Cricket

Bangladesh's upcoming two-match Test series against India presents a unique challenge for the team as they transition from the Kookaburra ball to the SG ball. The SG ball, used in India, possesses a prominent seam, unlike the Kookaburra ball, which poses different challenges for batters.Litton Das, a key batter for Bangladesh, acknowledged the need to adapt to the SG ball's behavior. He noted that the SG ball is harder to play against when it gets old, unlike the Kookaburra ball, which becomes easier to play with age.Das emphasized the importance of moving forward from Bangladesh's historic Test series win over Pakistan and focusing on the upcoming challenge against India. He stressed the need for media support in this regard, requesting them to refrain from dwelling on the past success.The first Test between Bangladesh and India will commence in Chennai on September 19, followed by the second Test in Kanpur from September 27. Bangladesh will aim to build on their recent success and adapt to the SG ball's unique characteristics to challenge India on their home turf.

Anton Roux, Sri Lanka's national fielding coach, has announced his resignation from the role, effective August 14, 2024. Roux, a former first-class cricketer for South Africa and coach for the Netherlands, joined Sri Lanka Cricket in March 2022.In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Roux expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Sri Lankan national cricket team. He highlighted the team's resilience and unity during challenging times, particularly during their historic series win against Australia on home soil.Roux's tenure as fielding coach witnessed significant achievements for Sri Lanka. The team reached two Asia Cup finals, winning the 2022 Asia T20 Cup. He also praised the progress of the Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Team, commending their passion and athleticism.Roux acknowledged the support of Mahela Jayawardene, Tom Moody, Tim McCaskill, and Chris Silverwood for entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing the fielding duties. He expressed his deep respect and appreciation for Sri Lanka and its people, stating that the country holds a special place in his heart.Roux's final international game as Sri Lanka's fielding coach was the third and final Test at the Oval, where the visitors secured a memorable eight-wicket victory over England. This triumph marked Sri Lanka's first Test win over England in a decade.

Irfan Pathan's Historic Hat-Trick: A Moment Etched in Indian Cricket HistoryIn the annals of Indian cricket, Irfan Pathan's hat-trick in the first over of the third Test against Pakistan in 2006 stands as an unforgettable moment. Held at Karachi's National Stadium, the match witnessed Pathan's extraordinary feat, becoming the first and only player to achieve a hat-trick in the opening over of a Test match.India entered the match with high hopes, and Pathan, renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways, was entrusted with the new ball on a pitch offering movement. Pakistan's openers, Salman Butt and Imran Farhat, faced the daunting task of countering Pathan's probing deliveries.The fourth ball of Pathan's over proved decisive. A full-length delivery swung in sharply, deceiving Butt, who edged it to Rahul Dravid at first slip. Buoyed by this early success, Pathan unleashed an inswinger that trapped Younis Khan plumb in front. Two wickets in two balls had the crowd stunned and the Indian players sensing something special.For the hat-trick ball, Pathan faced Mohammad Yousuf, another experienced Pakistani batsman. With nerves of steel, he delivered a perfect inswinger that pitched in line and jagged back in. Yousuf was left clueless as the ball crashed into the stumps, completing a historic hat-trick in the very first over of the match.The Indian team erupted in joy as Pathan, arms raised in triumph, was swarmed by his teammates. He became only the second Indian bowler to take a Test hat-trick after Harbhajan Singh, but the first to achieve it in the opening over of a match - a record that remains one of the most unique feats in Test cricket.Despite Pakistan's eventual victory in the Test, Pathan's hat-trick became one of the most iconic moments in India-Pakistan cricket history, a testament to his skill and the unpredictable nature of the game.

England's Joe Root, widely regarded as the heir apparent to Sachin Tendulkar's Test run-scoring throne, has downplayed his team's recent loss to Sri Lanka with a witty analogy.After England's eight-wicket defeat in the final Test of the three-match series, Root, who was named England's Player of the Series and the 'Player of the Summer,' drew a comparison to the popular rock band Coldplay."We are not always going to get it right all of the time," Root said. "For 90% of the summer, we have. We have shown what a good team we can be. I don't think we played our best cricket this week, and that is going to happen from time to time. Coldplay can't be number one every week."Despite the loss, Root finished the series with 375 runs, adding to his 291 runs against the West Indies earlier in the summer. At 33, Root is arguably playing the best cricket of his red-ball career.Root praised the England Test team's performance throughout the summer. "We are constantly learning and evolving as a group, and it is nice to contribute to that," he said. "It is important we are authentic to what we are as a team and what brings out the best in our individual players."With 10,354 Test runs to his name, Root is the only active cricketer with more than 10,000 Test runs. He is also the closest active player to Tendulkar's record of 15,921 Test runs.If Root continues to perform at his current level, he could potentially challenge Tendulkar's record in the coming years. However, Root remains humble about his chances of surpassing the Indian legend."It's a long way away," Root said. "I'm just trying to focus on the next game and the next series. I'm not looking too far ahead."

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, etched his name in cricket history with an unparalleled 51 Test centuries, a feat unmatched by any other player. His illustrious career spanned 24 years, from 1989 to 2013, during which he became a global icon and a symbol of Indian cricket.Tendulkar's maiden Test century came against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, on August 14, 1990. At just 17 years old, he played an unbeaten 119, rescuing India from a precarious position and earning a draw. This innings showcased his exceptional maturity and skill, marking him as a rising star in world cricket.The significance of this century extended beyond its numerical value. It marked a pivotal moment in Tendulkar's career, establishing him as a key player for India. The knock cemented his place in the team and laid the foundation for his legendary status.Tendulkar has often reflected on this century with fondness, acknowledging its transformative impact. Facing a formidable England bowling attack, he displayed remarkable mental toughness and focus. This innings was one of the first instances where he realized his ability to play long innings and compete at the highest level.In his autobiography, 'Playing It My Way,' Tendulkar described the experience as transformative, particularly because it came under pressure and at a young age. He felt the weight of expectations and responsibility to save India from defeat, and his unbeaten 119 helped salvage a draw.Tendulkar's first Test century not only marked a personal milestone but also had a profound impact on Indian cricket. It instilled a belief in the team and inspired a generation of young cricketers. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate aspiring cricketers around the world.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma is gearing up for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19 in Chennai. The 37-year-old Sharma has been sharing his intense fitness workouts on Instagram, giving fans a look at his rigorous training routine. Known for both his leadership and consistent performance, Sharma is focusing on staying in top shape ahead of the critical Test season.Rohit Sharma recently retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This win ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought for India. Following this remarkable achievement, Sharma announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game, leaving on a high note.As the Test series against Bangladesh approaches, Sharma has been dedicating his efforts to maintaining peak physical condition. Sharma's recent Instagram video showed not only his demanding fitness regimen but also some fun moments shared with friends during training. This balance of intense preparation and light-hearted moments captures Sharma's approach to both his career and personal life.Sharma's fitness routine includes a variety of exercises, including weightlifting, cardio, and agility drills. He also emphasizes proper nutrition and rest to ensure his body is fully recovered and ready for the challenges ahead.The Indian team, under Sharma's leadership, is aiming to continue their dominance in Test cricket. They are currently ranked number one in the ICC Test rankings and will be looking to extend their lead over the other top teams.Sharma's focus on fitness and preparation is a testament to his commitment to the team and his desire to succeed at the highest level. With his experience, leadership, and unwavering determination, Sharma is poised to lead India to another successful Test series.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has launched a scathing attack on the team's performance in the third Test against Sri Lanka, accusing them of disrespecting the game and their opponents.England suffered a stunning eight-wicket defeat at The Oval on Monday, handing Sri Lanka their first Test victory on English soil in over a decade. Vaughan believes the team's over-aggressive approach was a major factor in their downfall."I felt that they disrespected Test cricket and disrespected Sri Lanka in the third Test by being over-aggressive with both bat and in their field placings," Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph."England have made a bit of a habit of becoming a bit complacent after a good period, I think of the start of the Ashes, or earlier this year in Rajkot and I hope it serves as a wake-up call for the tougher Tests that lie in wait in 2025."Vaughan also criticized England's decision to abandon their usual "Bazball" style of play, which had brought them success in the first two Tests of the series."There is no way they will get away with playing like this against India or Australia," Vaughan said.Sri Lanka's victory was inspired by a superb unbeaten century from Pathum Nissanka, who guided his team to their target of 219 with ease. Angelo Mathews also played a key role, contributing an unbeaten 32 in an unbroken stand of 111 with Nissanka.The win gave Sri Lanka just their fourth Test victory in England and first since 2014. England, however, still managed to win the series 2-1 after victories at Old Trafford and Lord's.Despite the series win, Vaughan believes England's performance in the third Test is a cause for concern."This is not the kind of cricket that will help England win matches against tough oppositions like Australia and India," he said.

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicket-keeper batter, is poised to make a triumphant return to international red-ball cricket after being named in the Indian squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, commencing on September 19. This marks Pant's comeback after an extended absence of approximately 20 months, following severe injuries sustained in a car accident in 2022.Pant's return has been met with widespread anticipation, as he is widely regarded as a key member of the Indian cricket team. He played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign and recently made his ODI comeback against Sri Lanka.WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff has expressed his admiration for Pant's resilience and dedication, commenting on his comeback with the words, "Discipline and commitment. Deadly combination."Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has also hailed Pant's potential, stating that he is on track to become an all-time great in Test cricket. However, Ganguly emphasized the need for Pant to improve his performance in shorter formats.The Indian selectors have opted to give Mohammed Shami additional time to recover from ankle surgery, while including uncapped left-arm pacers Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in the squad. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will serve as the frontline pacers.Ganguly expressed confidence in the Indian bowling attack, despite Shami's absence, stating that it remains a formidable unit. He also highlighted the importance of spin in Indian conditions, with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav forming a formidable quartet.Pant's return to the Indian Test team is a testament to his unwavering determination and the high regard in which he is held by the cricketing fraternity. As he embarks on this new chapter, he will be eager to prove his worth and contribute to India's success on the international stage.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been contemplating a two-tier system for Test cricket for over a decade. In 2004, then General Manager David Richardson hoped to implement it by 2019, but objections from India and other countries who feared relegation delayed its implementation.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opposed the plan, arguing that it would diminish the popularity and development of the game. Instead, the World Test Championship was introduced in 2014, but it was criticized for its lack of context.Former England captain Michael Vaughan recently reignited the two-tier plan, suggesting that it would reduce mismatched games between teams with vastly different resources. He proposed dividing the six top-ranked teams into one group and the remaining six into another, with the teams shuffled after two years.This pragmatic plan would achieve several benefits:* More tours among non-elite teams: It would encourage tours between countries beyond the top six, fostering the development of the game globally.* Rationalized calendar: It would allow for more flexibility in scheduling Test series outside the World Test Championship cycle, such as the Ashes or India-Pakistan series.* Financial support for struggling teams: The ICC has established a special fund of $10 million to assist financially strapped countries, ensuring that they can continue to participate in Test cricket.The two-tier system would address the concerns raised by India and other countries. By dividing the teams into two groups, it would eliminate the risk of relegation for the top teams. Additionally, the special fund would provide financial support to ensure that all Test-playing nations have the resources to compete.The time has come for Test cricket to embrace a two-tier system. It would promote competition, foster the development of the game, and ensure the financial viability of Test cricket for all nations.