Cricket

Bangladesh's rising star, Nahid Rana, is setting his sights on the upcoming Test series against India after his impressive performance against Pakistan. The 21-year-old speedster has emerged as a key figure in Bangladesh's bowling attack, and he is eager to make an impact in the highly anticipated series.Rana's journey to the international stage has been a remarkable one. Hailing from Chapainawabganj, he began his cricket career in 2020 after his brother enrolled him in an academy. Within a short span of time, he made his first-class debut in October 2021 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.In the 2022-23 National Cricket League, Rana and Sumon Khan both took over 30 wickets, a rare feat for fast bowlers in the domestic tournament. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the national team, and he made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in March.Rana's Test debut was a memorable one, as he bowled at speeds over 150 kph and made an immediate impact. He continued to impress in Pakistan, especially with early breakthroughs, including the wicket of Babar Azam. In the second innings of the final Test in Rawalpindi, Rana took four wickets for 44 runs, helping Bangladesh secure a historic 2-0 series win.Reflecting on his performance, Rana said, "Before leaving, I had said that I wanted to achieve something for my country, and it feels great to have delivered on what was expected of me."Rana's success is not only due to his raw pace but also his ability to adapt and learn. He credits various senior players for his development, but he is determined to create his own identity in cricket. "I don't want to be like anyone else. I want to create my own identity and be known as Nahid Rana of Bangladesh," he said.As Bangladesh prepares for the Test series against India, Rana is confident in his team's abilities. "India are a good team, but the team that plays better cricket will win. We will see when we go there," he said.The first Test in India is scheduled in Chennai, known for its bouncy pitch. Rana is excited about the challenge and believes that his pace will be an asset on such a surface. "Pace is something you can't always predict -- it depends a lot on rhythm. Sometimes, it just clicks, and suddenly you find yourself hitting those speeds," he said.Nahid Rana is a rising star in Bangladesh cricket, and his performances against Pakistan have only heightened expectations. As he prepares for the upcoming Test series against India, he is determined to make a lasting impact and help his team achieve success.

Jasprit Bumrah, the enigmatic Indian fast bowler, has emerged as a generational talent, redefining the art of pace bowling with his unorthodox yet devastating style.Bumrah's journey began in the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Mumbai Indians. Despite his unconventional short run-up and stiff-arm action, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His ability to generate pace and swing with pinpoint accuracy made him a nightmare for batsmen.In 2016, Bumrah made his international debut for India in an ODI against Australia. He followed it up with his T20I debut three days later and his Test debut in 2018. Since then, he has become an indispensable member of the Indian team across all formats.Bumrah's unique bowling action has been a subject of fascination and debate. While it may not conform to traditional coaching manuals, it has proven to be highly effective. His short run-up allows him to generate immense pace, while his stiff-arm action imparts a deceptive swing to the ball.Beyond his technical prowess, Bumrah possesses an unwavering determination and a relentless work ethic. He is known for his meticulous preparation and attention to detail. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart batsmen has made him one of the most feared bowlers in the world.In his illustrious career, Bumrah has amassed an impressive tally of wickets. He has claimed 159 wickets in 36 Tests, 149 wickets in 89 ODIs, and 89 wickets in 70 T20Is for India. His performances have played a pivotal role in India's success in recent years, including their historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19.Jasprit Bumrah's rise to the pinnacle of world cricket is a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and the power of embracing individuality. He has not only revolutionized the art of fast bowling but has also become an inspiration for aspiring cricketers around the globe.

Akash Deep's exceptional bowling performance has propelled India A to the brink of victory in the first-round match of the Duleep Trophy against India B. The right-arm pacer's five-wicket haul in the second innings has set India A a target of 275 to win with ample time remaining on the final day.Deep's dominance continued after his impressive four-wicket effort in the first innings. He ripped through India B's batting lineup, dismissing key batsmen and restricting them to a mere 184 runs. His match haul of nine wickets is a testament to his skill and consistency.The 27-year-old has made a significant impact in his nascent international career, having played one Test against England earlier this year. His fiery spell in Ranchi earned him three wickets, showcasing his potential as a formidable fast bowler.Deep's journey to the top has been marked by hard work and determination. After moving from Bihar to Kolkata, he grabbed attention in his second first-class match, taking six wickets against Gujarat. He finished the season with an impressive 35 wickets.His success extended to white-ball cricket, earning him an Indian Premier League contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021. Since then, he has continued to impress with his pace and accuracy.India A will now look to capitalize on Deep's heroics and secure victory on the final day. The match promises to be an exciting contest, with India B needing to produce a remarkable batting performance to overcome the deficit.

Durham County Cricket Club has bolstered its bowling attack by signing West Indian fast bowler Chemar Holder for the remaining three matches of the County Championship season. Holder, who has represented his country in both Test and ODI formats, will join the team for the upcoming round of fixtures, starting with the home game against Lancashire at Chester-le-Street on Monday.The 26-year-old replaces New Zealand left-armer Neil Wagner, whose loan spell was cut short due to injury. Durham's director of cricket, Marcus North, expressed his delight at securing Holder's services for the crucial final stages of the season."We are thrilled to welcome Chemar to Durham," North said. "He is a highly talented and experienced fast bowler who will bring a unique dimension to our bowling unit. With several international call-ups and injuries, it was imperative to add another seamer to our squad, and we are fortunate to have acquired a player of Holder's caliber."Holder made his Test debut for the West Indies in 2020, showcasing his impressive pace and accuracy in the domestic first-class circuit. He has also represented Warwickshire in the County Championship, demonstrating his adaptability to English conditions.After undergoing shoulder surgery in 2021, Holder spent over a year on the sidelines. However, he was recently awarded a franchise contract by Cricket West Indies, indicating the high regard in which he is held by the national selectors."I am excited to join Durham and experience county cricket once again," Holder said. "I am committed to giving my all on the field and contributing to the team's success. I am eager to get started and make a positive impact for Durham."Durham currently sits seventh in Division One of the County Championship, 24 points ahead of second-bottom Lancashire. Holder's addition to the squad is expected to provide a significant boost to their hopes of securing a strong finish to the season.

Pakistan's fast-bowling woes have eased slightly with the news that Khurram Shahzad has avoided a serious injury. The 24-year-old quick was forced off the field during the final day of the second Test against Bangladesh, raising concerns about his fitness.Shahzad, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in the series with 11 scalps, played a crucial role in Bangladesh's first-innings collapse, taking 6 for 90. However, he was less effective in the second innings, managing only 1 for 40 in seven overs.After the match, Shahzad underwent scans to determine the extent of his injury. ESPNcricinfo understands that the results have ruled out a fracture, and doctors have advised him a brief period of rest. This means that Shahzad is expected to be fit for the upcoming Test series against England, which begins on October 7 in Multan.The side niggle was a major concern for Shahzad, given his recent injury history. On his debut in Perth last December, he suffered a stress fracture of the rib, which sidelined him for several months. He only returned to action for the two Tests against Bangladesh last month, having not bowled a single ball in first-class cricket since his injury in Perth.As a result, Shahzad will not participate in the Champions One-Day Cup, which starts next week. Pakistan is keen to nurse him back to full fitness before the first Test against England. He will undergo another MRI scan next week to monitor his progress.Pakistan has been plagued by injuries to its fast bowlers in recent times. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Hasan Ali, and Ihsanullah have all suffered long-term injuries, putting the PCB's medical department under scrutiny.Earlier this year, an internal review criticized the management of Ihsanullah's injury and the quality of his treatment. Chief medical officer Dr. Sohail Saleem resigned on the same day.

Mohammed Shami, India's pace spearhead, has revealed his admiration for two legendary bowlers: Waqar Younis and Dale Steyn. In a recent interview with Star Sports, Shami named these two greats as his "favourite bowlers of all-time."Shami's admiration for Younis and Steyn stems from their exceptional skills and achievements. Younis, a Pakistani fast bowler, was renowned for his devastating swing bowling and ability to generate reverse swing. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, having taken 373 Test wickets and 416 ODI wickets.Steyn, a South African fast bowler, is another legend of the game. Known for his express pace, pinpoint accuracy, and lethal inswingers, Steyn has taken 439 Test wickets and 196 ODI wickets. He is considered one of the most successful fast bowlers in the history of cricket.Shami's own bowling prowess has earned him a place among India's top bowlers. Since his debut in 2013, he has established himself as a match-winner across all three formats. With 448 international wickets in 188 games, Shami is one of the most prolific pacers of the modern era.His ability to deliver match-winning performances in big games has made him a fan favorite. In the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups, Shami played a crucial role in India's campaigns, taking key wickets and helping his team reach the semi-finals.Shami's partnership with Jasprit Bumrah has formed a formidable pace duo for India. Together, they have led India's bowling attack to numerous victories. Shami's experience and skill, combined with Bumrah's pace and variations, make them one of the most dangerous bowling pairs in world cricket.

Mark Wood, England's premier fast bowler, has been dealt a major setback as he has been ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a bone-stress injury to his right elbow. This unfortunate news means that Wood will miss England's upcoming Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.Wood's injury woes began during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, where he suffered a right thigh strain while bowling. As a precautionary measure, he was withdrawn from the ongoing series. However, subsequent scans revealed a more concerning issue in his right elbow, which Wood had been experiencing discomfort in.In a heartfelt Instagram post, Wood expressed his disappointment and frustration: "During what I thought was a routine check on a previously troublesome elbow, I was shocked to learn I've got some bone stress in my right elbow."This diagnosis has forced Wood to withdraw from England's remaining six Tests of the year, three against Pakistan in October and three against New Zealand in December. The ECB medical team will continue to monitor Wood's progress closely, with the aim of having him fully fit by early 2025. This would allow him to participate in England's white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which is scheduled to begin in February 2025.Wood's absence is a significant blow to England's bowling attack. His pace and aggression have been instrumental in England's recent Test successes. His ability to generate reverse swing has also been a key factor in his effectiveness.England will now have to find a suitable replacement for Wood in their Test squad. Potential candidates include Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, and Craig Overton. However, none of these bowlers possess the same combination of pace and swing as Wood.Wood's injury is a reminder of the physical demands of fast bowling. The constant stress on the body can lead to a variety of injuries, including bone stress fractures. It is important for bowlers to manage their workload carefully and to listen to their bodies when they are feeling pain.

Legendary West Indian fast bowler Curtly Ambrose, renowned for his intimidating pace and bounce, has expressed his admiration for three contemporary batsmen: Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, and Joe Root. Ambrose, who terrorized batsmen during his illustrious career, believes these players possess exceptional skills and would have been formidable opponents.Ambrose's illustrious career spanned 98 Test matches, during which he claimed 405 wickets. His overall international tally stands at 630 wickets, solidifying his status as one of cricket's most feared bowlers. Despite the dominance of batsmen in modern cricket, Ambrose remains concerned about the lack of recognition given to bowlers."Yes, I feel so sometimes," Ambrose said. "I have been in cricket for so long. Most of the time, if you ask someone their favorite cricketer, they would name a batter. I have played some great matches with them, and I admire them. But as a former fast bowler, I will lean towards the bowlers."Ambrose's admiration for Pakistan's Wasim Akram, another legendary fast bowler, is evident. He believes Akram's exceptional skills and longevity make him one of the greatest bowlers of all time.Ambrose also shared his wisdom with aspiring cricketers, emphasizing the importance of developing skills and playing red-ball cricket. "I would like to advise them (youngsters) to work on their skill-set and play more red-ball cricket," he said. "It is easier to transform your red-ball game and form into T20s. Most of the players doing well in T20s have played red-ball cricket and understand batsmanship."Ambrose's advice highlights the fundamental importance of mastering the traditional format of the game. By honing their skills in red-ball cricket, young players can develop a solid foundation that will enable them to succeed in all formats of the sport.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, has emerged as one of the most formidable fast bowlers in international cricket. His unique bowling action, exceptional pace, and pinpoint accuracy have made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide.Bumrah's rise to prominence began with his debut for India in 2016. Since then, he has established himself as a key player across all formats, excelling in both Test matches and limited-overs cricket. His ability to generate pace and bounce, combined with his deceptive swing and variations, has made him a potent weapon in India's bowling arsenal.Bumrah's impact on the Indian team has been profound. He played a pivotal role in India's historic T20 World Cup triumph in 2022, finishing as the Player of the Tournament with 15 wickets at an astonishing economy rate of 4.17. His ability to contain runs and take crucial wickets in the death overs proved invaluable for India's success.Bumrah's exceptional skills have earned him accolades from cricket legends around the world. Chris Gayle has praised his deceptive reverse swing and yorkers, while Wasim Akram has hailed him as the best bowler in the world. Allan Donald has lauded his ability to close out games in tight situations, and Michael Vaughan has declared him the number one fast bowler across all conditions and formats.Bumrah's dominance extends beyond the field. He is the first bowler in history to be ranked Number One in the ICC Rankings in all three formats of the game. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his versatility and consistency as a bowler.Bumrah's success is not only a matter of individual brilliance but also a reflection of the hard work and dedication he has put in. His unique bowling action, which involves a high-arm release and a slinging motion, is the result of years of practice and refinement.Off the field, Bumrah is known for his humble and down-to-earth nature. He credits his success to the support of his family and coaches and always puts the team's success ahead of his own.As Bumrah continues to scale new heights in his career, he remains an inspiration to young cricketers around the world. His exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and humble demeanor make him a true role model for the sport.