Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proposed significant changes to promote Test and ODI formats. The Cricket Committee has recommended that every World Test Championship (WTC) series should have a minimum of three Tests, ensuring a more balanced and competitive format.To enhance the appeal of Test cricket, the committee has also suggested that host nations prioritize scheduling more day-night Tests. The success of pink-ball Tests in Australia and India has demonstrated their ability to attract larger crowds and create a more engaging atmosphere.In an effort to restore balance to ODIs, the committee has proposed using two new balls for the first 25 overs. This measure aims to reduce the dominance of batters and bring reverse swing and finger spinners back into the game. The recommendation will be presented to captains for their feedback and consensus.Another significant change approved by the ICC board is the extension of the tenure for the ICC chair and independent directors to two terms of three years. This means that Jay Shah, who is set to take over as ICC chair, could potentially hold the position for six years.The ICC's recommendations are aimed at addressing concerns about the declining popularity of Test cricket and the imbalance in ODIs. By increasing the number of Tests in WTC series, promoting day-night Tests, and potentially introducing two new balls in ODIs, the ICC hopes to revitalize these formats and ensure their long-term sustainability.

Ahead of the Indian cricket team's crucial Tour of Australia, the recent loss to New Zealand at home has sparked concerns about the team's composition. One player who is likely to be omitted from the touring party is veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara.Pujara, known for his resilience and ability to grind out runs, has a proven track record in Australia. However, he has been overlooked for international matches since June 2023. Despite his absence, Pujara has continued to excel in domestic cricket, recently surpassing Brian Lara's tally of 65 first-class centuries.Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed his admiration for Pujara, acknowledging his ability to outlast opponents. Cummins also highlighted the growing rivalry between India and Australia, comparing it to the iconic Ashes series."It's going to be a shame that he (Pujara) is not there, but I'm sure they'll pick someone else who's in a similar kind of style," Cummins said. "It was always great playing (against) Pujara. He was one of those guys who never really felt like he was getting away from you. But then he would (just) bat, bat, bat and bat."Cummins also emphasized the significance of the India-Australia rivalry, stating that it is now on par with the Ashes. "I do think it is," he said. "Particularly, after the Indian team won the last couple of series at (our) home. We've had more success against England over the past decade. I think it's right up there."Pujara's absence from the Tour of Australia will be a significant loss for India. His experience and ability to anchor the innings would have been invaluable in the challenging conditions Down Under. However, the team management will have to make a decision based on current form and the need to inject fresh blood into the squad.

Jack Leach's omission from England's Test squad during the home summer proved to be a catalyst for his rediscovery of his love for cricket. A timely phone call from Ben Stokes after a Test win reinforced his belief in his abilities.Leach, now England's leading wicket-taker in Pakistan with 14, had played only two Tests in the 18 months prior to the tour. Despite regaining fitness after knee surgery, he was overlooked for Shoaib Bashir in England's first Test of the summer.However, Stokes' call reassured Leach that his performances had not gone unnoticed. "He just wanted to tell me how great I was," Leach recalled. "That gave me confidence I still had something to offer the team."Leach admitted to initial fears about his England career, but praised the communication from management. He also received a call from Brendon McCullum, further bolstering his confidence.After a slow start to the season, Leach rediscovered his form with Somerset, taking 36 wickets at 15.86 in five matches. He attributed his success to embracing his strengths and enjoying the game."I just felt like I needed to rediscover that kid-like mentality of why you play the game," Leach said. "I've discovered that again: just being myself, and actually really enjoying that."In Pakistan, Leach has outbowled Bashir, but insists that reclaiming his status as first-choice spinner is not his priority. "For me, it's all about the team," he said.The series decider in Rawalpindi presents another opportunity for Leach to shine on a turning pitch. Two years ago, he played a pivotal role in England's famous victory at the same venue."That's probably my favorite wicket," Leach said. "It was just such a good game to be part of." England will hope for a similar performance from Leach as they aim to secure a 2-1 series win.

Pakistan's quest for a decisive victory in the Test series against England has intensified as they meticulously prepare a spinning pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Determined to replicate their success in the second Test, where spinners dominated, Pakistan has employed unconventional methods to dry out the surface.Industrial-sized fans and outdoor heaters have been strategically placed at both ends of the pitch, emitting hot air to accelerate the drying process. Windbreakers have been erected to retain the heat and further enhance the conditions for spin bowling.The Rawalpindi pitch has historically been known for its flat nature, offering minimal assistance to spinners. However, Pakistan's recent strategy has proven effective, with spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan claiming all 20 wickets in the second Test.In contrast, seam bowlers have traditionally performed better on this surface, averaging a wicket every 34 runs. However, Pakistan's captain, Shan Masood, has expressed his desire for an uncharacteristic pitch that favors spinners.England, on the other hand, anticipates a challenging surface, with head coach Brendon McCullum predicting it will be "the antithesis of a green seamer." The English team is prepared for another turner, but remains open-minded ahead of their training session on Tuesday.Notably, the Test strip is one of only three that has been cut across the square, potentially limiting the effectiveness of reverse swing for England's seamers. A grassy square and lush outfield may further hinder their ability to generate movement.As the decider approaches, both teams eagerly await the final condition of the pitch, which will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the series.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticized skipper Rohit Sharma's tactical decisions following India's first Test defeat to New Zealand in Bengaluru. Rohit faced significant backlash for his captaincy, particularly after New Zealand managed to add 137 crucial runs for the eighth wicket in their first innings. The criticism continued on Day 5 of the match.With New Zealand needing 107 runs to win, Rohit opted to bring on Ravichandran Ashwin, India's most successful bowler at home, only after 10 runs had been scored. Instead, he utilized Mohammed Siraj, who remained wicketless across two spells totaling seven overs, yielding no results."The thing with pacers, you might get wickets, but there are always runs coming through edges. I was a bit surprised, I think tactically for Rohit Sharma, this Test match wasn't his greatest. I can understand Siraj getting one or two overs and Bumrah getting a long spell. But Siraj getting 6 overs in that forespell, I think that is far too many and already a lot of runs on the board, and you had that little margin to chase," Manjrekar said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo."And another part is Aswhin. When there is no lavish turn on the pitch, the captain tends to use him with a new ball. He would have been tough for the Kiwi batters had he started off with Bumrah, and even if he had come in the fourth over of the inning," he added.Manjrekar highlighted India's significant tactical errors on the final day. This victory marked New Zealand's first Test win in India since 1988 and only their third overall.Despite the unexpected eight-wicket loss, Rohit Sharma praised his team's resilience, particularly their fightback in the second innings. Trailing by a substantial 356 runs after the first innings, India showed remarkable determination, scoring 462 to set a target of 107 for New Zealand."It was a good effort with the bat in the second innings. We didn't bat well in the first innings. So knew what was ahead and couple of guys stood out. When you are 350 behind you can't think too much about it. just got to see the ball and bat. Couple of partnerships were really exciting to watch and got us back in the game. We could have easily been bowled out cheaply but proud of the effort," Rohit said at the post-match presentation.To maintain their impressive home Test series winning streak of 18, India must avoid defeat in the upcoming two Tests. The second Test between India and New Zealand is set to begin in Pune on October 24.

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian batsman, has lauded Sarfaraz Khan's attacking 150 in the recent first Test match against New Zealand. Gavaskar believes that Khan's batting performances are even more impressive than his waistline.Khan, who was dropped for the first innings after scoring a duck, led India to 462 in the second innings with an explosive 150, his first Test century. His innings included 18 fours and three sixes.Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar on Monday, "Sarfaraz Khan has been denied a place in the Indian team for some years now, despite scoring runs by the hundreds in domestic cricket. This was largely because those in a position to make decisions believed he didn't have the slim waist they deemed necessary for international cricket."Gavaskar also gave the example of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who, despite not having a particularly trim waist, excelled in Test cricket, making a brilliant 99 in Bengaluru and sharing a vital 177-run partnership with Sarfaraz in the second innings."Rishabh Pant is another player who doesn't possess the slim waist that these fitness purists seem to want, but what an impact player he is," wrote Gavaskar. "Let's not forget that he also keeps wickets all day, which not only requires getting up and down for around six hours of play but also running to the stumps to gather the throws."Gavaskar questioned whether India's eight-wicket loss in Bengaluru could cause them to worry ahead of a crucial trip to Australia later this year given Rohit Sharma's team's inability to handle bounce."That their heroics went in vain, as the batters who followed them simply didn't have the technique or temperament to deal with a pitch that was different from the low-bounce ones where they dominate, only added to the frustration," wrote Gavaskar."If anything, the way the Indian batting has struggled in Chennai - where again there was some bounce - and now in Bengaluru, does make one anxious about what lies in store in Australia."

Steven Smith's decision to return to the No. 4 batting position for Australia in Test cricket has been influenced by the discontent expressed by his teammates, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, who preferred him to bat behind them.Smith clarified that he did not explicitly request the move but was asked by coach Andrew McDonald about his preferred batting spot. He emphasized that he is willing to bat anywhere but expressed his preference for No. 4.The conversations about Smith's batting position began after the New Zealand Test series, regardless of Cameron Green's injury. Khawaja and Labuschagne had expressed their discomfort with Smith opening the batting, stating that they preferred the "security" of having him behind them.Smith acknowledged that he could have continued opening given his average of 28.50 in the four Tests he played in that role, but he understood the concerns of his teammates. He believes that his return to No. 4 will allow him to make the best contribution to the team.In his first red-ball innings since the New Zealand series, Smith scored 3 off 29 balls for New South Wales against Victoria. Despite the low score, he felt positive about his performance and believes he is moving well and leaving the ball well.Smith also praised 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who was dismissed for 10 balls in the same match. He believes Konstas has a lot of time and is a bright prospect for the future.Regarding potential candidates to open the batting for Australia against India, Smith mentioned Nic Maddinson as a possible option. He believes Maddinson has a similar style to David Warner and could have a similar impact at the top of the order.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron has hailed Indian cricket star Virat Kohli as an "extraordinary leader" at the NDTV World Summit. Cameron, a self-proclaimed cricket enthusiast, was asked to name his favorite Indian cricketer and heaped praise on both Rahul Dravid and Kohli.Cameron recalled watching legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi and witnessing Dravid's brilliant century in England. He then highlighted Kohli's exceptional leadership qualities, stating that he had witnessed "incredible captaincy and inspiration" from the Indian batter on the field."I think in Virat Kohli, you had an extraordinary leader. Sometimes, you can see, as we have done with Ben Stokes as our captain, just incredible captaincy on the field and inspiration. I think you had that with Virat Kohli," Cameron said.Cameron also expressed his admiration for the upcoming generation of British-Indian cricketers, predicting that they would soon challenge India and potentially emerge victorious.Kohli recently joined an elite group of cricketers by scoring his 9,000th run in Test matches during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Batting at No. 3, Kohli turned the tables after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings.Alongside Sarfaraz Khan, Kohli forged a crucial partnership of 136 runs that revived India's innings. He reached his half-century off 70 balls and carefully accumulated the additional three runs needed to reach the milestone.Kohli became the 18th player to score 9,000 runs in Test cricket and joined Joe Root and Steve Smith as the only active players in this exclusive club. He also became the fourth Indian to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.

The first Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa commenced in Dhaka, marking the resumption of international cricket in the country after a period of political unrest. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto elected to bat first, citing the dry wicket conditions that could prove challenging for batting in the fourth innings.South Africa's opening bowlers, Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder, applied early pressure on the Bangladesh openers. Rabada drew first blood, trapping Shadman Islam leg before wicket for a duck in the first over. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque steadied the innings, but Mulder struck again in the third over, removing Joy for 10.Haque, the former Bangladesh captain, showed his class with a well-crafted 25, including a boundary off Mulder. However, he was dismissed by Rabada in the 10th over, leaving Bangladesh at 39/3.Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das attempted to rebuild the innings, but both fell in quick succession to Mulder and Rabada, respectively. Bangladesh were reeling at 60/5, with the South African bowlers dominating the proceedings.Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali, making his Test debut, showed some resistance, adding 30 runs for the sixth wicket. However, Mulder returned to dismiss Miraz for 22, and Ali followed soon after, caught behind off Rabada for 15.Bangladesh's innings eventually folded for 127, with Rabada and Mulder sharing seven wickets between them. South Africa's bowlers had exploited the conditions superbly, extracting bounce and movement from the pitch.In response, South Africa's openers, Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi, negotiated the Bangladesh bowlers cautiously. They reached stumps on day one with the score at 15/0, trailing Bangladesh by 112 runs.The match is evenly poised heading into day two, with South Africa needing to build a substantial lead to put pressure on Bangladesh. The home side, on the other hand, will be looking to strike early and restrict South Africa's scoring.