Cricket

ODI Cricket's Future: Mark Waugh Predicts a Shift Towards Major TournamentsAs the international cricket calendar becomes increasingly congested, Australian cricket legend Mark Waugh believes that One-Day International (ODI) cricket may face a gradual decline, with its future primarily confined to major tournaments like the ICC World Cup and Champions Trophy.Waugh's prediction stems from Australia's recent 1-2 ODI series loss to Pakistan, where a second-string Australian side struggled in the absence of its star Test players. The poor batting performances in the second and third ODIs, where Australia was dismissed for just 163 and 140 runs respectively, raised concerns about the format's relevance in the modern era.According to Waugh, the proliferation of bilateral ODI series has diluted the format's significance. "The World Cup and the Champions Trophies are still great events," he said. "But given the scheduling of all these T20 tournaments around now, it's squeezing out 50-over bilateral series."Waugh believes that the value of bilateral ODIs may diminish as the calendar becomes even more packed with T20 leagues and tournaments. "I think it will get phased out," he added. "I think that's probably the way to go."However, Waugh does not advocate for the complete elimination of ODI cricket. He suggests that the format could be preserved for exclusive events like the ICC World Cup and Champions Trophy. "When you get towards these big tournaments like a World Cup, then you might introduce some more games as lead-ups," he said.Waugh's prediction aligns with the observations of other cricket commentators, such as Ian Healy and Michael Clarke, who have suggested that Cricket Australia may be losing interest in low-stakes bilateral series.As the international cricket landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether ODI cricket will retain its prominence or gradually fade into the background, with its future primarily tied to major tournaments.

England's dominance over New Zealand and Pakistan this summer can be traced back to a pivotal T20I loss in New Zealand in March, according to captain Heather Knight. That defeat sparked a conscious effort to address mental barriers in T20 chases, leading to a ruthless streak that has characterized England's recent performances.Knight praised the team's improved skill level and relentless pressure, which has kept New Zealand's key players quiet. Despite the opposition's struggles, Knight emphasized the quality of England's bowling attack, led by spinners Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Charlie Dean.The hosts have also showcased their batting depth, with Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt securing the opening berth and Sophia Dunkley rediscovering her form. Dunkley's versatility and ability to bat up and down the order could earn her a place in the T20 World Cup squad as the spare batter.However, England faces a selection conundrum with teenage left-arm seamer Mahika Gaur, who has missed games due to injury. Knight acknowledged the need to manage young fast bowlers carefully, but Gaur remains in contention for the World Cup squad.England's spin-heavy attack is likely to travel to Bangladesh, with Lauren Filer providing raw pace and Nat Sciver-Brunt increasing her bowling load. Freya Kemp is also returning to her allrounder role after a back injury.Knight emphasized that England's recent success is not solely due to the opposition's performances, but also reflects the team's ongoing improvement. She highlighted the team's ability to beat anyone on their day, as demonstrated in the Ashes series and the T20I series win in India.As England prepares for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, Knight expressed confidence in the team's ability to continue their winning ways in a major tournament.