Cricket

Virender Sehwag, the swashbuckling Indian opener, is a legend in the cricketing world. Known for his fearless batting style, Sehwag has amassed over 8,000 runs in both Test and ODI cricket. His aggressive approach has left an indelible mark on the game, with even the greatest bowlers fearing his wrath.Sehwag's aura was such that he could sing Hindi songs while smashing bowlers for boundaries. The likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, and Dale Steyn, all ace pacers, were not spared. Even the slightest loose ball from these bowling giants was dispatched to the boundary with disdain.Sehwag's journey to becoming an opener was not a straightforward one. Initially, he started as a middle-order batsman, but his explosive batting earned him the role of opener. He went on to open India's batting in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, setting the tone of the tournament with a brilliant 175 in his first innings.Sehwag shares the record for the most triple centuries in Test cricket. During a Test match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, he had the chance to make history as the first batsman to score three triple centuries. On the first day of the match, Sehwag scored 284 runs, making it the third-highest score by a batsman in a single day of a Test match.Facing tough bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan, Sehwag remained in control. Towards the end of the day, with only 3-4 overs left, his batting partner Rahul Dravid advised him to play out the day. Dravid suggested that Sehwag imagine batting through the remaining overs without losing his wicket and then coming back the next day to possibly make 300, 400, or even 500 runs.Sehwag recalled in an interview that Dravid carefully played out the overs, taking a single only when the over was about to end so that Sehwag would face fewer balls. When the day ended, and both batters remained not out as they returned to the dressing room, Dravid told him, 'Well done, bohot badhiya. Ab kal dekh tu wapas aaega toh pura din batting karega toh tu world record bana sakta hai.'Sehwag admitted that Dravid's words filled him with optimism. He went to his room, had dinner, and slept soundly. However, the next day, he managed to add only 9 more runs before being dismissed for 293. Sehwag later admitted that as he walked back to the dressing room, he regretted listening to Rahul Dravid.Sehwag had scored 293 runs off 254 balls, with 40 fours and 7 sixes. In the end, the world's leading wicket-taker, Muralitharan, dismissed Sehwag with a caught-and-bowled effort. MS Dhoni went on to score a century in that match, and India posted a massive total of 726 for 9 before declaring. India went on to win the match by an innings and 24 runs.

Adam Zampa, Australia's premier white-ball spinner, has expressed his belief in the enduring significance of the ODI format despite the proliferation of franchise cricket and a congested international calendar. As he prepares to play his 100th ODI against England, Zampa emphasized that representing his country remains his paramount priority.Zampa's unwavering commitment to international cricket stems from the unparalleled emotions and achievements it offers. He believes that winning World Cups for Australia surpasses the triumphs of franchise cricket. This sentiment is echoed by a recent survey conducted by the World Cricketers Association, which revealed that 50% of players still view the ODI World Cup as the most prestigious title, with the T20 World Cup trailing at 35%.While acknowledging the opportunities provided by franchise cricket, Zampa maintains that playing for one's country remains the ultimate aspiration for young players. He believes that the ODI format continues to offer a valuable platform for aspiring cricketers to showcase their skills and represent their nation.Zampa's own success in both the T20 and ODI World Cups underscores his exceptional talent. He was Australia's leading wicket-taker in both the 2021 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite Australia's recent setbacks in the T20 World Cups, Zampa remains optimistic about their chances in the 2026 edition.As Zampa prepares for his 100th ODI, he will be accompanied by his wife, Harriet, and their baby boy. This milestone holds immense significance for him, as he never anticipated playing so many matches for Australia.

England's ODI series against Australia will showcase their impressive fast-bowling depth, with seven seamers set to take the field. The demanding schedule of five matches in 11 days necessitates rotation, providing an opportunity for Hampshire's John Turner to make his long-awaited international debut.Turner, 23, has been on the fringes of England's white-ball selection for over a year. Despite being named in the squad for last summer's T20I series against New Zealand, an injury prevented him from playing. He was also an unused member of the touring party in the Caribbean in December.With Jofra Archer's workload being managed and three fast-bowling options (Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, and Olly Stone) departing for Pakistan's Test series, Turner is poised to earn his first cap. Saqib Mahmood's late addition to the squad further emphasizes the need for regular changes throughout the series.Turner's pace has piqued England's interest since his T20 campaign for Hampshire last summer. He has consistently taken wickets throughout his young professional career, with a bowling average below 20 in all three formats.England is eager to find a middle-overs wicket-taker in the mold of Liam Plunkett, and Jos Buttler has hinted that Turner could fill that role. Turner's ability to break partnerships and take wickets is crucial in 50-over games, and his high pace is a valuable asset.Turner's competitive nature drives him to match the speeds of his fellow fast bowlers. He believes that healthy competition among the bowlers will benefit the team. Despite playing only twice in the County Championship this year, Turner's ambitions extend across formats. He aims to become an all-format player, excelling in Test cricket, white-ball, and franchise cricket.

Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage and Harshitha Samarawickrama have etched their names in cricket history by becoming the first pair of players from the same country to win the ICC Players of the Month awards for the same month. This remarkable achievement comes after Wellalage's stellar performance in the ODI series against India and Samarawickrama's impressive tour of Ireland.Wellalage, a 31-year-old left-hander, played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's 2-0 series victory over India. He showcased his all-round abilities, scoring 67 not out, 39, and two while also claiming seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the third match. His Player of the Series performance earned him the coveted monthly award ahead of South Africa's Keshav Maharaj and West Indies' Jayden Seales.Samarawickrama, a 26-year-old left-hander, enjoyed a prolific tour of Ireland. She became only the third Sri Lankan woman to score an ODI century, amassing 151 runs in two T20Is and 172 runs in three ODIs. Her match-winning 86 not out off 45 balls in the first T20I and her 105 in the second ODI were instrumental in Sri Lanka's success.This double honor for Sri Lanka is a testament to the country's rising cricketing talent. Wellalage's award marks the fifth time a Sri Lankan player has won the men's award, while Samarawickrama is only the second Sri Lankan woman to receive the recognition.Wellalage expressed his gratitude for the award, stating that it provides him with immense satisfaction and motivation to continue excelling. Samarawickrama echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that the recognition is particularly significant ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024.The ICC Players of the Month awards recognize outstanding performances by cricketers across all formats of the game. The awards are based on a combination of factors, including match impact, player ratings, and overall performance.

England's cautious approach to Jofra Archer's workload will continue during the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia. Archer has been gradually reintegrated into international cricket after recovering from back and elbow injuries.Despite his impressive performance in the T20 World Cup, Archer has been carefully managed to avoid overexertion. He played only 3.3 overs in the T20I series against Australia and was rested for the second game in Cardiff.England's interim coach, Marcus Trescothick, emphasized the need to manage Archer's workload throughout the ODI series. "He's played a really good stint of T20 cricket, but there's a jump in intensity getting loads up to taking full part in an ODI," Trescothick said.Archer's long-term goal is to return to red-ball cricket, but he has not played a first-class match since May 2021. Trescothick confirmed that Archer is comfortable with the ECB's plan to manage his workload."He knows the plan," Trescothick said. "It's discussed long in advance of picking the team on each day. We know what we're doing with him, and where we're going."Trescothick will continue to assist England as an assistant coach for the Test series in Pakistan and New Zealand. He believes his experience working with Brendon McCullum will ensure a smooth transition when McCullum takes charge across formats in January."I'm directing it in a way that I know will be very similar to when he comes in," Trescothick said. "He'll talk the same way, manage in the same fashion, and debrief in the same way."

England Women's cricket team secured an emphatic 275-run victory over Ireland in the second ODI at Stormont, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Tammy Beaumont's unbeaten 150 was the cornerstone of England's dominant performance, while Kate Cross's career-best bowling figures of 3 for 8 dismantled Ireland's batting lineup.Beaumont's century, her 10th in ODIs, propelled her to the top of England's all-time list for most hundreds in the format. She now trails only Meg Lanning (15) and Suzie Bates (13) on the overall list. The 31-year-old opener faced just 139 deliveries, striking 16 fours and a six, as England chased down Ireland's paltry total of 45 with 33.1 overs to spare.Ireland's batting collapse was triggered by Cross, who claimed three wickets in her opening spell. The England captain, who had also starred with both bat and ball in the first ODI, continued her impressive form, bowling with pace and accuracy. Freya Kemp, who is part of England's T20 World Cup squad but was sent to Ireland to regain form, contributed 65 runs to England's total. The 19-year-old all-rounder also chipped in with two wickets.Lauren Filer, who was overlooked for the T20 World Cup, took 3 for 10, while debutant Georgia Davis claimed 2 for 19. Ireland's total of 45 was their lowest-ever in ODIs, highlighting the gulf in class between the two sides.Beaumont, who has been dropped from England's T20I team, emphasized that her performance was not about proving anyone wrong. "I've got nothing left to prove in my game," she said. "I'm playing for me and playing for England and playing for my team-mates."The victory extends England's dominance over Ireland, who have now lost 10 consecutive ODIs against their rivals. The two teams will meet again in the third and final ODI on Wednesday, before England travel to Dublin for three T20Is.

England's Kate Cross led her team to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Ireland in the first ODI at Stormont, showcasing her exceptional all-round abilities.Cross, captaining England for the first time, played a pivotal role in restricting Ireland to 210 all out. She claimed career-best figures of 6 for 30, including the wicket of Ireland's top-scorer, Orla Prendergast, who made 76. Cross's impressive bowling display included her second ODI five-wicket haul.Ireland had opted to bat first and were in a strong position at 151 for 3, with Prendergast anchoring the innings. However, Cross's return to the attack proved decisive. She broke the partnership between Prendergast and Leah Paul, and then proceeded to dismantle the Irish tail.England's chase got off to a shaky start as Ireland's bowlers reduced them to 156 for 6. But Cross stepped up once again, hitting an unbeaten 38 that included the winning runs. She was ably supported by Hollie Armitage, who made 44, and Paige Scholfield, who contributed 38.Ireland's total of 210 was their highest in women's ODIs against England, but Cross's heroics with both bat and ball proved too much for the hosts. England reached their target with 91 balls to spare, securing a comfortable victory.

Rohit Sharma, the enigmatic Indian captain, has etched his name into the annals of ODI cricket history as the only batsman to have scored three double centuries in the format. His remarkable ability to construct colossal innings with elegance and flair has left cricket enthusiasts and experts alike in awe.Sharma's first monumental knock came against Australia in 2013, where he unleashed a breathtaking assault on the hapless bowlers, amassing a colossal 209 runs off a mere 158 deliveries. The Bengaluru crowd witnessed a spectacle of unrivaled brilliance as Sharma's bat conjured a symphony of boundaries and sixes, leaving the opposition in a state of stupefaction.Lightning struck twice when Sharma, donning the iconic blue jersey, took center stage against Sri Lanka in 2014. In a display of unmatched batsmanship, he surpassed his own record, accumulating an astonishing 264 runs, the highest individual score in ODI history. The cricketing world stood in raptures as Sharma's willow danced to a mesmerizing tune, dispatching the ball to all corners of the Eden Gardens with unerring precision.The magnum opus of Sharma's ODI odyssey unfolded against the same opposition, Sri Lanka, in 2017. In a masterclass of timing, technique, and temperament, he conquered yet another summit, registering a sublime 208 not out. The Mohali crowd was enthralled as Sharma's bat orchestrated a rhapsody of cricketing strokes, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's folklore.Sharma's tryst with ODI greatness is a testament to his unquenchable thirst for runs, his unwavering determination, and his sublime mastery of the willow. His ability to build colossal innings with such ease and consistency has set him apart as one of the most prolific batsmen of the modern era.

Ireland Women secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their ODI series against Sri Lanka Women with a hard-fought 15-run victory in Belfast. After posting a competitive 255 for 5, Ireland's bowlers, led by Arlene Kelly's three-wicket haul, restricted Sri Lanka to 240 all out.Amy Hunter (66) and Leah Paul (81) laid the foundation for Ireland's total with half-centuries, while Rebecca Stokell's unbeaten 53* provided a late boost. Sri Lanka's chase was anchored by Harshitha Samarawickrama's maiden ODI century (105) and Kavisha Dilhari's all-round performance (53 runs, 2 wickets).However, Ireland's bowlers tightened their grip in the middle overs, with Kelly, Jane Maguire, and run-outs playing a crucial role in derailing Sri Lanka's chase. Samarawickrama's century marked a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, making her the third player to reach the three-figure mark in ODIs.Ireland's victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt to different conditions. Despite losing early wickets, they rebuilt their innings through partnerships and set a challenging target. Sri Lanka's spirited chase kept the match competitive, but Ireland's bowlers ultimately proved too strong.The win extends Ireland's unbeaten streak in ODIs to four matches and puts them in a commanding position in the series. The third and final ODI will be played on August 12, with Sri Lanka looking to salvage some pride and Ireland aiming to complete a clean sweep.