Cricket

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has launched a scathing attack on a section of the English media for their persistent criticism of Indian pitches prior to a Test series. Gavaskar, while commentating on the first day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur, labeled the English media as "moaners" and "crybabies" for their incessant complaints about Indian pitches that provide spin.Gavaskar's outburst came in the wake of the English media's criticism of the Chepauk pitch during the first Test between India and England earlier this year. The English media had labeled the pitch as "unfair" and "unplayable," despite India's victory in the match.Gavaskar, however, defended the Chepauk pitch, saying that it was a "good cricket pitch" that provided a fair contest between bat and ball. He also pointed out that Indian batsmen had scored runs on the pitch, including Ashwin's century in the first Test."He (Ashwin) actually said in the press conference that you can get a hundred if you apply yourself. So he walked the talk when the moaners were going on saying 'you can't bat here'. Saying and doing all the things like crybabies, typical English media stuff, where they only talk about Indian pitches," Gavaskar said.Gavaskar's comments have sparked a debate on the role of the media in cricket. Some have argued that the media has a right to criticize pitches that they believe are unfair, while others have accused the media of bias against India.The debate is likely to continue in the lead-up to the upcoming Test series between India and England. The English media has already begun to criticize the pitches that have been prepared for the series, but Gavaskar has warned them that they should be prepared for a backlash from the Indian team.

England vs Australia 4th ODI Live Updates: England Eye Series Leveler at Lord'sEngland will be aiming to level the ongoing five-match ODI series against Australia at 2-2 when the two teams clash in the fourth ODI at Lord's on Thursday. After suffering comprehensive defeats in the first two ODIs, England's batting finally came to the party in the third ODI, as they secured a rain-hit 46-run victory.The hosts will be buoyed by their performance in the third ODI, where they posted a competitive total of 287/9, thanks to half-centuries from Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone. Their bowlers then restricted Australia to 241/9, with David Willey and Adil Rashid claiming three wickets each.Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to seal a series win away from home against their arch-rivals. The visitors have been in impressive form throughout the series, with their bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, proving to be a handful for the English batsmen.However, the weather could play a significant role in the fourth ODI, with rain forecast for London. If the rain does intervene, it could potentially spoil the contest and force a no-result.Key Players to Watch:* England: Dawid Malan, Liam Livingstone, David Willey* Australia: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Steve SmithMatch Details:* Date: Thursday, July 14, 2023* Time: 11:00 AM BST* Venue: Lord's, London

Australia's success in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy hinges on their ability to neutralize India's formidable spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, according to all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.India has won the last two Test series in Australia, becoming the only Asian nation to achieve this feat. Maxwell believes that Ashwin and Jadeja have played a pivotal role in India's dominance, often dictating the outcome of matches."Over a long period of time, having played against guys like Ashwin and Jadeja, those two seem to have always been the ones we've faced consistently, and the battles we've had with them have often dictated the outcome of the game," Maxwell said.Maxwell, who no longer plays Test cricket for Australia, emphasized the importance of nullifying the Indian spinners. The Ashwin-Jadeja combination has taken a staggering 821 wickets in 330 innings, including 50 five-wicket hauls."If we play well against those two (Ashwin, Jadeja), we'll generally find ourselves in a better position compared to when they've had a field day and run through us," Maxwell added.Maxwell also praised India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for his remarkable transformation into an all-format bowler. He hailed Bumrah as the best in the business at the moment."And probably, more recently, Jasprit Bumrah. I was there in his first year of the IPL in 2013 at Mumbai and pretty much faced him every day in the nets," Maxwell said. "To see him evolve from a young, untapped talent to what he is now—the probably best bowler across all three formats—is a pretty amazing story."

15-Year-Old Boy Cycles 58 Kilometers to Witness Virat Kohli's BattingIn a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of young sports enthusiasts, 15-year-old Kartikey from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, embarked on an extraordinary journey to witness his cricketing idol, Virat Kohli, in action. Undeterred by the distance, Kartikey cycled 58 kilometers from his hometown to Kanpur, where the Indian cricket team was facing Bangladesh in a Test match.Kartikey's arduous journey began at 4 am, as he pedaled through the early morning darkness. Seven hours later, he arrived at the Green Park Stadium, his determination unwavering despite the physical exertion. His unwavering spirit and love for the game captured the hearts of many, as a video of his journey went viral on social media.The first day's play of the Test match was unfortunately cut short due to bad light and heavy rain. However, Kartikey's efforts were not in vain, as he witnessed India's fast bowler Akash Deep claim two early wickets. Captain Rohit Sharma's decision to field first proved fruitful, as Deep dismissed opener Zakir Hasan for a duck and trapped Shadman Islam lbw for 24.After lunch, India's hero from the first match, Ravichandran Ashwin, broke the partnership between Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque. Ashwin's sharp-turning delivery from around the wicket sent Shanto back to the pavilion, leaving Bangladesh at 107-3 before the match was called off early.Kartikey's journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes and sports enthusiasts everywhere. His unwavering determination and passion for the game are a testament to the power of dreams and the lengths people will go to pursue them.

Rohit Sharma's Disbelief as DRS Overturns Umpire's Decision in India vs. Bangladesh TestOn the opening day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur, Indian captain Rohit Sharma's reaction to a successful Decision Review System (DRS) call went viral on the internet.After pacer Akash Deep's initial LBW appeal against Shadman Islam was denied by the on-field umpire, Deep urged Sharma to review the decision. Despite initial hesitation, Sharma agreed, and the DRS confirmed the dismissal, much to his surprise.The delivery, angled in from around the wicket, straightened and hit Islam's pads. Deep's confident appeal was initially met with denial, but the DRS showed the ball hitting the leg stump, leading to Islam's departure for 24.Sharma's reaction, a mix of disbelief and amusement, captured the attention of viewers. The Indian players erupted in celebration, congratulating Deep for his persistence and the successful DRS call.The incident highlighted the importance of DRS in modern cricket, allowing umpires to rectify potential errors and ensure fair play. It also showcased the growing confidence of Indian bowlers in using technology to their advantage.Earlier in the day, Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first on a Green Park Stadium track that offered bounce and carry. India lead the two-match series 1-0 after a comprehensive victory in Chennai.

Toss for India-Bangladesh Test Delayed Due to Wet OutfieldThe toss for the second Test between India and Bangladesh has been delayed due to a wet outfield following overnight rain in Dhaka on Friday, September 27, 2024.Overnight rain left the outfield saturated, prompting the ground staff to bring out super-soppers to dry the pitch. An inspection is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. local time to determine if play can commence.India defeated Bangladesh by 280 runs in the opening Test in Chennai, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second Test is crucial for Bangladesh to level the series, while India will aim to seal the victory.The wet outfield has cast a shadow over the start of the second Test, but both teams will be eager to take to the field as soon as possible. The toss delay has given the players and officials time to assess the conditions and prepare for the match.The weather forecast for Dhaka over the next few days is mixed, with a chance of further rain. However, the ground staff is working diligently to ensure that the outfield is ready for play as soon as possible.

Dwayne Bravo, the legendary all-rounder, has bid farewell to cricket after a glittering career spanning over two decades. The 41-year-old, who holds the record for most T20 wickets, announced his retirement on Instagram, citing physical limitations.Bravo's international career ended in 2021, and he stepped away from the IPL last year. However, he continued to play in various T20 leagues around the world, including the CPL, where he was the most decorated player with five titles.In his retirement post, Bravo expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career. He acknowledged that his body could no longer withstand the rigors of the game, and he did not want to compromise his performance or let down his teammates.Bravo's retirement marks the end of an era in T20 cricket. He was known for his exceptional bowling skills, particularly his variations and ability to bowl at the death. He also contributed with the bat, often playing crucial cameos in the lower order.Beyond his on-field achievements, Bravo was also a respected leader and mentor. He played a key role in nurturing young players, such as Dominic Drakes and Ali Khan, who have gone on to become stars in their own right.Bravo's retirement leaves a void in the world of cricket. He was a true entertainer and a role model for aspiring cricketers. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

The Man Behind Dhoni's Iconic Helicopter Shot: Santosh LalMahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, is renowned for his devastating "Helicopter Shot" that has left opponents in awe. However, few know the story behind this iconic shot, which was actually taught to Dhoni by his close friend, Santosh Lal.Growing up in Ranchi, Santosh and Dhoni were inseparable. Santosh possessed an exceptional cricketing talent, particularly his ability to execute a powerful flick of the wrists that sent the ball soaring over the boundary with effortless grace. This unconventional shot, later known as the helicopter shot, became Santosh's signature move.Dhoni, always eager to improve his game, observed Santosh's technique and incorporated it into his own batting. "He (Santosh) and Dhoni would play tennis ball games endlessly," recalled Nishant Dayal, an old friend of Santosh. "Santosh was fearless as a batsman. Dhoni always admired his batting style and learned the helicopter shot from him."While Dhoni's career skyrocketed, becoming one of the most successful captains in cricket history, Santosh's path took a different turn. He played cricket at the state level but never reached the national stage. Despite this, their friendship remained unbreakable.In 2013, tragedy struck when Santosh fell seriously ill with pancreatitis. Dhoni, at the height of his career, spared no effort to help his friend. He arranged for Santosh to be airlifted to Delhi for advanced medical treatment. However, despite Dhoni's efforts, Santosh passed away at the age of 32.Santosh Lal's contribution to cricket may not be as widely recognized as Dhoni's, but his legacy lives on in the helicopter shot that has thrilled millions of fans. It is a testament to the power of friendship and the enduring impact that one person can have on another's life.

India's Under-19 cricket team capped off a dominant 3-0 series sweep against Australia with a thrilling seven-run victory in the third and final Youth ODI on Thursday.Batting first, India posted a formidable total of 324 for 8, thanks to half-centuries from opener Rudra Patel (77 off 81) and skipper Mohamed Amaan (71 off 72). Hardik Raj (30 off 18) and Chetan Sharma (18 not out off 9) provided valuable contributions in the lower order.Australia's chase got off to a strong start, with skipper Oliver Peake (111) and Steven Hogan (104) putting on a 180-run partnership for the third wicket. However, India's bowlers fought back in the death overs, with Hardik (3/55) and Kiran Chormale (2/59) removing the set batters and Alex Lee Young in quick succession.Aidan O'Connor (35 off 20) tried to revive Australia's hopes, but Bengal fast bowler Yudhajit Guha (2/40) held his nerve in the final over to secure the victory for India.The Indian team's success was built on their consistent batting performances throughout the series. Patel and Amaan led the way with their half-centuries, while Raj and Sharma provided crucial support in the lower order.Australia's batting also impressed, with Peake and Hogan scoring centuries in the third ODI. However, their inability to finish the chase in the final overs proved costly.India's bowlers also played a key role in the series sweep. Hardik and Chormale were particularly effective in the death overs, while Guha's performance in the final over was crucial.The victory marks a significant achievement for India's Under-19 team, who have now won three consecutive Youth ODI series against Australia. It also bodes well for the future of Indian cricket, as these young players continue to develop and gain experience at the international level.