Cricket

Shubman Gill's resurgence in Test cricket has been a testament to his resilience and adaptability. After a challenging start to the year, where his place in the team was under scrutiny, Gill has rediscovered his form with a string of impressive performances.In the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, Gill has been a key figure in India's batting lineup. His 90-run knock in the first innings of the second Test in Mumbai was a masterclass in patience and determination. Facing a formidable New Zealand spin attack, Gill played with a calm and composed approach, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries.Gill's innings was particularly crucial as it helped India recover from a precarious position. After losing early wickets, Gill and Rishabh Pant forged a 96-run partnership that gave India a slender first-innings lead. Gill's ability to anchor the innings and provide stability was a key factor in India's eventual victory.Speaking after his innings, Gill revealed that he had drawn inspiration from his successful Test series against England earlier this year. "I was trying to just go out there and have another opportunity to bat for the maximum (time) I could and not put pressure on myself by thinking about how many runs I must score," he said.Gill's return to form is a welcome boost for India, who are looking to consolidate their position at the top of the ICC Test rankings. His ability to play spin effectively and his growing maturity as a batsman make him a valuable asset to the team.As India prepares for the third and final Test of the series, Gill will be hoping to continue his impressive run of form and help his team secure a series victory.

Shubman Gill's technical prowess and unwavering determination were on full display as he crafted a magnificent 90-run knock on a challenging Indore pitch, giving India a crucial advantage in the third and final Test against New Zealand.Gill's innings was a testament to his meticulous preparation, as he revisited the technical work he had done before the five-Test series against England earlier this year. This allowed him to rediscover his rhythm and confidence against spinners, who were expected to dominate on the rank turner."I was just trying to have fun," Gill said after the day's play. "I love batting, and I wanted to enjoy the opportunity to bat for as long as possible."Gill's partnership with Rishabh Pant, who contributed a quickfire 60, gave India a 28-run lead. New Zealand ended the second day at 171 for 9, still trailing by 143 runs.Gill emphasized the importance of having a clear mindset while batting on a turning track. "I was trying to have fun and enjoy the moment, even if it was difficult," he said. "I wasn't putting too much pressure on myself."He also credited his partnership with Pant for releasing pressure on him. "The way Rishabh came in and started hitting those boundaries, it made it difficult for the bowlers to bowl consistently in that area," Gill said.Gill's innings was particularly impressive given the "bit of panic" that India experienced at the end of the opening day. However, he believes that "one good partnership" of 70-80 runs on the third morning should see the hosts through."It's all about one good partnership," Gill said. "When you are chasing a total which is around 150-160, if you have one good partnership of 70-80 runs, the match is done and dusted."Gill's performance has been a bright spot for India in a series that has been marred by inconsistent batting. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his unwavering belief in his abilities make him a valuable asset to the team.

India's spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar wreaked havoc on New Zealand's batting lineup on the second day of the third and final Test in Mumbai, triggering a collapse that handed India a significant advantage.The Kiwis lost eight wickets in the final session, crumbling to 171 for 9 in their second innings, with a lead of just 143 runs at the close of play. The Indian spinners spun a web around the Kiwi batters, exploiting the sharp turn and variable bounce of the Wankhede pitch.After India posted 263 all out in their first innings, securing a slim 28-run lead, the spinners took control. Ashwin (3/63) found his rhythm, while Jadeja (4/52) continued his impressive form, keeping India's hopes alive of avoiding a clean sweep.Will Young's gritty 51 was the only significant resistance from the Kiwis, who succumbed to pressure after Ajaz Patel (5/103) claimed another five-wicket haul. Ashwin showed visible delight when he stumped Rachin Ravindra (4), beating the batter with bounce and turn. He also bowled out Glenn Phillips (26) and Young (51) to secure crucial breakthroughs.Jadeja also made a notable contribution, ending a resilient 50-run stand between Young and Daryl Mitchell (21). Mitchell's aggressive shot against Jadeja failed to get the desired distance, and Ashwin covered 19 meters to complete a brilliant catch.Tom Blundell (4) chopped a delivery onto his stumps off Jadeja, while Ashwin bowled Phillips, who had shifted to aggressive batting mode. At the start of New Zealand's reply, Akash provided the rare sight of a pacer disturbing the stumps on a turning track, dismantling Tom Latham's (1) off and middle stumps in the first over.Earlier, India suffered a setback with Pant's dismissal towards the end of the morning session. From Pant's dismissal in the 38th over to India folding in the 60th, the team managed just eight boundaries and two sixes. Pant alone hit as many during his brisk half-century.Ajaz, finding his length, continued his success at the Wankhede Stadium, following up his world record 10/119 in the first innings of the 2021 Test here with another five-wicket haul. In the second session, Gill narrowly missed out on his century while other batsmen continued to disappoint.Sarfaraz Khan's struggle was particularly disheartening as he failed to open his account on his home turf. Gill's flawless 146-ball 90, including seven fours and a six, ended when Patel had him caught at slip. Jadeja (14) too was caught at slip, though off Glenn Phillips, while Washington fought a lone battle among the three all-rounders, scoring a brisk 38 not out off 36 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes.

Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concerns about India's chase of around 150 runs on a Wankhede wicket that has been behaving differently at both ends. New Zealand ended the second day of the second Test with an overall lead of 143, which former India captain Anil Kumble believes is a challenging target given the nature of the pitch.Ashwin acknowledged that the track is not a typical Mumbai surface, with low bounce and a slower pace. "Expected a lot more bounce. It has been quite slow which is a surprise. It's not a typical Bombay pitch, much slower," he said.To counter the unusual conditions, Ashwin employed the carrom ball, a delivery bowled with a flick of two fingers that turns the other way round. This variation proved effective, as it dismissed Glenn Phillips, who failed to read Ashwin's hand."The game itself is divided into two halves. The one from the pavilion end and from the other end, it's slightly behaving differently. It's slightly flatter from the one where we are bowling from the dressing room side, the bounce is much lesser. So I thought I will try and use it the other way," Ashwin explained.Ashwin also showcased his fielding prowess with a brilliant catch running 19 meters sideways to pouch in-form Daryl Mitchell. "For all the flak you've given me overs the years, I don't think I've dropped many. I have got great hands and I trusted it," he said.Despite the challenging conditions, Ashwin remains confident in India's ability to chase down the target. "Any runs saved in this innings is going to be much more critical. It's not going to be easy, we'll have to bat really well," he said.

Ravichandran Ashwin's fielding brilliance was on full display on Day 2 of the third and final India-New Zealand Test in Mumbai, as he pulled off a stunning sideways running catch to dismiss the dangerous Daryl Mitchell.Mitchell, who had been a thorn in India's side throughout the series, came down the track to loft Ravindra Jadeja, but couldn't get to the pitch of the ball as it came off the bottom part of the bat. Positioned at mid-off, Ashwin had to cover considerable ground as Mitchell lofted the ball high, aiming for a boundary.Sprinting at full tilt, Ashwin, who kept his eyes locked on the ball, ran back from mid-off, turned sideways to stay side-on and finally extended his hands to complete a stunning diving catch. The crowd erupted as he rose, clutching the ball triumphantly. It was a display of athleticism and commitment, and Mitchell, left in disbelief, had to walk back to the pavilion.The wicket was very crucial for India as it broke a crucial 50-run fourth-wicket partnership between Mitchell and Will Young after NZ lost three early wickets at the score of 44 in their second essay.Ashwin's catch was not only a highlight of the day's play but also a testament to his all-round abilities. The off-spinner has been one of India's most consistent performers in recent years, and his fielding has only improved with time.Mitchell's dismissal was a major setback for New Zealand, who were looking to build a solid foundation in their second innings. The Black Caps had lost three early wickets, including that of captain Kane Williamson, and were in danger of being bowled out cheaply.However, Young and Mitchell had steadied the ship with a solid partnership, and New Zealand were starting to look comfortable. Ashwin's catch, however, put a halt to their progress and gave India the upper hand in the match.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, made history on day two of the third Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai by batting at number 10 for the first time in his illustrious Test career.Throughout his career, Ashwin has primarily batted at number 8, where he has amassed 1977 runs in 83 innings at an average of 26.01, with four centuries and seven half-centuries to his name. He has also found considerable success at number 6, where he has accumulated 531 runs at an average of 35.40, including two Test centuries.Prior to this innings, Ashwin's lowest batting position was number 9, where he had featured in 20 innings. The only previous instance of Ashwin batting at number 10 in international cricket occurred in a T20I against England in 2011.Ashwin's innings at number 10 was brief, as he edged an Ajaz Patel delivery to Daryl Mitchell at slip while attempting a defensive stroke, departing for six runs off 13 balls. However, his appearance at this position marked a significant milestone in his career.Across his 105 Test matches, Ashwin has compiled 3466 runs at an average of 26.06, including six centuries and fourteen half-centuries. His batting prowess has often been overshadowed by his exceptional bowling skills, but he has consistently contributed with the bat, providing valuable runs for the Indian team.Ashwin's batting at number 10 is a testament to his versatility and adaptability. It also highlights the depth of India's batting lineup, which allows them to experiment with different batting orders depending on the match situation.

Akash Deep's Fiery In-swinger Stuns Tom Latham in Mumbai TestOn Day 2 of the third and final Test in Mumbai, Indian pacer Akash Deep unleashed a breathtaking in-swinger that left New Zealand skipper Tom Latham in awe. The incident occurred in the first over of the Kiwis' second innings, with Latham looking to drive the ball. However, Deep's delivery nipped back sharply from outside off, finding its way through the bat-pad gap and crashing into the stumps.Latham, who had survived a close lbw appeal on the previous ball, was left stunned by the sheer pace and precision of Deep's delivery. The dismissal was a testament to Deep's exceptional skill, as he breached the opener's defense with ease.Deep's ability to extract such movement off the pitch highlighted his immense talent. The delivery was a perfect example of fast bowling at its finest, leaving both fans and analysts impressed.Earlier in the day, spinner Ajaz Patel had taken five wickets as New Zealand bowled out India for 263. Overnight batsman Shubman Gill made a valiant 90 before the Kiwis ended the home side's reply to their 235 in the second session at Wankhede Stadium.With India leading by 28 runs, the match is poised for an exciting finish. Deep's fiery in-swinger has given the hosts a psychological advantage, and they will be looking to capitalize on it in the remaining days of the Test.

Australia A, chasing 225, are on the cusp of victory against India A, needing just 86 more runs with seven wickets in hand. Nathan McSweeney, batting at No. 4, has impressed with an unbeaten 47, bolstering his case for a Test debut.Ricky Ponting, Australia's former captain, has endorsed McSweeney for the vacant opening spot in the Test line-up, citing his experience and adaptability. McSweeney has faced over 200 deliveries in the ongoing match, showcasing his ability to handle challenging conditions.Despite starts from Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris, none could convert them into substantial scores. Konstas was dismissed for 15, while Bancroft and Harris fell for 18 and 36, respectively.India A's innings ended on 312, with Sai Sudharsan scoring a century and Devdutt Padikkal contributing 88. Todd Murphy was the standout bowler for Australia A, claiming three wickets, including Sudharsan and Padikkal.Fergus O'Neill also impressed with three wickets, while Beau Webster and Murphy picked up one each. India A lost their last eight wickets for 86 runs, handing Australia A the advantage.With the second match of the series set to take place in Melbourne next week, the performance of McSweeney and the other opening contenders will be closely scrutinized as Australia seeks to finalize their Test squad.

Neil D'Costa, a renowned Australian batting coach, has cautioned against rushing 19-year-old sensation Sam Konstas into Test cricket for the upcoming series against India. D'Costa believes Konstas is not yet ready for the rigors of the five-day format, citing the cautionary example of Prithvi Shaw's decline in international cricket.D'Costa, who has coached the likes of Michael Clarke and Mitchell Starc, emphasizes the importance of allowing Konstas to develop his game in the Sheffield Shield. He believes that Konstas needs to gain experience and understanding of the game's nuances before being thrust into the international arena."He could be a good player for 100 Tests. If they put him in now, he might only play 10 Tests," D'Costa said. "Let him play two years of Sheffield Shield. Let him understand the grounds, the flows of the game, understand himself and understand the game."D'Costa's concerns stem from Konstas' recent performances for Australia A against India A, where he scored 2 and 43 in the first match and a duck and 16 in the second. While Konstas has shown great potential, D'Costa believes he needs more time to mature and develop his game.Other contenders for the opening spot alongside Usman Khawaja include Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft. However, D'Costa believes that Konstas should not be rushed into the team at the expense of more experienced players."It's just ridiculous (talk of rushing him in). How's Prithvi Shaw going? I could see his weaknesses before he went in," D'Costa said.D'Costa's advice is based on his extensive experience in coaching young players. He believes that Konstas has the potential to become a great player, but that he needs to be given the time and space to develop his game properly.