Cricket

Legendary Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has expressed his astonishment at the impending retirement of England pace veteran James Anderson, hailing him as the "best ever" fast bowler to grace the sport.Ahead of his final international match on July 10 against West Indies, Anderson has sent out a warning with a devastating seven-wicket haul against Nottinghamshire in the County Championship. Lyon, speaking on the Lancashire Cricket Website, praised Anderson's class and skillset, particularly in English conditions."He showed his class. No disrespect to the other bowlers in this game, but you can see the class of Jimmy and the extra zip he gets off the wicket," Lyon said. "I have said this before, I am very much surprised that England have tapped him on the shoulder. He is class, he is world-class. He's probably the best to ever play the game as a fast bowler."Lyon also shared his unusual experience of encouraging Anderson, his former international rival, as a teammate in the County Championship. "I have obviously seen it on the other side. We had a little moment when we said it feels a bit sick for me to say 'Come on Jimmy' and him saying 'nice Garry'. That was a bit different, but it is the beauty of county cricket I guess and it is pretty special to play with arguably the greatest bowler to ever play the game."Anderson's dominance in the County Championship Division One game was evident as he dismissed six of Nottinghamshire's top seven batters for single-digit scores, reducing them to 40/6. His economy rate of 2.18 and three maiden overs showcased his authority and class.Despite his age, Anderson remains a vital part of the England setup. England men's managing director, Rob Key, confirmed that Anderson will continue as a mentor following his retirement from international cricket."Jimmy will continue in our set-up, and he will help as a bit more of a mentor," Key said. "We're trying to set up an elite coach development programme, which Jimmy wants to do, but we will have a look at the end of the summer."Anderson's final Test match will be played at The Lord's on July 10, marking the end of an illustrious career that has seen him take 700 wickets in 187 Tests.

Pakistan Cricket Legends Laud Kohli and Sharma's Retirement TimingFollowing India's triumph in the T20 World Cup, several Pakistani cricket greats have praised Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their impeccable timing in announcing their retirement from the format.Zaheer Abbas, a batting stalwart of yesteryear, expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma's batting prowess and Kohli's exceptional records. He hailed Rohit's World Cup victory as a testament to his greatness.Javed Miandad, one of Pakistan's greatest batters, commended both players for retiring at the right time. He emphasized that their departure from T20 internationals in glory was a fitting end to their illustrious careers. Miandad also highlighted their role as role models for aspiring cricketers.Legendary pacer Waqar Younis lauded Rohit and Kohli for their ability to deliver in crucial situations and win matches for India. He also praised Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling throughout the World Cup, crediting him as a match-winner for India.Rashid Latif attributed India's success and their three ICC event finals appearances in the past year to the team management's alignment with the players. He praised Rahul Dravid and his support staff for providing clear direction to the team.Shahid Afridi acknowledged Rohit's exceptional leadership and Kohli's consistent performance in big matches. He commended their decision to retire on a high after leading India to the World Cup title.Mohsin Hasan Khan, a former Test batter and chief selector, emphasized the importance of retiring in glory. He expressed his admiration for Rohit's leadership and Kohli's hunger for success. Khan also noted that India had the talent to fill the void left by their retirements.Rohit Sharma's unmatched five centuries in T20Is and two T20 World Cup titles have solidified his status as a legend in the format.

The Indian cricket team's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 was a bittersweet moment, marked by the emotional farewell of two legendary players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The victory, which came after a heartbreaking loss in the ODI World Cup final, brought tears of joy to the faces of the experienced duo.However, the celebrations were tempered by the announcement that both Kohli and Rohit had played their final T20I matches for India. The news sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, signaling a significant shift in the landscape of Indian cricket.Rohit, the team's captain, broke down in tears on the ground after the victory, while Kohli's fist bumps and aggressive celebration showcased his competitive spirit. The retirement of these two stalwarts leaves a void in the Indian team, as they were the most experienced members and provided stability and leadership.The departure of Rohit means India will need a new captain in the T20 format. Hardik Pandya is the frontrunner, having led the side in multiple series and served as Rohit's deputy in the World Cup. However, other options have emerged, such as Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill.Rohit's absence also creates a vacancy in the opening partnership. He and Kohli opened the batting in every game of the T20 World Cup, and the team will now need to find new talents to fill their shoes. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are potential candidates.Kohli's retirement poses an even greater challenge. He has been the backbone of the Indian batting lineup for over a decade, providing stability and leadership. The team will need to find a replacement who can fill his shoes at the crucial No. 3 batting spot.Apart from Kohli and Rohit, the T20 World Cup final also marked the end of Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach. His contract expired after the tournament, and he has decided not to renew it. The search for his successor is underway, with Gautam Gambhir being the current frontrunner.The retirement of Kohli, Rohit, and Dravid marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. The team will now enter a new phase, with a younger and less experienced squad. The future is uncertain, but the T20 World Cup victory provides a glimmer of hope for the years to come.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most iconic cricketers of the modern era, have announced their retirement from T20 International cricket. Their contrasting personalities and playing styles have complemented each other perfectly, making them a formidable force in the Indian team for over a decade.Kohli, known for his aggressive and intense approach, has been a pillar of consistency for India. His relentless pursuit of excellence has earned him the respect of fans and opponents alike. Rohit, on the other hand, exudes calmness and composure, even in the most challenging situations. His elegant strokeplay and ability to adapt to any situation have made him one of the most successful batsmen in the world.Despite their differences, Kohli and Rohit share a deep respect for each other's abilities. They have always put the team's success ahead of their individual ambitions. This mutual respect has allowed them to coexist harmoniously, despite the intense competition and scrutiny that comes with being two of the biggest stars in the game.Their contrasting personalities were evident in their reactions to India's T20 World Cup triumph. Rohit, overcome with emotion, shed tears of joy. Kohli, on the other hand, remained composed, trying to soak in the moment while also acknowledging the contributions of his teammates.However, their shared respect for each other's achievements was evident in their post-match comments. Kohli praised Rohit's leadership and his role in India's victory. Rohit, in turn, acknowledged Kohli's immense contribution to Indian cricket.The retirement of Kohli and Rohit marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. They have been instrumental in India's rise to the top of the world rankings and have inspired a generation of young cricketers. Their legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of Indian cricketers.

Rohit Sharma's Emotional Triumph: India's T20 World Cup Victory and His RetirementOn a historic Saturday, India emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa by a nail-biting seven-run margin. The triumph marked a significant milestone for the Indian team, ending a 17-year drought in the tournament.At the helm of this momentous victory was captain Rohit Sharma, who led the team with unwavering determination. The win was particularly poignant for Sharma, who had previously endured the disappointment of losing two ICC finals within a year. However, this time, fate had a different plan in store for the skipper.As the match reached its climax, India's grip on the trophy seemed to be slipping away. But in a dramatic turn of events, the team managed to pull off a narrow victory, sending Sharma into a frenzy of joy.In the aftermath of the triumph, Sharma announced his retirement from T20Is, describing it as the perfect time to "say goodbye." This decision came shortly after his long-time teammate Virat Kohli also announced his retirement from the format."This was my last game as well. No better time to say goodbye. I wanted this (trophy) badly. It's very hard to put in words," Sharma said at the post-match press conference.Sharma's retirement marks the end of an illustrious T20I career, during which he amassed 4231 runs from 159 matches. He leaves behind a legacy of five centuries and 32 fifties in the format.The 37-year-old's decision to step away from T20Is is a testament to his desire to focus on the Test and ODI formats. He will continue to lead India in these formats, where he has also achieved significant success.Sharma's retirement and India's T20 World Cup victory will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history. The triumph is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, while Sharma's decision to step away from the format is a fitting end to a remarkable career.

Virat Kohli Retires from T20 Internationals After India's T20 World Cup TriumphIn a stunning announcement, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has retired from Twenty20 International cricket following India's victory in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa. The decision comes as a surprise to many, as Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 batsmen of all time.Kohli's retirement announcement came after he played a pivotal role in India's 7-run victory over South Africa. The 33-year-old scored a match-winning 76 runs off 59 balls, helping India recover from a shaky start and post a competitive total of 176 for seven.Upon receiving the Man of the Match award, Kohli made the unexpected announcement that it was his last T20I match for India. "This was my last T20 World Cup, this is exactly what we wanted to achieve," Kohli said. "One day you feel like you can't get a run and this happens, God is great. (It is) just the occasion, now or never kind of situation. This was my last T20 game playing for India. We wanted to lift that cup."Kohli's decision to retire from T20Is is a significant moment in Indian cricket. He has been a mainstay in the team since making his debut in 2010 and has played a key role in India's success in the format. Kohli is the leading run-scorer in T20Is, with 3,932 runs in 103 matches, and has scored 30 half-centuries and one century.Kohli's retirement will open up opportunities for younger players to step up and take on leadership roles in the Indian T20I team. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Rishabh Pant are among the players who could fill the void left by Kohli's departure.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has hailed the illustrious career of David Warner, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket. Ponting praised Warner's exceptional impact across all three formats, highlighting the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement.Warner's 15-year international career culminated in Australia's elimination from the T20 World Cup at the Super Eight stage. Ponting, who played alongside and coached Warner, expressed his admiration for the opener's achievements."I put my arm around him and said, '...just take a moment tonight to sit back by yourself and reflect on what's been an unbelievable career across all three formats for Australia,'" Ponting said. "We know he retired in the summer from Test cricket, but you'll struggle to find a guy that's had as big an impact on all three forms in Australian cricket than David Warner has."Warner's retirement leaves a significant void in the Australian team. Pacer Josh Hazlewood acknowledged the challenge of filling Warner's absence in the dressing room."We'll definitely miss him around the group, out in the field and off-field. (An) amazing all-format career," Hazlewood said. "It's sort of been a slow burn with Test cricket, and ODI cricket and now T20. So, life without him, we've sort of gotten used to it a little bit … it's always different when you lose a player that's been there for so long.”Despite his retirement from international cricket, Warner has indicated a willingness to consider a return to the Australian ODI team for the Champions Trophy early next year, contingent on his continued strong performance.

David Warner's illustrious 15-year international career came to a poignant end as Afghanistan's victory over Bangladesh in St Vincent on Monday night sealed Australia's elimination from the T20 World Cup at the Super Eight phase.Warner's departure from the international stage has been a gradual process. He played his final ODI in November's World Cup final triumph over India and his last Test against Pakistan in January. The T20 World Cup was widely anticipated to be his swansong, although he had hinted at a possible return for next year's Champions Trophy.His final appearance, against India, was a subdued affair. He scored a modest six runs off six balls before edging Arshdeep Singh to slip, where Suryakumar Yadav took a sharp low catch. Warner's frustration was evident as he punched his bat with his right hand and walked off the pitch with his head bowed.After the match, Warner was seen chatting with Virat Kohli on the outfield, while Josh Hazlewood indicated that the timing of Warner's send-off from his teammates would depend on the outcome of Afghanistan's game against Bangladesh."Nothing's been said yet," Hazlewood said. "It might be said after this [press conference] before the [evening] game, but I think we'll wait until after the game and then we'll [acknowledge] the career that's been. It's been unbelievable. We'll definitely miss him around the group, out in the field and off-field - an amazing all-format career."Hazlewood acknowledged that Warner's departure would mark a changing of the guard for Australia, with Cameron Green being the only player in the squad younger than 28. However, he suggested that it would not be a complete overhaul."They come around pretty quick, the T20 World Cups, every two years," he said. "There might be a couple of changes, but a lot of the guys still play in franchise cricket if they're not playing for Australia, so they're available to be picked. There's some class players in our 15, and we've got a couple on the bench as well. You'd think it'd be an actual slow change… I don't think there'd be anything drastic."Warner's retirement marks the end of an era for Australian cricket. He has been a key figure in the team's success across all formats, and his absence will be keenly felt.

Trent Boult, the left-arm paceman, has announced his retirement from international cricket after New Zealand's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign ended with a seven-wicket win over Papua New Guinea. Boult's 13-year international career came to an end in the anticlimactic setting of a meaningless T20 World Cup match."It feels a little bit weird, a few emotions obviously the last couple of days," said Boult. When asked if the game represented his final New Zealand appearance, Boult hinted at uncertainty: "I haven't thought much further than this, I'm in no position to comment right now. I enjoyed being out there one last time."New Zealand's hopes of qualifying for the second-round Super Eights were dashed by defeats to Afghanistan and tournament co-hosts the West Indies earlier in Group C. Papua New Guinea had also been eliminated before the match in front of a sparse crowd at the Brian Lara Stadium.Boult took two wickets for 14 runs as PNG were skittled out for 78 in an innings where fellow quick Lockie Ferguson finished with a remarkable 3-0 from his maximum four overs. "Gutted to not go any further, but I'm very proud of what I've done with the Black Caps and sad it's my last day with New Zealand," said Boult.The 34-year-old has been infrequently selected for international duty since being released from his New Zealand central contract in August 2022, allowing him to play in more domestic T20 leagues abroad. The swing bowler did feature in New Zealand's 50-over World Cup campaign last year, where they reached the semi-finals only to suffer a 70-run defeat by tournament hosts India at a packed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.Boult's tally of 317 wickets in 78 Tests is the fourth highest by any New Zealand bowler. Longstanding new-ball colleague Tim Southee (380 Test wickets) is second, behind Richard Hadlee (431 wickets). "I've shared a dressing room with Tim Southee for well over a dozen years," said Boult, with the pair both involved when New Zealand beat India in the inaugural 2021 World Test Championship final. "It's a partnership I've enjoyed forming, and we're very good friends off the field."Boult's last Test was against England at Headingley nearly two years ago, with the World Cup semi-final the most recent of 114 one-day internationals that yielded 211 wickets in total. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson paid tribute to Boult by saying he had been a "great servant of the game" who was "consistent in all formats". The star batsman added: "It'll be sad to see him go, it's been quite special being with him throughout his career. "He's got such an attitude for getting better. He trains very hard, he's as fit as he's ever been. He knows how he wants to operate in all formats. He sticks his chest out and performs well for his country." "He's made a fantastic contribution to our game and he's created a space for new players to come in and meet the standard that he's set."