Cricket

India's pursuit of a record-breaking 359 against New Zealand in the second Test at Pune hit a major roadblock on Saturday, despite a promising start. After losing captain Rohit Sharma early, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal kept India in the game with a blistering half-century.Jaiswal's 62-run partnership with Shubman Gill provided India with the momentum they needed. The 22-year-old was in scintillating form, scoring a rapid 77 off just 65 balls, including three sixes and nine fours. However, his dismissal by Mitchell Santner in the 22nd over proved to be a turning point.Disaster struck in the very next over when Rishabh Pant was run out for a duck, leaving India reeling at 127/4. The run-out, described as "avoidable," shifted the momentum in New Zealand's favor. Pant's dismissal also saw him join an unwanted list, becoming only the third Indian batter to be dismissed for a duck via run-out while batting in the top seven positions since 1990.With India losing momentum, the task of chasing down the daunting target became even more challenging. Virat Kohli, who was involved in the mix-up that led to Pant's run-out, will need to play a crucial role if India is to have any chance of victory.The match is evenly poised heading into the final day, with India needing to bat with patience and determination to reach their target. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on their advantage and secure a series-leveling victory.

India vs New Zealand: Selection Dilemmas and Key Additions for Second TestIndia has bolstered its squad for the second Test against New Zealand, bringing in spin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar to exploit the tactical advantage against the visitors' left-handed batters, including Rachin Ravindra. Sundar's inclusion not only provides an additional spin option but also strengthens the lower-order batting.Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, who were recovering from minor injuries, have been declared fit to play. Gill's return could threaten KL Rahul's place in the side, who has struggled in recent performances. Sarfaraz Khan's impressive form, including a century in Bengaluru, further complicates selection decisions.In the bowling department, India may consider replacing Mohammed Siraj with Akash Deep, who could provide fresh energy alongside Jasprit Bumrah. This change could help India capitalize on early conditions and put pressure on New Zealand from the start.New Zealand, on the other hand, will continue to miss Kane Williamson, who remains in rehab. In his absence, the Kiwis will rely on young talents like Ravindra and Tom Blundell to carry the batting load. Ravindra's century in the first Test was crucial in New Zealand's victory, and his form will be vital as they aim to secure a rare series win in India.The pitch in Pune is expected to favor spinners more than the seam-friendly conditions in Bengaluru. India may opt to field both Ravichandran Ashwin and Sundar to capitalize on this advantage. New Zealand's challenge will be to maintain their momentum and adapt to the unfamiliar conditions.With both teams looking to make crucial adjustments, the second Test promises to be an intense battle. India will be desperate to bounce back and level the series, while New Zealand will aim to seal a historic triumph and carry that confidence forward.

India's Predicted XI for the Second Test Against New ZealandWith the second Test match against New Zealand approaching, the Indian team is facing a crucial decision regarding their playing XI. The return of Shubman Gill from injury has sparked speculation about potential changes to the lineup.Opening ConundrumRohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to retain their positions as openers, having performed well in the first Test. However, the question remains whether Sarfaraz Khan or KL Rahul will make way for Gill.Sarfaraz's Form vs Rahul's BackingSarfaraz Khan has been in exceptional form, scoring a brilliant 150 in the first Test. His performances have earned him praise and support from fans and experts alike. However, the management has shown unwavering support for KL Rahul despite his recent struggles.Gill's Return and Batting OrderWith Gill's return, it is likely that he will bat at No. 3, his preferred position. This could mean that either Sarfaraz or Rahul will miss out on selection. Considering Sarfaraz's form and the coaching staff's statements, it appears that both players may retain their positions.Middle Order and All-RounderVirat Kohli is expected to bat at No. 4, followed by Rishabh Pant at No. 5. KL Rahul is likely to bat at No. 6, with Washington Sundar replacing Ravichandran Ashwin as the all-rounder.Bowling AttackJasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to lead the pace attack, while Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja will continue to provide spin options.Predicted XIBased on the available information, India's predicted XI for the second Test against New Zealand is as follows:1. Rohit Sharma (captain)2. Yashasvi Jaiswal3. Virat Kohli4. Sarfaraz Khan5. Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)6. KL Rahul7. Ravindra Jadeja8. Washington Sundar9. Kuldeep Yadav10. Mohammed Siraj11. Jasprit Bumrah

Ahead of the crucial second Test against New Zealand in Pune, India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate has provided an update on the fitness of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Doeschate expressed optimism that Pant will be fit to keep wickets in the upcoming match."He was having slight discomfort while running towards the end range of the movement of his knee while running. Fingers crossed he will be fine to keep wickets in the second Test," said Doeschate.Pant's fitness has been a concern for the Indian team after he suffered a knee injury during the first Test in Bengaluru. The injury forced him to miss the final day of the match and raised doubts about his availability for the second Test.However, the BCCI's medical team is confident that Pant will be ready to take the field in Pune. "He was in some pain after getting hit on the right knee during New Zealand's first innings. He was given injections. The limp while running between the wickets came from numbness in the affected region. He just has a bruise now and should be fit in a day or two," a BCCI source told TOI.Pant's return to the team after a year-and-a-half absence due to a near-fatal car accident has been a welcome boost for India. His gritty comeback has earned him the support of the team management, which is carefully managing his workload.Despite his injury, Pant played a crucial role in India's victory in the first Test. He scored a dazzling 99 in the second innings, helping India set a challenging target for New Zealand.With Pant expected to be fit for the second Test, India will be hoping to continue their winning ways and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

New Zealand's star batter Kane Williamson has been officially ruled out of the second Test against India, scheduled to commence on October 24 in Pune. Williamson continues to recuperate from a groin strain he sustained during the recent series against Sri Lanka.Head coach Gary Stead confirmed the decision, stating that while Williamson's recovery is progressing, he is not yet physically fit enough for the rigors of Test cricket. "Kane is moving in the right direction, but he's not at 100% fitness yet," Stead explained. "We're hopeful that he'll show further improvement and be available for the third Test."The New Zealand team is adopting a cautious approach with Williamson's recovery, ensuring he receives ample time to regain full fitness. "We'll give him as much time as possible to get himself ready, but certainly continue to take a cautious approach," Stead added.Williamson's absence is a setback for the Kiwis, who currently hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after a thrilling first Test victory in Bengaluru. The New Zealand camp remains optimistic about Williamson's availability for the third Test, with the team management closely monitoring his recovery.Meanwhile, New Zealand made history in the first Test by securing their first victory on Indian soil in 36 years. They chased down 107 runs on the final day, defeating India by eight wickets. Rachin Ravindra (39 not out) and Will Young (48 not out) led the successful chase with a 75-run partnership, giving the visitors a 1-0 series lead.

The second Test match between Pakistan and England commenced in Multan on Tuesday, with Pakistan winning the toss and opting to bat first. The match is being played on the same pitch used for the first Test, which Pakistan lost by an innings despite scoring over 500 runs in their first innings.England welcomed back their Test skipper and star allrounder Ben Stokes, who replaced Chris Woakes in the playing XI. Pakistan made three changes to their team, with Kamran Ghulam, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan coming in for Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah.The pitch report by Michael Atherton indicated that the ground staff had taken measures to prepare the surface for the match. The pitch was watered two days prior and dried using fans and the sun. Atherton expects the pitch to play well for the first day or two.Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, faced England's opening bowler Matthew Potts. The field had two slips and a leg slip in place. The match began with Potts bowling to Shafique.Pakistan's decision to bat first was influenced by the fact that they lost the first Test in an embarrassing fashion. Despite scoring over 500 runs in their first innings, they went on to lose by an innings, giving England a 1-0 lead in the series.Pakistan will be looking to level the series in Multan, while England will be aiming to extend their lead. The match is expected to be closely contested, with both teams having a strong chance of victory.

India's bowlers made early inroads into Bangladesh's batting lineup on the rain-hit opening day of the second Test in Dhaka. Pacer Akash Deep impressed with his probing opening spell, while Ravichandran Ashwin removed the dangerous Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto.Despite overcast conditions and a delayed start due to overnight rain, India's bowlers maintained a consistent line and length. Akash Deep, bowling round the wicket to the left-handers, consistently hit the good length areas and got the ball to either shape away or come in with the angle.Bangladesh's openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, played cautiously against the initial bounce and seam movement. However, Akash Deep broke the partnership by inducing an edge from Hasan to Yashasvi Jaiswal. He soon sent back Shadman on a ball that came in and caught him in front of the wicket.Shanto, who has been in good rhythm, began with two shots to the fence but was trapped in front by Ashwin in the third over of the second session. The Bangladesh skipper reviewed the decision but to no avail.Seasoned Mominul Haque grew in confidence as he spent more time at the crease. He hit two boundaries off Akash in a single over and later hit an exquisite drive through mid-off. He raised Bangladesh's hundred with another four.Only nine overs were bowled in the second session when bad light stopped play even as the flood lights were on, forcing the players off the field. Light drizzle followed and soon it was pouring.With the weather forecast predicting further rain, it remains to be seen how much play will be possible on the remaining days of the Test match.

NZ vs AUS 2nd Test Day 4 Live Updates: Australia Faces Uphill Battle in ChristchurchNew Zealand's bowlers put Australia in a precarious position on Day 4 of the second Test in Christchurch, leaving the tourists needing 202 runs to win with six wickets in hand.Mitchell Marsh (27*) and Travis Head (17*) will resume their innings on Monday, tasked with guiding Australia to an improbable victory. The hosts set a challenging target of 279 for Australia, a daunting task considering the tourists' recent struggles with the bat.New Zealand's bowlers dominated the first session, claiming the wickets of David Warner (13), Marnus Labuschagne (1), Steve Smith (18), and Cameron Green (15). Trent Boult and Tim Southee were the chief destroyers, taking two wickets each.Australia's top order has been under fire throughout the series, and their struggles continued in Christchurch. Warner was caught behind off Boult, while Labuschagne was trapped lbw by Southee. Smith, who has been in poor form, was dismissed by Boult after edging a delivery to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell.Green, who had been Australia's most consistent batsman in the series, was caught at slip off Southee. His dismissal left Australia reeling at 77 for 4, with the match seemingly slipping away from them.However, Marsh and Head showed some resistance in the final session, adding 40 runs for the fifth wicket. Marsh, in particular, looked fluent, hitting four boundaries.Australia will need a monumental effort on Day 5 to pull off a victory. The highest successful fourth innings chase at Hagley Oval is 285 for 8, set by New Zealand against Sri Lanka last year.

New Zealand's batting resurgence continued on day three of the second Test against Australia at Hagley Oval, as they extended their lead to 149 runs at lunch. After being dismissed for just 162 in their first innings, the Black Caps have fought back admirably, reaching 243 for 3 at the break.Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell were the stars of the morning session, combining for an unbroken 88-run partnership. Ravindra, who scored a half-century in the first innings, brought up his second Test fifty with a stylish straight drive off Mitchell Marsh. Mitchell, meanwhile, played aggressively, using his reverse sweep and powerful drives to keep the Australian bowlers at bay.The partnership between Ravindra and Mitchell was built on a solid foundation laid by Tom Latham, who resumed on 73 but fell for 73 to a sharp delivery from Pat Cummins. Latham's dismissal was a blow to New Zealand, but Ravindra and Mitchell ensured that there was no further damage before lunch.Cummins was the standout bowler for Australia, taking the key wicket of Latham and bowling with great accuracy and intensity. However, the pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers, and New Zealand's batsmen were able to play with relative freedom.Australia used seven bowlers in the first session, but none could make a breakthrough after Latham's dismissal. Nathan Lyon, who bowled just two overs in New Zealand's first innings, was unable to conjure much turn, while the part-time spin of Travis Head proved ineffective.New Zealand will likely need a big lead to secure a rare victory over Australia, having won just one Test against them in the past three decades. The pitch is expected to remain flat for the remainder of the match, so the Black Caps will need to continue batting aggressively and build a substantial lead.