Cricket

Mohammed Enaan, a rising star in Indian cricket, has earned a coveted spot on the under-19 national team for the upcoming multi-format home series against Australia. The announcement was made at the launch of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), where Enaan's selection was met with thunderous applause.Enaan's journey to the national team has been marked by consistent performances and hard work. Last season, he played a pivotal role in Kerala's under-19 cricket team qualifying for the second stage of the Cooch Behar Trophy cricket tournament. As the team's leading wicket-taker and a valuable contributor with the bat, Enaan's all-round abilities caught the attention of selectors.In the Cooch Behar Trophy, Enaan's leg spin proved to be a formidable weapon, claiming 24 wickets. His batting prowess was equally impressive, as he scored over 200 runs. A memorable performance came in Kerala's victory against Rajasthan, where he took five wickets for 32 runs and scored an unbeaten 83.Enaan's selection to the national team is a testament to his talent and dedication. He credits his coaches, P. Balachandran and Dinesh at the Athreya Cricket Academy, as well as his supportive teammates, for his success."I am feeling a bit excited and happy," said Enaan, a first-year B. Com student at Sree Kerala Varma College. "I have been representing Kerala in junior cricket for the last couple of seasons and I am grateful to my coaches and teammates."Kerala's under-19 coach, S.S. Shine, believes Enaan has the potential to become a world-class bowler. "He is a bowler in the mould of Rashid Khan. His quick arm action makes it harder for the batters to pick him. I am not surprised at his selection," said Shine.Enaan is eager to make a mark for himself in the upcoming series against Australia. He is confident in his abilities and is determined to contribute to the team's success.

Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman has vehemently defended young wicketkeeper Azam Khan's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, dismissing criticism that he was selected based on "sifarish" (recommendations). Zaman's outburst came in response to a journalist's question about whether other players deserved a spot ahead of the "unfit" Khan.Despite impressive performances in T20 leagues worldwide, Khan has struggled to replicate his form for Pakistan, averaging a mere 11 runs in international matches. However, Zaman believes the selectors made the right choice based on Khan's past achievements."If you make a team, then don't pick him. The team is picked by Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam. What you said is disrespectful towards a player. You've to see how he managed to find a spot for himself in the team. He has been selected due to his performances in the CPL," Zaman asserted at a press conference.Zaman urged journalists to conduct thorough research before making such accusations. "Please do some research on how a player like Azam Khan fought his way into the playing XI. Even I can say that you came here by recommendation. So, do some research before coming to the press conference," he added.Meanwhile, Pakistan's T20 World Cup preparations suffered a setback with a disappointing loss to England in the second T20I of the four-match series. England posted a formidable 183/7, led by Jos Buttler's 84, while Pakistan was restricted to 160, with Reece Topley claiming three wickets. England now holds a 1-0 lead in the series, with the remaining matches scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday.

Rinku Singh's exclusion from India's T20 World Cup squad has sparked controversy, with many questioning the selectors' decision. The left-handed batsman has been in impressive form for India, scoring 356 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 176.23 and an average of 89.Chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that Singh's omission was a "toughest decision," but explained that the team needed more bowling options. "We're not sure of the conditions we'll get (in the USA) and we wanted to have enough (bowling) options," Agarkar said.Despite calls for fresh blood in the T20 team, the selectors opted for experience, with the top six in the batting order remaining largely unchanged from the 2022 T20 World Cup. Agarkar defended this decision, stating that the experienced players have been "good enough to be around.""We've tried to get in players who are going to bat a certain way in the middle of the innings, where a lot of teams will use spin sometimes," Agarkar said. "We have tried to address that. We have tried to get in some left-handers as well through the middle of that innings."Agarkar also addressed concerns over Virat Kohli's strike rate, which has been a topic of debate. "We have not been discussing it," Agarkar said. "He has been in great form, no concerns there at all."The selectors also defended the inclusion of Hardik Pandya as Rohit Sharma's deputy. "Nothing was discussed with regard to vice-captaincy," Agarkar said. "About form, he has come after a longish year off. The good part that we have looked at is he has got through all the games so far for MI."