Cricket

Bad Light Halts Play in India-Bangladesh Test, Siraj's Spin Suggestion AmusesCHENNAI, India - Bad light once again disrupted the flow of Test cricket, forcing an early end to the third day's play in the first India-Bangladesh Test in Chennai.As dark clouds rolled in from the beach side, reducing visibility on the ground, umpires Rod Tucker and Nitin Menon suspended play in the 38th over. The decision came as a disappointment to fans and players alike, who had witnessed an intriguing contest up to that point.In response to the situation, India captain Rohit Sharma approached the umpires to inquire about the possibility of continuing the game with spinners. However, it was Mohammed Siraj who came up with an unexpected suggestion that left his teammates and the umpires in stitches.Siraj, known primarily for his fast bowling, had been honing his spin skills during the break. With a mischievous grin, he approached Rohit and proposed using his newfound ability to combat the fading light."He can't bowl spin," Rohit chuckled, dismissing Siraj's suggestion. The response drew laughter from both the players and the match officials.Earlier in the month, England pacer Chris Woakes had been forced to bowl off-spin due to bad light during the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Kennington Oval. However, Siraj's suggestion was met with amusement rather than serious consideration.Bangladesh had started their chase of India's 515-run target briskly, reaching 158-4 before the bad light intervened. The visitors still need 357 runs for victory, and the weather conditions could play a crucial role in the outcome of the match.The early end to the day's play was a reminder of the challenges that bad light can pose to cricket matches, particularly in the later stages of the day. Umpires are tasked with making difficult decisions based on visibility and player safety, and their judgment can sometimes lead to frustration among fans and players.

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, is determined to regain his form after a disappointing performance in the first Test against Bangladesh. Despite failing to score big in his Test return, Kohli has been spotted practicing diligently in the nets during the match.Kohli, who had played only one Test prior to this in 2024, managed scores of only 6 and 17 in the two innings against Bangladesh. In the second innings, he was given out LBW, a decision he chose not to review despite replays showing that the ball had hit his bat before his pads.Undeterred by this setback, Kohli is eager to make amends. With one more Test to go in the Bangladesh series before a three-match home series against New Zealand, he appears to want to get more practice in.During an extra net session, Kohli was seen leaving deliveries with precision and hitting shots with audible power. His determination is evident, as he seeks to regain his batting prowess.Kohli's teammates have also expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back. Captain Rohit Sharma said, "Virat is a world-class player. He has been through tough times before and has always come out stronger. I have no doubt that he will do the same this time."India's second innings in the first Test against Bangladesh ended on a high note, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant registering magnificent hundreds. The declaration at 287/4 set Bangladesh a daunting target of 515.Bangladesh's openers made a promising start to the chase, but R Ashwin dismantled their middle order in the final session of Day 3. With nearly 400 runs still to get, Bangladesh face an uphill task to save the match.

England and Australia are set to face off in the second ODI at Headingley, with both teams making changes to their lineups. England, who won the toss and elected to bowl first, have brought in Olly Stone to replace the rested Jofra Archer. Australia, meanwhile, have recalled Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, and Sean Abbott after they missed the opening game due to illness.England captain Harry Brook believes that the conditions at Headingley will favor his team's bowlers. "Usually Headingley has a bit in it at the start, especially with overcast conditions," he said.Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their dominant performance in the first match, where their spinners played a key role in England's collapse. Travis Head was the star of the show for Australia, scoring an unbeaten 154.The teams will be as follows:England:1. Ben Duckett2. Phil Salt3. Will Jacks4. Harry Brook (capt)5. Jamie Smith (wk)6. Liam Livingstone7. Jacob Bethell8. Brydon Carse9. Olly Stone10. Matthew Potts11. Adil RashidAustralia:1. Travis Head2. Matthew Short3. Mitchell Marsh (capt)4. Steven Smith5. Marnus Labuschagne6. Alex Carey (wk)7. Glenn Maxwell8. Aaron Hardie9. Mitchell Starc10. Adam Zampa11. Josh HazlewoodThe match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having a strong chance of victory.

ENG vs AUS 2nd ODI: Australia Aims for 2-0 Lead After Crushing WinIn the wake of their emphatic victory in the first ODI, Australia is poised to extend their dominance over England in the ongoing five-match series. The second ODI, scheduled to take place at Old Trafford, presents a crucial opportunity for the Aussies to secure a commanding 2-0 lead.The first ODI witnessed a scintillating performance from Travis Head, who smashed a blistering 154 off 129 deliveries. His innings, coupled with Marnus Labuschagne's 77 off 61 balls, propelled Australia to a formidable total of 315. England's chase fell short despite a valiant effort from Jos Buttler (62) and Ben Stokes (52).While England's batting has shown promise, their bowling has been a cause for concern. The English bowlers struggled to contain the Australian batsmen in the first ODI, conceding 315 runs in just 44 overs. They will be eager to rectify their mistakes and put up a more competitive performance on home soil.Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their momentum and capitalize on England's bowling woes. The return of Mitchell Starc, who missed the first ODI due to injury, will bolster their bowling attack. Starc's pace and swing could prove to be a major threat to the English batsmen.The second ODI promises to be an intriguing contest between two evenly matched teams. England will be desperate to level the series, while Australia will be determined to extend their lead. The match is expected to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams possessing explosive batting lineups.

Will Jacks, the rising star of English cricket, has made a remarkable impact on the international stage in recent months. His stunning performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his Test debut against Pakistan have showcased his exceptional talent and versatility.In the IPL, Jacks played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bangalore's remarkable comeback. After winning just one of their first eight games, the RCB men rallied to win six on the trot to qualify for the playoffs. Jacks' stunning 41-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans was a masterclass of T20 batting.Jacks' Test debut was equally impressive. He was told he was in the team just two minutes before the toss at Rawalpindi. Despite the short notice, he took six wickets with his off-spin, helping England secure a remarkable victory on a flat pitch.In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Jacks shared his thoughts on his recent performances and the upcoming white-ball series against Australia."I am excited about the series against Australia," said Jacks. "I have had a small taste of ODI cricket for England and I am enjoying the format. It's a nice mix of T20 and Test cricket."Jacks believes that bilateral series are important, despite criticism from some quarters. "Any time you play for your country, it's an important series," he said. "And England against Australia is the oldest rivalry in cricket."Jacks is particularly excited about the arrival of Brendon McCullum as England's white-ball coach. "It's really exciting," he said. "I have had a little bit of experience with Baz, having done two Test tours. The amount of positivity and energy he brings to the group is second to none."Jacks credits McCullum with changing the mindset of English cricket. "It's the positivity," he said. "It's wanting to take the game on at all stages, put everyone under pressure, instead of never taking a backward step. That's a good mindset to have right through the whole English cricket system."Jacks also spoke about his admiration for Kevin Pietersen and A.B. de Villiers, two of his cricketing idols. "Kevin Pietersen was my hero growing up," he said. "He was at the forefront of the 2005 Ashes series and I remember his knock at the Oval on the final day. From that moment on, he was my hero.""A.B. de Villiers is as good as it gets across all formats," Jacks added. "Every time he was on the TV, I made sure I was there watching."Jacks is confident that England can continue their recent success under McCullum. "We have a lot of talent in the team," he said. "We just need to keep working hard and keep believing in ourselves."

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has been appointed as the head coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ponting's appointment marks a significant change for PBKS, who have struggled to find consistency in recent seasons.Ponting's coaching journey in the IPL began with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008. He later joined the Mumbai Indians, where he led the team to their first IPL title in 2013. In 2018, he took over as head coach of the Delhi Capitals, guiding them to three consecutive playoff appearances.Ponting's primary task at PBKS will be to identify players for retention ahead of the upcoming season. The team has not qualified for the playoffs since 2014 and finished ninth in the 2024 IPL season.Ponting acknowledged the pressure of winning a trophy as a coach but welcomed it. He said, "That is the thing that makes coaching inviting to me. I like having that pressure. It is as close to getting back to playing as you can possibly get."Reflecting on his IPL journey, Ponting called coaching MI an "awesome experience" and described the DC changing room as a "special place" despite not winning a trophy. He noted that coaching in the IPL has evolved and is now more specific, with teams covering every aspect by appointing specialized coaches.Key performers for Punjab last season included Harshal Patel, who won the Purple Cap for the second time, and the uncapped Indian players Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. The squad also includes talents like left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, and leg-spinner Rahul Chahar. Notable overseas players in the team are England's Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and South African pacer Kagiso Rabada.With Shikhar Dhawan's recent retirement, identifying a new captain will also be a priority for Ponting and the team management.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, the dynamic duo of Indian cricket, have once again proven their exceptional partnership, leading India to a commanding position in the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh. Their remarkable 199-run stand for the seventh wicket propelled India to a formidable total of 376, rescuing them from a precarious 144 for six.Ashwin, known for his guile and variety, expressed his admiration for Jadeja's talent. "I always envy him. He's so gifted and talented. He's found ways to maximize his potential. I wish I could be him, but I'm glad I am myself," Ashwin said.Jadeja's exceptional batting skills have not only contributed to India's success but have also inspired Ashwin to improve his own game. "He is an exceptionally good cricketer. I'm happy for him. Likewise, in so many ways, I think watching him bat over the last couple of years has also given me insight on how better I can be," Ashwin added.While Ashwin's bowling style is characterized by an array of tricks, Jadeja's approach is more straightforward, relying on accuracy and subtle variations. Together, they have formed a formidable bowling combination, surpassing the legendary duo of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh in terms of wickets taken."He keeps it really simple. He can repeat it (bowling) day in and day out. So, both of us have grown together. Both of us have done some special things," Ashwin said. "We really value one another at this stage and both of us are enjoying each other's success more than ever before."However, their task is not yet complete. They will need to combine once more in Bangladesh's fourth innings to secure victory for India. Ashwin, who failed to take a wicket in Bangladesh's first innings, has already devised a plan to outsmart the visitors."I think there's a bit more up-and-down bounce. I would say the carry is there still. It's probably quickened up a touch (today) and then it's again gone on the slower side. I really do think as this game pans out, if at all it gets to the fourth-fifth day, it will turn for certain," Ashwin said.As the pitch continues to deteriorate, the challenge for both teams will be to negotiate the increasing spin, making the Ashwin-Jadeja partnership even more crucial for India's success.

Rohit Sharma's Playful Gesture Sparks Laughter in Indian Dressing RoomOn the second day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai, a lighthearted moment occurred in the Indian dressing room that showcased the camaraderie within the team. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, playfully tapped Shubman Gill on the jaw, eliciting a smile from the young opener.Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, noticed the cameras capturing the scene and quipped, "Rohit, don't hit him too hard, he's still young." This remark drew laughter from the players, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, and eased any tension in the dressing room.The incident highlighted the lighter side of cricket, where even in serious situations, players find ways to enjoy themselves and lift each other's spirits. It also demonstrated the strong bond between the Indian players, who have been known for their close-knit relationships on and off the field.Meanwhile, on the field, India extended their lead to an impressive 308 runs at the end of the second day. Gill remained unbeaten on 33, while Rishabh Pant was not out on 12 when play ended for the day.Earlier, Bangladesh struggled in their first innings, managing only 149 runs before being bowled out. Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets while conceding just 50 runs.India's commanding position heading into the third day of the Test match is a testament to their strong performance in both batting and bowling. The team will look to continue their dominance and secure a victory in the first Test of the series.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has undergone a significant mental transformation, shedding the pressure that once weighed heavily on him. In a candid interview, Ashwin revealed that he has liberated himself from external and internal pressures, allowing him to approach cricket with a newfound sense of freedom and enjoyment.Ashwin's recent century in the opening Test against Bangladesh is a testament to his mental liberation. Batting with resilience and determination, he rescued India from a precarious position, showcasing his versatility as a cricketer. Ashwin emphasized that he now only responds to pressure situations on the field, unlike in the past when he reacted to every perceived criticism."I do enjoy and embrace pressure. There's no doubt about it. It does give you opportunities to be able to be pushed to a corner and then try and respond," Ashwin said. "But I was critical too, earlier (of himself and others), because a lot of pressure has been put on me by people. I've put pressure on myself."Ashwin's mental detachment has allowed him to clearly demarcate between his primary and secondary suits – bowling and batting. He explained that bowling and batting are distinct sports within the same game, requiring different mental approaches."Bowling and batting are very separate sports in the same game. One is done consciously, and the other one is done subconsciously," Ashwin said. "For me to compartmentalize both has taken its own due and at this stage, I'm able to sequence that and split both of them."During his 189-minute innings, Ashwin maintained his focus by adopting a different mindset from his usual bowling approach. "The mind can play tricks because I'm a bowler who plays on 12-18 balls or 24 balls ahead when I'm sequencing it. But as a batter, I shouldn't do that. So, I just used my experience to focus on the ball and hitting it as I see it," he noted.Ashwin's transformation has brought him immense personal and professional satisfaction. He expressed his happiness at being able to compete and succeed in the highly competitive world of modern sport. "You feel happy about it, having been in a contest and coming out successful out of the contest. So, yeah, the underlying truth is that it gives me a lot of happiness competing in this game," he said.