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Ashwin Eyes Records as India Prepares for Home Test Series

Ashwin Eyes Records as India Prepares for Home Test Series

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, is poised to make history as he prepares to bowl on home soil in the upcoming five-Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. With 100 Tests under his belt and the distinction of being the world's No. 1 Test bowler, Ashwin is eager to showcase his skills on spin-friendly Indian wickets.Ashwin's return to his home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, for the first Test against Bangladesh on September 19 holds special significance. He is on the cusp of several records, including becoming India's highest wicket-taker in international matches played in India. With 455 wickets in 126 matches across formats, he trails only Anil Kumble's tally of 476.In the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Ashwin is poised to surpass Nathan Lyon as the leading wicket-taker. With 174 wickets in 35 Tests, he is just 13 behind Lyon's 187. Ashwin also holds the record for most five-wicket hauls in WTC matches, with 10 in 34 games.Another milestone within reach for Ashwin is becoming India's leading wicket-taker in Tests against Bangladesh. Currently, Zaheer Khan holds the record with 31 wickets, while Ashwin has 23. With nine more wickets, he will surpass Zaheer's mark.Beyond the upcoming series, Ashwin has his sights set on India's tour of Australia later this year. The 37-year-old is likely to make his final appearance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he will aim to continue his impressive record against the Aussies.

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Oshada Fernando Returns to Sri Lanka Test Squad for New Zealand Series

Oshada Fernando Returns to Sri Lanka Test Squad for New Zealand Series

Sri Lanka's Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand has undergone a significant shake-up, with top-order batter Oshada Fernando making a long-awaited return. However, the recall of Fernando has come at the expense of opening batter Nishan Madushka, who has been dropped from the 16-man squad.Fernando's return to the Test fold is a testament to his impressive performances with the Sri Lanka A team during their ongoing tour of South Africa. The 32-year-old batter played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka A's victory in the first unofficial Test in Kimberley, scoring a Player-of-the-Match 122 and 80.Madushka's omission from the squad is not surprising, given his struggles during Sri Lanka's recent tour of England. The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter managed only 34 runs in four innings, leading to his eventual exclusion from the playing XI. His replacement at the top of the order, Pathum Nissanka, seized the opportunity with a match-winning century in the final Test against England.While Fernando's recall is a welcome addition to Sri Lanka's batting lineup, it remains to be seen whether he can break into the settled batting order. Dimuth Karunaratne, Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis are all likely to retain their places in the XI.The remaining three slots in the squad are likely to be filled by lead spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and two seamers, or possibly an extra spinner in Jeffrey Vandersay. This leaves Fernando facing an uphill battle to secure a spot in the playing XI, unless one of the senior players makes way.The two Tests against New Zealand will both take place in Galle, with the first Test commencing on September 18. Sri Lanka will be hoping to build on their recent success against Australia and continue their upward trajectory in the Test rankings.

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India Considers Yashasvi Jaiswal as Spin Bowling Option for Bangladesh Test

India Considers Yashasvi Jaiswal as Spin Bowling Option for Bangladesh Test

As the Indian cricket team prepares for the opening Test against Bangladesh on September 19, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma are considering a strategic shift. In a recent net session, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has impressed as an opener in Tests, was seen bowling leg spin.Jaiswal's spin bowling could enhance his versatility and strengthen his position in the team across formats. In a video shared by Jio Cinema, Jaiswal bowled to seasoned spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. While Jadeja and Ashwin remain the primary spin options, Jaiswal's emergence could provide additional support.Jaiswal has previously bowled only one over in Tests, conceding six runs against England in Ranchi. However, the Chennai pitch for the first Test is expected to favor pacers. Nevertheless, considering Bangladesh's impressive spin performance against Pakistan in their recent Test series, India may opt for a more balanced approach.The Bangladesh squad arrived in Chennai on Sunday, with captain Mominul Haque expressing confidence in his team's ability to challenge India. "It's definitely going to be a very challenging series for us," Haque said. "After a good series (vs Pakistan), there is definitely an extra confidence in the team."Despite India's dominance in the World Test Championship standings, Haque believes that the outcome will depend on the team's performance during the five days. "We will play to win both matches," he added. "The things that matter to win, the process matters... our aim will be to do the work properly."

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Nathan Lyon Embraces Pressure of Shane Warne's Legacy

Nathan Lyon Embraces Pressure of Shane Warne's Legacy

Nathan Lyon, Australia's premier spinner, has candidly discussed the immense pressure he has felt throughout his career to live up to the legacy of legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne.Warne, who retired in 2007, is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, having taken 708 wickets in 145 Test matches. Lyon, who made his Test debut in 2011, has emerged as Australia's go-to spinner, amassing 530 wickets in 129 appearances.Despite his impressive record, Lyon admits to still feeling the weight of Warne's shadow. "I still feel in the shadow of Shane Warne now, and I'm 129 Test matches in with 530 wickets," Lyon told Sky Sports Cricket. "The thing is, I'm happy with that, and I'm comfortable with that now."Lyon believes that the pressure he has faced has ultimately been a privilege. "A lot of us felt the pressure of Shane Warne's shadow, and it probably took me a good five, six, or seven years to understand that pressure is a privilege. And if you've got pressure, you're ok, you're doing ok; enjoy it," he said.While Lyon acknowledges that he will never be able to match Warne's unparalleled achievements, he remains determined to make his own mark on the game. "I'm never going to be able to do what Warnie did. Warnie's once-in-a-generation, he's the greatest to play the game in my opinion, and all I want to do is make my family proud, and make Shane Warne proud, and just go out there and compete," Lyon added.Lyon is currently just 34 wickets away from surpassing Glenn McGrath as Australia's second-highest wicket-taker in Test matches. He will have the opportunity to reach this milestone when Australia takes on India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins in Perth on November 22.

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Rohit Sharma Returns to Lead India in Bangladesh Test Series

Rohit Sharma Returns to Lead India in Bangladesh Test Series

Captain Rohit Sharma will lead India in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, marking his return to the team after the ODI leg of the Sri Lanka tour in August. The Indian squad has been training in Chennai, preparing for the first Test starting on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.During a recent net session, Rohit was spotted practicing the reverse sweep, a shot he rarely attempts in match situations. This move is likely a strategy to counter the threat posed by Bangladesh's spinners, who have been in impressive form lately.Bangladesh recently made history by winning their first Test series in Pakistan, whitewashing the hosts 2-0. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the top wicket-taker in the series with 10 wickets, while Shakib Al Hasan took five with his left-arm spin.India currently leads the World Test Championship table, while Bangladesh sits in fourth place. After the Chennai Test, the two teams will face off in the second Test in Kanpur from September 7. The series will be followed by three T20Is on October 6, 9, and 12.Rohit's return to the team is a significant boost for India, as he is one of the most experienced and successful batters in the world. His leadership and batting prowess will be crucial in India's quest to maintain their dominance in Test cricket.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their impressive form and challenge India on their home turf. The series promises to be a competitive and exciting affair, with both teams eager to prove their mettle.

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Ashwin Hails Bumrah as "Once-in-a-Generation" Bowler

Ashwin Hails Bumrah as "Once-in-a-Generation" Bowler

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's star spinner, has heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a "once-in-a-generation" bowler. Bumrah is set to make his return to Team India for the first time since his impressive performance at the T20 World Cup. The 30-year-old has been named in India's Test squad against Bangladesh, which will kick off in MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on September 19.Ashwin, speaking on Vimal Kumar's official YouTube channel, acknowledged that India has traditionally been a batsman-dominated country. However, he emphasized the importance of celebrating Bumrah's exceptional talent. "We should celebrate him even more," Ashwin said.The India spinner went on to state that Bumrah is currently the most valuable Indian cricketer. "He should be treated as a champion," Ashwin added.Bumrah has made a significant impact on Test cricket since his debut in 2018. In 36 Test appearances, he has claimed 159 wickets, showcasing his exceptional bowling skills.The second Test between India and Bangladesh will be held in Kanpur from September 27.

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Dinesh Karthik Backs Harshit Rana for Indian Test Selection

Dinesh Karthik Backs Harshit Rana for Indian Test Selection

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has strongly advocated for the inclusion of young pacer Harshit Rana in the Indian Test team. Rana's impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Duleep Trophy have caught Karthik's attention, who believes the 22-year-old deserves a spot in the national side.Rana emerged as a breakout star in the IPL 2023 season, claiming 19 wickets in 13 matches for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate good pace made him a key contributor to KKR's third IPL title triumph.Karthik, who played alongside Rana at KKR, was particularly impressed by the youngster's performance in the Duleep Trophy. Rana took four wickets in the first innings of the first round match against India C and another four-fer in the second round against India A.Despite his impressive form, Rana was not included in India's squad for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Karthik expressed his surprise at this omission, stating that Rana could have been considered for the first Test."I just thought, could there have been a spot for Harshit? I felt he bowled well and there is something really special about him," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.Karthik believes that Rana's unique skills, including his ability to generate backspin and kiss the pitch, would make him a valuable asset in Australian conditions. India is scheduled to tour Australia later this year for five Tests, and Karthik urged the selectors to pick Rana for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy."Harshit Rana. He has special skills, a good backspin on the ball, kisses off the pitch, and is a very talented fast bowler. I really wish they take him to Australia because he will make a difference there," he added.The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has opted for four seamers in the squad for the first Test against Bangladesh: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Yash Dayal. However, Karthik's comments suggest that Rana could be in contention for a place in the Test team in the near future.

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Sarfaraz Khan Praises Rohit Sharma's Exceptional Leadership Qualities

Sarfaraz Khan Praises Rohit Sharma's Exceptional Leadership Qualities

As the highly anticipated two-match Test series between Bangladesh and India draws near, Indian batsman Sarfaraz Khan has heaped praise upon captain Rohit Sharma, highlighting his exceptional leadership qualities.Khan, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, has been impressed by Sharma's ability to foster a positive and inclusive environment within the team. "He's very different, makes you comfortable, and is like an elder brother to us," Khan said in an interview with Jio Cinema. "He never treats you like a junior. He's a positive guy. The way he speaks, it boosts your confidence."Khan's admiration for Sharma extends beyond his leadership style. He also draws inspiration from the captain's unwavering determination and belief in his teammates. "For me, he's Lagaan's Aamir Khan," Khan added, referring to the iconic Bollywood film. "It feels like he's part of your family."Sharma's leadership will be crucial as India aims to secure a series victory against Bangladesh. The team will be bolstered by the return of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has recovered from a potentially fatal accident in December 2022. Pacers Akash Deep and Yash Dayal have also received their maiden Test call-ups.The first Test match will commence on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, while the second will be played in Kanpur from September 27. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will be eager to make a winning start to his Test tenure.With Sharma at the helm and a talented squad at his disposal, India will be confident of extending their dominance over Bangladesh in the longest format of the game.

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India's Adelaide Oval Legacy: Unforgettable Moments and Competitive Advantage

India's Adelaide Oval Legacy: Unforgettable Moments and Competitive Advantage

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a highly anticipated Test series between India and Australia, is set to commence on November 22 in Perth. India, led by Rohit Sharma, aims to make a strong start, while Australia will seek to capitalize on their home advantage. The second Test, a day-night pink-ball match, will be held from December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, presenting a unique challenge for both teams.Adelaide Oval's Test pitch is renowned for its reliable batting surface. Initially, it offers a firm and true surface with well-rolled grass, ideal for batsmen. Teams often prefer to bat first, as the conditions favor batsmen in the early days of the match. However, as the pitch deteriorates, spin bowlers gain an advantage due to widening footmarks and unpredictable bounce, making batting in the final innings difficult unless the target is low.The ground's oval shape makes straight sixes harder to hit, while shots square of the wicket are easier. Since 2000, India has played six Test matches at Adelaide Oval against Australia, with Australia winning three, India two, and one match ending in a draw.India's Test matches at Adelaide Oval have been marked by unforgettable moments. In 2003, Rahul Dravid scripted one of India's most iconic wins on Australian soil. Despite Ricky Ponting's powerful double century in the first innings, Dravid's equally dominant 233-run knock countered Australia's efforts. In a tense chase of 233 in the fourth innings, when batting became challenging, Ponting couldn't even open his account, but Dravid stood tall with a gritty 72*, leading India to a historic win.In 2008, both teams showcased their batting prowess, crossing 500 runs in their respective first innings. Australia saw centuries from Matthew Hayden, Ponting, and Michael Clarke, but India was kept alive by Sachin Tendulkar's 153. Despite a middle-order collapse, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh chipped in with crucial scores of 87 and 63. In the second innings, Virender Sehwag's 151 on a tough pitch was vital, as the next high scorer for India was MS Dhoni with 20 runs. The match ended in a draw, with no team able to force a result on Day 5.The third encounter, in 2012, was less memorable for India. The batting line up included Gautam Gambhir, Sehwag, Dravid, Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and a young Virat Kohli, who was still finding his place in the team. India lost the match by 298 runs, marking one of their most forgettable encounters. Ponting and Clarke both scored double centuries, helping Australia surpass 600 runs. Kohli’s century in the first innings saved India from the follow-on, but in the second innings, Australia set a target of 500 runs. Sehwag’s 62 was the highest score as India were bowled out for 201.In 2014, a new generation of Indian cricketers, including Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane, was led by Virat Kohli, making his debut as Test captain. Kohli announced himself in style, scoring a century in both innings. Australia, powered by centuries from David Warner, Michael Clarke, and Steve Smith, declared at 517. The young Indian batting line up responded with 444, showing resilience. In Australia's second innings, Warner struck another century, and they set India a challenging target of 364. Murali Vijay and Kohli led the chase, with Vijay getting out on 99 and Kohli making 141. However, Nathan Lyon’s seven-wicket haul spun India out, and Australia won by 48 runs.The 2018 Test marked a significant shift. For the first time in their Adelaide encounters, neither India nor Australia crossed 500 in their innings. Virat Kohli’s team, with a potent pace attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and the experienced Ishant Sharma, dominated. Cheteshwar Pujara stood tall with 121 in the first innings and a crucial 71 in the second. Australia, without Warner and Smith due to the ball-tampering scandal, struggled. India set a target of 323 for Australia, who fell short by 31 runs. India went on to win the series and become the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia.The 2020 Test during the COVID-19 pandemic was a day-night affair with the pink ball, known for assisting swing. India posted 244 in their first innings, with Kohli scoring 74 before a crucial run-out, which some argue sparked his lean patch. Despite R. Ashwin’s 4-wicket haul, which helped bowl Australia out for 191, the match turned into a nightmare for India in their second innings. India was skittled for a shocking 36, their lowest-ever Test score, as Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins tore through the batting. Australia chased the target of 90 comfortably, winning by 8 wickets.Among active players from the visiting nation, Virat Kohli tops the list of leading run-scorers with 509 runs in 8 innings, including 3 centuries and 1 half-century. India has displayed exceptional performances at Adelaide Oval throughout the years, notwithstanding some challenging defeats. Since 2000, India has emerged victorious in two out of six Test matches, with the triumphs in 2003 and 2018 being particularly unforgettable. These encounters highlighted India's tenacity, especially with outstanding contributions from Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara.Even in losses, India has demonstrated unwavering determination, as evidenced by the closely contested match in 2014. The pitch conditions at Adelaide Oval tend to favor India's adept batsmen and spinners, particularly in the later stages of the game, providing them with a competitive advantage. Considering their impressive track record and the indelible victories, it is reasonable to assert that Adelaide Oval could be regarded as India's home ground on Australian soil.

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