Cricket

Joe Root, the cornerstone of England's batting lineup, has been experiencing a remarkable run of form in Test cricket. As part of the illustrious "Fab Four" alongside Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith, Root has amassed more Test runs than any of his contemporaries. Recently, he surpassed Alastair Cook's record of 33 Test centuries, becoming England's most prolific century-maker.However, in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka, Root's performance faltered, with scores of 12 and 13 in both innings. England's subsequent eight-wicket loss has raised concerns about the team's over-reliance on Root.Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed his disappointment with England's batting performance in the third Test, highlighting Root's pivotal role. "This week really hit home to me how important Joe Root is to this batting lineup," Vaughan wrote in his column for Telegraph. "His batting is the key. All these flamboyant players around him get flamboyant fifties. But without the glue at No 4 getting the huge amount of runs he does, they are knackered."Vaughan emphasized that Root cannot be expected to rescue the team every time, especially against formidable bowlers like India's Jasprit Bumrah and Australia's Pat Cummins. He also pointed out Root's inability to score a century in Australia despite his prolific record elsewhere."He can't do it every week, and he didn't do it this week," Vaughan added. "Jasprit Bumrah enjoys bowling at Root, and could severely limit his output next summer. The same goes for Pat Cummins in Australia, where Root has never scored a hundred. England have to have ways of succeeding when Root doesn't make big runs. On the basis of this game, they don't."Root has played 14 Tests in Australia, but a century has eluded him so far. However, he has scored 9 half-centuries down under, amassing 892 runs at an average of 35.68.

The one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand was abandoned on Friday (September 13, 2024) without a ball being bowled, marking only the eighth time in Test cricket history that such a situation has occurred.The first two days of the game were canceled due to a wet outfield, raising significant concerns about the preparedness of the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex. The remaining three days were then washed out due to persistent rain.Despite bright sunshine on the first two days, no play was possible as the umpires cited "players safety" as a concern. The midwicket area was a particular concern. To address the issue, groundsmen brought in dry sections of grass from the practice area to "transplant" in the midwicket zone.While the BCCI tried to assist by providing additional machinery and the Delhi Delhi & District Cricket Association and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association helping out, it was a little too late.Afghanistan, who were granted their Test status in 2017 and have played only nine international red-ball games before this fixture, were the hosts. It was the first time Afghanistan, who don't get to play too many Tests with big nations, was scheduled to take on New Zealand.This fixture was, however, not a part of the ICC's World Test Championship cycle. As for the stadium, match referee Javagal Srinath's report on the preparedness of the venue will go a long way in deciding its fate.

Hardik Pandya's recent social media post showcasing his bowling skills with the red ball has sparked speculation about his potential return to Test cricket. The 30-year-old all-rounder has been absent from the format since 2018 due to injuries and has not played a first-class match since December 2018.Despite being approached for the World Test Championship final against Australia, Pandya declined, citing his reluctance to replace a regular red-ball player. However, his recent videos suggest he is preparing for a potential return to the longer format.Pandya remains India's premier pace-bowling all-rounder, but his absence from Test cricket has left a void in the team. His closest competitors, Shivam Dube and Nitish Reddy, have not yet matched his all-round abilities.However, Pandya's intentions regarding his Test future remain unclear. He has not communicated his plans to the team management, and without playing any domestic red-ball cricket, he cannot be directly selected for Test matches."It's heartening to know that Hardik is bowling with red ball but has he really spoken to men who matter (chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma) about his intentions?," a senior BCCI source questioned.It is understood that Pandya's participation in red-ball cricket for Baroda will be crucial in determining his Test prospects. If he performs well in domestic matches, he could earn a recall to the national team for the upcoming tour of Australia.Pandya's return to Test cricket would provide India with much-needed balance. He can contribute as a fourth pacer and a lower-order batsman, giving the team greater depth and flexibility. However, his availability and fitness will be key factors in his selection.

Legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized recent comments suggesting that England's Joe Root could surpass Sachin Tendulkar as the leading run-scorer in men's Test cricket. Gavaskar argues that such remarks are disrespectful and that the Indian cricket community should respond with aggression.Gavaskar points out that it is common for crowds to be silent when their team is not performing well, regardless of nationality. He suggests that the criticism of Indian crowds is unfair and that it should be countered with a more assertive approach.The former England captain Michael Vaughan had previously stated that Root could become the top run-getter in Tests and that the BCCI would use its influence to ensure that an Indian batter retained the record. Gavaskar dismisses this claim, stating that the BCCI is committed to promoting Test cricket and that the IPL's success does not diminish its interest in the longer format.Gavaskar also questions the logic behind the suggestion that Test cricket would be better if Root broke Tendulkar's record. He argues that Tendulkar's achievements are a testament to the greatness of Indian cricket and that it is not necessary for an Englishman to hold the record for the sport to thrive.Finally, Gavaskar expresses skepticism about the ICC's decision to host the World Test Championship final at Lord's in 2025. He notes that the venue has been changed twice before when England was not likely to qualify for the final. Gavaskar suggests that the ICC may be biased towards England and that the final should be held at a neutral venue.

India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh has been announced, featuring the return of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and the maiden call-up for young pacer Yash Dayal.Pant, who suffered a horrific car accident in December 2022, will make his Test comeback in the series opener in Chennai on September 19. His inclusion is a significant boost for India, as he is one of the team's most explosive and dynamic players.Another notable addition to the squad is 23-year-old Dhruv Jurel, who impressed on his Test debut against England in January. Jurel scored 190 runs in three matches, including a knock of 90, and has been rewarded with a place in the squad for the Bangladesh series.With Pant and KL Rahul also in the squad, Jurel will be the third wicketkeeper option for India. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes that India could potentially field all three wicketkeepers in their XI."Your XI, Yashasvi and Rohit to open. Shubman at No. 3, Virat Kohli at No. 4. KL Rahul at No. 5. Rishabh Pant at No. 6. Then maybe you can play another batter. 8 and 9 you have Jadeja and Ashwin. And then No. 10 and No. 11, you have two seamers," Dasgupta told India Today."You can think of someone like Sarfaraz for the middle-order. Even for that matter... Dhruv Jurel batted beautifully. Yeah, I won't be surprised if Rishabh, Dhruv and KL all three of them play. The other thing you have to keep in mind is the Australia series. You can also look at other options, but the way Dhruv batted, his technique and composure, I think he is more adept to batting in Australia than some of the other newcomers," he added.India will be looking to start their Test series against Bangladesh on a positive note, as they prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in November.

Bangladesh Pacer Shoriful Islam Ruled Out of India Test Series Due to Groin InjuryBangladesh's hopes of continuing their Test success in India have been dealt a blow with the news that pacer Shoriful Islam will miss the two-match series due to a groin injury.Shoriful, 23, played a key role in Bangladesh's historic Test series win in Pakistan, taking three wickets in the first Test in Rawalpindi. However, he sustained the injury during the match and was unable to feature in the second Test.The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed Shoriful's absence in a statement on Thursday, saying that he is still recovering from the injury and is unavailable for the series.The injury is a significant setback for Bangladesh, who are looking to build on their momentum after defeating Pakistan. The team will now have to rely on their other pacers, including Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Syed Khaled Ahmed, to provide the necessary firepower.Despite the absence of Shoriful, Bangladesh will still be confident of putting up a strong fight against India. The team has a number of experienced players, including Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Das, who have all performed well in Test cricket.India, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their dominance in Test cricket. The team is currently ranked seventh in the ICC Test rankings, seven places ahead of Bangladesh. India is also leading the World Test Championship standings.The first Test between India and Bangladesh will begin on September 19 in Chennai, while the second match will start on September 27 in Kanpur.

Persistent rain has cast a shadow over the inaugural Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Complex near New Delhi. The relentless downpour has prevented any play for four consecutive days, leaving the fate of the match hanging in the balance.This Test marks a significant milestone for Afghanistan, as it is their first at their adopted home ground. However, the incessant rain has rendered the field unplayable, with umpires deeming it too wet for play after an inspection at the scheduled start time of 9:30 am local time. Even the toss has yet to take place.Afghanistan's Test debut has been marred by the weather, as this is only their 10th Test since gaining Test status in 2017. New Zealand, led by Tim Southee, are scheduled to embark on a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka after the scheduled final day on Friday. They will then return to the subcontinent for three more Tests against India.Greater Noida is hosting its first Test match, but the venue has faced criticism for inadequate facilities, particularly its poor drainage system. Attempts to dry the field using hand-held electric fans earlier in the week proved futile due to the ongoing rain.Afghanistan, unable to host matches at home due to security concerns, have been using the Greater Noida ground for several T20Is and ODIs since 2017, thanks to an offer from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to use its facilities. However, the wet weather has exposed the venue's limitations in handling such conditions.The persistent rain has raised questions about the suitability of Greater Noida as a Test venue, especially during the monsoon season. The BCCI, which is responsible for the upkeep of the ground, will likely face scrutiny over the drainage system and other facilities.As the rain continues to pour, the hopes of a competitive Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand dwindle. The match is now in danger of being abandoned, which would be a disappointing outcome for both teams and the fans who have been eagerly anticipating this historic encounter.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the second Test match between India and Bangladesh will proceed as scheduled in Kanpur on September 27, despite threats of protests.The decision comes after concerns arose following threats issued by the Hindu Mahasabha regarding alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. However, a BCCI source has stated that they are not considering alternative venues and the match will take place as planned."We are monitoring the situation with the concerned authorities, but we have done everything to hold that match," the source told India Today. "The stadium is ready to welcome our and visitors' teams. It's not going anywhere. It will be in Kanpur, but we will keep monitoring the situation."Meanwhile, Bangladesh batter Litton Das has revealed that the team is adjusting to the SG balls ahead of the series. Bangladesh typically uses Kookaburra balls in home internationals, but India uses SG balls, which have a more prominent seam."The ball will be a different one in India," Das said. "It is a little harder to play against the SG ball. The Kookaburra ball is easier to play when it gets old. It is the opposite with the SG ball. It is harder to get away against the old ball when it's the SG."India's squad for the first Test against Bangladesh includes Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yash Dayal.

Bangladesh's historic series victory against Pakistan has propelled the team into the spotlight, but their star player, Litton Das, is eager to shift focus to the upcoming challenge against India.Das, who played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's triumph, believes it's crucial to leave the past behind and concentrate on the upcoming Test series against India. "We have played very well against Pakistan. That is already in the past," Das emphasized. "It's important to move on and focus on the big challenge ahead."The Bangladesh team recognizes the magnitude of the task ahead, as they will face a formidable Indian side on their home turf. "When we play India at their home, they are always the better side," Das acknowledged. "They are a very good team in their own conditions."One of the key challenges for Bangladesh will be adapting to the SG ball, which is used in Test matches in India. "The SG ball is somewhat difficult," Das observed. "It's tough to play with the Kookaburra when the ball is new, but it's easier to play once the ball is old. However, with the SG ball, playing with the new ball is somewhat easier, but playing with the old ball is tougher."Despite the challenges, Das remains optimistic about Bangladesh's chances. "We are practicing, let's see what happens," he said. "We need to focus on this. In Test cricket, you have to win sessions. Every session is important."Das believes that Bangladesh has room for improvement, particularly in the first sessions of their matches. "Personally I feel we couldn't play our 100% in the first sessions," he said. "There is room for a big improvement here."As Bangladesh prepares for the India series, Das's leadership and determination will be crucial in guiding the team to success.