Cricket

Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concerns about India's chase of around 150 runs on a Wankhede wicket that has been behaving differently at both ends. New Zealand ended the second day of the second Test with an overall lead of 143, which former India captain Anil Kumble believes is a challenging target given the nature of the pitch.Ashwin acknowledged that the track is not a typical Mumbai surface, with low bounce and a slower pace. "Expected a lot more bounce. It has been quite slow which is a surprise. It's not a typical Bombay pitch, much slower," he said.To counter the unusual conditions, Ashwin employed the carrom ball, a delivery bowled with a flick of two fingers that turns the other way round. This variation proved effective, as it dismissed Glenn Phillips, who failed to read Ashwin's hand."The game itself is divided into two halves. The one from the pavilion end and from the other end, it's slightly behaving differently. It's slightly flatter from the one where we are bowling from the dressing room side, the bounce is much lesser. So I thought I will try and use it the other way," Ashwin explained.Ashwin also showcased his fielding prowess with a brilliant catch running 19 meters sideways to pouch in-form Daryl Mitchell. "For all the flak you've given me overs the years, I don't think I've dropped many. I have got great hands and I trusted it," he said.Despite the challenging conditions, Ashwin remains confident in India's ability to chase down the target. "Any runs saved in this innings is going to be much more critical. It's not going to be easy, we'll have to bat really well," he said.

The ICC World Test Championship standings are heating up, with India and Australia neck-and-neck at the top. India currently holds a slim lead with 62.82% of possible points, while Australia trails closely behind with 62.50%.India's remaining schedule includes a home Test against New Zealand and a five-Test series in Australia. Despite recent setbacks against New Zealand, India can still finish with a maximum of 74.56% of points. The upcoming series against Australia will be crucial for their chances of reaching a third consecutive World Test Championship final.Australia, the reigning champions, need to win at least four of their remaining seven Tests to defend their title. They have the advantage of playing two Tests in Sri Lanka next year, which could potentially allow them to draw 2-2 with India and still remain in contention for the final. However, their immediate focus will be on regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home, where they have struggled against India in recent years.Sri Lanka, South Africa, and New Zealand are also in the mix for a top-two finish. Sri Lanka's victory over England has given them hope, but they face challenging series against South Africa and Australia. New Zealand's historic series win in India has put them back in contention, but they will likely need to win all four of their remaining Tests. South Africa's success in the sub-continent has boosted their chances, and they have the advantage of playing four matches at home.England, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the West Indies are currently out of contention for the final, but they will be looking to finish the cycle on a positive note with strong performances in their remaining matches.

New Zealand's historic Test series triumph in India has sent shockwaves through the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings, casting doubt on India's hopes of reaching a third consecutive WTC final.India's 0-1 series defeat to the Black Caps has left them precariously perched atop the WTC table with 62.82 percentage points, a mere 0.32 points ahead of Australia. This setback has significantly diminished India's chances of securing a direct berth in the 2025 WTC final.The WTC standings are now wide open, with several teams vying for the top two spots. South Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand are all within striking distance of India and Australia. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia has become even more crucial for India, as they will likely need to win the series to ensure their place in the final.New Zealand's victory has propelled them to fourth place in the WTC standings with 50.00 percentage points, overtaking South Africa. Sri Lanka remains in third place with 55.56 points.Meanwhile, Pakistan's decisive nine-wicket victory over England in the third Test in Rawalpindi has moved them up to seventh place with 33.33 points. England, who lost the series 2-1, now sit just above Pakistan with 40.79 points.India's hopes of reaching the WTC final now hinge on their performance in the third and final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, starting November 1. A win is imperative for India to maintain their chances of qualifying for the final.The WTC standings are set to undergo further changes in the coming months, with several key series scheduled to take place. The outcome of these series will determine which teams will ultimately qualify for the 2025 WTC final.

New Zealand has made history by securing their first-ever Test series victory in India. After seven decades of waiting, the Black Caps have finally triumphed in emphatic fashion, dominating the hosts for the second consecutive week.India's 12-year-long unbeaten series record at home has been shattered. The World Test Championship final spot is now in jeopardy, and the team faces a mountain of questions before heading to Mumbai for the Diwali Test.New Zealand's dominance began in the first Test in Bengaluru, where they won after 36 years. In the second Test in Pune, the Kiwis thrashed India by 113 runs, completing a comprehensive victory.This is the first Test series loss for India at home in 12 years. The team has won 18 consecutive Test series, a remarkable streak that has now come to an end.After winning the toss and electing to bat first, New Zealand posted a competitive 259, thanks to half-centuries from Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65).India's response was feeble, as they were dismissed for a paltry 156. Mitchell Santner proved to be the nemesis for the Indian batsmen, claiming seven wickets in the first innings.New Zealand's captain, Tom Latham, led from the front in the second innings, scoring a brilliant 86 to take the team's lead past 300. Tom Blundell remained unbeaten on 30, ensuring a commanding position for the Kiwis.Washington Sundar, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test, bowled superbly and took his career-best 7 for 59. Ravichandran Ashwin also contributed with three wickets.In the first Test at Bengaluru, Indian batsmen succumbed to New Zealand's pace bowling, posting their lowest total at home of 46. In the second Test, they fell prey to the guile of Mitchell Santner (7 for 53), who dismissed them for 156, giving New Zealand a crucial 103-run lead.In the second innings, New Zealand's Tom Latham played some brilliant shots to score 86. Tom Blundell (41) and Glenn Phillips (48 not out) contributed to give a massive lead of 358 for India. Chasing a target of 359, India were on the backfoot with the dismissal of their captain Rohit Sharma for just 8. But Yashasvi Jaiswal (77) and Shubman Gill (23) played positive cricket to lift Indian hopes. However, the quick dismissal of Jaiswal and Gill opened the gates for New Zealand bowlers, particularly Mitchell Santner.Mitchell Santner played a crucial role in New Zealand's second Test win. Santner took 13 wickets in this match and scored crucial runs in the first innings.

New Zealand's dominance over India continued in the second Test in Pune, as they extended their lead to a commanding 301 runs on the back of a brilliant batting performance led by captain Tom Latham.Mitchell Santner, who had wreaked havoc with the ball in the first innings, claiming seven wickets, continued his impressive form with the bat. He scored a crucial 45, providing stability to the New Zealand innings.Latham, however, was the star of the show. He played a captain's knock, anchoring the innings with a composed 86. His innings was characterized by patience and determination, as he weathered the Indian bowling attack and guided his team to a position of strength.Tom Blundell, who remained unbeaten on 30, provided valuable support to Latham. The duo shared a crucial 65-run partnership, further consolidating New Zealand's lead.India's bowlers, led by Washington Sundar, fought back in the second innings, claiming four wickets. However, the damage had already been done, as New Zealand's batsmen had built a substantial lead.With just one day remaining in the Test, India faces an uphill task to salvage a draw. New Zealand, on the other hand, is on the cusp of a historic series win in India.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has etched his name in the record books by becoming the leading wicket-taker in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). During the second Test against New Zealand at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium, Ashwin took two crucial wickets in the morning session, surpassing Australia's Nathan Lyon to claim the top spot.Ashwin dismissed New Zealand captain Tom Latham for 15 and Will Young for 18, helping India restrict New Zealand to 92/2 at lunch on Day 1. These dismissals brought Ashwin's tally to 188 wickets in 39 WTC matches, placing him ahead of Lyon, who has 187 wickets from 43 matches.Ashwin's remarkable achievement underscores his importance in India's bowling attack, as the team looks to bounce back in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand and secure a spot in the WTC final. The off-spinner has been a key figure in India's bowling lineup throughout the WTC, consistently delivering match-winning performances.With his latest milestone, Ashwin has further cemented his status as one of the world's leading bowlers in the longest format of the game. His ability to extract turn and bounce from any surface, combined with his exceptional control and variations, makes him a formidable opponent for any batting lineup.Ashwin's success in the WTC is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport. He has consistently performed at the highest level, showcasing his class and skill on the international stage.As India continues its quest for WTC glory, Ashwin will undoubtedly play a pivotal role. His experience, skill, and leadership will be invaluable as the team aims to secure a place in the final and challenge for the coveted trophy.

India's Test cricket dominance suffered a setback as they were comprehensively defeated by New Zealand in the first Test match in Bengaluru. The Kiwis outplayed India in all departments, securing an emphatic 8-wicket victory.Captain Rohit Sharma's decision to bat first despite overcast conditions proved costly. India's batsmen struggled against New Zealand's fast bowlers, who exploited the damp pitch to bundle out the hosts for a mere 46 runs. It was India's lowest total at home in Test cricket.Rachin Ravindra's brilliant century propelled New Zealand to a commanding lead. The visitors' bowlers continued to dominate, dismissing India for 212 in the second innings. Despite valiant efforts from Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, India's batting lineup failed to match New Zealand's prowess.Another tactical error by India was their selection of three spinners and two fast bowlers. The inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav over Akash Deep proved ineffective, as the fast bowler would have been more suited to the conditions.The defeat exposed India's weaknesses in Test cricket. Their inability to adapt to different conditions and their reliance on spinners on a seamer-friendly pitch were major factors in their downfall.Despite the loss, India maintained their top spot in the World Test Championship table, while New Zealand rose to fourth position. The second Test of the series will be played in Mumbai from December 3-7.

India's dominance in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) has been shaken after their loss to New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru. The defeat has cost India crucial percentage points, bringing Australia closer to them in the race for the WTC Final.Before the Bengaluru Test, India held a comfortable lead with a point percentage of 74.24. However, the loss has dropped their percentage to 68.06, while Australia (62.50 PCT) has closed the gap. Both teams have identical records of 8 wins and 3 losses in 12 games, but Australia's lower percentage points keep them behind India.The loss has major implications for India's hopes of reaching the WTC Final. Sri Lanka, currently third in the standings, is also a contender with 5 wins and 4 losses in 9 games. New Zealand's historic victory has propelled them to fourth place, with 4 wins and 5 losses in 9 matches.New Zealand's victory has given them a chance to qualify for the WTC Final. They have two more matches against India, followed by a three-match series against England. England, currently fifth in the standings, is also in contention with 9 wins and 8 defeats in 18 matches.India has two more Tests against New Zealand in Pune and Mumbai before embarking on a challenging five-match series in Australia later this year. The results of these matches will be crucial in determining India's fate in the WTC.

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes the upcoming two-Test series against India will provide a valuable assessment of his team's international standing. The Tigers are coming off a triumphant 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan, but Hathurusingha acknowledges the challenge posed by India, the current leaders of the World Test Championship (WTC) table."We are encouraged by playing the best team in the world," said Hathurusingha. "Playing against the best always gives you the perception of where you stand, and as sportspersons, we always look forward to it."Hathurusingha praised the "most rounded" Bangladesh squad he has ever seen, featuring eight specialist batters, six bowlers, and two all-rounders. He highlighted the experience of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who played key roles in the Pakistan series."Shakib has always played a huge part in Bangladesh cricket," said Hathurusingha. "He gives us the luxury to balance the team the way we want, thanks to his all-round abilities."Regarding the pitch, Hathurusingha described it as "sporting" but cautioned that it could change significantly during the match.