Cricket

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, was forced to sit out the third day of the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala due to a stiff back. Jasprit Bumrah, the designated vice-captain, took over the leadership responsibilities.Rohit's absence was a significant blow to India, as he has been in excellent form throughout the series. He has scored centuries in two of the last three Tests and played a crucial role in establishing India's advantage in Dharamsala.With Rohit out of action, India's top-order batsmen stepped up to the plate. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill both scored half-centuries, while Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant made valuable contributions.India's bowlers also performed well, with Mohammed Siraj and Ravichandran Ashwin taking three wickets each. England were bowled out for 245, giving India a lead of 259 runs.India's victory in Dharamsala gives them an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. It is a remarkable achievement, considering that they lost the first Test in Hyderabad.However, India's victory has been overshadowed by a spate of injuries. Mohammed Shami, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Rajat Patidar have all missed matches due to various ailments.With the IPL just around the corner, India will be hoping that their injured players can recover in time. The IPL is a grueling tournament, and India will need all of their best players available if they want to win the title.

Former Australian captain Tim Paine has expressed his delight in witnessing England's struggles against India, particularly considering the absence of several key Indian players. Paine believes that the current Indian team, despite missing stars like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant, is still a formidable force.In a recent podcast conversation with former Australia batter Simon Katich, Paine discussed the ongoing Test series between India and England. Katich praised India's depth, highlighting the performances of young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel."They have been playing against the Indian B team because there has been no Kohli, no Shami, Bumrah got rested last Test, KL Rahul is out, and Rishabh Pant is still making his way back from that accident," Katich said. "They are not their strongest team, but it just goes to show that the depth in Indian cricket is huge."Paine echoed Katich's sentiments, recalling Australia's defeat to India in the 2018-19 Test series at home when the visitors were also missing several senior players."I know what it's like to be beaten by an Indian B team. Unfortunately, it happened to us on our home soil," Paine said. "But yes, some huge names out for India, which should have certainly helped the English. I thoroughly enjoy watching England play the game, I love the way they are going about it. I love watching them lose. Don't get me wrong, but they are entertaining and exciting."Paine's comments reflect the growing recognition of India's strength in depth, which has allowed them to maintain their competitiveness even in the absence of their star players. The performances of Jaiswal and Jurel in the ongoing Test series have further underlined the depth of Indian cricket.

Sunil Gavaskar Slams Sarfaraz Khan's Shot Selection, Triggers Indian CollapseFormer Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disappointment with the shot selection of young Sarfaraz Khan, which ultimately led to his dismissal on the first ball after tea during the second day of the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala.Sarfaraz, who was well settled at 56 and had forged a promising 97-run partnership with debutant Devdutt Padikkal, squandered a golden opportunity to transform his innings into a potential century. Unfortunately, his innings concluded in a somewhat anti-climactic fashion when a late cut, executed on the first ball after tea, led to his dismissal. He was caught at slip off Shoaib Bashir.Gavaskar couldn't stop himself from reacting as he instantly recalled cricketing great Sir Don Bradman's million-dollar advice on never to get complacent even if you are batting on 200. "The ball was pitched up; it wasn't short enough for that shot. Goes for it and pays the price. I mean you are playing the first ball after tea. Give yourself a little sighter. Don Bradman said to me 'Every ball that I face, even if I am on 200, I think I am on 0.' And here is [Sarfaraz] is… playing such a shot first ball of the session," Gavaskar shared his opinion during the commentary.Sarfaraz's dismissal proved to be a turning point as it triggered a collapse for India. From a position of strength at 376/3, the team stumbled to 428/8, losing quick five wickets in a span of 54 runs, allowing England to make a significant comeback.Both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill struck their second hundred of the series to fetch India a handy first innings lead. Each of India's top five batters, including debutant Devdutt Padikkal, managed 50-plus scores to power the hosts to a commanding 473-8 for a lead of 255.

Shubman Gill's recent resurgence in Test cricket has been attributed to his return to stepping out to bowlers, according to his father and first coach, Lakhwinder. Despite not agreeing with his son's decision to bat at number three, Lakhwinder believes that Gill's aggressive approach has been instrumental in his success.After a disappointing series opener against England, Gill faced mounting pressure to perform. He had failed to score a fifty in 12 innings and was criticized for not playing his natural attacking game. However, his maiden Test century in the second innings of the Vizag Test silenced his critics.Lakhwinder, who witnessed Gill's second hundred of the series on Friday, highlighted the importance of his son's aggressive approach. "Stepping out has made a big difference," he said. "He had stopped doing that and that created pressure. Since his U-16 days, he has been stepping out to spinners and pacers to cut the movement."Gill's willingness to take on both spinners and pacers was evident on Friday, as he charged down the track to hit James Anderson for a six. Lakhwinder also praised his son's square cut and cover drive, which were on display at the HPCA Stadium.Despite his admiration for Gill's aggressive style, Lakhwinder believes that he should have continued to open the batting. "He should have continued to open," he said. "It is not right at all I feel. When you sit in the dressing room for longer, the pressure tends to increase. Number 3 is not opening neither it is a middle-order spot."However, Lakhwinder respects his son's decisions and is proud of his achievements. He also lauded the BCCI's decision to make Ranji Trophy appearances mandatory for India players when they are not on national duty. "The calendar is so busy that he hardly trains for red ball," he said. "It is good that BCCI has taken this step."

India's triumph over England in the ongoing Test series has cast a shadow over the much-hyped "Bazball" era, spearheaded by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. As the teams prepare for the final Test in Dharamsala, England faces the daunting task of salvaging a 2-3 series result.Former England captain Nasser Hussain has expressed concern over the team's performance, despite the entertainment value provided by their aggressive approach. He emphasizes that results remain paramount, and England's current position near the bottom of the World Test Championship table is a cause for worry.Hussain believes that England's win-loss ratio is the most crucial metric, and they must strive to improve it in Dharamsala. He acknowledges that the team has shown competitiveness throughout the series, but their inability to capitalize on opportunities has cost them dearly.The gulf between India and England, according to Hussain, is significant. A 4-1 defeat would only widen this gap and reinforce the perception of England's struggles in India. He urges the team to field their strongest XI in Dharamsala, regardless of future considerations, and to approach the match with the same intensity as if it were a series decider.Hussain's comments highlight the importance of results in cricket, even amidst the excitement generated by England's attacking style. As the series concludes, England will be determined to prove that they can compete with the world's best and that the "Bazball" era is not merely a flash in the pan.

Rohit Sharma's DRS Blunder Costs India Wicket in Dharamsala TestDuring England's first innings in the Dharamsala Test, Indian captain Rohit Sharma made a costly DRS error that allowed Zak Crawley to survive a clear edge. On the fifth ball of the 26th over, Crawley missed a glance shot off Kuldeep Yadav's bowling, and the ball hit wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel and lobbed towards the leg side. Sarfaraz Khan grabbed the ball before it hit the ground, sparking a massive appeal from India.Despite Sarfaraz's insistence, Rohit initially declined the request for a DRS review. However, replays and UltraEdge confirmed that Crawley had indeed edged the ball. The Indian skipper was left laughing in disbelief as Sarfaraz smiled wryly.This error proved costly for India, as Crawley went on to score a crucial 56 runs, helping England reach a respectable total of 218 in their first innings. The fragility of England's batters against spin was once again exposed, with Kuldeep Yadav claiming a five-wicket haul.In contrast, India showed their dominance on the flat track, cruising to 135 for one at stumps on day one. Rohit Sharma (52*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (57) put on a 104-run opening stand, the highest of the series for India. Jaiswal became only the second Indian to amass 700 runs in a series, after Sunil Gavaskar.The Indian pacers and spinners struggled to make an impact compared to their English counterparts. Jaiswal took advantage of this, smashing three sixes off Shoaib Bashir in his first over. Rohit Sharma also played confidently, hitting two maximums.At the close of play, India were in a strong position, with Rohit and Shubman Gill (26*) at the crease. The hosts will be looking to build on their advantage and secure a series victory in the final Test.

England skipper Ben Stokes opted to bat first in the fifth and final Test against India at Dharamsala's Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Despite India's 3-1 series victory, England is determined to salvage some pride and earn valuable ICC World Test Championship points.This match marks a significant milestone for both Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin and England batter Jonny Bairstow, who are playing their 100th Test. England has made one change to their playing eleven, bringing in Mark Wood, while India has replaced Akash Deep with Jasprit Bumrah.During the toss, Stokes expressed his team's desire to bat first, citing the pitch's appearance. He also praised Bairstow's achievement, calling him "one of our best-ever all-format players."Indian skipper Rohit Sharma echoed Stokes' sentiments, stating that India would have also chosen to bat first. He acknowledged Ashwin's remarkable career and expressed his support for the all-rounder.England's playing eleven consists of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes (w), Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, Mark Wood, and James Anderson.India's playing eleven includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah.With the series already decided, both teams will be eager to end on a high note and secure the remaining 12 ICC World Test Championship points. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two talented sides.

Ahead of the fifth and final Test of the five-match series against England in Dharamsala, India captain Rohit Sharma expressed uncertainty about the meaning of "Bazball." The term, coined by English cricket commentator Simon Hughes, refers to England's aggressive batting approach under new coach Brendon McCullum."I honestly don't know what [Bazball] means, whether it is to go and strike, whether it is to go and defend and wait for the loose ball," Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.Rohit questioned the significance of the term, stating that he had not witnessed any excessive swinging from England's batters. "I have not seen any wild swinging from anyone, so I don't know exactly what this term means," he added.Despite his uncertainty about the term, Rohit acknowledged England's improved performance since McCullum's appointment. "But, yeah, clearly they have played better cricket from what they played the last time they were here," he said. "And you got to give credit to two of their batters who got big hundreds there and played well."Rohit also responded to England opener Ben Duckett's comment that Yashasvi Jaiswal's aggressive batting was influenced by Bazball. "There was a guy called Rishabh Pant in our team, probably Ben Duckett hasn't seen him play," Rohit said.England have faced three consecutive losses in the series, unable to capitalize on their early 1-0 advantage. The visitors had their chances, notably in Rajkot and Ranchi, but India came back strong on both occasions to win.The fifth and final Test match will begin on March 7 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala and conclude on March 11, 2024. India and England still have World Test Championship points to gain in Dharamsala, even though the series is decided. India is on top of the World Test Championship standings while England is eighth on the points table.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner, is set to become the 12th Indian cricketer to play 100 Tests when he takes the field against England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala on Thursday. The match is inconsequential to the final outcome of the series, as India has already taken an unbeatable 3-1 lead. However, it has become significant due to Ashwin's impending milestone.Ashwin's captain, Rohit Sharma, has heaped praise on the off-spinner ahead of his 100th Test, calling him a "rare" talent who has been critical to the team's success. "His performances over the last five-seven years, every series he has contributed. It is rare to have players like him," Rohit said.Ashwin has taken 507 Test wickets, making him only the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble (619) to go past the 500-wicket mark. He has also scored over 2,500 runs in Tests, including five centuries.Ashwin's journey to 100 Tests has been a long and winding one. He made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and has since become one of the most successful bowlers in the world. He is known for his ability to bowl with accuracy and control, and he has a wide range of deliveries that he can use to deceive batsmen.Ashwin has also been a key member of the Indian team that has won the World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in recent years. He is a respected figure in the dressing room and is known for his intelligence and his ability to read the game.As Ashwin prepares to play his 100th Test, he will be hoping to add to his already impressive tally of wickets. He will also be hoping to help India win the series against England and cement his place as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.