Cricket

Australia's search for a Test opener against India has taken an unexpected turn, with New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd suggesting that white-ball wicketkeeper Josh Inglis should be considered alongside prodigy Sam Konstas.Inglis, 29, has been in impressive form in the Sheffield Shield this season, scoring two centuries and averaging over 50. Despite never having opened in first-class cricket, Shipperd believes Inglis' aggressive style and international experience make him a viable candidate."I'd have Inglis and Konstas in the conversation as one-two, two-one, and let the Australian selectors mull over those two," Shipperd said. "His performances for Australia have been first-class, and I think they're looking for a style of player at the top of the order, and Inglis may fit that brief."However, Inglis' lack of experience as an opener remains a concern. He has only batted above No. 6 in first-class cricket, and his highest score in that position is 122.Konstas, on the other hand, has shown promise as an opener, becoming the third-youngest player to score twin centuries in a Shield game. Shipperd believes Konstas has the skills and temperament to succeed at the highest level."He's really poised and balanced. Anytime you get through the first 25 overs of a Victorian attack with a new ball that shows you've got something," Shipperd said.Despite Konstas' impressive start, Shipperd acknowledges that he may benefit from more time in Shield cricket before making his Test debut."I'm not sure. That's a very good question, though," Shipperd said. "Yes, he was made to wait. So whether that made him or he was already made anyway, because he was scoring multiple hundreds across the course of that journey between him not being selected and then finally selected, I think at around 21.""But Sam, I do see a lot of that skill level and that poise at the crease, shots on both sides of the wicket, in front of the wicket, behind the wicket. I think he's got what it takes."The Australian selectors will have a tough decision to make when choosing their openers for the first Test against India. Inglis' experience and aggressive style could be a valuable asset, while Konstas' potential and impressive start in Shield cricket make him an intriguing option.

Pune is preparing a unique pitch for the second Test against New Zealand, aiming to neutralize the visitors' seamers who secured their first Test win in India in 36 years in Bengaluru. The pitch is expected to be bald, low-bounce, and made of black soil, a departure from the usual surfaces in India.However, New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell remains unfazed by the potential changes. He emphasizes the team's adaptability and resilience, stating that they cannot alter the surface and must react to the conditions. Mitchell acknowledges that he has been searching for form, but he remains confident in his ability to contribute to the team's success.With Kane Williamson still unavailable due to a groin strain, Will Young is expected to retain his spot at No. 3. He played a crucial role in New Zealand's chase in Bengaluru, forming an unbeaten 75-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra. Mitchell also praises the seamless transition of Young and Ravindra into the international setup.Another standout performer for New Zealand in the first Test was Will O'Rourke, who made his Test debut in India and impressed with a match haul of seven wickets. Mitchell highlights O'Rourke's height, release point, and ability to move the ball both ways as factors that make him a challenging bowler to face.Despite the potential challenges posed by the Pune pitch, Mitchell remains optimistic about New Zealand's chances. He believes the team will devise a plan to take 20 wickets and score enough runs to secure a positive result.

India's humiliating 46-all out collapse in the first Test against New Zealand has sparked severe criticism from former cricketer Manoj Tiwary. Tiwary lambasted the team's selection and decision-making, particularly the bizarre choice to bat despite a rain-washed day.Tiwary questioned the logic behind captain Rohit Sharma's decision, emphasizing that common sense should have prevailed. He argued that the team should have opted for three pacers and given more overs to Ravichandran Ashwin, who has over 500 Test wickets.Tiwary also criticized coach Gautam Gambhir for failing to guide Sharma in his selection process. He pointed out that Sharma himself admitted to misreading the pitch, which could have been avoided with proper guidance."Good captains make mistakes, but the coach's role is crucial in providing constant guidance," Tiwary said. "I don't know why that didn't happen."Tiwary expressed concern about the impact on pacer Akash Deep, who was dropped from the XI after an impressive performance in the Bangladesh series. He suggested that Deep's confidence may have been shattered by the decision.With two Tests remaining in the series, Tiwary urged India to make a comeback. He emphasized the need for better decision-making and a more balanced approach to team selection.

India's men's cricket team faces an uphill battle in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, trailing 0-1 after the first match. The focus now shifts to the second Test, scheduled to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.The pitch at the MCA Stadium has been under scrutiny, with concerns raised about its potential to favor spin bowling. India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, inspected the surface and engaged in discussions with the curators. The pitch is expected to be a turner, similar to the one used in the first Test against Australia in 2017, which proved challenging for India.New Zealand's batting mainstay, Daryl Mitchell, acknowledged the potential challenges posed by the pitch but expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt. "We can't change the surface. For us, it's reacting to what's coming at us and adapting on the fly," Mitchell said.India's fielding coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, assured that the team will not repeat the mistakes made in the first Test in Bengaluru, where they misread the conditions. "I don't think it was a massive miss. The conditions just caught us on the back foot a little," Doeschate said.The second Test promises to be a crucial encounter for both teams. India will be desperate to level the series, while New Zealand will aim to consolidate their lead. The pitch conditions will play a significant role in determining the outcome of the match.

New Zealand's resounding eight-wicket victory in the rain-affected first Test against India in Bengaluru has instilled a sense of optimism within the Kiwi camp. Middle-order batsman Daryl Mitchell expressed the team's readiness to confront any challenges, including spin-friendly tracks, in the upcoming second Test in Pune.The Kiwi pacers' remarkable performance in the first innings, dismissing India for a paltry 46, marked India's lowest Test total on home soil. Despite a spirited fightback in the second innings, erasing New Zealand's 356-run lead, India ultimately succumbed to defeat.Mitchell acknowledged the varying challenges posed by different soil conditions in Pune and Mumbai, but emphasized the team's preparedness to adapt. "Every country has its unique challenges," he said. "We've encountered different spinning wickets in Galle and Mumbai, with varying soil types. It's crucial to understand the threats each pitch presents and devise strategies to neutralize them while applying pressure on the bowlers."New Zealand's first Test victory in India in 36 years has boosted their confidence, but they anticipate a fierce response from a wounded Indian team, particularly with World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake. India currently leads the WTC standings and will aim to strengthen their position with another win."We can't alter the surface, so we must adapt to the conditions and respond effectively," Mitchell stated. "As Kiwis, we pride ourselves on embracing the moment and staying present. We can't control the wicket, but we'll formulate a plan to take 20 wickets and score runs."Mitchell also expressed admiration for Rishabh Pant's valiant 99 in India's second innings, despite his knee injury. "Rishabh is a world-class player, and I respect his approach to the game," he said. "Their partnership was impressive, but we recognized the need to continue taking wickets and applying pressure."

Former Australian opener David Warner has expressed his willingness to return to Test cricket, offering to fill the crucial opening slot for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Warner, who stepped away from the longest format earlier this year, has stated that he is ready to make a comeback and provide experience at the top of the order.Australia's opening position has been under scrutiny, with the team struggling to find a consistent pair. Warner's return could be a timely solution ahead of the high-stakes series against India. Known for his aggressive style and extensive experience in Aussie conditions, Warner's inclusion could bolster the home team's chances in the challenging five Test matches.Warner has emphasized the sincerity of his proposal, rejecting any notion that his statements were intended as a joke or made in a lighthearted manner. "I'm always available, just got to pick up the phone," Warner told Code Sports. "I'm always dead serious. Honestly, if they really needed myself for this series, I'm more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play."Warner, considered one of Australia's finest opening batsmen, stepped away from the game earlier this year. Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive 8,786 runs and 26 centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 335.As the Australian team faces challenges such as Cameron Green's injury and Steve Smith's return to his usual position at No. 4 after a short stint as an opener, the 37-year-old cricketer suggests that the team may need to re-evaluate their choices for the opening slots."I did retire for the right reasons to finish the game, and I wanted to finish. But my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I'm not going to shy away from that," Warner said, adding that he had cheekily messaged both Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald and chief selector George Bailey about the situation."I've spoken to Torch (McDonald) and his answer back to me was, 'you retired,'" Warner laughed. "I don't think he wants to give me the pleasure of him saying, 'can you come back?'"Warner's potential return to the Test team would add depth to Australia's lineup and provide a much-needed boost of experience. His aggressive style and ability to score quickly could be a valuable asset in the upcoming series against India.

The Indian cricket team's home dominance was shattered in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, as they were humbled by a humiliating 10-wicket defeat. The Rohit Sharma-led side was dismissed for a paltry 46 in the first innings, their lowest Test score at home. New Zealand responded with a commanding 402, putting India on the back foot.Despite valiant efforts from Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, India managed to surpass New Zealand's total. However, a lower-order collapse left them with a meager target of 107 runs. Surprisingly, Ravichandran Ashwin, the most prolific wicket-taker among active cricketers, was introduced late into the attack.Former India opener Aakash Chopra expressed astonishment at the decision. "We didn't get Ashwin to bowl at all. I'm not saying we would have won if he had bowled, but we didn't even give him a chance," Chopra said. "That was surprising and inexplicable."Chopra questioned the logic behind using Ashwin as the fifth bowling option. "You can understand Bumrah's long spell because he took both wickets. But Siraj was bowling well with the new ball. You could have brought in Jadeja or Ashwin earlier," he said."The match was over. There was no life left in it. You called Ashwin to bowl when only 15 or 20 runs were left. It would have been better not to bowl him at all," Chopra added. "This question should have been asked in the post-match press conference - 'Rohit bhai, what did you do?' India definitely missed a trick, and it's beyond my understanding why Ashwin wasn't bowled."

Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has thrown down a playful challenge to Indian captain Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming Test series between the two nations. Labuschagne, known for his exceptional batting skills, has hinted that he may surprise Kohli with his bowling prowess.In an interview with Australian channel Channel 7, Labuschagne revealed that he believes he can bowl bouncers up to 135 kmph. While he admitted to never reaching that mark, he claimed to have come close."I'd love to hit a little 135 bouncer. I've got that in me, I reckon," Labuschagne said jokingly. "My highest recorded is 132. So 3 kmph."Labuschagne's playful banter has sparked curiosity among cricket fans, who are eager to see if he can back up his words against one of the world's best batsmen. Kohli, who has struggled in recent Test matches, will be keen to prove his mettle against Australia, especially after missing three of the four Tests Down Under in the previous series.Labuschagne's bowling aspirations may seem surprising, given that he has primarily focused on his batting throughout his career. However, he has occasionally bowled legbreaks in Test matches, claiming 13 wickets in 50 games.The upcoming Test series between Australia and India promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to claim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Labuschagne is expected to play a crucial role in Australia's middle order, while Kohli will be determined to lead India to victory.

Ahead of the crucial second Test against New Zealand in Pune, India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate has provided an update on the fitness of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Doeschate expressed optimism that Pant will be fit to keep wickets in the upcoming match."He was having slight discomfort while running towards the end range of the movement of his knee while running. Fingers crossed he will be fine to keep wickets in the second Test," said Doeschate.Pant's fitness has been a concern for the Indian team after he suffered a knee injury during the first Test in Bengaluru. The injury forced him to miss the final day of the match and raised doubts about his availability for the second Test.However, the BCCI's medical team is confident that Pant will be ready to take the field in Pune. "He was in some pain after getting hit on the right knee during New Zealand's first innings. He was given injections. The limp while running between the wickets came from numbness in the affected region. He just has a bruise now and should be fit in a day or two," a BCCI source told TOI.Pant's return to the team after a year-and-a-half absence due to a near-fatal car accident has been a welcome boost for India. His gritty comeback has earned him the support of the team management, which is carefully managing his workload.Despite his injury, Pant played a crucial role in India's victory in the first Test. He scored a dazzling 99 in the second innings, helping India set a challenging target for New Zealand.With Pant expected to be fit for the second Test, India will be hoping to continue their winning ways and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.