Cricket

New Zealand's left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel is determined to make a significant impact in the upcoming three-Test series against India, starting on October 16 in Bengaluru. Patel, who was born in Mumbai and has family ties to the city, recently trained at the MIG Cricket Club to prepare for the series.Patel, 35, has a remarkable connection to Mumbai. In December 2021, he became only the third bowler in Test history to achieve a "perfect 10," taking 10 wickets for 119 runs in India's first innings at the Wankhede Stadium.Ahead of the India tour, Patel reached out to Datta Mithbavkar, the local manager of the Afghanistan team during the washed-out Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida. Patel requested a training facility in Mumbai, where he could practice on a spin-friendly wicket.With the help of Nilesh Bhosle, an Apex Council member of the Mumbai Cricket Association, Patel secured a practice session at the MIG Club. He bowled for approximately 90 minutes, facing former India U-19 allrounder Vaibhav Ankolekar. Patel was impressed with Ankolekar's batting and shared valuable bowling tips with him.Patel also interacted with young local players, including left-arm spinners from Mithbavkar's academy, providing them with guidance and advice.Patel's determination to excel in the India series is evident in his meticulous preparation. He is eager to make a mark on the Indian pitches and contribute to New Zealand's success.

Kane Williamson's absence from the opening Test against India in Bengaluru has dealt a significant blow to New Zealand's hopes. The skipper's groin strain, sustained during the Sri Lanka series, has delayed his departure from New Zealand.In Williamson's stead, Tom Latham will lead the Black Caps, who have added Mark Chapman to their squad for the three-Test tour. Chapman, a left-handed batter, has played 78 white-ball matches for New Zealand but is yet to make his Test debut.The rest of the squad remains unchanged from the disappointing Sri Lanka tour, with Michael Bracewell available only for the first Test before departing for the birth of his second child. Ish Sodhi will join the squad as Bracewell's replacement for the second and third Tests.Williamson's injury is a major setback for New Zealand, given his experience in India and the team's struggles for runs in Sri Lanka. The Black Caps selector, Sam Wells, expressed hope that Williamson could play a part later in the series but confirmed his absence from the first Test."The advice we've received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury," Wells said. "We're hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan, Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour."While Williamson's absence is a disappointment, it presents an opportunity for someone else to step up in an important series. Chapman, who has scored a century against India A in 2020, could make his Test debut.Former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath will also travel to India with the Black Caps as part of the coaching staff, continuing his role as a spin-bowling coach.

India vs New Zealand: A Crucial Clash in the Women's T20 World CupIndia's quest for their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title begins with a formidable challenge against New Zealand, a team known for their resilience and determination. While New Zealand may not be as highly regarded as their Trans-Tasman rivals Australia, they pose a significant threat to India's aspirations.India's recent performances in global events have been marred by mental fragility at crucial moments. To address this issue, the team underwent counseling sessions during their preparatory camp at the National Cricket Academy. However, the true test of their mental fortitude will come on the field.Harmanpreet Kaur, India's skipper, is likely making her final appearance in the T20 World Cup. She has witnessed numerous near misses and disappointments, including India's defeat to Australia in the 2020 final. This Indian team boasts an abundance of talent, but they must execute their strategies flawlessly to overcome the reigning champions Australia.India's batting lineup will be under the spotlight against New Zealand. Senior players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Harmanpreet Kaur will need to deliver stellar performances to provide a solid foundation for the team.

Tim Southee, the veteran New Zealand fast bowler, has relinquished his role as Test captain following the team's disappointing series defeat in Sri Lanka. Southee, who took over the captaincy from Kane Williamson in 2022, has led the Blackcaps in 14 Tests, winning six, losing six, and drawing two.Southee's decision to step down stems from his belief that it is in the best interests of the team. He expressed his honor and privilege in captaining the Blackcaps in the Test format, but acknowledged that he needs to focus on his own performances to regain his best form."I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches," Southee said.Southee's form has been under scrutiny this year, with the 34-year-old taking just 12 wickets in his last eight Tests. His place in the team for the upcoming tour of India was uncertain, but he will now return to the selection mix without the burden of captaincy.Tom Latham, who has previously captained the Test side on nine occasions, will take over the reins from Southee. Latham is a highly respected figure within the team and has a proven track record of success.Head coach Gary Stead praised Southee's selflessness and acknowledged his continued importance to the Test side. "Tim's a fantastic player and a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff," Stead said. "He's one of our greatest ever players and we still very much see him playing a part in our Test side moving forward."NZC CEO Scott Weenink echoed Stead's sentiments, commending Southee's leadership and team-first attitude. "To me, that's the sign of a true leader in every sense of the word," Weenink said.New Zealand's 15-player squad for the three-Test tour of India will be announced in the coming days.

New Zealand's recent Test series loss to Sri Lanka may have been a disappointing outcome, but a closer examination reveals a more nuanced picture. In the first Test, the Kiwis pushed Sri Lanka to the brink, falling short by just 68 runs in the chase. They also had the hosts on the ropes on several occasions, but were unable to capitalize.Captain Tim Southee acknowledged that the team had its moments, particularly in the first innings of the first Test. "If we were able to push on there and gain a bit more of a lead, things may have been different in the series," he said.Losing the toss in the second Test proved to be a significant disadvantage for New Zealand. The team missed multiple catches and a stumping chance on the opening day, which Southee admitted was uncharacteristic. "It's something that us as a Kiwi side, we pride ourselves on, so we'll be looking to improve in that area as well," he said.Despite the setbacks, the series provided valuable experience for New Zealand's bowlers and batters. Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips bowled over 100 overs in the second Test alone, which Southee believes will be invaluable in the upcoming tour of India."I think just getting those overs into the spinners [was important]," Southee said. "They will all learn from that and we will hopefully do well in India."As for the batters, their response to the horror morning session on day three of the second Test offered a more accurate reflection of their potential. Despite the margin of defeat, New Zealand notched up their highest score in Galle - 360 - at an impressive run rate of 4.40 per over."The second innings was much more the way we want to play," Southee said. "The guys were quite positive and played in a more positive manner. It was a big shift from the first innings.""I think it was a much clearer way for the guys to play. They they went out and they played their shots. I don't think it was reckless at any stage... It was about picking the right moments to attack and right moments to defend."While the series loss is a setback, the experiences gained in Galle will undoubtedly benefit New Zealand in the future. The team will look to build on the positives and improve in the areas where they fell short.

Sri Lanka's senior batsmen, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, and Angelo Mathews, responded to their batting coach's call for responsibility with a collective 306 runs on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand in Galle.Chandimal, batting at No. 3 for the first time in his Test career, led the way with a composed 116 off 208 deliveries. He came to the crease early in the innings and played aggressively, striking at a run-a-ball pace.As the spinners took control, Chandimal adjusted his approach, slowing down his scoring rate but maintaining his positive intent. He survived several close calls, including edges that fell short of the slips and a leading edge that narrowly missed short cover."Things like that need to be there for you to score a hundred," Chandimal said. "You need to have a bit of luck go your way."Karunaratne contributed 83 runs, while Mathews scored 64. The trio's efforts helped Sri Lanka post a strong total of 364 for 3 at the end of the day.Chandimal acknowledged that he had accepted full responsibility for a run-out that involved Karunaratne before tea. "I apologized to Dimuth as soon as I came off for tea," he said. "It was my fault and I accept it."Despite the run-out, Chandimal's innings was a testament to his experience and adaptability. He has now scored five Test centuries since 2022, including two this year.

Ajaz Patel, New Zealand's enigmatic spinner, has carved a unique niche as an "Asia specialist," excelling in the subcontinent despite limited opportunities at home. With 70 Test wickets at an impressive average of 28.50, Patel has played in only 17 of the 45 Tests New Zealand has contested since his debut.New Zealand's preference for seam-bowling at home has restricted Patel's chances, as they often opt for spinners who offer more with the bat. However, in Asia, Patel has flourished, playing over 70% of his Tests on the continent.Sri Lanka has been a particularly fruitful hunting ground for Patel, where he has claimed two five-wicket hauls, including a recent 6 for 90 in Galle. Only Richard Hadlee has taken more than one five-wicket haul on the island for New Zealand.Despite his impressive record, Patel admits to some frustration at his limited opportunities. However, he remains driven by a hunger to prove himself. "Every time you do get an opportunity, you're pretty hungry," he said.Patel's success in Asia stems from his ability to exploit the conditions. "As a spinner, you have the luxury of the ball doing a little more in these conditions," he explained. "It can be challenging as well, because you're up against good players of spin."Control is crucial for Patel, but he also adapts to the unique conditions at each venue. At Galle, he utilized the breeze to his advantage, hanging the ball up and letting the wind bring it down.Patel has also benefited from the guidance of Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka's spin consultant. Herath, who has taken 102 Test wickets at Galle, has shared his knowledge and insights with Patel."It's awesome having Rangana in our side," Patel said. "He's someone I grew up watching bowl. He's helped me tackle different angles, different fields, and different mindsets."Patel's success in Asia highlights his adaptability and skill as a spinner. Despite limited opportunities at home, he has carved a unique niche for himself as New Zealand's "Asia specialist."

Sri Lanka's slow bowlers struggled for accuracy on day two of their Test against New Zealand in Galle, a venue they hadn't played in for over a year. Spin bowling coach Craig Howard acknowledged that the bowlers needed time to adjust, but also emphasized the need for better execution."If we'd bowled the way we'd have liked to, we'd be in a much better position," Howard said. "We need to hold our line and length for longer, making it harder for the New Zealand batters to rotate the strike and limiting boundary balls."Primary spinners Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya took just one wicket each on Thursday, with Jayasuriya conceding 99 runs in 31 overs. Howard attributed Jayasuriya's performance to a slight deviation from his usual accuracy."Prabath is a very proud man," Howard said. "He's averaged 22 at Galle for a reason, so I'm confident he'll bounce back and have a significant impact on this Test."Mendis, who hadn't played a red-ball game in several months, was more expensive than Jayasuriya, with an economy rate of over four in his 17 overs. Howard suggested that Mendis' lack of recent match practice may have contributed to his inaccuracy."Ramesh Mendis hasn't played a red-ball game for a few months," Howard said. "He's been on an England tour without playing and in the LPL before that. He was probably a bit off from a length-and-line point of view."Despite the challenges posed by the New Zealand batters, Howard expressed confidence that Sri Lanka's spinners could turn the match in their favor with improved accuracy."Control of line and length is paramount," Howard said. "If we do that, there's enough in this wicket to make a difference. The game can speed up quickly in the back end. We could be one or two wickets away from having a first-innings lead. Ideally, we can go through them quickly and end up with a lead, but if not, we'll have a small target to catch up."

Will O'Rourke, the towering New Zealand fast bowler, made an immediate impact in his first Test outing in Asia, tormenting the Sri Lankan batters with his pace and bounce.In his opening spell, O'Rourke unleashed a barrage of bouncers, reaching speeds of over 140kph and extracting uncomfortable bounce from his 6'4" frame. His first Test wicket on the continent came from a bouncer, as experienced opener Dimuth Karunaratne, rattled by O'Rourke's previous deliveries, edged one to the wicketkeeper.Pathum Nissanka, who had scored a century in his last Test innings, was dismissed by an even more impressive delivery, a rapid yorker that he failed to bring his bat down on in time, resulting in his stumps being shattered.O'Rourke's success in his first outing in dry conditions defied the expectations of many foreign seamers who often struggle in such conditions. "Me and Tim Southee as the pace bowlers have the role to be aggressive and bowl quick and unsettle people," O'Rourke explained.In his first five-over spell, O'Rourke claimed two wickets for 26 runs. "We probably wanted to have a bat first, but we had a bowl, and Tim and I were getting good carry, so the communication was to run in hard and hit the deck hard," he said.O'Rourke's third wicket was particularly impressive. He induced a sharp rise from the pitch to strike Angelo Mathews on the index finger, forcing him to retire hurt. When Mathews returned to the crease, O'Rourke dismissed him with another short, sharp delivery, which Mathews fended at from an awkward position."It's very special being this early on in my career bowling to legends like Angelo Mathews," O'Rourke said. "One ball maybe jumped and caught him on the finger and unsettled him a little bit. It's special to be able to bowl to greats like him and lucky enough to get his wicket at the end."O'Rourke, in his third Test, is also benefiting from the mentorship of Tim Southee, who has a wealth of experience in Sri Lanka. "Having Tim as captain is awesome," O'Rourke said. "Getting him at mid-on, or even third slip when he comes over and gives you a wee pointer - that's a big part of our team and a big part of helping me out."