Cricket

Virat Kohli vs. Joe Root: Dinesh Karthik's Choice for the Best Test BatterFormer Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has sparked a debate by choosing Virat Kohli over Joe Root as the best Test batter of the current generation. Despite Root's superior statistical record, Karthik's preference stems from his close association with Kohli and his unwavering belief in his ability to perform under pressure.Karthik, who has shared the dressing room with Kohli for over a decade, acknowledges Root's impressive statistics but expresses a personal bias towards Kohli. He highlights Kohli's exceptional ability to excel in crucial moments and big series."Numbers will tell you it's Joe Root, but my heart, the fact that he (Kohli) is someone that I've seen play in close quarters for the longest time now, over a decade. I know how he loves playing those big moments, big series. And if somebody asks him questions, he will come back to you with answers so strong that you will be like, 'Wow, why did I even ask that question'," Karthik explained.While Root has recently surpassed Alastair Cook to become England's leading century-maker in Test cricket with 34 centuries, Kohli has faced a decline in form. However, Karthik's admiration for Kohli is rooted in his ability to perform when it is most needed."If I were given a choice of who would bat for my life, it would be Kohli. No doubt," Karthik added, emphasizing Kohli's dependability under pressure.Kohli's aggressive style and leadership in key matches have earned him widespread praise. Despite recent challenges, Karthik's support reflects a belief in Kohli's capability to win matches.

Shreyas Iyer, a middle-order batter, is determined to reclaim his spot in Team India's Test setup. In the second innings of the Duleep Trophy match between India C and India D, he showcased his counter-attacking prowess with a fine half-century.After a disappointing dismissal for just 9 runs in the first innings, Iyer displayed immense intent in the second. With the Duleep Trophy widely regarded as an audition for the upcoming India vs Bangladesh Test series, Iyer sent a clear message about his aspirations.Facing a formidable India C bowling attack, Iyer played a counter-attacking 44-ball 54. Instead of adopting a defensive approach, he took the initiative and helped India D post a respectable 236 runs.Despite India C's eventual victory, Iyer expressed satisfaction with his performance. "It was crucial for me to show intent because their bowlers were bowling exceptionally well," he said. "I wanted to take the attack and contribute to a decent total."Iyer's half-century and subsequent comments have sent a strong signal to India captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. With the Bangladesh Test series set to be played in India, Iyer's skills could prove invaluable in similar conditions."The pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers," Iyer observed. "However, we can learn from this experience and improve."Iyer's impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy has reignited his hopes of a Test recall. His counter-attacking approach and determination to succeed have made a strong case for his inclusion in the squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

The term "Fab Four" was coined by Martin Crowe to describe the exceptional batting prowess of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson. These four players have dominated Test cricket for the past decade, captivating audiences with their skill and consistency.In recent years, Williamson and Root have been in particularly impressive form, while Smith and Kohli have struggled to maintain their previous dominance. Root's recent twin centuries against Sri Lanka highlight his continued appetite for runs, while Williamson's average of 67.54 since 2020 is a testament to his batting prowess.Williamson has expressed his admiration for Root's performances, calling him "phenomenal" and praising his ability to convert fifties into centuries. He also acknowledged the contributions of Kohli and Smith, stating that they have "moved the game forward in a big way."Despite the comparisons and discussions about who is the best among the Fab Four, Williamson downplayed the idea that their performances serve as motivation for him. He emphasized that his primary motivation is to perform for his country and team.New Zealand, the reigning World Test Championship champions, will face a challenging schedule of six Tests in the sub-continent over the next two months. Williamson expressed excitement about the upcoming matches, viewing them as a tournament-like experience within the World Test Championship.

Sri Lanka's resilience was on display at the Oval on Saturday as Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis forged an unbroken century partnership to frustrate England on the second day of the third Test.After a shaky start that saw them collapse to 93 for 5 before tea, the tourists rallied to finish the day at 211-5, trailing England's first-innings total of 325 by 114 runs.De Silva, the Sri Lankan captain, remained unbeaten on 64, while Mendis contributed 54 not out in an unbroken stand of 118. Mendis, in particular, has been in exceptional form, boasting a Test batting average of over 85 and passing 50 for the seventh time in six matches.Sri Lanka's recovery was aided by a stroke of luck when De Silva was dropped on 23 by Test debutant Josh Hull at mid-on. The ball went through Hull's hands after a miscue off spinner Shoaib Bashir.Earlier, an unfortunate mix-up cost Sri Lanka their first wicket as Dimuth Karunaratne was run out for nine due to Olly Stone's direct hit from short cover following Pathum Nissanka's ill-advised dash for a single.Nissanka went on to score an impressive fifty, highlighted by seven boundaries from 40 balls, but the middle-order wobbled soon after. Stone, returning for his second Test in three years, made a significant impact, taking the wicket of veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews for just three runs.Hull's first Test wicket, removing a set Nissanka for 64, marked a significant moment in the third Test. England gained momentum, reducing Sri Lanka to 91-4 and subsequently 93-5 after Stone trapped Dinesh Chandimal lbw for zero.Kamindu Mendis, batting at No. 7, displayed composure during a precarious situation as dark clouds loomed. To counter potential bad light after tea, England deployed spinners from both ends, with Bashir and part-timer Dan Lawrence bowling in tandem.De Silva responded by late-cutting Lawrence for four to reach his half-century off 81 balls, while Kamindu Mendis reached his fifty in just 60 balls. Joe Root also bowled briefly with his occasional off-breaks before bad light halted play for the day.By then, Sri Lanka had added 69 runs without losing a wicket in 17 overs of all-spin bowling post-tea.Earlier in the day, England saw a collapse, losing six wickets for 35 runs after starting at 221-3. Pope, who resumed on 103 not out, had struggled in previous innings. The Sri Lankan pace attack, initially lacking precision, found their rhythm, with fast bowler Milan Rathnayake ending with figures of 3-56 from 13.1 overs.Left-arm quick Vishwa Fernando dismissed Pope, who scored 126 off 156 balls, including 19 fours and two sixes. Despite his dismissal, Pope's first-class average on his Surrey home ground remained above 84.England are aiming for a clean sweep -- their first since 2004.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has hailed Ben Duckett's audacious knock of 86 on day one of the third Test against Sri Lanka as a testament to his risk-taking approach that lies at the heart of England's aggressive batting philosophy.Duckett's blistering innings, featuring nine fours and two sixes, set the tone for England's imposing 221/3 at The Oval. Hussain praised Duckett's ability to unsettle the Sri Lankan bowlers with his relentless attacking intent."Duckett never let them settle at all," Hussain wrote in his column for Daily Mail. "They kept bowling on the legs early on, or even outside the line of the pads, and then when they over-corrected, they were short and wide. Where does Duckett like the ball the most? Short and wide outside off-stump. He put them to the sword."Hussain highlighted Duckett's unique approach compared to traditional England openers who often left deliveries outside off-stump. Duckett's willingness to attack these balls has resulted in a remarkable leave percentage of just 1.7%, significantly lower than other Test openers."His career leave percentage is 1.7%, making him nearly five times as likely to play than Pakistan's Abdullah Shafique, the next man on the list with 8.3%," Hussain noted. "When everything is in the bowlers' favor, that is exactly how the England team management want him, Duckett to play - putting pressure back on the opposition."Hussain acknowledged that Duckett's attacking instincts could be exploited by Australia in next year's Ashes. However, he believes Duckett will remain true to his style of play."With batsmen, however, your strengths can also be your weaknesses and I expect Australia to play on this in next year's Ashes," Hussain said. "But I can't see him changing. He will give it a go and that aligns with the constant messaging from the England dressing room."Hussain concluded by emphasizing the importance of allowing players to play to their strengths, even if it occasionally leads to dismissals. "If a player scores runs with a particular shot, they do not want them to put it away if they get out to it," Hussain added.

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has made a resounding statement in his return to red-ball cricket with a blistering half-century for India B in the Duleep Trophy. After a disappointing first-innings dismissal, Pant showcased his unwavering determination and exceptional talent with a 34-ball half-century against India A in Bengaluru on Saturday.In the first innings, Pant was dismissed for a mere seven runs by Akash Deep, with India A skipper Shubman Gill taking a brilliant catch. However, in the second innings, Pant unleashed his full potential, smashing nine boundaries and two towering sixes before being dismissed for 61 off 47 deliveries by Tanush Kotian.Pant's innings was a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit. Since his horrific car accident in December 2022, he has been working tirelessly to regain his fitness and form. His performance in the Duleep Trophy is a clear indication that he is well on his way to reclaiming his place in the Indian Test team.Pant's half-century was not only a personal triumph but also a significant boost for India B. The team, which also includes other promising young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, is aiming to make a strong impression in the Duleep Trophy.The match between India A and India B is a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a place in the Indian team. With Pant leading the charge, India B will be confident of putting up a strong performance and emerging victorious.

New Zealand's upcoming six-Test tour of Asia marks a significant departure from their usual schedule. This unprecedented itinerary, spanning two months, will test their mettle in unfamiliar conditions.Historically, New Zealand has played a maximum of three subcontinent Tests in a single year. However, this eight-week trip, commencing with a one-off match against Afghanistan, followed by two against Sri Lanka, and culminating in three against India, presents a unique challenge.Captain Kane Williamson acknowledges the magnitude of this undertaking. "We don't usually get such a volume of Test cricket, especially in this part of the world," he said.New Zealand's record in Asia is modest, with 16 wins from 90 Tests. Their struggles have been particularly evident in India, where they have managed only two victories in 36 matches.To address this, New Zealand has intensified its efforts to adapt to Asian conditions. Domestic teams have toured the region extensively, and the next generation of players has dedicated significant time to developing their skills in spin-friendly environments.Williamson emphasized the importance of adjusting their game to succeed in Asia. "We're not here consistently in this format, so we need to familiarize ourselves again," he said.Williamson himself, despite his vast experience, has yet to fully master batting in India and Sri Lanka. In 22 innings, he averages 31.36 with only five fifty-plus scores.However, he remains undeterred and eager to embrace the challenge. "It's important that we grow as a unit," he said. "We know it's a tough challenge, but it's always a great experience."New Zealand has bolstered its support staff with the addition of Sri Lankan spin legend Rangana Herath and former India batting coach Vikram Rathour. This move reflects their determination to improve their performance in the 2023-25 cycle of the World Test Championship.Williamson sees the upcoming Tests as a crucial part of their Test Championship campaign. "The value of games is high," he said. "Having six Test matches together is a big part of our calendar."

Shubman Gill's remarkable turnaround in Test cricket during the England series earlier this year can be attributed to his meticulous work on defensive batting, the 24-year-old has revealed.Gill, who has an average of 35.52 after 25 Tests, amassed 452 runs in the home series against England, showcasing a significant improvement in his ability to withstand the rigors of Test cricket."I worked on my defense a little bit more, especially against the spinners," Gill told ESPNCricinfo, as quoted by the ICC. "If you're playing on a turning track, you should be able to defend a lot more, then you play your scoring shots."Gill's focus on defensive batting stemmed from his realization that batting-friendly tracks in white-ball games can erode a player's defensive skills over time. "I feel it [batting-friendly tracks in white-ball games] takes away a little bit of your defensive game over a period of time," he said. "So that was my focus in the England series."Gill's defensive improvements were evident in his crucial hundred in the second Test in Vizag, where he played a patient and composed innings on a challenging pitch. He finished the series with an average of 56.5, a testament to his newfound defensive prowess.Gill's resurgence in Test cricket is a positive sign for India, who will be looking to him to play a key role in their upcoming series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. These series will serve as crucial preparation for the Border Gavaskar Trophy later this year, where India will face their arch-rivals Australia in a four-match Test series.With his improved defensive technique and growing experience, Gill is poised to become a mainstay in India's Test batting lineup for years to come.

Mark Wood, England's premier fast bowler, has been dealt a major setback as he has been ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a bone-stress injury to his right elbow. This unfortunate news means that Wood will miss England's upcoming Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.Wood's injury woes began during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, where he suffered a right thigh strain while bowling. As a precautionary measure, he was withdrawn from the ongoing series. However, subsequent scans revealed a more concerning issue in his right elbow, which Wood had been experiencing discomfort in.In a heartfelt Instagram post, Wood expressed his disappointment and frustration: "During what I thought was a routine check on a previously troublesome elbow, I was shocked to learn I've got some bone stress in my right elbow."This diagnosis has forced Wood to withdraw from England's remaining six Tests of the year, three against Pakistan in October and three against New Zealand in December. The ECB medical team will continue to monitor Wood's progress closely, with the aim of having him fully fit by early 2025. This would allow him to participate in England's white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which is scheduled to begin in February 2025.Wood's absence is a significant blow to England's bowling attack. His pace and aggression have been instrumental in England's recent Test successes. His ability to generate reverse swing has also been a key factor in his effectiveness.England will now have to find a suitable replacement for Wood in their Test squad. Potential candidates include Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, and Craig Overton. However, none of these bowlers possess the same combination of pace and swing as Wood.Wood's injury is a reminder of the physical demands of fast bowling. The constant stress on the body can lead to a variety of injuries, including bone stress fractures. It is important for bowlers to manage their workload carefully and to listen to their bodies when they are feeling pain.