Cricket

India's dominance continued on Day 2 of the 5th Test against England in Dharamsala, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill slamming centuries in a non-traditional manner. Their rapid scoring prompted former England star Owais Shah to question the reason behind India's high strike rate.Saba Karim, the former India cricketer, reminded Shah of Rohit Sharma's pre-match comment about England's Ben Duckett suggesting that England should get credit for Yashasvi Jaiswal's high strike rate. Rohit had responded by saying, "There was a guy called Rishabh Pant in our team, probably Ben Duckett hasn't seen him play."Karim echoed Rohit's sentiment, saying, "Should I respond the same way Rohit did, saying you guys have not seen Rishabh Pant bat?"England's 'Bazball' approach, which emphasizes aggressive batting, has been a topic of discussion before the series. However, Ben Stokes' men have struggled to implement it in India. Rohit expressed his confusion about the term, saying, "I honestly don't know what [Bazball] means, whether it is to go and strike, whether it is to go and defend and wait for the loose ball.""I have not seen any wild swinging from anyone, so I don't know exactly what this term means," Rohit added. "But, yeah, clearly they have played better cricket from what they played the last time they were here."Despite England's struggles, Rohit acknowledged the success of their batters who scored big hundreds. "They applied their method to get some success and they got it," he said. "But other than that I don't know what it means."

England's assistant coach Marcus Trescothick has made a bold claim that the team will not focus heavily on studying their opponents, despite India's dominance on Day 1 of the fifth Test in Dharamsala.After England's disappointing performance, Trescothick emphasized the team's unique approach to the game. "We are a very unique side in how we go about things," he said. "I don't think we will study what India do too much."Trescothick explained that England's strategy is to maintain a level-headed approach, regardless of the outcome. "We don't get too down when we have bad days, we don't get too high when we have good days," he said. "You just have to stay level and recognize what you can do better."Despite England's struggles, Trescothick identified some positive aspects of their performance. He praised Zak Crawley's batting in the first session, but acknowledged that the team lacked partnerships to build a substantial total."We had some good things - the way we played up until lunch when the ball swung around more than we expected, Crawley getting that score," Trescothick said. "We just didn't get those partnerships going to get a big score and put the total on the board we needed to."Trescothick admitted that Day 1 was challenging for England, but expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back. "It was a challenging day, no doubt about that," he said. "Hopefully we come back and improve."

Rohit Sharma's Witty On-Field Banter with Kuldeep Yadav Goes ViralIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma is renowned for his quick wit and humorous on-field remarks. On the opening day of the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala, Rohit delivered another memorable one-liner that has gone viral on social media.As Jonny Bairstow walked out to bat after the dismissal of Zak Crawley, Rohit's conversation with his teammates was captured on the stump microphone. "Isko Toh Kuch Bhi Daal (Bowl whatever you want to him)," Rohit was heard saying to bowler Kuldeep Yadav, suggesting that he could bowl anything to Bairstow.The video of the amusing incident quickly spread across social media platforms. Rohit later clarified that his funny chats and one-liners are not deliberate. He explained that he regularly communicates with fielders, and these discussions often get recorded by the microphone."I don't have any favorite line as such and I don't even do it deliberately," Rohit said. "Now I am the captain so I stand in the slips, because the angle from there helps me get a better look at the fielders and take stock of DRS. So I keep talking to the fielders and it gets recorded."On the field, England were bowled out for 218 in the final session on Day 1, with Kuldeep Yadav claiming a five-wicket haul and Ravichandran Ashwin picking up four wickets. India reached 135 for one at the close of play, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring a 58-ball 57 and Rohit remaining unbeaten on 53 alongside Shubman Gill (26 not out).The hosts already hold an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. The final Test in Dharamsala is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams looking to end the series on a high note.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the enigmatic Indian off-spinner, has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket with his remarkable achievements. With 500 Test wickets to his name, Ashwin stands tall as one of the most successful bowlers in the history of the game.Ashwin's journey to the 500-wicket milestone has been a testament to his skill, perseverance, and adaptability. He made his Test debut in 2011 and quickly established himself as a key member of the Indian bowling attack. Known for his guile, accuracy, and ability to extract turn from any surface, Ashwin has troubled batsmen from all corners of the globe.One of Ashwin's most notable achievements is his ability to perform consistently across different conditions. He has picked up wickets in all the major Test-playing nations, with his best performances coming against Sri Lanka and West Indies. Ashwin's 10-wicket hauls in Galle and Roseau are a testament to his ability to dominate even the most challenging of pitches.Beyond his wicket-taking prowess, Ashwin has also made significant contributions with the bat. He has scored five Test centuries, including a memorable 124 against England in 2018. Ashwin's all-round abilities have made him an invaluable asset to the Indian team, and he has played a crucial role in their recent successes.As Ashwin continues to add to his tally of wickets, he is poised to become one of the greatest bowlers of all time. His unique style, coupled with his unwavering determination, makes him a formidable opponent for any batsman. With his 500th Test wicket, Ashwin has cemented his legacy as a true legend of the game.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Surpasses Virat Kohli, Sets New Record for Most Runs Against England in a Test SeriesYoung Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has etched his name in the history books by surpassing batting legend Virat Kohli and other Indian greats to become the highest run-scorer against England in a Test series. Jaiswal achieved this remarkable feat on the opening day of the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala.In the final session of the day, Jaiswal surpassed Kohli's previous record of 655 runs, set in the 2016 Test series at home. Before being dismissed for 57 late in the day, Jaiswal also breached the 700-run mark in the ongoing series.Jaiswal's exceptional performance has not only earned him the distinction of being the highest run-scorer against England but has also made him the second fastest Indian to reach 1000 Test runs. The 22-year-old reached the milestone in just 16 innings, behind only Vinod Kambli, who achieved it in 14 innings.Current India coach Rahul Dravid is third on the list of highest run-scorers against England in a Test series, with 602 runs during the 2002 India tour of England. Kohli, with 593 runs in the 2018 tour of England, is also featured on the list.Batting great Sunil Gavaskar amassed 542 runs during the 1979 tour, while Vijay Manjrekar has 586 runs to his name in a single Test series against England.Jaiswal's record-breaking performance is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work. He has emerged as a key player for India in the Test format and is expected to continue to play a significant role in the team's future success.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, reached a significant milestone in his illustrious career as he played his 100th Test match against England in Edgbaston. The occasion was marked by an emotional speech from Ashwin, who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and shared his thoughts on the importance of Test cricket.Ashwin's speech was a testament to his love for the game and his belief in its enduring value. He emphasized that Test cricket, with its unique challenges and rewards, teaches life lessons that cannot be found elsewhere. "Test cricket is the closest synergy that you can find to life," he said. "It will teach you to adapt, dealing with pressures."The 37-year-old spinner also paid tribute to his father, who played a pivotal role in his journey to the international stage. Ashwin recalled how his father would take him to cricket practice on his motorbike, despite being a government employee with limited means. "He got me here because of the help of my mom and, of course, my granddad," Ashwin said.Ashwin's wife, Preeti, has also been a constant source of support throughout his career. "My wife didn't know what she was getting into. She's gotten into it and she's standing next to me today," he said.India head coach Rahul Dravid, who handed Ashwin his 100th Test cap, praised the spinner's dedication and contributions to the team. "You have given everything faithfully to the team and today is your 100th Test," Dravid said. "It's been a privilege speaking with you. It's been a privilege to work with you as a coach."Ashwin's 100th Test was a celebration of his remarkable career and a reminder of the enduring power of Test cricket. His speech served as a passionate defense of the longest format of the game, highlighting its ability to teach valuable life lessons and create lasting memories.

Tim Southee, a veteran New Zealand bowler, finds himself in a solitary predicament as the team prepares for the second Test against England. With just two days remaining before the match, Southee was the only player on the Hagley Oval field, running shuttles alone.This week marks a significant milestone for Southee and his teammate Kane Williamson, who will both play their 100th Tests together. However, for Southee, the occasion is tinged with a sense of pressure and introspection.New Zealand is trailing 1-0 in the two-Test series, and Southee's recent Test record has come under scrutiny. Former captain Ross Taylor has criticized Southee's performance, highlighting his lack of wickets.Southee acknowledges his struggles and is determined to improve. "I haven't got the wickets I would have liked," he said. "I still feel like there's more to it. I have probably not been where I should be as the most experienced bowler seamer in the side."Despite his recent setbacks, Southee remains confident in his abilities. He has worked with stand-in bowling coach Kyle Mills to identify areas for improvement. "I've felt okay at times," Southee said. "Sometimes you feel good and you don't get the wickets. I think it's just about trusting your game."Southee's longevity and adaptability are remarkable. He is the first bowler to play 100 internationals in each format. His desire to evolve remains strong, as evidenced by his solo training session."The desire to train, to work hard away from the game is still there," Southee said. "I still wake up every morning hoping to go out there and do people proud and put performances on the board."Southee's solitary figure on the field serves as a reminder of the pressure and expectations that come with representing his country. He and New Zealand will hope that he can rediscover his form and contribute to a successful week.

India's upcoming Test match against England in Dharamsala faces potential disruptions due to inclement weather, according to a report by The Telegraph. The match, scheduled to begin on March 7, could experience chilly temperatures, rainfall, and even sleet. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 1 Degree Celsius, while the minimum could drop below -4 Degree Celsius.Despite the weather concerns, India remains in a strong position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The team recently replaced New Zealand at the top of the rankings after defeating England in the fourth Test in Ranchi. India now has a points percentage of 64.58, ahead of New Zealand's 60.00.Australia, currently in third place, has closed the gap on New Zealand after gaining 12 points in the Wellington Test. The Aussies now have 78 points from 11 matches and a points percentage of 59.09. They have the opportunity to move up to second place if they win the second and final Test against New Zealand in Christchurch from March 8.India, meanwhile, will face England in the final match of the five-Test series in Dharamsala. If England wins this match, Australia could climb to the top spot in the WTC standings.

Mitchell Starc, on the cusp of surpassing Dennis Lillee as Australia's fourth-highest Test wicket-taker, credits former coach Tim Nielsen's tough love for his remarkable resilience. Starc, who has played seven consecutive Tests this summer, has overcome physical challenges to become Australia's iron man.Nielsen's words, "harden the f* up," have resonated with Starc, who has pushed through pain to represent his country. Despite lingering groin soreness, Starc was Australia's leading wicket-taker in the Ashes last year. He also played through the World Cup with minor adjustments to his run-up.Starc's ability to withstand pain and perform at a high level is a testament to his experience and determination. He has learned to manage niggles and find ways to contribute to the team. Surpassing Lillee is a significant milestone, as Starc is the only bowler in Australia's top eight wicket-takers with a strike-rate under 50.Starc is also approaching another landmark: 100 Tests. Tim Southee will become the latest pace bowler to reach this milestone in Christchurch, and Starc is 12 away. If his body and form hold up, he could join the club in 2025.Starc's longevity and resilience are a testament to his dedication and the support of the medical staff. He has become a role model for young bowlers, showing that it is possible to overcome physical challenges and achieve greatness.