Cricket

Ollie Davies, a rising star in New South Wales cricket, has drawn comparisons to legends like Steve Smith and David Warner after his pivotal role in his team's Sheffield Shield victory over Queensland.In the pursuit of 130 for victory, NSW secured a five-wicket triumph on Thursday, thanks to a blistering knock from Daniel Hughes. Davies contributed a valuable 25 after NSW had stumbled to 91 for 4.However, it was Davies' first-innings score of 131 off 147 deliveries that proved decisive, helping NSW post 316 and earning him player-of-the-match honors. Davies concluded his Shield campaign with 670 runs at an average of 67, the fourth-highest tally of the season.NSW captain Moises Henriques predicts a bright future for Davies. "I've witnessed many exceptional young batters emerge through the NSW ranks over the past two decades," Henriques said. "Ollie appears to be another one of those players. He's relentless and always pushing the scoreboard forward.""He reminds me of a combination of Steve Smith, David Warner, and even Phil Hughes. They're all aggressive run-scorers who can find runs in areas where others struggle. For him to score three centuries in seven games this season, in bowler-friendly conditions, demonstrates his mindset of constantly scoring runs and pressuring the bowlers."NSW began their season with two losses and a draw, extending their winless streak in red-ball cricket to 15 matches. However, a 10-wicket victory over Western Australia in November sparked a resurgence, propelling NSW to third place in the standings with four wins, three draws, and three losses.For Queensland, it's a time for reflection after finishing last on the ladder with only two wins and two draws from 10 matches. They began the final day against NSW at 287 for 8 and were dismissed for 301 despite Xavier Bartlett's valiant efforts.NSW aimed to make light work of the run chase, and Hughes adopted a T20 approach, smashing six fours and two sixes on his way to a 29-ball half-century. His dismissal shortly after left NSW at 75 for 3, and there were some anxious moments at 91 for 4 after Matthew Gilkes was dismissed for 6. However, composed innings from Henriques and Davies guided NSW to victory.Debutant Queensland bowler Callum Vidler claimed 3 for 38, adding to his 2 for 50 in NSW's first innings. "It's not the outcome you want on debut, but it was an incredible experience to be out there," Vidler said.

Ricky Ponting Weighs In on Steve Smith's T20 World Cup Prospects and Australia's CaptaincyICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has offered his insights on the potential inclusion of Steve Smith in Australia's squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Ponting also shared his views on who he believes should lead the team in the shortest format.Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting acknowledged Smith's limited T20I appearances but highlighted his experience as a valuable asset for Australia. "You love having guys like him around because of the experience and the calming influence that you can have around a team during a World Cup," Ponting said.However, Ponting suggested that Smith might not secure a spot in the starting XI due to the team's batting combinations. "But the other thing you always have to be mindful of is what role can he play? So I would think if Steve Smith does find his way into the squad, I don't think he will be in the starting XI," Ponting added.On the topic of Australia's T20 captaincy, Ponting expressed his support for all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. "I think he will (be T20I captain) and I think he deserves it as well as he has matured a lot as a player," Ponting declared. "He's certainly a leader of men...Leadership has always been in the back of the selectors' minds as far as Mitchell Marsh is concerned."Ponting's comments shed light on the strategic decisions facing Australia ahead of the T20 World Cup. Smith's potential inclusion and Marsh's captaincy candidacy are crucial considerations for the team's success in the tournament.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, is on the cusp of a significant milestone as he prepares for his 100th Test match. Reflecting on his illustrious career, Ashwin has expressed his admiration for some of the finest batters he has encountered, both domestically and internationally.Ashwin singled out Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root as the most formidable opponents he has faced. "I have loved bowling to Steve Smith, Williamson, and Joe Root. They are some of the finest batters going around the world now," he said.The 37-year-old spinner acknowledged that his domestic experiences also played a crucial role in his development. "I had the privilege of bowling to some of the gun batters of spin in first-class cricket," he said, naming S Badrinath, Mithun Manhas, and Rajat Bhatia as players who helped him hone his skills.Ashwin's journey to the international stage was not solely based on his white-ball prowess. "I had a good 30-40 matches in first-class cricket before I made it to the Indian team," he emphasized.Despite his success in limited-overs cricket, Ashwin remains committed to club cricket. "I played 3-4 years of club cricket in Chennai, probably mentored by seniors, told where I made mistakes, corrected my discipline, bowled long spells," he said.Ashwin's Test debut came in 2011, and he has since become one of India's most successful bowlers in the format. He recently became only the second Indian after Anil Kumble to cross 500 wickets in Tests."A lot of things need to go your way when you have to get a breakthrough and also continue playing for so many years. I am indebted for all those things," he said.