Cricket

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma's struggles continued in the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. After failing to make a significant impact in the first innings, Sharma once again fell cheaply in the second, dismissed for just 5 runs.Sharma's dismissal came in the 10th over of India's second innings. A short-of-length delivery from Taskin Ahmed flew off Sharma's outside edge, and Zakir Hasan made no mistake in completing the catch at third slip.The crowd at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium had been eagerly anticipating a better performance from Sharma in the second innings, but his early departure left them disappointed. Social media was also not kind to Sharma, with many users criticizing his performance.Sharma's struggles have raised concerns about his form and fitness. The Indian captain has not scored a Test century since September 2021, and his recent performances have been far below his usual standards.Meanwhile, Bangladesh were all out for 149 in their first innings, trailing India by a massive 227 runs. In reply, India posted a total of 376, with Ravichandran Ashwin (113) and Ravindra Jadeja (86) making significant contributions.Bangladesh's second innings was a disappointing affair, as they were bowled out for just 149 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the most successful bowler for India, claiming 4/50, while Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja picked up two wickets each.Shakib Al Hasan top-scored for Bangladesh with 32, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the next best batter with 27 not out.With India enforcing the follow-on, Bangladesh face an uphill task to save the match. The hosts will be confident of securing a victory and taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Cheteshwar Pujara, the veteran Indian batter, is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations for the upcoming 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. In a video shared on social media, the 36-year-old was seen honing his skills in the nets, accompanied by the caption, "Never stand still."Pujara, who has been out of the Indian team for over a year, will be eager to make a strong case for a national recall with a standout domestic season. His last competitive appearance was in May this year for Sussex in the County Championship, where he scored a patient 129 off 302 balls against Middlesex.Having last featured for India in the 2021-23 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023, Pujara's international form has been under scrutiny. In that match, he scored 14 and 27 in India’s 209-run defeat, leading to his exclusion from the national side.As Saurashtra prepare to launch their Ranji Trophy campaign against Tamil Nadu on October 11, Pujara will be a key figure for the side. Known for his grit and determination, he will be looking to capitalize on the domestic platform to regain his spot in India's Test squad.Pujara’s career statistics speak volumes of his importance to Indian cricket. In 103 Tests, he has accumulated 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His experience and hunger for runs make him one of the most dependable batters in Indian cricket, and a successful Ranji Trophy season could open the door for his return to the national team.Pujara's return to form will be crucial for India's Test ambitions. With the World Test Championship final scheduled for June 2025, the team will need all their experienced players to perform at their best. Pujara's ability to grind out runs and anchor the innings will be invaluable in the challenging conditions that await them.

Virat Kohli's return to Test cricket after a brief hiatus was cut short on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. The star batter, who walked into the Chepauk amid thunderous applause, lasted only six deliveries before succumbing to a familiar failing.Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud, who had already dismissed Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, delivered a short-of-length ball outside off stump. Kohli, eager to get his innings going, attempted an expansive drive but only managed to edge the ball to wicketkeeper Litton Das.This dismissal marked yet another instance of Kohli falling prey to a drive outside off stump. Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, who was on commentary duty, remarked that the dismissal made the analyst look like a magician."Virat's coming back to Test cricket after a while, so he wants to build back by feeling the ball. It happens to everyone. We have all played the game. We understand that, at times, you want to feel the ball. And I think that particular area where he got out, he has been dismissed a lot of times. This was a dismissal that makes the analyst look like a magician. It was definitely a very well-planned delivery, and Virat fell for it," Tamim said during the lunch break.Kohli's dismissal left India reeling at 3/3. However, Mayank Agarwal (42) and Hanuma Vihari (30) steadied the innings with a 60-run partnership. Agarwal was eventually dismissed by Mahmud, while Vihari fell to Taijul Islam.Ravindra Jadeja (7) and Ravichandran Ashwin (21) were at the crease at tea, with India reaching 176/6. Despite the early setbacks, India's batting effort was perplexing, as neither the pitch nor the bowlers posed any significant challenges.The home side batters simply failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented to them, with their dismissals appearing more the result of lapses in concentration. The departures of Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant (39), who added 62 runs for the fourth wicket, highlighted this issue.

Riding on Ravichandran Ashwin's century and his 199-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, India posted a competitive 376 on the second day of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram.Resuming the day at 339/6, India lost four wickets for the addition of just 37 runs. Jadeja (86) was the first to fall, caught by Das off Taskin Ahmed. Ashwin added 11 runs to his overnight score of 102 before he was dismissed by Taskin for 113. The Bangladesh pacer grabbed three wickets (3/55) -- Jadeja, Ashwin, and Akash Deep.Pacer Hasan Mahmud emerged as the most successful Bangladesh bowler, snaring five wickets for 83 runs. His victims included Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah.India's innings was anchored by Ashwin's 113, his fifth Test century. He shared a crucial 199-run partnership with Jadeja, who fell just 14 runs short of his century.Bangladesh's bowlers toiled hard on a flat pitch, but they were unable to contain India's batsmen for long periods. The hosts will need to bat well in their first innings to stay in the contest.

R. Ashwin, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has been enjoying a remarkable run at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Last month, he led the Dindigul Dragons to their maiden TNPL title with crucial knocks. On Thursday, he added another feather to his cap by scoring his sixth Test century, his second in as many Tests at this iconic venue.Ashwin's love for the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium is evident in his words. "This is a ground I completely love to play cricket in. It's given me a lot of wonderful memories," he said after the day's play.The 38-year-old attributed his success in the Test match to the work he had put in during the TNPL. "It helps that I'm coming off a T20 tournament where I worked quite a bit on batting and playing shots," he explained.Ashwin also highlighted the importance of playing aggressively on a surface that offers assistance to the bowlers. "On a surface like this with a bit of spice, if you're going after the ball, you might as well go after it hard like Rishabh (Pant) does," he said.Ashwin's century was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. He came to the crease with India in a spot of bother at 86/3. However, he played with patience and determination, gradually building his innings. He reached his century with a boundary off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, sparking jubilation among the home crowd.Ashwin's knock was not just about runs; it was also about the time he spent at the crease. He faced 233 deliveries and hit 12 fours and a six, anchoring India's innings and giving them a solid platform to build on.The century was also a significant milestone for Ashwin, who became only the second Indian after Kapil Dev to score six Test centuries and take 300 Test wickets. It is a testament to his all-round abilities and his status as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation.

Travis Head's scintillating century in the ODI against England has reignited the debate about his potential as a Test opener for Australia. With Steven Smith likely to return to the middle order, Head's impressive form has prompted suggestions that he could fill the void at the top of the batting order.Head's ability to score quickly and confidently has been evident in his recent white-ball performances. His century in Nottingham came off just 92 balls, showcasing his aggressive approach and ability to dominate the bowling. Despite facing a formidable attack led by Jofra Archer, Head remained unfazed, demonstrating the mental fortitude required of a Test opener.However, the transition from white-ball to red-ball cricket presents significant challenges. Test matches require a different mindset, with batsmen needing to be patient and build innings over longer periods. Head's unorthodox technique, which allows him to create room and hit wide deliveries, could be a potential vulnerability against the short ball, a tactic that India is likely to employ.Despite these concerns, Head's recent performances have convinced many that he has the potential to succeed as a Test opener. His ability to put the last ball behind him and focus on the present moment, as evidenced by his composure against Jasprit Bumrah in Ahmedabad, is a valuable trait for any batsman.Usman Khawaja, the incumbent opener, has expressed his belief that Head is the best candidate to partner him at the top of the order. Head's success in opening the batting in one-day cricket, coupled with his confidence and ability to score runs quickly, makes him an attractive option for the selectors.Whether Head ultimately opens the batting in Tests remains to be seen. The decision will depend on a number of factors, including his own willingness to take on the role and the selectors' assessment of his suitability. However, his recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case and made him a serious contender for the position.

Sri Lanka's slow bowlers struggled for accuracy on day two of their Test against New Zealand in Galle, a venue they hadn't played in for over a year. Spin bowling coach Craig Howard acknowledged that the bowlers needed time to adjust, but also emphasized the need for better execution."If we'd bowled the way we'd have liked to, we'd be in a much better position," Howard said. "We need to hold our line and length for longer, making it harder for the New Zealand batters to rotate the strike and limiting boundary balls."Primary spinners Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya took just one wicket each on Thursday, with Jayasuriya conceding 99 runs in 31 overs. Howard attributed Jayasuriya's performance to a slight deviation from his usual accuracy."Prabath is a very proud man," Howard said. "He's averaged 22 at Galle for a reason, so I'm confident he'll bounce back and have a significant impact on this Test."Mendis, who hadn't played a red-ball game in several months, was more expensive than Jayasuriya, with an economy rate of over four in his 17 overs. Howard suggested that Mendis' lack of recent match practice may have contributed to his inaccuracy."Ramesh Mendis hasn't played a red-ball game for a few months," Howard said. "He's been on an England tour without playing and in the LPL before that. He was probably a bit off from a length-and-line point of view."Despite the challenges posed by the New Zealand batters, Howard expressed confidence that Sri Lanka's spinners could turn the match in their favor with improved accuracy."Control of line and length is paramount," Howard said. "If we do that, there's enough in this wicket to make a difference. The game can speed up quickly in the back end. We could be one or two wickets away from having a first-innings lead. Ideally, we can go through them quickly and end up with a lead, but if not, we'll have a small target to catch up."

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has heaped praise on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional adaptability and versatility, which allows him to excel on any type of track. Bumrah is currently in action in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, with the first Test underway at Chennai's MA Chidambram Stadium.Speaking on JioCinema, Jurel lauded Bumrah's ability to adjust to different conditions seamlessly. "His adaptability across all tracks is not easy to maintain. Sometimes it is a long spell, other times it is a quick two-over spell where the captain needs a wicket," said Jurel.Jurel also highlighted Bumrah's resilience and consistency despite the physical demands of fast bowling. "Injuries are common for pacers like him, but he always delivers by taking wickets. That's what makes him special," he added.Jurel emphasized that Bumrah's adaptability sets him apart from many bowlers who prefer conditions that suit their style. "He can brilliantly adapt to any track, whether it is a seaming pitch or one that favors spinners," he said.The wicketkeeper-batter recalled the scorching yorker that Bumrah delivered to England's Ollie Pope during the Test series against England, which deceived the batter and uprooted two of his stumps. "I would not have done any better than Pope. I probably would have reacted the same way," said Jurel.In 37 Tests, Bumrah has taken 159 wickets at an average of 20.69, with the best bowling figures of 6/27. In nine home Tests, Bumrah has taken 33 wickets at an average of 16.36, with the best figures of 6/45.In the ongoing Test against Bangladesh, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first. India's top-order collapsed, leaving them at 34/3. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (56 in 118 balls, with nine fours) and Rishabh Pant (39 in 52 balls, with six fours) stitched a 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing India into the game. After India was reduced to 144/6, Ashwin and Jadeja (86* in 117 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes) stitched a 195-run partnership, ending the day at 339/6.Hasan Mahmud (4/58) was the top bowler for Bangladesh, destroying the Indian top order, removing skipper Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6).

Indian cricket prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history on Thursday, becoming the first batter to amass over 750 runs in his first 10 innings at home. The 20-year-old's gritty half-century against Bangladesh in Chennai propelled him past the previous record held by West Indies legend George Headley, who had scored 747 runs in 1935.Jaiswal's remarkable feat is a testament to his exceptional talent and resilience. Despite India losing wickets at the other end, he remained steadfast, anchoring the innings with a composed and determined display. His half-century was a crucial contribution, helping India reach a respectable total of 176-6 at tea on the first day.Bangladesh's fast bowler Hasan Mahmud was the tormentor-in-chief for India, claiming four wickets to leave the hosts reeling. Mahmud's early strikes, including the dismissals of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, put India on the back foot. However, Jaiswal's partnership with Rishabh Pant provided some respite, before Mahmud broke the stand with Pant's wicket.Jaiswal eventually fell to Nahid Rana, but not before reaching his fifty. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz then accounted for KL Rahul, leaving India in a precarious position.India, who are aiming to extend their lead at the top of the World Test Championship rankings, will need to regroup and find a way to counter Bangladesh's impressive bowling attack. The second and final Test of the series begins on September 27 in Kanpur.