Cricket

Pakistan's newly appointed Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency for the team's success. Gillespie believes that the players should embrace their natural style of play and avoid altering it to fit a specific method. He encourages them to maintain a positive and aggressive approach, even during the challenging grind of Test cricket.Gillespie acknowledges the talent within the Pakistani squad but stresses the need for improved consistency. He aims to provide clarity and communication to the team, fostering a strong bond and a shared understanding of how to approach Test cricket.The former Australian pace bowler highlights the team's strengths, including skilled batsmen and fast bowlers who can swing the ball. He also recognizes the potential of the spinners. Gillespie believes that by harnessing these resources effectively, Pakistan can achieve success.Gillespie's role as a selector will allow him to play a more active role in shaping the team's future. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and open communication in the selection process.Gillespie's ultimate goal is to help Pakistan become a formidable force in Test cricket. He believes that by instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in the players, the team can achieve its full potential.

Matthew Kuhnemann, the 27-year-old left-arm finger spinner, has joined Tasmania in a bid to secure regular red-ball game time ahead of Australia's tour of Sri Lanka next summer. Kuhnemann, who has played three Tests for Australia, was overlooked by his home state Queensland last season and has made the move south to become Tasmania's No.1 Shield spinner.Kuhnemann has 20 first-class matches under his belt and impressed during his three Tests in India earlier this year, taking 5 for 16 in his second Test to help Australia beat the hosts at Indore. He will be eyeing a spot in Australia's Test squad for their tour of Sri Lanka in February, after a summer series on home soil against India.Kuhnemann's move to Tasmania is a significant boost for the Tigers, who lost to Western Australia in March's Sheffield Shield final. Jarrod Freeman was their first-choice spinner last season, but Kuhnemann's experience and quality will provide Tasmania with a different option.Kuhnemann will also be available for 50-over selection for Tasmania and remains contracted to the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. Tasmania's high-performance manager Salliann Beams said: "We are excited to have a player of Matt's calibre join the Tigers and believe he will play a key role for us in the white-ball format of the game."In addition to Kuhnemann, Tasmania has also signed 22-year-old Queensland quick Will Prestwidge, who played two one-day games for the Bulls across three summers. These signings will bolster Tasmania's squad and give them a strong chance of challenging for silverware in the upcoming season.

India's Test cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his desire to resume bilateral series with Pakistan, citing the potential benefits for the format. This statement has garnered a positive response from former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who believes sports can bridge the gap between the two nations.Rohit's comments came during a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, where he acknowledged Pakistan's strong bowling lineup and the competitive nature of their matches. He emphasized that playing Pakistan overseas would be a "great contest" and would benefit Test cricket.Afridi praised Rohit's "positive statement," stating that it aligns with his belief that sports can foster better relations between India and Pakistan. He highlighted the historical role of cricket in building bridges between the two countries and expressed his hope that bilateral series would resume.The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in 2007-08. Since then, political tensions have prevented the resumption of regular matches. However, both teams have faced each other in ICC tournaments, including the ODI World Cup last year, where India emerged victorious.The two sides are scheduled to meet again during the T20 World Cup later this year, with their match set to take place in New York on June 9. This encounter is highly anticipated by fans of both countries and could serve as a catalyst for further dialogue and cooperation.Rohit's statement and Afridi's response have reignited hopes for the resumption of bilateral series between India and Pakistan. While political factors remain a challenge, the desire for sporting competition and the potential benefits for Test cricket could provide a compelling case for overcoming these obstacles.

Raman Subba Row, a legendary figure in English cricket, passed away at the age of 92. Subba Row's illustrious career spanned playing, administration, and match refereeing.As an opener for England, Subba Row played 13 Tests between 1958 and 1961, amassing three centuries and averaging an impressive 46.85. Despite his early retirement from international cricket at the age of 29, he remained deeply involved in the sport.Subba Row's post-playing career was equally remarkable. He founded a successful public relations firm while maintaining close ties to cricket. He served as chairman of Surrey County Cricket Club and played a pivotal role in establishing the Test and County Cricket Board (TCCB), the forerunner of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).Prior to his passing, Subba Row held the distinction of being England's oldest living men's Test cricketer. ECB Chair Richard Thompson expressed deep sadness at his passing, acknowledging his immense contributions to the sport.Born in Streatham, Subba Row made his Surrey debut in 1953, contributing to the team's remarkable run of seven consecutive County Championships. He later joined Northamptonshire in 1955 and became captain in 1958, earning his England debut against New Zealand that same year.A finger injury prevented him from participating in the 1958-59 Ashes series, but he returned to the side in 1961 for the visit of Australia. Subba Row scored centuries in the first and fifth Tests, helping England secure a 2-2 draw.Overall, Subba Row's first-class career spanned ten years and 260 matches, during which he accumulated over 14,000 runs and claimed 87 wickets with his legspin.After retiring from playing, Subba Row became a key figure in developing the commercial side of Surrey and The Oval. He also played a leading role in the foundation of the TCCB, serving as its chairman from 1985 to 1990. Additionally, he managed England's tour to India and Sri Lanka in 1981-82.In recognition of his services to cricket, Subba Row was awarded a CBE in 1991. He went on to serve as an ICC match referee from 1992 to 2001, overseeing 41 Tests and 119 ODIs.ICC General Manager of Cricket Wasim Khan expressed condolences on behalf of the organization, acknowledging Subba Row's contributions as a player, administrator, and match referee.

India's Test captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his eagerness to play a Test series against Pakistan overseas. In a recent podcast interview, Rohit emphasized the benefits of resuming bilateral cricket between the two nations, which has been suspended since 2012-13.Rohit believes that playing overseas would provide a unique challenge for both teams, especially given Pakistan's formidable bowling attack. "They're a good team. They have got a superb bowling line-up. So it'll be a good contest especially if you play overseas conditions. That'll be awesome," he said.The Indian captain acknowledged the political complexities surrounding India-Pakistan cricket, but stressed that he is solely focused on the sporting aspect. "I'm not interested in anything else. It's pure cricket, game between bat and ball. It'll be a great contest," he stated.Rohit's comments echo the sentiments of several cricket administrators who have advocated for the resumption of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan. In recent years, the ECB and Cricket Australia have expressed interest in hosting the marquee series.The last time India and Pakistan played a complete bilateral series involving both Tests and white-ball cricket was in 2007. Rohit, who was a member of that Indian team, fondly remembers the experience. "It was a great series. The atmosphere was electric. I would love to play them again in a Test series," he said.Rohit's endorsement of overseas India-Pakistan Test cricket is a significant development, as it adds the voice of a prominent Indian cricketer to the growing chorus calling for the resumption of bilateral ties. It remains to be seen whether the political climate will allow for such a series to take place, but Rohit's comments have certainly reignited the debate.

Tim Southee, the New Zealand Test captain and one of the most successful swing bowlers of all time, recently spoke about his experiences and insights on the game.Southee has enjoyed his role as captain, having worked closely with Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson. He believes that the leadership group plays a crucial role in team success.New Zealand is currently ranked third in the ICC World Test Championship table, and Southee is optimistic about their chances of reaching the final. He acknowledges the tough matches ahead, especially in the subcontinent.Southee's long-standing partnership with Trent Boult has been one of the most formidable new-ball alliances in cricket. He attributes their success to their close friendship, mutual understanding of each other's game, and complementary skills.Southee praises Boult's exceptional ability to swing the ball, particularly in the first over of an innings. He also highlights Boult's fitness and injury-free record.India has recently produced several promising pace bowlers, and Southee is not surprised. He believes that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has played a significant role in their development. He is particularly impressed with Mayank Yadav's pace and control.Southee has faced some of the greatest batters in the game, including A.B. de Villiers, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virender Sehwag. He considers de Villiers to be the toughest batter he has bowled to across all formats.Among the bowlers he admires, Southee mentions Glenn McGrath, Jacques Kallis, Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, and Kagiso Rabada.Southee has mixed feelings about the recent trend of "Bazball" in Test cricket, as exemplified by England. While he acknowledges its success, he believes that England's style may not be sustainable in all conditions. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to different pitches and situations.Southee expresses concerns about the future of Test cricket, given the increasing popularity of T20 cricket. However, he hopes that measures can be taken to preserve the longest format, which he considers the pinnacle of the game.New Zealand will tour India later this year, and Southee is eager to perform well. He recalls his best Test figures of seven for 64, which he achieved in Bengaluru in 2012.Southee is also excited about the emergence of Rachin Ravindra, a young New Zealand cricketer who has shown great promise. He believes that Ravindra has a bright future in the game.

Former New Zealand leg-spinner Jack Alabaster, a legendary figure in the country's cricketing history, passed away at the age of 93 on Tuesday night in Cromwell, U.K. Alabaster's demise has left a void in the cricketing fraternity, as he was widely regarded as one of the finest spinners to emerge from New Zealand.Alabaster's cricketing journey began with Otago in domestic cricket, where he made a significant impact with his exceptional leg-spin bowling. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the national team in 1955, and he went on to represent New Zealand in 21 Test matches over the next 17 years.During his Test career, Alabaster claimed 49 wickets at an average of 38.02, showcasing his ability to deceive batsmen with his subtle variations and accurate line and length. He played a pivotal role in New Zealand's first four Test victories, including a historic maiden Test win against South Africa in 1961-62.In that memorable Test, Alabaster produced a match-winning performance, claiming 8/180 in the third innings. His exceptional bowling helped New Zealand overcome a 30-run deficit in the first innings and secure a famous victory. Alabaster's contribution to New Zealand's cricketing success cannot be overstated.Apart from his Test exploits, Alabaster also represented New Zealand in numerous other international matches, including tours of India, Pakistan, England, South Africa, and the West Indies. He was a key member of the New Zealand team that toured the West Indies in 1971-72, where he had the privilege of bowling to the legendary Garry Sobers.Alabaster's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He was a respected figure in the cricketing community, known for his humility, sportsmanship, and unwavering dedication to the game. His passing has been met with heartfelt tributes from former teammates, opponents, and cricket enthusiasts alike.

Bangladesh's young batting lineup is facing a steep learning curve in Test cricket, and assistant coach Nic Pothas urges patience from fans and observers. The team's inexperience was evident in their heavy defeat in the first Test against Sri Lanka, where they were bowled out for under 200 in both innings."We have a very young and inexperienced group of batters," Pothas said. "There was a very elite group before this. Now we have to rebuild. The only thing that we request is that people are patient. These are very good young players, but they are young and they are playing against an experienced team and it will take time to learn lessons."Pothas emphasized that the young players have a solid foundation and a positive dressing room environment. "From a hunger point of view, they want to do really well in the Test. They always really want to do well. They are a fantastic group. They get on very, very well. You can just see by smiles on their faces."The return of Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the first Test due to an eye condition, is a major boost for Bangladesh. "I think any team that has Shakib in it is very fortunate," Pothas said. "We welcome him back. It is always great to have him in the change room. His energy is very infectious. He has a lot of experience for the guys to learn from and whenever Shakib is back, he's a giver. So we really enjoy having him around the group."Pothas also addressed the criticism of Litton Das's performance in the first Test. "We have had conversations. Litton is in a good space," Pothas said. "The trouble that we generally have is that the pressure on Litton comes from the outside. If we just leave Litton to be Litton, I think he'll show you the best of him.""If we keep jumping on his back in the media and on social media, we forget that just because these guys are very able cricketers and they appear on television, at the root they're still human beings. If we treat them like human beings and allow him to do what's best for him, I promise you he'll show you results."

Sri Lanka's pace attack has dominated the first Test against Bangladesh, taking all 20 wickets in Sylhet. This marks the first time since 1986 that a Sri Lankan pace attack has achieved this feat. The victory has boosted Sri Lanka's confidence, but they face a different challenge in Chattogram, where the pitch is typically more favorable for batting and spinners.Bangladesh will be buoyed by the return of Shakib Al Hasan, who is their most experienced bowler on the Chattogram deck. Shakib has claimed 64 wickets in 19 Tests at this venue, the most by any bowler. Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are also formidable spinners for Bangladesh.Sri Lanka's main spinner, Prabath Jayasuriya, has limited experience overseas, while Ramesh Mendis, who could be brought in as a second frontline spinner, has even less experience away from home.Despite their impressive victory in Sylhet, Sri Lanka have never lost a Test in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh will be confident in Chattogram, especially with Shakib in their ranks.