Cricket

India's Historic Low: A Tale of Collapse and ResilienceTwo weeks ago, the Indian cricket team basked in glory after crushing Bangladesh in the second Test at Kanpur. However, their fortunes took a dramatic turn in Bengaluru, where they suffered their lowest Test total on home soil.Batting first, India crumbled to a mere 46 against New Zealand, a score that shattered their previous record of 75 all out against the West Indies in 1987. The collapse sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, with Cricket Australia sarcastically asking, "Is 'All Out 46' the new 'All Out 36'?"Historically, teams dismissed for less than 50 runs in an innings have never won a Test match. Only once has a team managed to draw, with Australia achieving this feat in 1902.The Birmingham Miracle: Australia's 36 and a DrawIn the annals of Test cricket, the Birmingham Test of 1902 stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Australia, touring England, were bowled out for a shocking 36 in just 90 minutes, with Yorkshire's Wilfred Rhodes claiming an astonishing 7 for 17.Despite the humiliating collapse, Australia refused to surrender. Forced to follow on, they held their ground for 28 overs, losing only two wickets. Rain played a crucial role in their survival, as a downpour rendered the wicket unplayable and prevented England from securing a victory.A Series of ExtremesThe Birmingham Test was a microcosm of the entire 1902 series between Australia and England. The Australians, despite their low score in Birmingham, went on to win the series 2-1. They lost only two of the 39 matches played during the tour, showcasing their remarkable resilience and determination.Lessons from HistoryIndia's recent collapse serves as a reminder that even the most formidable teams can experience setbacks. However, the story of Australia's 36 in Birmingham offers hope that even in the face of adversity, resilience and determination can prevail.As India seeks to bounce back from their historic low, they can draw inspiration from the Australians of 1902. By embracing the lessons of history, they can overcome this setback and emerge stronger than ever before.

New Zealand's bowlers have put them on the cusp of a historic Test victory in India, but pacer William O'Rourke has warned against complacency despite the seemingly achievable target of 107 runs.O'Rourke and Matt Henry shared six wickets between them to dismiss India for 462 in their second innings, setting up a tantalizing chase for the Kiwis. However, O'Rourke emphasized the need for caution, acknowledging the quality of the Indian team."I wouldn't say it's an easy win from here," O'Rourke said. "We've got a world-class team going up against us. But we've got to be confident going out there tomorrow."O'Rourke, who is on his first tour of India, has relished the experience, particularly the pace and bounce offered by the Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch. He singled out the dismissal of Virat Kohli in the first innings, where he induced the star batter to jab at a steep bouncer, resulting in a catch to Glenn Phillips at gully."It's obviously pretty special getting someone so great, one of the greats of our game, out like that," O'Rourke remarked. "Obviously, you grow up watching those guys. So, to come here and take that wicket, it's probably right up there."The young pacer acknowledged the pressure put on the Kiwis by Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99), who added 177 runs for the fourth wicket. However, he credited the second new ball for helping them gain some momentum, with Tim Southee getting the breakthrough by dismissing Sarfaraz, followed by O'Rourke's dismissal of Pant."I've been pretty hot and cold with the ball," O'Rourke said. "Pant and Sarfaraz have batted very well for a long time, but that second new ball started doing a little bit for us.""So, good to Timmy (Southee) getting that first breakthrough (Sarfaraz) and then lucky enough to get a chop (Pant) there to sort of give us a bit of momentum going through."O'Rourke also expressed gratitude towards his mentor, Kyle Jamieson, who is currently recovering from a back stress fracture. "Kyle's been a bit in the background," he said. "So, learning from him and, obviously, he's had a hell of a start to his international career and he's one of the best bowlers in the world."

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has heaped praise on Sarfaraz Khan, comparing him to legendary Pakistani batter Javed Miandad. Manjrekar's comments came after Sarfaraz's impressive performance in the first Test between India and New Zealand in Kanpur.Sarfaraz, who replaced the injured Shubman Gill in the Indian team, scored a half-century in the first innings and remained unbeaten on 70 off 78 balls at the end of Day 3. Manjrekar was particularly impressed with Sarfaraz's approach to batting, both offensively and defensively."Sarfaraz reminds me of a Javed Miandad of the 1980s but this is a 2024 version of a Javed Miandad," Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo's YouTube channel. "Really impressed with the way he played. We know he plays spin well but I liked the way he played fast bowlers."Miandad, who played for Pakistan from 1975 to 1996, is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He scored over 16,000 international runs, including 8,832 in Tests at an average of 52.57.Manjrekar also praised Sarfaraz's game awareness, particularly towards the end of the day's play. "Towards the end of the day's play, he was looking to play defensively and wanting bad light when there was actually bright light," Manjrekar said. "I loved the way he was ducking to bouncers, just trying to play the day out so he has that game as well and that augurs well for India and Sarfaraz Khan for Australia because he has shown that element of batting as well."Sarfaraz stitched a 136-run partnership with Virat Kohli in the second innings, before the latter departed on the final ball of Day 3. India will resume their innings on Day 4 with Sarfaraz looking to convert his half-century into a century.

India's disappointing exit from the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup has raised concerns about the team's ability to compete at the highest level in the shortest format. Despite boasting a talented squad, India failed to live up to expectations, losing their opening match to New Zealand and ultimately failing to qualify for the knockout stages.Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes that the team's struggles stem from a lack of understanding of how to play T20 cricket effectively. "They still haven't been able to crack that code individually and collectively," she said. "Certain players, starting with Harmanpreet Kaur, know how to pace the innings, but I can't say the same for everyone else."Chopra also criticized the team's preparation for the tournament, suggesting that they were underprepared for the intensity of the competition. "When they played their first match against New Zealand, I thought they were a little underprepared and possibly they didn't expect New Zealand to come hard at them," she said.India's lack of a winning mentality was also a factor in their downfall, according to Chopra. "They never had the feel of a team who were there in the UAE to win the tournament," she said. "You can expect that also to happen because you've just lost the first game."Despite playing a series of T20 matches in the lead-up to the World Cup, India failed to address the mistakes that have plagued them in previous tournaments. "The same mistakes cannot happen again and again," said Chopra. "If the same mistake is happening, then definitely there is a miss in either the skill level or preparation or adaptation."Chopra believes that the team needs to identify and address these issues if they want to be successful in future T20 events. "Changing people and setups is not going to just solve it," she said. "We have everything in our country. BCCI provides us with everything in our country from preparation to games to whatever a player requires to become a world champion."

Kuldeep Yadav, India's left-arm wrist spinner, expressed optimism about the pitch's increasing turn and emphasized the importance of the batters building a substantial lead in the second innings to provide the spinners with an advantage.After the third day of the first Test, India trailed by 125 runs with a score of 231 for three. "The spinners were getting some assistance when we were bowling, and we hope to get more spin on Day 5," Kuldeep stated in the post-day press conference. "However, we need a good total to defend."Kuldeep acknowledged the need for a competitive target, given India's potent bowling attack. "We can't predict a specific total right now because we still have a lot of batting to do," he added.The spinner expressed confidence in Sarfaraz Khan, who was unbeaten on 70, to contribute significantly. "We witnessed his 200-run knock in the Irani Trophy," Kuldeep said. "We expect him to deliver another big score here. His technique is irrelevant as long as he keeps scoring runs."Kuldeep praised Rachin Ravindra's century for New Zealand. "He batted exceptionally well," he said. "I missed a few opportunities to dismiss him, but he's a talented player who has improved significantly in recent years."Regarding the Indian bowlers' strategy against the Ravindra-Southee partnership, Kuldeep explained, "My plan was to get them out by any means necessary. Southee was fortunate to survive some close calls, but he played well and contributed valuable runs. I focused on bowling good lengths."Kuldeep's three wickets in 18.3 overs helped restrict New Zealand to 402 in their first innings, giving India a 356-run lead.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a novel plan to address security concerns and facilitate India's participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Under the proposal, the Indian team would return to India after each match played in Pakistan, either to Chandigarh or Delhi. This arrangement would allow Team India to travel to Pakistan for their games while mitigating concerns about staying in the host country for the tournament's duration.The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, with matches to be held in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. The PCB has planned all of India's matches in Lahore due to logistical considerations and security concerns. The city's proximity to the border makes it easier for Indian fans to attend the games.The PCB's proposal aims to address the Indian government's reservations about touring Pakistan. The decision on whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan ultimately rests with the Indian government. However, recent developments, including discussions during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Pakistan, indicate ongoing efforts to address security and logistical concerns.The ICC has distributed the tournament schedule to all parties involved, including the participating teams. Local media outlets have reported that the broadcaster has requested a change in the venue for the India-New Zealand match, with the PCB suggesting Rawalpindi as a potential replacement. However, both the broadcaster and the ICC have denied any knowledge of such a request.India's participation in the Champions Trophy is crucial for the global cricketing community. The event's significance would be greatly diminished if India chooses not to participate. The ICC and PCB have devised a backup plan to organize India's matches outside of Pakistan in case the Men in Blue are unable to make the trip.

India has etched its name in the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the first team to smash 100 sixes in a calendar year. This remarkable feat was achieved on Day 3 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, marking a watershed moment in the sport.The Rohit Sharma-led side has been on a six-hitting spree throughout 2023, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill leading the charge with 29 and 16 sixes respectively. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 89 sixes set by England in 2022.India's dominance in this aspect is a testament to their aggressive approach and the presence of power hitters in their batting lineup. The team's ability to clear the boundary with ease has put pressure on opposition bowlers and created scoring opportunities.In the ongoing Test against New Zealand, India's batting prowess was on full display. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Sarfaraz Khan all struck fluent fifties, keeping their team in the hunt despite a significant first-innings deficit. Kohli's knock was particularly significant as he reached the milestone of 9,000 Test runs.New Zealand had earlier posted a formidable total of 402, thanks to Rachin Ravindra's century and Tim Southee's quickfire 63. However, India's counter-attacking approach has given them a glimmer of hope in the match.With two days remaining in the Test, India faces an uphill task to chase down the target and secure victory. However, their ability to hit sixes at will could prove to be a game-changer.

India's spirited fightback on the third day of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru was overshadowed by Virat Kohli's unfortunate dismissal off the last ball of the day. Kohli, who reached the milestone of 9,000 Test runs during his innings, shared a 136-run partnership with Sarfaraz Khan, who remained unbeaten on 70 at the close of play.India's second innings began with a solid opening stand of 72 between Yashasvi Jaiswal (35) and Rohit Sharma (52). However, spinner Ajaz Patel made inroads into the Indian top order, dismissing both openers. Rohit's dismissal came shortly after he had smashed Matt Henry for a sequence of four, six, and four to bring up his half-century.The day belonged to New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra, who scored his second Test century and was the last man out in the tourists' first innings total of 402. Ravindra, resuming on his overnight score of 22, reached his hundred with a boundary off Ravichandran Ashwin before lunch. He shared a crucial 137-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Tim Southee, who contributed a quickfire 65.India's pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah struck early in the morning session, while spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets each. The hosts were without the services of wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who remained off the field after injuring his knee. Dhruv Jurel took over as the substitute wicketkeeper.India's second innings got off to a solid start, with Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan putting on a century partnership. Kohli reached his fifty at his adopted home ground, where he represents the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. However, his dismissal off the last ball of the day to Glenn Phillips, caught behind by Tom Blundell, left India at 231 for three at stumps, still trailing the Black Caps by 125 runs.

Virat Kohli's Resurgence: A Milestone and a Lifeline for IndiaVirat Kohli, the former Indian captain and batting maestro, has finally broken his century drought in Test cricket, marking his return to form with a crucial half-century in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand.Kohli's 52-run knock came at a time when India desperately needed a stabilizing force after losing early wickets. His innings was a testament to his resilience and determination, as he weathered the storm and played with the composure of a seasoned veteran.With this half-century, Kohli became the fourth Indian batter to surpass 9,000 runs in Test cricket, joining the illustrious ranks of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. However, Kohli's journey to this milestone was the longest among the quartet, taking him 197 innings to reach the coveted mark.Kohli's resurgence is a welcome sight for Indian cricket fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his return to his dominant form. His half-century has not only boosted India's chances in the ongoing Test but has also reignited hopes of a successful World Test Championship campaign.The Indian team has been struggling for consistency in recent months, and Kohli's return to form could be the catalyst they need to turn their fortunes around. His experience, leadership, and ability to score runs in all conditions make him an invaluable asset to the side.As India prepares for the second Test against New Zealand, Kohli will be expected to continue his good form and guide the team to victory. His return to form is a timely boost for India, who will be looking to secure a series win and consolidate their position in the World Test Championship standings.