Cricket

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell's recovery from a devastating leg injury in 2022 continues to pose challenges, affecting his ability to play cricket without discomfort. Maxwell sustained a fractured fibula, chipped tibia, and torn ankle ligaments during a celebration, forcing him to miss the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of India.Despite making the ODI World Cup squad, Maxwell's leg injury remains a concern, especially in light of Australia's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. "It's still my leg. It's what is giving me the most grief since breaking it, so it's still a work in progress," Maxwell said.Maxwell's recovery requires extensive rehabilitation and gym work to strengthen his body and prevent setbacks. He has only played two first-class matches since 2019 and hasn't featured in a Test match since 2017.However, Maxwell has received assurances from selectors that an "outside the box" lineup will be considered for the Sri Lanka series. "They've been pretty open to selecting outside the box for players who do well in those conditions," he said.Maxwell acknowledges that Shield form may not be a significant factor in player selection for the Sri Lanka tour. "It's just completely different conditions, you've got to have a really solid game plan against spin and a really good idea of how you're going to tackle them in those conditions," he explained.Whether Maxwell's body will be ready for the Sri Lanka tour remains uncertain. "It would be great if I could get my body into a position where I can play over (in Sri Lanka). But as far as Shield cricket, I'm not sure how much they'll take that into consideration," he said.Maxwell's recovery journey highlights the challenges faced by athletes returning from serious injuries. His determination to overcome these obstacles and return to the highest level of cricket is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport.

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam's recent batting struggles have sparked widespread criticism, with his performance in the first Test against Bangladesh drawing particular scrutiny. Azam's scores of 0 and 22 contributed to Pakistan's dramatic batting collapse on the final day, resulting in a 10-wicket defeat.The loss marked Bangladesh's first-ever Test victory over Pakistan, prompting former captain Ramiz Raja to express his disappointment on his YouTube channel. Raja lamented the team's inability to maintain consistency and questioned Azam's form."It seems the entire country doesn't have a problem with anything except the form of Babar Azam," Raja said. "Cricket is in our blood, but I don't know for how long if we continue to lose matches like this in Test cricket."Pakistan conceded a 117-run lead to Bangladesh in the first innings and were then bowled out for just 146 on day five, leaving the visitors with a mere 30 runs to chase for victory. Saud Shakel (141) and Mohammad Rizwan (171 not out) had earlier starred in Pakistan's first-innings total of 448 for 6 declared.However, Bangladesh's veteran Mushfiqur Rahim's epic 191 and contributions throughout the batting card helped the visitors post 565 all out in response.Raja emphasized the importance of success in building fan following and acknowledged Azam's past achievements. However, he also highlighted the intense scrutiny that comes with being a high-profile player in the era of social media."When you lose a match and you haven't scored runs, and if you are Babar Azam, then you become a headline," Raja said. "This is the era of social media, where anyone can criticize and ridicule anyone."Raja advised Azam to avoid social media, stay in the moment, and focus on his batting technique. He suggested that Azam work on his footwork, practice hook and pull shots, and play with a positive intent."Scoring runs is one thing, but is he happy with the way he is batting?" Raja asked. "The last innings he played, he was bowled off an inside-edge. It means your bat angles are not right, you lose your frame because you aren't spending much time on the crease."Raja emphasized the importance of mental toughness and the need for Azam to forget past failures and focus on the present moment. He also stressed the critical role of character in overcoming adversity.

Shannon Gabriel, the towering West Indian fast bowler, has bid farewell to international cricket after a decade-long career. The 36-year-old, known for his fiery pace and intimidating presence, has played 59 Tests, 25 ODIs, and two T20Is for his country, claiming a total of 202 wickets.Gabriel's Test career was particularly impressive, where he utilized his height and strength to extract bounce and movement from even the most docile pitches. His best performance came against Sri Lanka in 2018, where he recorded match figures of 13 for 121, the fourth-best by a West Indian bowler.West Indies fast bowling legend Courtney Walsh compared Gabriel to Patrick Patterson and Ian Bishop, recognizing his ability to generate pace and bounce. By 2017, he had become a regular member of the team, contributing to famous victories such as the Headingley Test against England.However, Gabriel's career was not without its controversies. In 2019, he was banned for four ODIs for an alleged homophobic remark towards Joe Root. While he accepted the sanction and apologized, he later claimed that the incident was exaggerated.Despite his international retirement, Gabriel remains active in domestic cricket, representing Trinidad and Tobago and participating in the Abu Dhabi T10 earlier this year. He plans to continue playing for his country, club, and franchise teams around the world.Gabriel's retirement marks the end of an era for West Indies cricket. His pace, aggression, and passion will be missed by fans and teammates alike.

Pakistan's humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test match in Rawalpindi has sparked widespread criticism and dissatisfaction within the team management. The team's performance, particularly that of the four fast bowlers, has come under intense scrutiny.According to sources, the team management has expressed its disappointment with the performance of Shaheen Afridi, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, and Naseem Shah. The bowlers failed to exploit the conditions to their advantage, and the lack of a quality spinner proved to be a major issue.Senior players have also voiced their concerns, expressing disappointment over the fast bowlers' inability to utilize the grass on the pitch and their declining pace. These issues were reportedly discussed in the dressing room after the match.In the match itself, Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan took seven wickets between them to secure their maiden win over Pakistan in five-day cricket. Mehidy grabbed 4-21 and Shakib 3-44, triggering a Pakistan collapse on the fifth day.Pakistan was dismissed for 146 runs in 55.5 overs, leaving Bangladesh with a target of just 30 runs. Openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam reached the target in 6.3 overs, with Zakir hitting the winning boundary.Mohammad Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan in the second innings with 51, but the home team was staring at defeat at lunch. A holiday crowd of nearly 5,000 expected Pakistan to fight out a draw, but Mehidy's bowling proved too strong.The defeat has raised serious questions about Pakistan's bowling attack and the team's overall performance. The team management will need to address these issues quickly as they prepare for the second Test match in Dhaka.

Pakistan's Test squad for the second Test against Bangladesh has undergone significant changes, with the recall of Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, and Aamir Jamal. The trio had been released from the squad for the first Test but have now been brought back to bolster the team's performance.Abrar Ahmed, a leg-spinner known for his exceptional control and ability to extract turn on subcontinent pitches, is expected to provide Pakistan with additional spin options. He has been in impressive form, contributing in a four-day match for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh 'A' at the Islamabad Club from August 20 to 23.Kamran Ghulam, a middle-order batsman, brings depth and stability to the batting lineup. He has also been in good form, contributing to Pakistan Shaheens' performance in the four-day match.Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan's spearhead fast bowler, has also rejoined the squad after being released at the conclusion of the first Test. His return will provide a significant boost to the bowling attack.Aamir Jamal, an emerging all-rounder with promising potential, has been recalled to the squad, although his participation in the second Test will depend on his fitness clearance. He had been working on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after being released from the squad earlier.The changes to the squad come after Bangladesh scripted history by registering their first-ever victory over Pakistan in Test cricket through a ten-wicket win in the series opener at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The victory was largely due to the stellar show from spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.Pakistan will be hoping to bounce back in the second Test and level the series. The match is scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 30 to September 3.

Dawid Malan, England's former top-ranked T20I batter, has bid farewell to international cricket at the age of 37. Malan, who represented England in 22 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, is one of only two English batters (alongside Jos Buttler) to have scored centuries in all three formats.Malan's international breakthrough came on the 2017-18 Ashes tour, where he scored his only Test century, a gritty 140 in partnership with Jonny Bairstow at Perth. However, it was in the T20I format that he truly made his mark.In September 2020, Malan ascended to the top of the ICC's T20I batting rankings. The following March, he became the fastest men's player to reach 1000 runs in the format, achieving the milestone in just 24 innings. He was also a member of England's T20 World Cup-winning squad in Australia in 2022.Despite his success in T20Is, Malan's ODI career took longer to take off. However, he seized his opportunity when it came, scoring five ODI centuries in the space of 15 innings between June 2022 and September 2023. This impressive run of form earned him a place in England's 2023 World Cup squad.Reflecting on his career, Malan expressed both pride and regret. He acknowledged that he had "exceeded all expectations" in white-ball formats but admitted that his inability to establish himself consistently in Test cricket was a disappointment.Malan's departure from international cricket is likely to open up opportunities for younger players. He is expected to remain in high demand on the T20 franchise circuit, having recently played for Oval Invincibles in the Men's Hundred and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20.

Virat Kohli's tenure as India's Test captain marked a transformative era for the team, characterized by dominance, historic victories, and an aggressive leadership style that inspired players.Kohli, alongside head coach Ravi Shastri, fostered an environment where India's pace attack flourished, becoming one of the most formidable in the world. Under their guidance, India achieved historic series wins in Australia and drew a series in England, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.Kohli's aggressive captaincy left an indelible mark on the players who played under him. Leg-spinner Karn Sharma, who made his Test debut under Kohli, lauded the former skipper's leadership style.In his first Test as captain, Kohli's unwavering determination to win was evident. Despite facing a daunting target of 363 in the fourth innings, Kohli instilled a belief in his team that they could chase it down. "We are going to chase it down," he declared, injecting positivity into the dressing room.Although India ultimately fell short by 48 runs, Kohli's flamboyant 141 off 175 balls demonstrated his unwavering belief in his team's abilities. "It was a different approach," said Karn. "His words sent a wonderful indication to the players in the dressing room, that your captain has different plans."Kohli's resilience was also evident in his ability to overcome poor form. Despite enduring a rough patch during India's tour to England in 2014, he put that behind him to heap runs in Australia."He always gave the impression that everything is fine," said Karn. "Through his preparations, fitness, mental approach, Kohli never appeared too bothered or was fretting over the fact that he had a bad Test series."Kohli's leadership style not only inspired his players but also left a lasting legacy on Indian cricket. His aggressive approach, unwavering determination, and ability to overcome adversity continue to serve as a model for future generations of cricketers.

In the realm of sports, the concept of the strong aiding the weak holds profound significance. While some argue that sport is merely an artificial construct, we imbue it with our ideals, transforming the seemingly meaningless into something transformative when backed by an ethical purpose.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently proposed a plan to address the disparity between the "haves" (India, England, Australia) and the "have-nots" (the rest) in Test cricket. This plan involves establishing a special fund to support nine Test-playing nations, ensuring they have the resources to sustain their red-ball game and provide decent compensation to players.Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has suggested a fund of five to ten million dollars. The distribution and contribution mechanisms are yet to be finalized. Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird, who raised the issue earlier this year, may have been responding to criticism from former Australian captain Steve Waugh about the lack of support for the game.Franchise cricket has created a vast wealth gap among cricketers, leaving the less fortunate behind. The plan aims to ensure that each Test player receives a minimum of ten thousand dollars per Test (excluding the top three players), and that cricket boards struggling for funds receive a boost.However, the psychological implications of this plan remain uncertain. The "Big Three" may demand concessions in return for their support. Additionally, there is a risk of creating a slippery slope, where countries with corrupt boards may exploit the fund to avoid investing in their own game and players.India's involvement in this plan is significant, as they receive nearly 40% of the ICC's global revenue. Yet, the Big Three need the support of Zimbabwe, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and others, as without their participation, Test cricket would be reduced to a three-team affair.The recent summit at Lord's highlighted the urgent need to address the decline of Test cricket. Unless action is taken, it could be restricted to six countries in four years. West Indies, once a dominant force, now struggles to field a competitive team, with many players opting for lucrative franchise leagues like the IPL.Indian franchise owners are increasingly acquiring English county teams, raising concerns about the future of world cricket. It is not difficult to imagine a scenario where the game is run by Indian businessmen and marketing managers rather than cricketers and politicians.As Adam Smith observed, "It is not from the benevolence of the butcher or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own self-interest." World cricket may be at a crossroads. The new fund could revitalize Test cricket, or it could prove to be a futile investment. But it is a chance worth taking.

Kamindu Mendis' remarkable batting average of 92.16 in Test cricket, the second-highest among players with over 500 runs, is a testament to his unwavering focus on the fundamentals. The Sri Lankan batsman, who made his debut two years ago, credits his success to a simple mantra: "Do basic things, and try to keep calm."Despite making a promising debut with a half-century, Mendis had to wait for his next opportunity. However, he seized it with both hands, scoring twin centuries against Bangladesh earlier this year. "I knew the batting was packed, but I tried to do as best as I could in the chance that I had," he said.Mendis' absence from the team during his two-year hiatus was not a setback but an opportunity for growth. "Even though I didn't get to play, I was in the squad and travelling with the team, pretty much every tour," he said. "Going on so many tours with experienced players on those tours also helped me play well in my first few innings."In the recent Test against England in Manchester, Mendis' first-innings dismissal for 12 was followed by a second-innings century. He forged crucial partnerships with Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, who played through a finger injury. "I had a lot of support from the others when I went to bat, both Angie aiya and Chandi aiya," he said. "Their experience really helped me."Mendis' batting philosophy is simple: "I do basic things, and try to keep calm in the middle." He dismisses questions about his impressive average, emphasizing his commitment to contributing to the team's success. "That's really my only goal: to give as much to my team as possible, whether on the batting front, bowling front, or via fielding."For Mendis, playing a Test at Lord's is a dream come true. "From when I was little, I had a dream to play a Test at Lord's," he said. "It's not just my dream, I think every player has that target. I've been able to get there. If we can win this match, it'll be even more valuable to us."