Cricket

Lancashire's relegation from Division One of the Vitality County Championship was confirmed on the third day of their final match of the 2024 campaign against Worcestershire at Visit Worcestershire New Road. The Red Rose county's fate was sealed as relegation rivals Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire picked up sufficient points from their meeting at Trent Bridge to both guarantee their own safety.Lancashire's fall from grace has been rapid after finishing runners-up in 2022, when they came so close to winning the title, and then fourth 12 months ago. The make-up of their side has altered from two years ago with players leaving, call-ups to franchise cricket, and injuries.The Red Rose county has suffered four innings defeats in a season for the first time in their history, including three in succession. It was their fourth relegation from the top flight since last winning the title in 2011 - in 2012, 2014, 2018, and now 2024.Worcestershire had already guaranteed their own safety with a game to spare and now have their sights on trying to secure a top-six finish. They resumed on 119 for 7 and Matthew Waite completed an excellent half-century off just 37 balls with four sixes and two fours.He was given staunch support by Logan van Beek during a free-flowing partnership of 84 from 15 overs. Waite (60) eventually fell to Anderson Phillip when he went for a pull through midwicket but gloved the ball to Keaton Jennings at second slip.Joe Leach, in his final match before retiring, received a standing ovation from supporters on his way to the wicket but made only two before he was bowled off the inside edge to give Phillip his fifth wicket. Van Beek and Jack Home added 26 useful runs for the final wicket before the former on 48 from 70 balls chopped on to George Balderson.Phillip finished with figures of 13-2-65-5 and Tom Bailey 15-5-22-3. Lancashire were left 35 minutes batting before lunch and they suffered an early setback. Skipper Jennings drove at a widish delivery from Waite and the ball flew to Rob Jones who held onto a head-high chance at second slip.Josh Bohannon had an escape in the same over before he had scored when Waite failed to hold onto a sharp one-handed return catch away to his right. But there was another breakthrough when Harry Singh pushed forward to Leach and was caught behind.The wickets continued to tumble after lunch when Bohannon attempted to work Leach to leg and was lbw. It became 30 for 4 when Rocky Flintoff attempted a straight drive and was also leg before. Keeper Matty Hurst and George Bell tried to repair the damage and added 43.But Hurst gave his wicket away when he tamely clipped Waite to Home at mid-wicket. Home came into the attack and accounted for Luke Wells (38) who lost his middle stump working to leg. Waite picked up a third scalp when George Bell missed a straight ball and was lbw.Ethan Brookes added to Lancashire's woes in his first over after tea as Bailey became another lbw victim to a delivery which cut back. Determined resistance came from Phillip and Balderson who added 56 for the ninth wicket.But the innings was wrapped up with Balderson (38) caught low down by Waite at mid-on off Brookes and then Phillip (30) was collected at cover by Brookes off van Beek. Bad light halted play at 5.10 pm after one over of Worcestershire's second innings.

India Announces Squad for T20I Series Against Bangladesh, Mayank Yadav Earns Maiden Call-UpNew Delhi: The Indian cricket team has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on October 6. The squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, features several notable inclusions and exclusions.Pace sensation Mayank Yadav has received his maiden call-up to the national team after an impressive performance in the domestic circuit. Yadav, who has been sidelined since April due to an injury, has been rewarded for his consistent pace and wicket-taking ability.Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy makes a comeback to the Indian squad after nearly three years. Chakravarthy, known for his deceptive variations, will bolster the team's spin attack.Test regulars Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant have been rested for the series, providing opportunities for other players to showcase their talent.Nitish Reddy, the reserve seam-bowling all-rounder, has been included in the squad after missing the recent Zimbabwe tour due to an injury. Promising cricketers Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana have also secured their spots in the team.Jitesh Sharma will serve as the secondary wicketkeeper behind Sanju Samson, who will be the primary choice.The series against Bangladesh will serve as a crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. India will be looking to fine-tune their combinations and strategies ahead of the global tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant increase in match fees for cricketers participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). BCCI Secretary Jay Shah revealed that players will now earn a whopping Rs. 7.5 lakhs per game, a substantial jump from the previous match fee.This announcement comes ahead of the upcoming IPL retention rules, which are expected to be released soon. The Governing Council is scheduled to meet on Saturday evening to finalize the retention and auction plans.According to reports, the BCCI is considering allowing teams to retain five players and have one Right to Match option for the IPL 2025 auction. This move aims to provide teams with more flexibility in retaining their core players.The BCCI had previously held a meeting with all 10 IPL team owners in July to discuss retention rules and other key issues. Major franchises like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings face crucial decisions regarding high-profile players, including MS Dhoni, ahead of the auction.The date and venue for the mega auction are also expected to be announced soon, likely to be held in the second week of November. It remains unclear whether the retention and auction decisions will be made public after Saturday's meeting or tabled for further discussion at Sunday's Annual General Meeting (AGM).The BCCI's decision to increase match fees and finalize retention rules is a significant development for the IPL. It reflects the board's commitment to enhancing player compensation and providing teams with more flexibility in managing their squads.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) 93rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for September 29, 2024, in Bengaluru, is set to be a routine affair. However, behind the scenes, discussions have been abuzz with the impending "succession plan" for BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who is set to take over as International Cricket Council (ICC) chair on December 1.With Shah's departure, the race for his successor has intensified. Three names have emerged as potential candidates: treasurer Ashish Shelar, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, and Delhi and District Cricket Association chief Arun Jaitley. However, a surprise candidate from a west zone association could also emerge in the coming months.The BCCI hierarchy is reportedly gauging the affiliates' response to the possibility of a relative newcomer taking on major responsibility. However, formal discussions on the succession plan are expected to begin only after Shah steps down towards the end of November.Meanwhile, the AGM will focus on routine matters, including the unopposed election of Avishek Dalmiya and Dhumal as members of the IPL governing council. V Chamundeswarnath is also set to be re-elected as the Indian Cricketers' Association' nominee in the governing council.The AGM may also consider floating invitations for any of the men's junior selection committee posts. However, it is likely that the house will authorize office-bearers to finalize the cricket committees and sub-committees.In a separate development, the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) campus on the outskirts of Bengaluru was inaugurated on Saturday evening. The inauguration was followed by an exhibition cricket game among affiliates and BCCI office-bearers.

Afghanistan Captain Surprises with Rashid Latif as Wicketkeeper in Dream ODI XIIn a recent interview, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi unveiled his all-time ODI World XI, sparking discussions among cricket enthusiasts. Surprisingly, Shahidi opted for Pakistan's Rashid Latif as his wicketkeeper, a choice that raised eyebrows considering the legendary status of MS Dhoni in the role.Shahidi's dream team boasts an array of iconic players. The opening pair features the elegant Saeed Anwar and the prolific Rohit Sharma. The middle order is anchored by the batting brilliance of Virat Kohli and Kumar Sangakkara, while Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mahela Jayawardene provide experience and depth. Andrew Flintoff adds versatility as an all-rounder.The bowling attack is equally formidable. Rashid Khan's spin wizardry is complemented by the pace and swing of Waqar Younis and the precision of Jasprit Bumrah.Shahidi's decision to exclude Dhoni from his team has generated considerable debate. Dhoni, widely regarded as one of the greatest finishers and wicketkeepers in cricket history, is often an automatic choice for such dream teams. However, Shahidi's selection of Latif highlights the latter's exceptional skills behind the stumps and his ability to contribute with the bat.Latif, who played for Pakistan from 1992 to 2003, was known for his lightning-fast reflexes, acrobatic catches, and aggressive batting style. He was a key member of Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning team and played a pivotal role in their triumph.While Dhoni's absence from Shahidi's team may be surprising, it underscores the depth of talent available in the wicketkeeper-batter position. Latif's inclusion serves as a reminder of his own exceptional abilities and the diverse range of players who have excelled in this crucial role.

Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, continues to endure a prolonged lean patch in international cricket. His recent performances in the first Test against Bangladesh, where he managed scores of 6 and 17, have further fueled concerns about his form.Kohli's struggles have drawn criticism from some quarters, but former India opener Parthiv Patel has come to his defense. Patel believes that Kohli is facing immense pressure due to the high standards he has set for himself."I don't think he's feeling that kind of pressure. And as you rightly mentioned that. I don't think Smith or Joe Root or Williamson can even think of the type of pressure he must be feeling. The pressure of expectation, that is huge. He has set his standard so high that even if he scores 60 or 70, that comes across as a failure. Because every time he walks in, we expect him to score 100. We expect him to play with that kind of intensity, which he has always been playing," Patel said ahead of the second Test between India and Bangladesh.Kohli's poor form has been evident across all formats this year. In 15 matches and 17 innings, he has scored just 319 runs at a sub-par average of 18.76, with only one half-century to his name. In Tests, his average has dropped to an eight-year low of 48.74.Despite his recent struggles, Kohli remains one of the most prolific batsmen in the world. In 114 Tests, he has amassed 8,871 runs, including 29 centuries and 30 fifties. His ability to score runs consistently at the highest level is undeniable.However, Kohli's current form has raised questions about his longevity in the game. At 34 years old, he is entering the twilight of his career. It remains to be seen whether he can rediscover his old form and continue to dominate international cricket.

The 1996 World Cup quarterfinal between India and Pakistan, held in Bangalore, witnessed one of the most iconic confrontations in cricket history. The match, known for its intense rivalry, was marked by a legendary moment between Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad and Pakistani opener Aamir Sohail.India batted first, posting a competitive total of 287, thanks to contributions from Navjot Singh Sidhu and Ajay Jadeja. Pakistan, chasing 288 to win, started strong with openers Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail. Sohail's bold strokes made it clear that he intended to dominate India's bowling attack.It was during this high-pressure chase that one of cricket's most famous confrontations occurred. With Pakistan cruising at 109/1 in 14.4 overs, Sohail, after smashing Prasad for a boundary through the off-side, pointed his bat towards the boundary and gestured aggressively at Prasad as if to taunt him, signaling that he would hit another one in the same direction.Prasad, known for his calm demeanor, did not respond with words. Instead, he let the ball do the talking. On the very next delivery, Prasad bowled a sharp, precise delivery that uprooted Sohail's off-stump.The Indian crowd erupted, and the moment became etched in World Cup folklore. The bold celebration from Sohail turned into a moment of silence, and Prasad's calm yet emphatic reaction added to the drama.This dismissal marked a turning point in the match. Pakistan, despite a strong start, began to lose wickets in quick succession and eventually folded for 248, handing India a famous 39-run victory and a place in the semifinals.For Indian cricket fans, this encounter between Prasad and Sohail remains a symbol of mental toughness and composure under pressure. It was more than just a wicket - it was a moment that embodied India's fighting spirit and resilience in one of the fiercest rivalries in the sport.Prasad's dismissal of Sohail not only broke Pakistan's momentum but also became one of the most cherished memories in India's World Cup history.

Rain and wet outfield conditions can be a major hindrance for outdoor sports like cricket. When matches are disrupted due to weather, players must find ways to manage their time effectively. Former India pacer RP Singh provides insights into how cricketers utilize these weather-induced breaks.During the second day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh, persistent rain and a wet outfield prevented any play at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. The teams remained in their respective hotels, with no chance of play resuming.Despite the setback, India remains confident of pushing for a result in the remaining three days, provided the rain abates. In the meantime, players engage in various activities to stay focused and maintain their fitness.According to RP Singh, many players use the downtime to focus on personal tasks and physical conditioning. "Most players continue doing their fitness work, even while sitting in the dressing room," Singh said. "They keep ticking off all the boxes."Players often try to achieve their gym targets during this free time. Some do cardio, while others focus on weights. They utilize this period to complete any pending tasks related to their fitness regimen.While players do enjoy their leisure time, they never lose sight of the job at hand. "Cricket is their primary objective, and everyone stays focused on the game plan," Singh added. "In such situations, strategies keep evolving with every passing minute."On the opening day of the Test, India's decision to field first under overcast conditions paid off. Akash Deep claimed two quick wickets, removing Zakir Hasan for a duck and trapping Shadnam Islam LBW. Bangladesh began to rebuild through a steady partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque, but Ravichandran Ashwin intervened, dismissing Shanto for 31.At the close of play on Day 1, Bangladesh stood at 107/3, with Mominul unbeaten on 40 and Mushfiqur Rahim on six runs.

Batsman's Luck: Dropped Towel Saves Shoaib Bashir from DismissalIn a bizarre turn of events, Somerset batsman Shoaib Bashir was saved from dismissal by a dropped towel in a County Championship Division One match against Hampshire. The incident occurred on September 26, 2024, at Taunton, with Somerset struggling at 136/8.Kyle Abbott had just dismissed Tom Kohler-Cadmore, leaving Somerset on the brink of collapse. Bashir, the last man in, was clean bowled by a perfect outswinger, but he refused to leave the crease. Instead, he pointed out to the umpire that he had been distracted by a towel that had fallen from Abbott's trousers.The Hampshire players began to celebrate, but the umpire ruled the delivery a dead ball. Replays confirmed that a towel had indeed dropped from Abbott's trousers as he released the ball. Law 20.4.2.6 of the cricket rulebook allows umpires to call a dead ball if the striker is distracted by any noise or movement while preparing to receive a delivery.Bashir's luck, however, was short-lived. Just three balls later, he was dismissed LBW by Abbott, and Somerset were all out for 136 runs. The Vitality County Championship shared a video of the unusual dismissal on their official Twitter handle.The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket and the role that luck can play in a batsman's career. Even the smallest of distractions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match.