Cricket

Sri Lanka's Test squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa has undergone a significant shake-up, with left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and offspinner Nishan Peiris earning recalls. The duo replaces Ramesh Mendis, who misses out despite claiming six wickets in his only Test appearance this year.Embuldeniya, who last played a Test in 2020, and Peiris, who made his debut against New Zealand in September, will bolster Sri Lanka's spin attack alongside Prabath Jayasuriya. The move reflects the team's expectation of spin-friendly conditions in Durban and Gqeberha, where the matches will be played.The batting and seam-bowling departments remain largely unchanged. Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, and allrounder Milan Rathnayake make up the fast-bowling contingent. Top-order batter Oshada Fernando returns to the squad, while Nishan Madushka, who has impressed in ODIs, misses out.Embuldeniya and Oshada's selection is partly based on their strong performances in South Africa in 2019. Embuldeniya took six wickets at an average of 23.83, while Oshada scored a crucial 75 not out in the fourth innings to help Sri Lanka secure a victory.Despite their past performances, neither player has been particularly impressive in domestic cricket recently. However, Embuldeniya had a decent outing in the four-day National Super League.Several Test specialists, including Kusal Mendis, Asitha, Kamindu Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka, have already arrived in Durban for a pre-series training camp. They have been withdrawn from the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand to allow them extra time to prepare for the Tests.The first Test is scheduled to begin on November 27 in Kingsmead, Durban. Both Sri Lanka and South Africa have a chance to finish in the top two of the World Test Championship table.

Alice Capsey has been called up to England Women's T20I squad for their tour of South Africa, replacing an injured player. Capsey was initially omitted from the touring party due to a recent batting slump, but her impressive performances in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) have earned her a belated recall.Capsey's inclusion in the squad is a testament to her all-round abilities. Despite her struggles with the bat in recent months, she has been a standout performer with the ball in the WBBL, taking 13 wickets in eight innings. Her economy rate of 7.21 and best figures of 5 for 25 against the Perth Scorchers highlight her effectiveness as a bowler.England's decision to recall Capsey is also a reflection of the team's injury concerns. While the team has not disclosed the nature of the injuries, they have confirmed that several players are experiencing "minor niggles." Capsey's versatility as a batter and bowler makes her a valuable addition to the squad, providing cover for any potential absences.Capsey's recall is a boost for England, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The team failed to reach the knockout stages of the tournament, and Capsey's struggles with the bat were a contributing factor. However, her recent form in the WBBL suggests that she has regained her confidence and is ready to make a significant contribution to the team.England will face South Africa in three T20Is, three ODIs, and a Test match during their tour. The T20I series begins on November 24 in East London, and Capsey will be hoping to make an immediate impact on her return to the international stage.

Tilak Varma, the rising star of Indian cricket, etched his name in the history books on Friday during the fourth and final T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg. The 22-year-old batter became only the second Indian to score centuries in consecutive T20I innings, joining an elite list that includes Sanju Samson.Varma's remarkable feat came on the back of his unbeaten 107 in the third T20I of the series. Building on that momentum, he delivered a scintillating 120 off just 47 balls in the fourth match, achieving a phenomenal strike rate of 255.32. His explosive knock featured nine fours and ten sixes, showcasing his dominance at the crease.Reflecting on his performance, Varma shared a lighthearted moment: "Actually, I wanted to tell one funny thing—last year when I played here, I got out on the first ball. This innings was very crucial for the team and the series."Speaking about his approach, he added: "I just focused on holding my shape and sticking to the basics from the last game. I stayed calm. It's an unbelievable feeling—I can't express it right now. I never imagined scoring two centuries in South Africa under challenging conditions. Thanks to our captain Surya for his support. As I mentioned after the last game, I was injured in recent matches, but I trust in God and my processes. That’s why I celebrated this way, dedicating it to God."Varma's exceptional innings earned him the Player of the Match award. His performance was a testament to his talent, determination, and the unwavering support of his teammates. The young batter has emerged as a key player for India in the shortest format of the game, and his recent exploits have only solidified his status as a rising star.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir, while preparing for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, has expressed his admiration for Sanju Samson's recent performances in South Africa. Despite not being directly involved in the South African tour, Gambhir acknowledged Samson's talent and the support he has received."It's not about me," Gambhir said. "It's his ability. He's been given the right number and backing, and he's worked hard. What he's doing for Indian cricket is just the start."Samson's century in the first T20I against South Africa made him the first Indian to score consecutive tons in the shortest format. Gambhir believes this is a positive sign for Indian cricket."Some of the young players are really coming through, which is always healthy," he said.Gambhir is now focused on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will be crucial for India's World Test Championship final hopes. He believes the team's experience will be invaluable."We have got a lot of experienced players who have been to Australia a lot many times," he said. "Their experience will come in handy for the young players as well."Gambhir emphasized the importance of being prepared for the first Test."These 10 days are going to be very crucial," he said. "Come the 22nd morning, we should be absolutely ready and ready to fire from ball one."

Sanju Samson's wife, Charulatha Remesh, expressed her admiration for her husband's remarkable performance in the 1st T20I against South Africa in Durban. Samson's century played a pivotal role in India's victory, marking his second consecutive century in T20Is.Samson's aggressive approach in T20Is has been a key factor in his success. He believes in trusting his shot-making abilities and attacking each ball. This mindset has led to both success and failure, but Samson remains focused on maximizing runs in the first innings.In preparation for the South Africa series, Samson made a conscious switch from playing Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy matches. He believes this adjustment has given him an advantage in understanding the South African conditions and replicating scenarios.Samson's preparation involves practicing on different pitches with various balls to simulate match conditions. He emphasizes the importance of being ready to perform at the international level, which requires hard work and mental effort.Samson's journey to the Indian team has been marked by dedication and perseverance. He is grateful for the opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage and contribute to India's success.

Sanju Samson's historic feat in Durban has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket. The 29-year-old became the first Indian to score back-to-back T20I centuries, a testament to his exceptional batting prowess.Samson's century against South Africa came on the heels of his scintillating 111 against Bangladesh in the previous T20I. He reached the milestone in just 47 balls, smashing 7 fours and 9 sixes. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, leaving the South African bowlers in awe.Samson's achievement is even more remarkable considering he has grabbed the opportunity presented by the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from T20I cricket. He has consistently performed in the shortest format, earning him a place in the Indian top order.The Kerala-born batsman is now part of an elite group of cricketers who have scored T20I centuries in consecutive matches. He joins England's Phil Salt, South Africa's Rilee Rossouw, and France's Gustav McKeon in this exclusive club.Samson's rise to prominence has been meteoric. He captained Rajasthan Royals to two IPL playoffs in the past three seasons, showcasing his leadership qualities and batting brilliance. His retention by the franchise for Rs 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction is a testament to his value.In the first T20I against South Africa, India won the toss and chose to bat first. Samson's century laid the foundation for a strong total, which India eventually defended to win the match.Samson's historic achievement is a proud moment for Indian cricket. It highlights the depth of talent in the country and the emergence of a new generation of stars. As India looks to build a formidable team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Samson's batting prowess will be crucial.

Alice Capsey's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup has cost her a place in England's T20I squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa. The 18-year-old, who made her England debut in 2022, has been in poor form, scoring just 19 runs in three innings at the World Cup and 27 runs in five innings for the Melbourne Renegades in the Women's Big Bash League.Capsey's omission is a blow to England, who are looking to rebuild after their disappointing World Cup campaign. The team has been criticized for its fitness levels and its ability to handle pressure, and Capsey's absence will only add to the pressure on the remaining players.Paige Scholfield, who made her England debut in September, has been called up to the T20I squad, along with fast bowler Lauren Filer. Dani Gibson misses out after undergoing knee surgery.The tour will include a first Women's Test in South Africa since 2002, for which Freya Kemp and Maia Bouchier could be the notable debutants. Heather Knight retains her role as captain across formats.The tour is seen as a vital opportunity for England to reset their ambitions against a team that has now reached each of the last two T20 World Cup finals. The selected players have been training at Loughborough in the build-up to the series, with the T20I squad due to leave for South Africa on November 16, with the ODI and Test squads following on November 27.England Women's head coach Jon Lewis has hit back at criticism of the team's fitness levels, saying that the players are "in really good shape." He added that he would like to see more specific criticism from those who have questioned the team's fitness.The South Africa tour is seen as a vital staging post for England ahead of their next key objective, the Women's Ashes in Australia in January. Clare Connor, the ECB deputy chair and former women's captain, said that the tour is "a really good next experience" and "another preparation tour" for the Ashes.Connor also addressed the heightened scrutiny that the players had been under in the wake of the World Cup, and the sense that they had collapsed under the pressure. She said that the team will be looking at how to build in resilience to pressure and improve decision-making and skill retention under pressure.

Suryakumar Yadav, the flamboyant Indian batter, will lead the Men in Blue in a four-match T20I series against South Africa, commencing on November 8. Yadav, known for his exceptional batting prowess, has amassed four centuries in the shortest format, including a memorable ton against the Proteas during India's previous T20I tour to South Africa in December 2023.In his two previous T20I appearances in South Africa, Yadav has amassed 156 runs at an impressive average of 78 and a blistering strike rate of 169.56. While the first T20I in Durban was abandoned due to rain, India suffered a narrow defeat in the second match at Gqeberha, despite Yadav's valiant 36-ball 56.However, it was in the third and final T20I at Johannesburg that Yadav truly showcased his brilliance. Batting at number four, he reached his half-century off just 32 deliveries and went on to smash his fourth T20I century off a mere 55 balls. His blistering knock, adorned with eight sixes and seven fours, propelled India to a formidable total of 201/7.Kuldeep Yadav's exceptional bowling performance, claiming five wickets for just 17 runs, then helped India restrict South Africa to a paltry 95 runs, securing a 1-1 draw in the series.The South Africa tour was not initially included in India's schedule but was arranged following discussions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA). The T20I series will be played across four venues: Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion, and Johannesburg, with matches scheduled for November 8, 10, 13, and 15.

Former Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh has played a pivotal role in the development of young all-rounder Abhishek Sharma, who is now set to make his mark on the international stage.Sharma, who hails from Punjab, has been mentored by a galaxy of cricketing greats, including Yuvraj, Brian Lara, and Rahul Dravid. His father, Raj Kumar Sharma, is also a respected cricket coach.Yuvraj, who is Sharma's boyhood hero, spotted his potential during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided him with valuable guidance. The former left-handed batsman heaped praise on Sharma after he scored a century in Zimbabwe in July 2022.Sharma's impressive performances in domestic tournaments and the Indian Premier League (IPL) earned him a call-up to the Indian team for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.Ahead of the series, Sharma expressed his excitement about playing at Kingsmead, Durban, where Yuvraj had famously smashed six sixes off England's Stuart Broad in the 2007 T20 World Cup."I have come here for the first time, but when I saw it (the ground) on TV and now that I am here, it's like a dream come true," Sharma said in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)."I was inspired by Yuvraj Singh's six sixes in 2007. The first day when I came here I was trying to figure out from what end to which end he had hit the sixes. He had sixes all over the ground, it's a great memory."Sharma recalled watching the historic moment with his family and celebrating India's victory with his entire neighborhood. He expressed his gratitude to Yuvraj for inspiring him and vowed to make him proud.The South Africa tour was not originally part of India's schedule but was arranged following discussions between the BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA). The T20I series will be played across four venues: Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion, and Johannesburg, with matches scheduled for November 8, 10, 13, and 15.