Cricket

Legendary Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan has expressed deep concern about the future of Test cricket, citing the dwindling viewership and the shift towards shorter formats. Muralitharan, who holds the record for the most wickets taken by any bowler in Test history with 800, believes that his record is unlikely to be broken anytime soon due to the lack of consistency among modern-day bowlers.Muralitharan's concerns stem from the fact that cricketers nowadays prioritize shorter formats such as T20s and ODIs, which offer instant gratification and financial rewards. This focus on short-form cricket has led to a decline in the development of bowlers who can maintain the stamina and consistency required to succeed in Test cricket."It's very hard (for someone to surpass 800 Test wickets), because emphasis has shifted to short-form cricket," Muralitharan said. "Also, we played for 20 years. Careers are shorter now."The closest bowlers to Muralitharan's record are Australian spinner Nathan Lyon (530 wickets) and Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (516). However, both Lyon and Ashwin are in their late 30s and are unlikely to reach Muralitharan's total before they retire.Muralitharan also pointed out that the lack of experience among young bowlers is a major factor contributing to the decline of Test cricket. "Consistency is the problem," he said. "It's not about how good they are, because they all are talented. The only thing is how can they become experienced? Nowadays, it's difficult. There are too many tournaments and things in their heads."Muralitharan's concerns are echoed by many cricket experts who believe that the future of Test cricket is uncertain. The decline in viewership and the lack of young bowlers with the necessary skills and experience are major challenges that need to be addressed if Test cricket is to survive.

Yash Dayal's journey from IPL humiliation to Test call-up is a testament to resilience and redemption. After being mercilessly trolled for conceding five sixes in an IPL match, Dayal faced immense public ridicule and emotional distress. His family rallied around him, vowing to support him until he achieved his dream of playing for India.Dayal's determination and unwavering support from his family helped him overcome the setback. He worked tirelessly to improve his skills and regain his confidence. In the 2024 IPL season, he showcased his growth as a bowler, taking 15 wickets in 14 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore.His impressive performance in the ongoing Duleep Trophy further solidified his credentials. Dayal's ability to swing the ball and maintain control under pressure earned him three wickets in India A's second innings, leading India B to a 76-run victory.Dayal's father, Chanderpal, believes his son's natural talent and mental strength have played a crucial role in his success. He credits the family's unwavering support for helping Dayal overcome the adversity he faced.With the upcoming India-Australia Test series in mind, selectors may consider grooming Dayal as a left-arm pacer. His ability to generate bounce and swing the ball could prove valuable on Indian pitches.Dayal's Test call-up is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of family. It serves as an inspiration to young athletes who may face setbacks in their careers.

The historic one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand was marred by deplorable conditions at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, leading to the cancellation of the opening day's play.Despite the absence of rain throughout Monday, the subpar drainage and woeful facilities rendered the outfield unplayable. The inexperienced ground staff struggled to prepare the field, with the sack of sawdust proving more active than the players.Umpires conducted six inspections throughout the day, with New Zealand players, including skipper Tim Southee, assessing the conditions. However, the mid-on and mid-wicket areas remained a concern, along with patches within the 30-yard circle.The lack of modern facilities extended beyond the field, impacting operations off the pitch. The venue lacked a proper media stand and adequate seating for fans. Accredited media faced inconveniences such as a lack of water, power supply, and access to a female washroom.The absence of a public announcement system left fans unaware of the situation. Poor communication and mismanagement between the stadium authority and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) further exacerbated the situation."This is a huge mess, we are never coming back here. The players are also unhappy with the facilities here," said an ACB official.The stadium, managed by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority, has a history of hosting matches marred by controversy. It was banned by the BCCI in 2017 due to match-fixing during corporate matches.Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi had previously urged the BCCI and ACB to arrange a suitable home venue for the team. "India is our home, and when we host teams, other nations have played more cricket here," he said.Despite not being part of the World Test Championship, the Test is an ICC-affiliated tournament. The stadium's shortcomings have raised questions about the BCCI's role in ensuring adequate facilities for international matches.

India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will not serve as vice-captain in the upcoming first Test against Bangladesh, despite holding the position during the Test series against England earlier this year. This decision suggests a shift in the BCCI's and team management's approach to leadership roles.Bumrah remains a key leader within the team, alongside KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli. However, the absence of a designated vice-captain for the Bangladesh series indicates that the BCCI may not envision Bumrah as a future captain. This could be due to the need to carefully manage his workload, as Bumrah has a history of injuries.Bumrah has previously captained India in the rescheduled 2022 Test against England and the 2023 match against Ireland, where his leadership was praised. However, a captain's consistent availability is crucial, and Bumrah's injury history might hinder that.With Gautam Gambhir now at the helm as head coach, India's approach to vice-captaincy has shifted. Hardik Pandya was replaced by Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is, and Shubman Gill has taken over the vice-captaincy duties in both ODIs and T20Is. This raises speculation about Gill's potential role in Test cricket.The first Test between India and Bangladesh is set to begin on September 19 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, followed by the second Test at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 27.

England's Joe Root, named Player of the Summer after the series win against Sri Lanka, expressed his delight at the team's progress and his own enjoyment of the game. Despite a loss in the third Test, Root praised the team's efforts and the emergence of new talent.Root's impressive performance in the Test summer, with 666 runs in six games, including three centuries and three fifties, earned him the Player of the Series honor. He also surpassed Alastair Cook's record of 33 Test centuries, becoming England's most successful batter in terms of centuries.In the third Test, Sri Lanka's fine century by Pathum Nissanka and inspired bowling effort secured an eight-wicket win. Nissanka's 127* and a 69-run partnership with Kusal Mendis helped Sri Lanka chase down the target of 219.Root acknowledged the challenges faced in the third Test but emphasized the team's commitment to finding ways to improve. He praised the contributions of new faces like Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Olly Stone, and Josh Hull, highlighting the depth of talent in English cricket."It is what you pride yourself on as a senior player and as a batter. Great to see this team constantly finding new ways to look at the game and keep evolving and keep getting better," said Root. "To see some new faces come in and put their best foot forward shows the depth that we've got within this format in English cricket."Root's enthusiasm for the game and his belief in the team's potential are evident in his comments. He expressed his hope that the team's success will continue and that he will continue to enjoy playing for England.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has predicted that Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli will return to form with "big centuries" in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. Kohli, who missed the home Test series against England due to the birth of his son, will be eager to rediscover his prolific run-scoring form.Ali believes that Kohli will make a significant impact in the upcoming Tests, stating, "In the England series, Virat wasn't there. He didn't perform well in the Sri Lanka series. But in the Bangladesh and the New Zealand series, you will see big centuries (from Virat). Not 110 or 115, you may see a 200-run knock from him."Kohli's recent performances have been underwhelming, with a disappointing T20 World Cup and a poor showing in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, Ali is confident that the Indian batter will bounce back and regain his dominance in the Test format.India's Test squad for the Bangladesh series features a formidable batting lineup, including skipper Rohit Sharma, young openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, and the experienced KL Rahul. The spin quartet of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav will provide balance to the team.Ali has named his preferred playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh, opting for Kuldeep over Axar due to the presence of several left-handed batters in the opposition lineup. His team includes Rohit, Jaiswal, Gill, Kohli, Rahul, Pant, Jadeja, Ashwin, Kuldeep, Bumrah, and Siraj.With the Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand on the horizon, fans will be eagerly anticipating Kohli's return to form. If Ali's predictions hold true, the Indian batter could be set for a prolific run-scoring spree that will delight cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Akash Deep, a rising star in Indian cricket, has drawn comparisons to the legendary Mohammed Shami due to his uncanny bowling style. With Shami sidelined by an ankle injury, Deep made his Test debut against England in February and has since impressed selectors with his ability to swing the ball both ways.Deep's bowling action, seam position, and compact follow-through mirror Shami's, leading to speculation that he has received guidance from his Bengal teammate. Deep confirmed these rumors, revealing that Shami has shared valuable insights on how to move the ball effectively.In the recent Duleep Trophy opener, Deep showcased his skills by dismissing Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy with first-rate deliveries that disturbed their off-stumps. His match haul of nine wickets (four for 60 and five for 56) highlighted his ability to trouble left-handed batters.Deep's success is particularly impressive considering he had only played one competitive match since his Test debut. He credits his performance to the practice games he played at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he approached each game with the intensity of a real match.Despite his recent achievements, Deep remains grounded and focused on the process of bowling. He believes that getting wickets is a byproduct of executing his plans effectively. He also emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, recognizing that there is always room for growth.Deep's emergence as a potential successor to Shami is a testament to his talent and dedication. As he continues to gain experience and refine his skills, he has the potential to become a key figure in India's bowling attack for years to come.

England's stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, expressed frustration at missing out on a historic clean sweep in the final Test against Sri Lanka. However, he denied complacency as the reason for their shock eight-wicket defeat at the Kia Oval.Leading 2-0 in the series and following their 3-0 victory over West Indies, England were poised for their first summer's clean sweep since 2004. Ben Duckett and Pope himself had put on 221 for 3 on the first day.But England's batting collapsed thereafter, with a first-innings collapse of 7 for 64 and a second-innings total of 156 in 34 overs. Only Jamie Smith's counterattacking half-century provided any resistance."We want to be a team that wins every game," Pope said. "But at the start of the summer, we would have taken winning five out of six Test matches."England's aggressive approach, dubbed "Bazball," has been credited with their recent success. However, this defeat resembled other avoidable losses, such as at Wellington and Lord's in 2023.England lost their first 13 wickets to attacking strokes, including Pope for 7 in his second innings. Vishwa Fernando's superb left-arm swing bowling, including consecutive lbws against Joe Root and Harry Brook, proved decisive.Pope defended Brook, who has been criticized for his aggressive batting style. "He will never get bored of batting," Pope said. "It's not a lack of hunger."Pope attributed the defeat to England's batting failure on day three. "We weren't able to capitalize on a decent first-innings lead," he said. "Getting bowled out for 140 on a pitch that gets better was the main reason we lost."Root's dismissal for 12 to an inswinging yorker from Vishwa was a turning point. Sri Lanka's interim coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, said they had planned to bowl short and yorkers at Root."Joe Root is the batter who changes the match," Jayasuriya said. "That was a big wicket."

The inaugural Test match between New Zealand and Afghanistan, scheduled to commence on Monday, was unfortunately marred by inclement weather, resulting in the abandonment of the opening day's play. Despite multiple inspections throughout the day, the outfield remained saturated, rendering it unsuitable for play.The lack of a modern drainage system at the venue has exacerbated the situation, as heavy rainfall over the past week has left the ground waterlogged. With forecasts predicting continued rain and thunderstorms throughout the week, the extent of the disruption to the Test remains uncertain.This highly anticipated encounter marks the first-ever Test between New Zealand and Afghanistan, who were granted Test status in 2017. Afghanistan, with 10 Tests under their belt, have faced setbacks in their recent outings, suffering defeats against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Ireland.For New Zealand, this Test serves as their first since March and initiates a demanding schedule in the subcontinent. The Black Caps will embark on a three-Test series against India in October-November, adding to their already packed itinerary.The weather-induced postponement has cast a shadow over the historic occasion, but both teams remain hopeful that the conditions will improve, allowing for a competitive and memorable Test match.