Cricket

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, is set to bid farewell to Test cricket after the match against the West Indies at Lord's. As he prepares for his final appearance, Anderson has reflected on his illustrious career, sharing his thoughts on the greatest opponents he has faced.In a Q&A session on Sky Sports Cricket, Anderson named Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar as the most formidable batter he has ever bowled against. Despite having faced numerous contemporary stars, Anderson believes Tendulkar stands out as the ultimate challenge."The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar," Anderson stated. "He was just a phenomenal player. He had everything. He could play all the shots, he was very strong mentally, and he was very difficult to get out."Anderson has played 39 Tests against India, claiming a total of 149 wickets. He has dismissed Tendulkar on nine occasions, but the Indian legend's class and resilience have always left a lasting impression.When asked about the best bowler he has faced, Anderson acknowledged the prowess of Australia's Glenn McGrath and South Africa's Dale Steyn. "The best bowler I faced probably Glenn McGrath or Dale Steyn," he remarked. "Hard to pick between the two. Slightly different bowlers, but both world-class."Reflecting on his career, Anderson singled out his dismissal of former Australian captain Michael Clarke in the 2013 Trent Bridge Test as his most memorable wicket. However, when it came to the achievement he takes the most pride in, Anderson surprisingly chose his batting performance."Career achievement I am most proud of his getting 81 at Trent Bridge against India," he shared. "I know, I probably should pick a wicket or bowling performance, but getting 81 with the bat, I think, it is just something I still can't believe I have done."As Anderson prepares for his final Test, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. His ability to swing the ball both ways, his relentless accuracy, and his unwavering determination have made him a formidable opponent for batters around the world.

Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi's much-anticipated appearance in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) match against India at Edgbaston was met with a thunderous reception from the 22,000 spectators. However, his performance on the field failed to live up to expectations, as he was dismissed for a golden duck.After Pakistan champions were put into bat by India champions, openers Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal laid the foundation for a match-winning total with a 145-run partnership. Sharjeel (72) and Akmal (77) set the stage for Sohaib Maqsood to add a quickfire 50 to the team's tally.With the departure of the trio, it was Afridi's turn to entertain the crowd. The former Pakistan captain was greeted with deafening chants of "Afridi, Afridi" at the famous venue. However, his explosive batting style failed to materialize, as he was dismissed by Dhawal Kulkarni in the 18th over.Afridi's golden duck sparked a social media meltdown, with fans expressing their disappointment and amusement. The incident became a trending topic on Twitter, with users sharing memes and jokes about the former batter's unfortunate dismissal.Despite Afridi's disappointing performance, the match between India and Pakistan was a highly anticipated event. All 23,000 seats at Edgbaston were sold out, and members of both teams expressed their excitement and determination to give their all.The World Championship of Legends, which got underway at Edgbaston on July 3, will run through July 18. The tournament, approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), features some of the greatest cricketers of all time.

Barbados, a small island nation in the Caribbean, has a rich cricketing history that has produced some of the greatest players the game has ever seen. From the legendary trio of Everton Weekes, Frank Worrell, and Clyde Walcott, known as the "Three Ws," to the iconic Garfield Sobers, the island has been a breeding ground for cricketing excellence.In 2007, the Cricket Legends of Barbados museum was established to preserve and celebrate this legacy. Located across from the historic Kensington Oval, the museum houses a treasure trove of cricketing artifacts and memorabilia.Among the prized possessions is a bat autographed by the first West Indies team to tour England in 1928, marking the region's elevation to Test status. Life-size cutouts of cricketing legends like Sobers, Greenidge, and Hall greet visitors, creating an immersive experience.One of the highlights of the museum is the section dedicated to Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history. His brilliance is showcased through a collection of his personal belongings, including his bat and gloves.The museum also features a bat used by Gordon Greenidge in his brutal 226 against Australia in 1991, a testament to the dominance of West Indies cricket during that era.The Cricket Legends of Barbados museum is a must-visit for any cricket enthusiast. It offers a glimpse into the rich history of the sport on the island and pays homage to the legendary players who have made Barbados a cricketing powerhouse.

Wesley Hall Gifts Book to Virat Kohli, Praises Indian CricketersAhead of India's Super 8 clash against Afghanistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup, legendary West Indian fast bowler Wesley Hall met with Indian batting star Virat Kohli and presented him with a copy of his book, "Answering to the Call."Hall, known for his blistering pace during his playing days, expressed his admiration for Kohli, calling him a "great player" and wishing him continued success with the Indian team. The book, published in November 2022, chronicles Hall's illustrious cricketing career and his journey to becoming one of the most feared pacers in the game's history.In addition to Kohli, Hall also gifted copies of his book to Indian head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma. "I gave three books today. I gave a book to the captain, another one to the coach, and Virat Kohli. All three of them are great players. It's good to see people getting rewarded. Sometimes, you are a good player, and you haven't made it. I think they have done very well for India," Hall told ANI.Hall, now 86 years old, revealed that he closely follows Kohli's statistics and expressed his hope that the Indian batter would reach the milestone of 100 international centuries. "I follow your stats, so I know you're on some 80 centuries. Get 100 centuries," Hall said to Kohli.India, who won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, will be eager to improve upon their performance in the previous edition, where they failed to reach the final. The team has been in impressive form in the group stage of the ongoing tournament and will look to maintain their unbeaten record as the competition intensifies.

The T20 World Cup, currently underway in the United States and the Caribbean, has captivated sports enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond the thrilling matches, behind-the-scenes moments have also garnered attention, including a viral video featuring legendary cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Wasim Akram.In a video captured by a fan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Gavaskar and Akram were spotted dancing to the music played by the stadium's DJ. Akram, a former Pakistan captain, was hosting a show for the tournament's broadcaster, Star Sports, alongside Gavaskar, India's batting legend and former skipper.As the duo stood near the boundary ropes, they took a break from their commentary duties and couldn't resist the infectious rhythm. The anchor of the show captured the moment in a selfie, while Gavaskar and Akram continued to groove to the music.The video has since gone viral on social media, delighting cricket fans who appreciate the camaraderie and lightheartedness of the two legends. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of intense competition, there is always room for joy and celebration.The T20 World Cup, which began on June 2, will conclude with the final on June 29 in Barbados. The tournament has featured some of the world's top cricketers and has provided fans with unforgettable moments both on and off the field.

Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam Meets Indian Legend Sunil Gavaskar in DallasIn a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam recently met with legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar in Dallas, USA. The encounter took place as the Pakistan team arrived in Dallas to begin preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Gavaskar was also present in Dallas as a commentator for the tournament's broadcast team.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a video on its official Twitter handle, providing fans with a glimpse of the meeting between the two cricketing icons. The video shows Babar and Gavaskar shaking hands and engaging in a friendly conversation, demonstrating the mutual respect and sportsmanship between players from the two rival nations.The interaction between Babar and Gavaskar is seen as a positive moment for the Pakistan team as they gear up for the World Cup. Despite a disappointing T20I series against England, the meeting with Gavaskar has provided a boost to the team's morale.Pakistan will open their T20 World Cup campaign against co-hosts USA on June 6 in Dallas. This will be followed by a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India in New York on June 9, a match that promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament. The Pakistan team and their fans are hopeful for a strong performance, looking to make a significant impact in the global cricketing event.

Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan, two cricketing legends, are set to make history by becoming the only players to have participated in every edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007. Their remarkable journey in the tournament is a testament to their enduring talent and resilience.Rohit Sharma, the elegant batsman and strategic captain, has been a cornerstone of India's T20 World Cup campaigns. In 39 matches across eight editions, he has amassed 963 runs at an average of 34.39 and a strike rate of 127.88, with nine half-centuries to his name. His leadership qualities and experience will be invaluable for India in the upcoming tournament.Shakib Al Hasan, the all-rounder extraordinaire, has been equally influential for Bangladesh. He has scored 742 runs in 36 matches at an average of 23.93 and a strike rate of 122.44, including three half-centuries. With 47 wickets, he is also the leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. His versatility and match-winning abilities make him a crucial asset for Bangladesh.Both players are making significant comebacks for this edition of the T20 World Cup. Rohit Sharma returns to the Indian T20I squad after a two-year hiatus, while Shakib Al Hasan has successfully recovered from an eye injury. Their presence will provide stability and guidance to their respective teams.India are in Group A for the 2024 T20 World Cup, alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, co-hosts USA, Canada, and Ireland. Bangladesh are in Group D, facing South Africa, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, and Nepal. Both teams will rely heavily on their seasoned veterans, Rohit and Shakib, to navigate the group stages and advance to the knockout rounds.As they prepare for another campaign, Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan will look to add another chapter to their storied careers. Their performances will be crucial for their teams and will undoubtedly captivate fans around the world.

As the T20 World Cup approaches, the spotlight falls on India's star duo, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are likely making their final appearance in the tournament. With India's last major title triumph dating back to the 2013 Champions Trophy, the pressure is mounting on these veterans to deliver.Rohit, 37, and Kohli, 35, have been the backbone of India's batting lineup for over a decade. Rohit, known as "Hitman" for his aggressive style, has been a prolific run-scorer in all formats. Kohli, on the other hand, is renowned for his consistency and ability to anchor the innings.Despite their individual brilliance, India has fallen short in recent major tournaments. They lost the final of the 2021 ODI World Cup at home to Australia and failed to progress beyond the group stage of the 2022 Asia Cup.Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif believes this T20 World Cup is the last chance for Rohit and Kohli to win a global title. "They lost the World Cup final in Ahmedabad. They played as if they had the cup snatched away from them. Hearts were broken and fans were devastated," Kaif said.The veterans will be looking to combine their experience and form to guide India to glory. Kohli had a stellar IPL season, topping the batting charts with 741 runs. Former India batsman Ajay Jadeja believes Kohli should open the batting for India at the World Cup.Rohit, on the other hand, had a mixed IPL season, but he remains a dangerous batsman capable of changing the course of a match. Both Rohit and Kohli have been part of India's past World Cup triumphs, with Rohit winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and Kohli playing a key role in the 2011 ODI World Cup victory.India faces a relatively easy group stage in this year's T20 World Cup, with matches against Pakistan, Canada, the United States, and Ireland. However, the knockout matches will be a true test of their mettle.As India's hopes rest on the shoulders of Rohit and Kohli, the nation will be eagerly watching to see if the star duo can end their global title drought and bring home the coveted trophy.

Yuvraj Singh and Rohit Sharma, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, share a deep bond that has stood the test of time. Their journey began in 2007 when they were part of India's triumphant T20 World Cup squad. While Yuvraj was at the zenith of his career, Rohit was just starting out.Rohit has always held Yuvraj in high regard. On the Kapil Sharma show, he recounted an amusing incident from his early days in the team. "I sat down in Yuvraj's seat on the team bus, not knowing that players had preferred seats. Yuvi just made eye contact and gestured me to move. RP Singh explained that it was his seat," Rohit recalled with a chuckle.Yuvraj has witnessed Rohit's remarkable transformation from a shy teenager to a world-class opener. "He had very poor English," Yuvraj joked, "but he was a funny guy from the streets of Borivali. We always tease him, but he's a great guy at heart."Their bond deepened during Yuvraj's final season as an active cricketer, when he played under Rohit's captaincy at Mumbai Indians. "He's never changed as a person, despite his success," Yuvraj said. "He's fun-loving, a great leader, and one of my closest friends from cricket."Yuvraj's admiration for Rohit extends beyond their personal relationship. He believes that Rohit deserves to lead India to a World Cup triumph. "I really want to see him with a World Cup trophy," Yuvraj said. "He's had a lot of success, but he hasn't won a World Cup yet. He deserves it."Rohit's leadership qualities have been evident in India's recent performances. Under his captaincy, India reached the final of the 50-over World Cup and the WTC Final last year, and the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup.Yuvraj believes that Rohit's presence will be crucial in India's quest for the T20 World Cup title this year. "We need a good captain who takes decisions well under pressure," Yuvraj said. "Rohit is the one to do that."With the World Cup just around the corner, Yuvraj's words serve as a reminder of Rohit's importance to the Indian team. His experience, leadership, and unwavering determination will be vital if India is to end its long wait for an ICC title.