Cricket

Wicketkeeper Polly Inglis has earned her maiden call-up to New Zealand's ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against India. The 28-year-old has impressed with her performances for Otago Sparks in the Women's Super Smash and was rewarded with her first New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central contract earlier this year.Inglis' inclusion is the only change to the squad that triumphed in the recent Women's T20 World Cup. Fast bowler Rosemary Mair has been rested due to workload management, while offspinner Leigh Kasperek has been omitted.The core of the T20 World Cup-winning team remains intact, with Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu all part of the touring party. Devine will continue to lead the side in ODIs after stepping down as T20I captain following the World Cup.Inglis' strong domestic performances have earned her a well-deserved spot in the national squad. She was the second-highest run-scorer in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2023-24, amassing 324 runs at an average of 54 and a strike rate close to 80. She also scored a century in the three-match one-day series between New Zealand A and England A."We're really excited to introduce Polly for her first tour," said NZC selector Ben Sawyer. "She put her hand up in last season's Hallyburton Johnstone Shield one-day competition and throughout the New Zealand A series against England, so it's a great next step for her."The three ODIs against India, to be played in Ahmedabad, are part of the Women's Championship. New Zealand currently sit sixth on the table and will face Australia in a three-match series following the India tour. The top five teams plus hosts India will qualify directly for the Women's ODI World Cup next year.

In the realm of cricket, Sarfaraz Khan has emerged as a maverick, defying conventional norms with his unique style and unwavering determination. Like the legendary Imran Tahir, whose exuberant celebrations became synonymous with his wicket-taking prowess, Sarfaraz's sprint around the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after reaching his maiden Test century was a testament to his unbridled joy and the fulfillment of a childhood dream.Despite his unconventional appearance, Sarfaraz possesses an exceptional batting ability that has earned him a place in the Indian Test team. His journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and a refusal to be defined by his physical attributes. In the recently concluded Test match against New Zealand, Sarfaraz showcased his resilience and adaptability, overcoming a shaky start to produce a match-winning century.Initially, Sarfaraz's inclusion in the team was seen as a backdoor entry, but he proved his worth with a series of impressive performances in domestic and India-A matches. His debut in Rajkot was a testament to his talent, as he scored twin half-centuries and displayed a fearless approach against the English bowlers.However, fate had other plans for Sarfaraz. With the return of Virat Kohli and K.L. Rahul, he found himself on the sidelines for the Chennai and Kanpur Tests. Undeterred, he continued to work hard, knowing that his opportunity would come again.That opportunity arrived in Bengaluru, where he was thrust into the middle order after Shubman Gill suffered an injury. Despite being unfamiliar with the No. 4 position, Sarfaraz embraced the challenge with characteristic enthusiasm.The conditions were far from ideal, with a damp track and a formidable Kiwi bowling attack. Sarfaraz's first innings ended prematurely, but he returned with a vengeance in the second innings. His response to the game situation was a powerful sweep off left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, a stroke he repeated to signal his intent.For the next five hours, Sarfaraz was an immovable object, showcasing his Mumbai-honed street smarts and the guidance of his father. The New Zealand bowlers tried to exploit his perceived weakness against the short ball, but Sarfaraz countered with a variety of shots, including late-cuts, dabs, upper-cuts, and ramps.His partnership with Rishabh Pant was a masterclass in attacking cricket. The duo complemented each other perfectly, dismantling the Kiwi bowlers with a combination of power and finesse. Sarfaraz's ability to play the ball late and his penchant for scoring behind square on the off-side proved to be a constant thorn in the opposition's side.With his century, Sarfaraz has cemented his place in the Indian Test team. He has shown that he is not just a one-dimensional player but a versatile batsman capable of adapting to different situations. His journey is a reminder that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle, and that the path to success is often paved with unexpected twists and turns.

Rachin Ravindra, the New Zealand cricketer with deep-rooted connections to Bengaluru, has once again showcased his exceptional talent on Indian soil. During the second Test match against India at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Ravindra scored a magnificent 134 runs off 157 balls, helping his team post a formidable total.Ravindra's innings was characterized by a combination of caution and aggression. Against the tight bowling of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, he played defensively, focusing on rotating the strike. However, he unleashed his attacking instincts against the spinners, smashing Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin for boundaries and sixes.Ravindra's success in India is not a coincidence. He has spent considerable time adapting to the subcontinent's conditions, thanks to the guidance of his father, Ravindra Krishnamurthy, who was also his first coach. In the lead-up to the World Cup last year, Ravindra traveled to Bengaluru and Anantapur with his club, the Hutt Hawks, to gain experience on Indian pitches.Before the Black Caps' tour of the subcontinent, Ravindra trained at the Chennai Super Kings Academy, where he underwent rigorous batting drills in challenging conditions. His father, who witnessed his son's century, attributed it to the preparation he received at the academy."Rachin trained at the academy for about a week. In 40 degrees Celsius, in that humidity, he practiced on a gravel kind of surface. The ball is jumping and turning, dust is coming off, and you are drenched in sweat. I mean nothing can get worse than that. This century, I think, is because of that preparation," said Ravindra Krishnamurthy.Ravindra himself acknowledged the value of his training in India. "It was an invaluable experience. I thought it'd be the best thing for me to go and have a few days of training there in more realistic conditions than what we'd have doctored in New Zealand," he said.Ravindra's performance in the second Test is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has proven himself to be a versatile batsman who can adapt to different conditions and challenges. As the series progresses, he will be one to watch as New Zealand looks to level the score against India.

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has set social media ablaze with his exceptional fielding skills in the lead-up to the highly anticipated first Test between India and New Zealand. A recent video showcases Kohli's remarkable reflexes and dedication as he engages in intense slip-catching drills alongside KL Rahul.During the practice session, Kohli displayed his agility and precision by pulling off a stunning low catch to his right, eliciting laughter from both players. The video highlights the focused preparation of India's key players as they gear up for the three-match Test series, commencing on October 16 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.Kohli and Rahul, both eager to regain their peak form, have demonstrated their commitment to fielding excellence, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to maintain India's dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.However, the team's preparations encountered a setback as heavy rain washed out India's practice session on Tuesday morning. With forecasts predicting continued rainfall throughout the week, the weather could significantly impact the series opener.The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert across parts of Karnataka, warning of potential disruptions during the first two days of the match. The weather could play a crucial role, especially considering recent matches. India's previous Test in Kanpur against Bangladesh was marred by rain delays but ultimately resulted in a home victory.New Zealand, on the other hand, faced similar challenges during their tour of the subcontinent, with their scheduled game against Afghanistan in Greater Noida abandoned due to poor drainage.India enters the series with momentum, having secured a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh, while New Zealand aims to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka. The hosts currently lead the WTC table, while the Kiwis, the reigning 2021 WTC champions, are eager to regain their footing.

New Zealand's Test squad for their upcoming tour of India has suffered a setback with the withdrawal of fast bowler Ben Sears due to a knee injury. Sears, who made his Test debut against Australia earlier this year, experienced pain in his left knee during the recent Test series in Sri Lanka. Scans revealed a tear to his meniscus, ruling him out of the three-match series against India.Jacob Duffy, who has yet to make his Test debut, has been called up as Sears' replacement. Duffy, 30, has played six ODIs and 14 T20Is for New Zealand and has an impressive 299 first-class wickets to his name. He is expected to leave for India on Wednesday morning, the first day of the first Test.In Sears' absence, New Zealand's fast-bowling attack will likely consist of Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Will O'Rourke. Ajaz Patel is expected to be the primary spin option, with allrounders Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Michael Bracewell also providing spin support. Glenn Phillips can also offer part-time spin if needed.New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Sears' injury but remained optimistic about Duffy's potential contribution. "It's an exciting opportunity for Jacob, who has been around the Test squad before," Stead said. "With three Tests ahead of us, he has every chance of making his Test debut."Duffy's recent experience playing for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship is believed to have played a role in his selection. Stead praised Duffy's performances in white-ball cricket for the Black Caps and expressed confidence in his ability to contribute if called upon.New Zealand's tour of India begins with the first Test in Bengaluru on February 22. The series will then move on to Pune and Mumbai for the second and third Tests, respectively.

New Zealand's Test series opener against India in Bengaluru has been dealt a significant blow with the absence of their star batsman Kane Williamson. The 34-year-old is still recovering from a groin strain sustained during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.Williamson's absence is a major setback for the Kiwis, who are looking to make a strong start to their India tour. The experienced campaigner has been in excellent form this year, amassing 618 runs in 12 innings, including three centuries and two half-centuries. His leadership and experience will be sorely missed in the opening game.Williamson's record in India is not particularly impressive, with an average of 33.53 in 15 innings. However, his absence as a leader will be keenly felt by the Black Caps. Tom Latham has taken over as captain, but he will be without the guidance of Williamson, who has a wealth of experience playing in India.Williamson made his Test debut against India in Ahmedabad in 2010, scoring a century against a formidable attack featuring Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh. His absence presents an opportunity for Mark Chapman to potentially make his Test debut. Chapman has played 78 white-ball matches for New Zealand and has enjoyed success while touring India with the New Zealand A side.The mouth-watering series gets underway in Bengaluru, with the second Test in Pune and the final Test in Mumbai. India will be keen to win their home series against New Zealand to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) before their tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.New Zealand, on the other hand, are yet to win a Test series in India and will be determined to put up a strong showing against Rohit Sharma and Co.

Former New Zealand captain Tim Southee faces an uncertain future in the Test team ahead of the upcoming series against India. Southee's recent form has been underwhelming, with only eight wickets at an average of 73.12 in Tests this year.With Southee stepping down as captain, New Zealand's bowling attack is up for debate. The team could opt for just two quicks, with Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke as the likely candidates. If they choose to play three quicks, Southee's experience would be weighed against the extra pace of Ben Sears.The balance of the attack also affects the lower-order batting. Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell are spin-bowling options, but Bengaluru's pitch favors fast bowlers. If three quicks are selected, Henry or Southee would need to contribute with the bat.Southee is working with bowling coach Jacob Oram to rediscover his wicket-taking form. He has been studying video from successful periods in his career, which has yielded 382 Test wickets.Head coach Gary Stead acknowledged that Southee's absence as captain allows for greater flexibility in selection. However, he emphasized that the team's priority is to field the best possible bowling attack.Stead also confirmed that Will Young is likely to bat at No. 3 in the first Test in the absence of Kane Williamson, who is recovering from a groin strain. Williamson's availability for the second Test remains uncertain.Despite India's injury to Mohammed Shami, Stead noted the depth of their bowling talent. He said, "If they have an injury it doesn't seem to effect them like other teams. There's someone else who can come in who is equally adept."

Sri Lanka Opts to Bat First Against New Zealand in SharjahIn a crucial match for New Zealand's semi-final hopes, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first in Sharjah. Despite being eliminated from contention, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed confidence in her team's ability to end the tournament on a high note.New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine echoed Athapaththu's sentiments, stating that they would have also opted to bat first. Their focus remains on securing a victory rather than boosting their net run rate. Both teams made minor changes to their lineups, with Sri Lanka bringing in left-arm spinner Sachini Nisansala and New Zealand introducing offspinner Leigh Kasperek.The match is being played in challenging weather conditions, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius. The pitch dimensions are 57 and 63 meters square of the wicket, with a 73-meter hit down the ground. As expected in Sharjah, the bounce is expected to be low, favoring the spinners.New Zealand XI:* Suzie Bates* Georgia Plimmer* Amelia Kerr* Sophie Devine (capt)* Brooke Halliday* Maddy Green* Isabella Gaze (wk)* Lea Tahuhu* Leigh Kasperek* Rosemary Mair* Eden CarsonSri Lanka XI:* Chamari Athapaththu (capt)* Vishmi Gunaratne* Harshitha Samarawickrama* Kavisha Dilhari* Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)* Nilakshika Silva* Ama Kanchana* Sachini Nisansala* Sugandika Kumari* Inoshi Priyadharshani* Udeshika Prabodhani

Tom Latham, New Zealand's newly appointed Test captain, is eagerly anticipating his maiden tour as a full-time leader against India. Latham, 32, has previously led the team in nine matches, but this will mark his first series as a permanent captain.Latham and a 15-member squad, including veteran Tim Southee, will embark on a three-match series against India starting October 16. The matches will be played in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai.In a video released by New Zealand Cricket, Latham expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. "It's a special feeling to be named full-time captain," he said. "It's a massive honor and a huge privilege."Latham acknowledged the team's past successes and emphasized the importance of maintaining their unique style of play. "As a Test team, we have done a huge amount of good things," he said. "We have been successful playing a brand of cricket that is true to us as Kiwis."He also highlighted the team's blend of experience and youth. "It's a great group, a bunch of leaders, a bunch of older guys, and also some amazing talent coming through," Latham said. "It's an exciting time, and it will be a great challenge."Latham's appointment as full-time captain is a testament to his leadership qualities and the respect he commands within the team. He will be tasked with guiding New Zealand through a challenging tour of India and continuing the team's success in the Test format.