Cricket

Cricket Australia (CA) has defended its decision to rest key players for the series-deciding ODI against Pakistan, citing the need to prioritize player fitness and performance in the upcoming Test series. However, CA CEO Nick Hockley acknowledged that the organization is reviewing the travel schedule for next summer's white-ball series against India to ensure Australia can field its strongest XI more consistently.The decision to rest Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Steven Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne from the third ODI in Perth drew criticism, as Australia suffered a series loss to Pakistan. However, CA explained that the plan to rest the fast bowlers had been in place since the schedule was announced, considering the demanding summer schedule that includes seven Tests and the Champions Trophy.Medical and strength and conditioning data indicate that fast bowlers are at a high risk of injury when given only a one-day break with a long flight, as was the case with the third ODI in Perth. Australia's recent experience in the UK, where they lost six fast bowlers to injury, reinforced this concern.Hockley emphasized the extensive planning and preparation involved in squad selection and player management. He stated that the decision to rest the Test players was made to ensure their fitness for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series and the Champions Trophy.However, Hockley acknowledged the lessons learned from the ODI series loss and indicated that CA will review the schedule for next summer's white-ball series against India, which precedes the Ashes. The goal is to optimize the travel schedule to minimize player fatigue and maximize the availability of the best possible XI.The challenge lies in balancing commercial needs with player welfare. Ideally, Australia would prefer to field its full-strength XI in all three games of an ODI series, but such a scenario would conflict with optimal broadcast and attendance schedules.Pakistan, on the other hand, played the same XI in all three ODIs, demonstrating the challenges all countries face in fielding full-strength teams for every international game. Hockley emphasized that CA has been criticized in the past for not providing opportunities to new players, and the ODI series loss provided a chance to expose young talent to the pressures of international cricket.

Rain and wet outfield conditions can be a major hindrance for outdoor sports like cricket. When matches are disrupted due to weather, players must find ways to manage their time effectively. Former India pacer RP Singh provides insights into how cricketers utilize these weather-induced breaks.During the second day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh, persistent rain and a wet outfield prevented any play at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. The teams remained in their respective hotels, with no chance of play resuming.Despite the setback, India remains confident of pushing for a result in the remaining three days, provided the rain abates. In the meantime, players engage in various activities to stay focused and maintain their fitness.According to RP Singh, many players use the downtime to focus on personal tasks and physical conditioning. "Most players continue doing their fitness work, even while sitting in the dressing room," Singh said. "They keep ticking off all the boxes."Players often try to achieve their gym targets during this free time. Some do cardio, while others focus on weights. They utilize this period to complete any pending tasks related to their fitness regimen.While players do enjoy their leisure time, they never lose sight of the job at hand. "Cricket is their primary objective, and everyone stays focused on the game plan," Singh added. "In such situations, strategies keep evolving with every passing minute."On the opening day of the Test, India's decision to field first under overcast conditions paid off. Akash Deep claimed two quick wickets, removing Zakir Hasan for a duck and trapping Shadnam Islam LBW. Bangladesh began to rebuild through a steady partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque, but Ravichandran Ashwin intervened, dismissing Shanto for 31.At the close of play on Day 1, Bangladesh stood at 107/3, with Mominul unbeaten on 40 and Mushfiqur Rahim on six runs.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the enigmatic former Indian cricket captain, holds a special bond with the city of Chennai. As the former skipper of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni has led the team to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, cementing his status as the city's most beloved son.Former CSK teammate Mohit Sharma has shared some intriguing anecdotes about Dhoni's fiery nature and his unique approach to player management. "He gets angry and we've heard a lot of abuses from him," Sharma revealed on the '2 Sloggers' podcast. "But he always says, what happens on the field, stays there. Later, he will make you understand but never be angry with you."Sharma recalled an incident involving Deepak Chahar, who also faced Dhoni's wrath. "In 2019, Deepak was playing and I wasn't. The game was in Chennai, and everyone was sweating profusely. He bowled a knuckle ball that was hit for a boundary. Dhoni bhai told him not to bowl it again. He said, 'ok Mahi bhai'. After bowling the next 2-3 balls, he bowled the knuckle ball again.""Mahi bhai came up to him, kept his arms around Deepak's shoulder, said a few things to him, and went back. We didn't know what happened. So when the match got over, we asked what happened? He said, 'You know what he said? He said a few wonderful things (likely abuses), and then he added 'Bewakoof tu nahi hai, bewakoof main hu (You're not the fool, I am).' So that is a tale we always remember."Despite his fiery temper, Dhoni is known for his love and support for his players. "Dhoni bhai loves Chahar equally," Sharma emphasized.As the IPL 2025 season approaches, there is still uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's participation. However, his legacy as a legendary captain and a beloved figure in Chennai remains unchallenged.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently concluded its much-anticipated "connection camp" with a roadmap to address the team's current struggles. The camp brought together officials, team management, and players, including captains Shan Masood and Babar Azam, for open and robust discussions.One key issue identified was the lack of unity within the national side. Salman Naseer, the PCB's chief operating officer, acknowledged that this had been a topic of discussion, not only among the players but also between the board and the team.The camp also addressed tensions between players and the board, particularly regarding the denial of NOCs for participation in overseas leagues. Naseer emphasized that unity was not just about the team but also about the relationship between the team and management.Despite the challenges, Gary Kirsten, the white-ball coach, expressed optimism about the depth of talent in Pakistan. He praised the quality of players showcased in the recent Champions Cup.Jason Gillespie, the head coach, highlighted the importance of listening and learning to improve the team's effectiveness. He emphasized the players' pride in representing Pakistan and their desire to inspire the nation.The discussions at the camp will continue, with the aim of identifying and addressing issues that have hindered the team's performance. The PCB is committed to working together with the players and management to improve results and foster a positive and unified environment.

Ravindra Jadeja's absence from India's squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka series has sparked speculation about his future in the team. However, ESPNCricinfo reports that Jadeja has been rested, not dropped.The decision to rest Jadeja is part of a strategic move by the selectors and new head coach Gautam Gambhir. They aim to test Axar Patel's ability to replicate his T20I performance in ODIs and keep Jadeja fresh for the ten Test matches scheduled from September 2023 to January 2024.Jadeja's absence also reflects the importance of managing player workloads. Ensuring top performers like Jadeja are in peak condition for crucial upcoming fixtures highlights the necessity of resting certain players.As Team India embarks on this new phase under Gambhir's leadership, the focus remains on both immediate and long-term goals. The decision-making process appears to be well thought out to address current needs while planning for future challenges.

Justin Langer, the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has shared his insights on the evolving dynamics of cricket, the multifaceted role of modern coaches, and the challenges faced by players in the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL).Langer, a former Australian cricketer, has witnessed firsthand the transformation of the game from a simpler era to the complex and demanding landscape of today. He emphasizes the importance of man management for coaches, who must navigate the diverse personalities and needs of players to create a cohesive team.The IPL, with its massive financial rewards and intense competition, has brought about a shift in the mindset of players. While performance remains paramount, the influx of money has also led to a rise in expectations and pressure. Langer believes that players must focus on their performance rather than the financial rewards to achieve true stardom.Langer also highlights the importance of mental health in the high-pressure environment of professional cricket. He commends players like Glenn Maxwell for speaking out about their struggles, and emphasizes the need for coaches to be observant and supportive of their players' mental well-being.The upcoming T20 World Cup will be a test of the teams' ability to adapt to different conditions. Langer believes that teams with strong bowling attacks will have an advantage, and he identifies India, Australia, and New Zealand as potential favorites.