Cricket

New Zealand's historic Test series victory in India has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. After securing the first Test in Bengaluru by eight wickets, the Kiwis sealed the series with a commanding 113-run win in Pune, marking their first series triumph on Indian soil.This victory snapped India's remarkable 12-year unbeaten streak at home, a testament to the Black Caps' resilience and determination. It also ended India's impressive run of 18 consecutive home series victories, a streak that had stood since England's triumph in 2012.New Zealand's veteran pacer Tim Southee expressed his team's elation at their historic achievement. "It's a very, very tough place to come," Southee said. "But I think you look at this one in particular, 12 years, 18 series. It's nice to be that side that's broken that run."Southee's words underscore the magnitude of New Zealand's accomplishment. India is renowned for its formidable home record, with its spinners wreaking havoc on visiting batsmen. However, the Kiwis defied the odds, showcasing their adaptability and skill in challenging conditions.The victory is a testament to the depth and quality of New Zealand's squad. Led by the experienced Kane Williamson, the team boasts a balanced attack and a resilient batting lineup. Their ability to adapt to different conditions and outplay India on their home turf is a testament to their tactical acumen and mental fortitude.New Zealand's historic triumph has sent a clear message to other teams worldwide: it is possible to defeat India in India. The Black Caps' victory has inspired hope and belief that even the most formidable teams can be overcome with the right combination of skill, determination, and belief.As the series moves to Mumbai for the third Test, New Zealand will aim to complete a 3-0 clean sweep. India, on the other hand, will be eager to salvage some pride and avoid a humiliating whitewash. The final Test promises to be an intriguing battle between two evenly matched teams, with the Kiwis looking to cement their status as one of the world's leading Test sides.

England's recent 2-1 Test series defeat to Pakistan has exposed a glaring weakness in their batting lineup against spin bowling. Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has labeled the team "flat track bullies," criticizing their inability to adjust to challenging conditions.After winning the first Test in Multan, England lost the second and third Tests, with all 40 of their wickets falling to spinners. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali combined for a staggering 39 wickets, highlighting the English batters' vulnerability against spin.Boycott has sharply criticized the England batting, particularly their aggressive "Bazball" approach implemented by coach Brendon McCullum. He argues that this approach is ill-suited for spinning pitches, which demand a more nuanced and adaptable batting style."England are flat-track bullies on good batting pitches... spinning pitches demand adjustments," Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph UK.He pointed to the example of Harry Brook, who scored a triple century in the first Test but struggled against spin in subsequent innings. "A perfect example is Brook. He scored a brilliant 317 in the first Test and in the next four innings he was naive with no idea against spin and totalled 56 runs," Boycott wrote.After piling up 823 runs in the first Test, England failed to cross 300 again in any innings of the second and third Tests. In the second innings of both the final two Tests, England collapsed for a total of under 150 (144 and 112).Boycott expressed concern that these results will be forgotten as England will not tour the subcontinent again on spinning pitches for nearly three years. "The saddest thing is that England do not play in India or Pakistan again on spinning pitches for nearly three years, so our players will quickly be back to being praised by some supporters as the best batsmen England have ever had. All I say to that is you must be kidding," Boycott wrote.England's series defeat has left them 6th in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle table, significantly reducing their chances of making the WTC final.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia, former Indian cricketer M. S. K. Prasad has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to regain his form. Despite a challenging start to the decade in Test cricket, Prasad believes Kohli's love for Australian conditions will ignite his batting prowess.In 2024, Kohli's Test performance has been inconsistent, with an average of 27.22 in five Tests. However, in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, he has shown signs of improvement, scoring 556 runs at an average of 42.76.Prasad, who served as a BCCI selector, emphasized Kohli's affinity for Australian pitches. "Virat Kohli is like a duck getting into the water when he goes to Australia. He loves these conditions and probably he must be eagerly itching to just finish off this Wankhede Test match and then go and play in Australia because he loves that," Prasad said on Star Sports.The Border-Gavaskar series will commence on November 22 in Perth, with the second Test scheduled for Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, followed by the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will culminate with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.India's squad for the series includes Rohit Sharma as captain, Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain, and a mix of experienced and emerging players. Notably, Mohammed Shami was not included in the squad.

South Africa's Tony de Zorzi finally broke through the century barrier in Test cricket, scoring a magnificent 141 not out on the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram. The opener's maiden Test ton played a pivotal role in South Africa's dominant position of 307/2 at stumps.De Zorzi had narrowly missed out on centuries in previous matches, but he reached the milestone with a classy sweep off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The delivery sailed past deep backward square-leg, sending the ball to the boundary and raising his century in 146 balls.In a moment of elation, de Zorzi celebrated with Chelsea footballer Cole Palmer's signature "Ice-Cold" celebration, grinning at his teammates while rubbing his biceps. The celebration added flair to a gritty innings on a hot, challenging day in Chattogram, as the South African opener fought through cramps to remain unbeaten at the close of play.After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa lost captain Aiden Markram early for 33. However, de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs combined for a record 201-run partnership for the second wicket - the highest for South Africa in Tests against Bangladesh. The monumental stand also entered the list of South Africa's highest second-wicket partnerships in Asia, becoming the third highest in an elite list.Stubbs adapted brilliantly to the conditions with a composed 106 off 198 balls. His measured innings ended in the final session when Taijul Islam bowled him, clipping the bottom edge onto the stumps. David Bedingham (18 not out) joined de Zorzi at the crease and ensured no further damage before bad light halted play early.With South Africa leading the two-match series 1-0, they are well-positioned to push for a series-clinching win on Day 2. De Zorzi's century and the team's strong batting performance have put them in a commanding position.

Harshit Rana's stellar performance in Delhi's Ranji Trophy victory against Assam has solidified his readiness for the upcoming five-Test tour of Australia. The 22-year-old pacer showcased his all-around abilities, claiming five wickets in the first innings, scoring a crucial half-century at No. 8, and delivering critical breakthroughs in the second essay to secure a 10-wicket win for Delhi.Rana's impressive display comes just days after he was named in India's 18-member squad for the tour of Australia. He is also set to join the India squad for the third Test against New Zealand, which begins in Mumbai on Friday. Rana had previously been with the India contingent as a traveling reserve for the first Test in Bengaluru before being released to gain match experience in Delhi's game.Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh, a former India selector, expressed his confidence in Rana's ability to deliver for the national team. "Rana showed he is totally ready to play Test matches," Singh said. "If India wants him to play (in Mumbai), I would love to see that. If he ends up playing a Test before going to Australia, then it is better for Harshit and India too."Singh's assessment is supported by Rana's consistent performances in domestic cricket. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, he has taken 25 wickets in six matches, including two five-wicket hauls. His batting has also been impressive, with an average of 35.25 and a highest score of 85.Rana's versatility and ability to contribute in multiple ways make him a valuable asset to any team. His pace and accuracy with the ball, combined with his solid technique and temperament with the bat, suggest that he has the potential to succeed at the highest level.As India prepares for the challenging tour of Australia, Rana's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His performances in the Ranji Trophy have demonstrated that he is ready to take on the world's best batsmen and make a significant contribution to India's success.

Jacob Bethell, the promising Warwickshire all-rounder, has been called up to England's Test squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. The 21-year-old replaces Jamie Smith, who will miss the trip due to paternity leave.Bethell's inclusion is a testament to his impressive performances in white-ball cricket. During his international debut against Australia in September, he showcased his batting prowess with a match-winning 44 off 24 deliveries in the second T20I.Despite his limited experience in first-class cricket, Bethell has made a strong impression. In his 20 County Championship appearances, he has demonstrated his all-around abilities, contributing with both bat and ball.Bethell's selection is the only change to the 16-man squad that recently faced Pakistan in a three-match Test series. Jordan Cox, who served as an unused batting reserve in Pakistan, is expected to make his Test debut as the wicketkeeper in Smith's absence.The England Test squad for the New Zealand tour is as follows:* Ben Stokes (captain)* Rehan Ahmed* Gus Atkinson* Shoaib Bashir* Jacob Bethell* Harry Brook* Brydon Carse* Jordan Cox* Zak Crawley* Ben Duckett* Jack Leach* Ollie Pope* Matthew Potts* Joe Root* Olly Stone* Chris WoakesEngland will be hoping to bounce back from their 2-1 series defeat in Pakistan and secure a positive result in New Zealand. Bethell's inclusion adds depth to the squad and provides an opportunity for the young all-rounder to showcase his talent on the international stage.

Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination on the cricket field, particularly when his team faces adversity. Throughout his illustrious career, he has consistently embraced challenges, delivering his best performances when the pressure mounts.Rahane's affinity for challenging conditions stems from his formative years playing at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The lively bounce and unpredictable nature of the pitch honed his skills against formidable bowling attacks. "I always loved challenges where the ball moves, seams, or bounces," he remarked in a Star Sports promo.His unwavering spirit has translated into remarkable achievements on the international stage. Since his debut in 2011, Rahane has amassed over 8,400 runs across all three formats, including 15 centuries and 51 fifties. His highest score of 188 stands as a testament to his ability to construct long and impactful innings.In Test cricket, Rahane has established himself as a dependable batsman, scoring over 5,000 runs at an average of 38.46. His 12 centuries and 26 fifties have played a pivotal role in India's success in the longest format. In ODIs, he has contributed over 2,900 runs, including three centuries and 24 fifties.Rahane's versatility extends to T20Is, where he has scored over 375 runs at an average of 20.83. His ability to adapt to different formats and conditions has made him an invaluable asset to the Indian team.Despite his impressive record, Rahane's last appearance for India came in a Test match against the West Indies in July 2022. However, his unwavering determination and love for the game suggest that he has much more to offer.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently shared his insights into the challenges of playing Test cricket, particularly during the fifth day when a draw is inevitable. Dhoni, who retired from Test cricket in 2014, revealed that the monotony of playing through long sessions without a clear result was mentally draining."The most difficult time during a Test match was the fifth day, when there's 100% surety that it will be a draw and you still need to keep wickets for maybe two and a half sessions," Dhoni said. "That was most tiring."Dhoni, who played 90 Tests for India, explained that the lack of a clear outcome in such situations made it difficult to stay motivated. "You see there is no result that is happening, you are just going through the motion," he said. "Bowlers will try to take wickets, batsmen will try to score runs. But if there is no result in the nearest future, then you are like 'yaar, yeh khatam karke chalte hain na'. Why do we need to be here?'"Dhoni's comments highlight the challenges of playing Test cricket, which is often criticized for its slow pace and lack of decisive results. However, Dhoni also expressed his appreciation for the recent trend towards more result-oriented Tests, even if it means home teams preparing pitches that suit their strengths."I love the fact that there is a big change in the way people have started playing Test cricket," he said. "Imagine telling someone who doesn't know about cricket, 'we play over five days, we start at 9:30 and 4:30 is the scheduled end of day's play but we play till 5 o'clock; and after five days sometimes we don't get a result'. For the game it is not very nice. So I love how there are more results in today's world."Dhoni's insights provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and rewards of playing Test cricket. His comments also highlight the importance of finding ways to make the format more engaging and result-oriented for both players and fans.

Virat Kohli's recent form has raised concerns among cricket experts, particularly ahead of India's upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Despite his impressive record against the Aussies, Kohli has struggled in recent matches, failing to score a century in his last 10 innings.Former BCCI selection committee chief MSK Prasad expressed his concern, stating that India will miss the stability provided by Cheteshwar Pujara in Australia. Prasad highlighted the complementary roles played by Kohli and Pujara in the 2018 series, with Kohli providing aggression and Pujara anchoring the innings.Kohli's poor form is a cause for concern, especially considering India's World Test Championship qualification chances. The team needs to perform well in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to secure a place in the final.Kohli's return to form is crucial for India's success in Australia. His ability to score runs consistently and inspire his teammates is essential for the team's chances of victory.In addition to Kohli's form, the article also discusses the importance of Pujara's role in the Indian batting lineup. Pujara's ability to occupy the crease and grind out runs provides a solid foundation for the team.The article concludes by emphasizing the need for Kohli to regain his form and for India to find a way to replace Pujara's contributions in Australia.