Cricket

Sarfaraz Khan, the prodigious Indian batter, has once again showcased his exceptional talent with a scintillating century in the Irani Cup for Mumbai. Despite being overlooked for the recent Test series against Bangladesh, Sarfaraz's latest heroics have sent a resounding message to the team management.Sarfaraz, who has amassed an impressive 15 triple-digit scores in First Class cricket, reached his century in just 150 balls, demonstrating his aggressive approach. His partnership with Ajinkya Rahane yielded 98 runs on Day 1, setting the foundation for Mumbai's strong start.On Day 2, Sarfaraz continued his onslaught, adding 58 runs with Tanush Kotian to guide Mumbai to a commanding position. His century in the 92nd over placed him among the legendary likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who have each scored two centuries in the Irani Cup.Sarfaraz's performance has reignited the debate about his place in the Indian Test team. Despite his consistent domestic performances, he has yet to cement his spot in the playing XI. However, his latest century has served as a timely reminder of his immense potential.With the Indian team set to embark on a T20I series against Bangladesh, Sarfaraz will be hoping to continue impressing the management and earn a place in the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia. His credentials are undeniable, but he faces stiff competition from KL Rahul, who is currently ahead of him in the pecking order.Sarfaraz's century has not only boosted Mumbai's chances in the Irani Cup but has also reignited the hopes of Indian cricket fans who believe he deserves a chance to shine at the international level. His ability to score runs consistently and his aggressive style of play make him an exciting prospect for the future of Indian cricket.

Pakistan Cricket's Decline Attributed to T20 Dominance and Financial DistractionsZaheer Abbas, a legendary Pakistani cricketer, has expressed concern over the decline of Pakistan cricket, attributing it to the excessive emphasis on T20 cricket and the influx of money in the shortest format.Abbas believes that the proliferation of T20 cricket in Pakistan has led players to neglect the fundamentals of Test cricket. "There's too much T20 cricket being played in Pakistan, and because of that, our players have forgotten the essence of Test cricket," he said.He also criticized the financial incentives in T20 cricket and global leagues, which he believes have shifted players' focus away from the game itself. "So much money has come into cricket that the players today are only focused on making money, and their attention is diverted from the game itself," he added.Abbas's comments highlight the challenges facing Pakistan cricket, which has struggled to maintain its once-dominant position in international cricket, particularly in Test matches. He also expressed frustration with the leadership turbulence within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)."It is the misfortune of Pakistan cricket that those who run it do not understand cricket," he said. "We took Pakistan cricket to great heights. The world admired our cricket. But today, those in charge are only concerned with their own interests, not with cricket or the players."Despite the challenges, Abbas remains optimistic about the future of Pakistan cricket. He believes that India should tour Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, even though the countries have strained relations."The Indian team should tour Pakistan, as it will promote cricket in the subcontinent, especially in Pakistan," he said. "The Indian team is a great ambassador of cricket. If they come and play in Pakistan, it will take cricket forward in our country."

Pakistan's Test skipper, Shan Masood, has expressed confidence in star batter Babar Azam's ability to regain form during the upcoming home Test series against England. Masood believes that Azam, despite recent struggles, remains the team's premier batter.Azam's performances in his last eight Tests have been below par, with an average of 21.13 and no half-centuries. However, Masood emphasized that Azam is not out of form and is still getting starts. He attributed Azam's struggles to the long gap between Tests and the pressure of being the team's leading batter."Babar is among the world's best batters," Masood said. "You have to give your players time, not just Babar. He is getting starts. There was a 10-month gap between the Australia and Bangladesh Tests, which does not help us."Masood pointed to Azam's impressive performances in the recent Champions Cup, where he scored 230 runs at an average of 76.66 and a strike rate of almost 99. He believes that Azam's ability to absorb pressure and change gears in that tournament will benefit him in Tests.Masood also dismissed any concerns about a lack of unity within the team. He stated that the players are putting in effort and that he has no complaints."Every captain has their own style," Masood said. "I focus on keeping the environment in the dressing room well; that is my primary concern. I have never seen a lack of unity or effort by the boys."Pakistan's Test record at home has been poor in recent times, with their last win dating back to February 2021. They are under pressure to perform well against England, especially after their series loss to Bangladesh.The Pakistan squad for the first Test against England includes:* Shan Masood (c)* Saud Shakeel (vc)* Aamir Jamal* Abdullah Shafique* Abrar Ahmed* Babar Azam* Mir Hamza* Mohammad Huraira* Mohammad Rizwan* Naseem Shah* Noman Ali* Saim Ayub* Salman Ali Agha* Sarfaraz Ahmed* Shaheen Shah Afridi

Ruturaj Gaikwad's omission from India's T20I squad for the Bangladesh series has sparked controversy, given his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for India in T20Is. However, reports suggest that the selectors have a strategic reason for this decision: to prepare Gaikwad for a potential Test call-up during the upcoming Australia tour.Gaikwad has amassed 633 runs in 23 T20Is for India, averaging 39.56 with one century and four fifties. Despite these numbers, he has struggled to secure a regular spot in the Indian T20I team.Sources close to the selection committee have revealed that Gaikwad is being considered as the third opener for the Australia tour. With Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as the first-choice openers, India lacks a backup option. Shubman Gill, who can also open, has been assigned the No. 3 spot, while Virat Kohli bats at No. 4.The selectors believe that Gaikwad's experience and ability to play in different conditions make him the ideal candidate for the third opener's role. They also want him to continue playing red-ball cricket to enhance his Test credentials. This is why he has been asked to lead Rest of India (ROI) in the Irani Cup.The decision to prioritize Gaikwad's Test development over his T20I prospects has drawn mixed reactions. Some experts believe that it is a wise move, given India's need for a reliable opener in Test cricket. Others argue that Gaikwad should be given more opportunities in T20Is to prove his worth.Ultimately, the selectors' decision will be judged based on Gaikwad's performance in the Irani Cup and, if selected, on the Australia tour. If he can translate his T20I success into the longer format, he could cement his place in the Indian Test team for years to come.

Tim Southee, the veteran New Zealand fast bowler, has relinquished his role as Test captain following the team's disappointing series defeat in Sri Lanka. Southee, who took over the captaincy from Kane Williamson in 2022, has led the Blackcaps in 14 Tests, winning six, losing six, and drawing two.Southee's decision to step down stems from his belief that it is in the best interests of the team. He expressed his honor and privilege in captaining the Blackcaps in the Test format, but acknowledged that he needs to focus on his own performances to regain his best form."I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches," Southee said.Southee's form has been under scrutiny this year, with the 34-year-old taking just 12 wickets in his last eight Tests. His place in the team for the upcoming tour of India was uncertain, but he will now return to the selection mix without the burden of captaincy.Tom Latham, who has previously captained the Test side on nine occasions, will take over the reins from Southee. Latham is a highly respected figure within the team and has a proven track record of success.Head coach Gary Stead praised Southee's selflessness and acknowledged his continued importance to the Test side. "Tim's a fantastic player and a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff," Stead said. "He's one of our greatest ever players and we still very much see him playing a part in our Test side moving forward."NZC CEO Scott Weenink echoed Stead's sentiments, commending Southee's leadership and team-first attitude. "To me, that's the sign of a true leader in every sense of the word," Weenink said.New Zealand's 15-player squad for the three-Test tour of India will be announced in the coming days.

India's Positive Attitude Revives Test CricketIn a thrilling display of aggressive cricket, India shook the foundations of the dying Test format with a resounding victory over New Zealand in Kanpur. Led by the dynamic duo of Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir, the Indian team showcased an unwavering determination to force a win, setting a new benchmark for modern Test cricket.Rohit, known for his attacking approach, set the tone from the outset, smashing his first two deliveries for six. This bold move signaled India's intent to dominate the match and set up a quick victory. The entire batting lineup followed suit, playing unselfishly and with a relentless focus on scoring runs.Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old opener, emerged as a star in the making with a brilliant 72 in the first innings. His innings ensured that India's early loss of Rohit didn't derail their momentum. The Indian bowlers, led by the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah, maintained a relentless pressure on the New Zealand batsmen, making a close finish seem unlikely.The match was played on a subpar pitch at Green Park Kanpur, a venue that has been criticized for its inadequate facilities. However, the players' determination and skill overcame the challenges posed by the poor infrastructure.Despite the victory, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) came under fire for its inefficiency. The lack of proper drying facilities resulted in the loss of two days of play, highlighting the need for minimum standards at Test venues.India's victory not only secured them valuable World Test Championship points but also served as a reminder of the enduring appeal of Test cricket. The team's positive attitude and aggressive approach have breathed new life into the format, proving that it can still captivate audiences with its unique blend of skill, strategy, and drama.

India's dominance in Test cricket reached new heights in Kanpur as they shattered the record for the highest run-rate in a Test match, setting a blistering pace of 7.36 runs per over against Bangladesh. This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record of 6.80 held by South Africa since 2005.The Indian batters showcased their exceptional skills, amassing a staggering 383 runs in just 52 overs across both innings. Their first innings was particularly impressive, with a run-rate of 8.22 as they piled up 285 runs in a mere 34.4 overs.This extraordinary batting performance saw India achieve several unprecedented milestones in Test cricket history. They recorded the fastest team 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250, all within a single afternoon's play.India's dominance extended beyond their batting, as they also became the first team to win a Test match without facing a single maiden over throughout the entire game. This remarkable feat highlights the relentless pressure they applied on the Bangladeshi bowlers.The victory in Kanpur was India's seventh in a row, extending their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings. Rohit Sharma's team has now achieved two rapid victories within nine months, with their triumph over South Africa in Cape Town earlier this year also featuring in the top five list of quickest results in Test cricket history.India's success in Kanpur is a testament to their exceptional talent and the aggressive approach they have adopted under Sharma's leadership. Their ability to score runs at a blistering pace and maintain pressure on the opposition has made them a formidable force in Test cricket.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has drawn parallels between India's aggressive batting approach in the second Test against Bangladesh and England's "Bazball" philosophy. India's batters displayed an attacking mindset in their first innings, setting the tone for a quickfire response at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.Vaughan took to Twitter to express his observations, writing, "I see India are playing Bazball." He compared India's onslaught to England's Bazball approach, a term coined for their attacking style of cricket under red-ball coach Brendon McCullum.India posted a total of 285/9 in 34.4 overs, declaring their innings with a lead of 52 runs. The outburst was led by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who smashed a 31-ball half-century, and Rohit Sharma, who contributed an 11-ball 23 with three sixes and a four.Jaiswal's knock of 72 off 51 balls, including 12 fours and two maximums, helped India complete their fastest team 50 and 100 in 18 and 61 balls, respectively. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, India's scoring rate remained high, with Shubman Gill (39), Virat Kohli (47), and KL Rahul also contributing at blistering strike rates.India's hunger for quick runs reflects their intent to secure a result after two days of the game were washed out due to rain and a wet outfield. The victory would further bolster their bid for a third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final.However, if the Kanpur Test ends in a draw, India will face an uphill task of winning five Tests from the remaining eight matches in the current WTC cycle. After the Bangladesh series, India will host New Zealand for a three-Test series in October before embarking on a five-Test tour of Australia.

Ravindra Jadeja, India's star all-rounder, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the latest member of the prestigious 300-wicket club. During the second Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja surpassed Pakistan legend Imran Khan's record of 300 wickets and 3,000 runs in Tests.Jadeja's remarkable achievement came in just his 74th Test, making him the quickest Asian cricketer to reach this milestone. He now has 3130 runs and 303 wickets to his name, surpassing the likes of Imran Khan (75 Tests), Kapil Dev (83), and Ravichandran Ashwin (88).The 35-year-old left-arm spinner became the second-fastest all-rounder in the world to reach this milestone, behind only England's Ian Botham, who did it in 72 Tests. Jadeja secured his 300th wicket by dismissing Bangladesh's Hasan Mahmud, adding another highlight to his illustrious career.India's bowling coach Morne Morkel hailed Jadeja as a "complete package" during a post-match press conference. Morkel praised Jadeja's exceptional abilities with both bat and ball, along with his remarkable fielding, noting that he is the kind of player any team would want.Jadeja's longstanding partnership with fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been instrumental in India's dominance in Test cricket, which was once again on display in the series against Bangladesh. Despite losing two full days to rain, India's bowlers made short work of Bangladesh on Tuesday, dismissing them for 146 in their second innings and setting up a modest target of 95 runs.Ravichandran Ashwin (3/50), Ravindra Jadeja (3/34), and Jasprit Bumrah (3/17) led the attack, ensuring India remained unbeaten at home in Test series since 2012. Subsequently, India cruised to a 7-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second Test, securing a 2-0 series sweep in Kanpur. The dominant win, which followed their massive 280-run triumph in the first Test in Chennai, solidified India's position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.