He expressed hope that the players and staff will benefit from the experience.Five non-travelling reserves have also been selected: Maria Andrews, Sophie Beech, Daisy Gibb, Poppy Tulloch, and Annie Williams.