Cricket

Ajaz Patel, New Zealand's enigmatic spinner, has carved a unique niche as an "Asia specialist," excelling in the subcontinent despite limited opportunities at home. With 70 Test wickets at an impressive average of 28.50, Patel has played in only 17 of the 45 Tests New Zealand has contested since his debut.New Zealand's preference for seam-bowling at home has restricted Patel's chances, as they often opt for spinners who offer more with the bat. However, in Asia, Patel has flourished, playing over 70% of his Tests on the continent.Sri Lanka has been a particularly fruitful hunting ground for Patel, where he has claimed two five-wicket hauls, including a recent 6 for 90 in Galle. Only Richard Hadlee has taken more than one five-wicket haul on the island for New Zealand.Despite his impressive record, Patel admits to some frustration at his limited opportunities. However, he remains driven by a hunger to prove himself. "Every time you do get an opportunity, you're pretty hungry," he said.Patel's success in Asia stems from his ability to exploit the conditions. "As a spinner, you have the luxury of the ball doing a little more in these conditions," he explained. "It can be challenging as well, because you're up against good players of spin."Control is crucial for Patel, but he also adapts to the unique conditions at each venue. At Galle, he utilized the breeze to his advantage, hanging the ball up and letting the wind bring it down.Patel has also benefited from the guidance of Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka's spin consultant. Herath, who has taken 102 Test wickets at Galle, has shared his knowledge and insights with Patel."It's awesome having Rangana in our side," Patel said. "He's someone I grew up watching bowl. He's helped me tackle different angles, different fields, and different mindsets."Patel's success in Asia highlights his adaptability and skill as a spinner. Despite limited opportunities at home, he has carved a unique niche for himself as New Zealand's "Asia specialist."

Bad Light Halts Play in India-Bangladesh Test, Siraj's Spin Suggestion AmusesCHENNAI, India - Bad light once again disrupted the flow of Test cricket, forcing an early end to the third day's play in the first India-Bangladesh Test in Chennai.As dark clouds rolled in from the beach side, reducing visibility on the ground, umpires Rod Tucker and Nitin Menon suspended play in the 38th over. The decision came as a disappointment to fans and players alike, who had witnessed an intriguing contest up to that point.In response to the situation, India captain Rohit Sharma approached the umpires to inquire about the possibility of continuing the game with spinners. However, it was Mohammed Siraj who came up with an unexpected suggestion that left his teammates and the umpires in stitches.Siraj, known primarily for his fast bowling, had been honing his spin skills during the break. With a mischievous grin, he approached Rohit and proposed using his newfound ability to combat the fading light."He can't bowl spin," Rohit chuckled, dismissing Siraj's suggestion. The response drew laughter from both the players and the match officials.Earlier in the month, England pacer Chris Woakes had been forced to bowl off-spin due to bad light during the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Kennington Oval. However, Siraj's suggestion was met with amusement rather than serious consideration.Bangladesh had started their chase of India's 515-run target briskly, reaching 158-4 before the bad light intervened. The visitors still need 357 runs for victory, and the weather conditions could play a crucial role in the outcome of the match.The early end to the day's play was a reminder of the challenges that bad light can pose to cricket matches, particularly in the later stages of the day. Umpires are tasked with making difficult decisions based on visibility and player safety, and their judgment can sometimes lead to frustration among fans and players.

Sri Lanka's slow bowlers struggled for accuracy on day two of their Test against New Zealand in Galle, a venue they hadn't played in for over a year. Spin bowling coach Craig Howard acknowledged that the bowlers needed time to adjust, but also emphasized the need for better execution."If we'd bowled the way we'd have liked to, we'd be in a much better position," Howard said. "We need to hold our line and length for longer, making it harder for the New Zealand batters to rotate the strike and limiting boundary balls."Primary spinners Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya took just one wicket each on Thursday, with Jayasuriya conceding 99 runs in 31 overs. Howard attributed Jayasuriya's performance to a slight deviation from his usual accuracy."Prabath is a very proud man," Howard said. "He's averaged 22 at Galle for a reason, so I'm confident he'll bounce back and have a significant impact on this Test."Mendis, who hadn't played a red-ball game in several months, was more expensive than Jayasuriya, with an economy rate of over four in his 17 overs. Howard suggested that Mendis' lack of recent match practice may have contributed to his inaccuracy."Ramesh Mendis hasn't played a red-ball game for a few months," Howard said. "He's been on an England tour without playing and in the LPL before that. He was probably a bit off from a length-and-line point of view."Despite the challenges posed by the New Zealand batters, Howard expressed confidence that Sri Lanka's spinners could turn the match in their favor with improved accuracy."Control of line and length is paramount," Howard said. "If we do that, there's enough in this wicket to make a difference. The game can speed up quickly in the back end. We could be one or two wickets away from having a first-innings lead. Ideally, we can go through them quickly and end up with a lead, but if not, we'll have a small target to catch up."

India's upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, commencing on Thursday, presents a crucial opportunity for the hosts to address their recent batting vulnerabilities against spin bowling. Despite boasting an impressive home record of 40-4 over the past decade, India's performance against spin has raised concerns.With a packed Test season ahead, including 10 matches and a potential berth in the World Test Championship final, India must prioritize improving their spin-bowling prowess. Bangladesh, fresh from a 2-0 series triumph over Pakistan, will pose a formidable challenge.Key Indian batters have struggled against spin in recent years. Virat Kohli's average against spin has plummeted to 30 in 15 Tests since 2021, while Rohit Sharma's has dropped to 44 over the last three years. KL Rahul has also faced difficulties, averaging a mere 23.40 against spin in his last five home Tests.Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has emphasized the need to refocus on this area, particularly after India's struggles against Sri Lanka's spinners in a recent ODI series.Bangladesh's spin attack, led by Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will test India's batting lineup. However, Rishabh Pant has a strong average of 70 against spin in his last five matches, while Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have shown promise, albeit against a less experienced England spin attack.India's bowling lineup, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, appears formidable. The team management will consider whether to include a third seamer like Akash Deep or Yash Dayal or to opt for a third spinner, with Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel as options. Patel's inclusion could also strengthen the lower-order batting.New head coach Gautam Gambhir will be eager to start his tenure on a positive note. After a mixed result in the white-ball format in Sri Lanka, Gambhir will be keen for a strong start in Test cricket.This series will serve as a litmus test for India's batting lineup and set the tone for their long Test season ahead.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, is poised to make history as he prepares to bowl on home soil in the upcoming five-Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. With 100 Tests under his belt and the distinction of being the world's No. 1 Test bowler, Ashwin is eager to showcase his skills on spin-friendly Indian wickets.Ashwin's return to his home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, for the first Test against Bangladesh on September 19 holds special significance. He is on the cusp of several records, including becoming India's highest wicket-taker in international matches played in India. With 455 wickets in 126 matches across formats, he trails only Anil Kumble's tally of 476.In the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Ashwin is poised to surpass Nathan Lyon as the leading wicket-taker. With 174 wickets in 35 Tests, he is just 13 behind Lyon's 187. Ashwin also holds the record for most five-wicket hauls in WTC matches, with 10 in 34 games.Another milestone within reach for Ashwin is becoming India's leading wicket-taker in Tests against Bangladesh. Currently, Zaheer Khan holds the record with 31 wickets, while Ashwin has 23. With nine more wickets, he will surpass Zaheer's mark.Beyond the upcoming series, Ashwin has his sights set on India's tour of Australia later this year. The 37-year-old is likely to make his final appearance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he will aim to continue his impressive record against the Aussies.

As the Indian cricket team prepares for the opening Test against Bangladesh on September 19, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma are considering a strategic shift. In a recent net session, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has impressed as an opener in Tests, was seen bowling leg spin.Jaiswal's spin bowling could enhance his versatility and strengthen his position in the team across formats. In a video shared by Jio Cinema, Jaiswal bowled to seasoned spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. While Jadeja and Ashwin remain the primary spin options, Jaiswal's emergence could provide additional support.Jaiswal has previously bowled only one over in Tests, conceding six runs against England in Ranchi. However, the Chennai pitch for the first Test is expected to favor pacers. Nevertheless, considering Bangladesh's impressive spin performance against Pakistan in their recent Test series, India may opt for a more balanced approach.The Bangladesh squad arrived in Chennai on Sunday, with captain Mominul Haque expressing confidence in his team's ability to challenge India. "It's definitely going to be a very challenging series for us," Haque said. "After a good series (vs Pakistan), there is definitely an extra confidence in the team."Despite India's dominance in the World Test Championship standings, Haque believes that the outcome will depend on the team's performance during the five days. "We will play to win both matches," he added. "The things that matter to win, the process matters... our aim will be to do the work properly."

Nathan Lyon, Australia's premier spinner, has candidly discussed the immense pressure he has felt throughout his career to live up to the legacy of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne.Warne, who retired in 2007, is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, having taken 708 wickets in 145 Test matches. Lyon, who made his Test debut in 2011, has emerged as Australia's go-to spinner, amassing 530 wickets in 129 appearances.Despite his impressive record, Lyon admits to still feeling the weight of Warne's shadow. "I still feel in the shadow of Shane Warne now, and I'm 129 Test matches in with 530 wickets," Lyon told Sky Sports Cricket. "The thing is, I'm happy with that, and I'm comfortable with that now."Lyon believes that the pressure he has faced has ultimately been a privilege. "A lot of us felt the pressure of Shane Warne's shadow, and it probably took me a good five, six, or seven years to understand that pressure is a privilege. And if you've got pressure, you're ok, you're doing ok; enjoy it," he said.While Lyon acknowledges that he will never be able to match Warne's unparalleled achievements, he remains determined to make his own mark on the game. "I'm never going to be able to do what Warnie did. Warnie's once-in-a-generation, he's the greatest to play the game in my opinion, and all I want to do is make my family proud, and make Shane Warne proud, and just go out there and compete," Lyon added.Lyon is currently just 34 wickets away from surpassing Glenn McGrath as Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in Test matches. He will have the opportunity to reach this milestone when Australia takes on India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins in Perth on November 22.

Ajaz Patel, New Zealand's left-arm spinner, has faced a unique career trajectory. Despite his historic 10-wicket haul in India in 2021, he has struggled to become a regular in the team's playing XI. However, he remains optimistic and is eager to make the most of his opportunities.Patel understands the challenges of being a spinner in a team known for its fast bowlers. He also acknowledges the team's preference for different combinations and conditions. Nevertheless, he admits to some disappointment at not playing more often outside of Asia."It's difficult for all New Zealand spinners," Patel said. "But it breeds more hunger when you come to conditions like this, and you know conditions that are spin-friendly."Despite the limited opportunities, Patel has remained focused on improving his game. He has remodeled his run-up and is constantly seeking ways to develop. He believes that his recent performances have earned him a chance to play more regularly."After the ten wickets, obviously, you're a little bit disappointed because you don't get as many opportunities," Patel said. "But it's still about growing your game and it's an opportunity to develop and grow."Patel is now set to play six Tests in Asia over the next two months. This is a significant opportunity for him to establish himself as a key member of the team. He is excited about the prospect and is eager to learn from Sri Lanka's former ace spinner Rangana Herath, who has joined the New Zealand team on a short-term basis."If you look at me and you look at Rangana, we're pretty similar in terms of our build and body types," Patel said. "So really, really special to have him here and for me, it's a great opportunity to spend some time with him and really understand how he crafted spin bowling."Patel's journey has been a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the challenges, he has remained focused on his goals and is now on the cusp of a major breakthrough.

New Zealand's Test squad has enlisted the expertise of Rangana Herath and Vikram Rathour for their upcoming six-Test tour of Asia. Herath, a renowned spin-bowling coach, will guide the team's spinners for the next three Tests, including one against Afghanistan and two in Sri Lanka. Rathour, a former Indian batsman, will join the squad for the Afghanistan Test only.New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that both Herath and Rathour are highly respected in the cricket world. He emphasized the value of Herath's experience for the team's left-arm orthodox spinners, Ajaz Patel, Mitch Santner, and Rachin Ravindra, who will benefit from his insights on the subcontinent's pitches.Herath's knowledge of Galle, the venue for the two Sri Lanka Tests, will be particularly valuable, as he has taken over 100 Test wickets there. After the Sri Lanka tour, New Zealand will face India in three Tests in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Only the Afghanistan Test will not count towards the World Test Championship.In addition to Patel, Santner, and Ravindra, New Zealand has offbreak spin options in Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips for the Afghanistan and Sri Lanka Tests. The squad for the India Tests has yet to be announced.Herath, with 433 Test wickets, replaces former Pakistan offspinner Saqlain Mushtaq as New Zealand's spin-bowling coach. Rathour, who played six Tests for India, was most recently India's batting coach and a national selector.