Cricket

Pakistan's former captain, Rashid Latif, has expressed concern over the decline in the country's fast-bowling stocks. He lamented that pacers who once started at 145kmph have now slowed down to 130kmph.Latif's comments came after Pakistan's humiliating ten-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi. The hosts opted for an all-pace attack but failed to contain the visitors on a docile pitch. Bangladesh amassed 565 runs, while Pakistan declared at 448/6.In the second innings, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan shared seven wickets to dismiss Pakistan for a mere 146. Bangladesh chased down the target of 30 runs in just 6.3 overs, securing their first-ever Test win over Pakistan.Latif attributed the defeat to the lack of pace in Pakistan's bowling attack. "Our top fast bowlers no longer bowl at breakneck pace," he said. "Shaheen (Afridi), Naseem (Shah), and Khurram (Shahzad) started off with pace of 145. They all have come down to 130."He also criticized the Pakistan support staff for failing to keep the pacers in prime shape. "Our trainers and physios are to blame," he said. "Look at Jofra Archer, Jasprit Bumrah, and Pat Cummins. They all came back from injuries without losing any pace."Latif further pointed out that Bangladesh's spinners played a crucial role in their victory. "We no longer have quality spinners like we used to," he said. "Instead, we relied on pace, but the tactics backfired."He also criticized Pakistan's decision to declare too early in their first innings. "They should have aimed for 550," he said. "Falling 100 runs short ultimately made the difference."Latif concluded by praising Bangladesh for their tactical acumen. "They read the conditions well and outplayed Pakistan," he said. "They wore down the Pakistani bowlers and then capitalized."

Sir Donald Bradman, the legendary Australian cricketer, was born in Cootamundra, New South Wales, on August 27, 1908. However, his family relocated to Bowral, a town 265 miles away, where he spent his formative years. This earned him the nickname "The Boy from Bowral."Bradman's cricketing prowess was evident from an early age. He made his Test debut in 1928 and went on to play 52 Tests, scoring a staggering 6,996 runs at an astonishing average of 99.94. Of these Tests, 37 were against England, five against India, and the remaining 10 against South Africa and the West Indies.Bradman's batting was characterized by its elegance, precision, and an uncanny ability to score runs at a rapid pace. He holds the record for the most double centuries or more, with 12 to his name, including two triple centuries.Two Test wickets stand out in Bradman's illustrious career. Ivan Barrow of the West Indies and Wally Hammond of England were the only two batsmen to dismiss him in Test matches.Bradman's career average of 99.94 is considered the holy grail of cricket. It is said that if he had scored four runs in his final Test innings, his average would have been a perfect 100. However, he was dismissed for a duck by England spinner Eric Hollies, denying him this elusive milestone.Another notable incident in Bradman's career occurred when Indian bowler Lala Amarnath dismissed him "hit-wicket." Bradman was so impressed by Amarnath's bowling that he later remarked that his "batting reminded me of my own batting" and dubbed him "Little Bonzer."Bradman's legacy extends beyond his cricketing achievements. He was a true gentleman of the game, known for his humility and sportsmanship. He was also a successful businessman and philanthropist.Bradman passed away on February 25, 2001, at the age of 92. He remains an icon of Australian cricket and one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

Shahid Afridi: A Grandfather and a Cricket CriticFormer Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi is celebrating a personal milestone while simultaneously voicing concerns over his country's performance in Test cricket.Afridi's family recently welcomed a new member with the birth of his grandson, Aliyaar Afridi, son of Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi and Ansha Afridi. The news was met with widespread congratulations, and images and videos of Afridi with his grandson quickly circulated online.Despite the joyous occasion, Afridi remains engaged with the state of Pakistan cricket. Following Pakistan's heavy defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test match in Rawalpindi, Afridi publicly criticized the team's strategy.Afridi questioned the choice to prepare a pitch that didn't favor Pakistan's strengths, specifically expressing concern over the inclusion of four fast bowlers while omitting a specialist spinner."A 10-wicket defeat raises serious questions about the decision to prepare this type of pitch, select four fast bowlers and leave out a specialist spinner. This to me clearly shows a lack of awareness about home conditions. That said, you cannot take the credit away from Bangladesh for the brand of cricket they played throughout the Test," Afridi wrote on X.Afridi's comments sparked debate on social media, with some fans agreeing with his assessment and others defending the team's selection.Despite the criticism, Afridi remains a prominent figure in Pakistan cricket. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to inspire his teammates. He is also a vocal advocate for the development of young cricketers in Pakistan.As Afridi celebrates a new generation within his family, he continues to actively engage with the sport, unafraid to voice his opinions and spark debate on strategic decisions made by the national team.

Pakistan's dismal performance in the opening Test against Bangladesh has drawn sharp criticism from former cricketer Basit Ali, who has singled out Abdullah Shafique for his reckless shot selection.Pakistan's decision to declare at 448/6 in the first innings proved costly as Bangladesh outplayed them in all departments. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side scripted history by clinching a 10-wicket win in Rawalpindi, marking their first Test victory against Pakistan.Pakistan's downfall began after Bangladesh took a 117-run lead. On Day 5, wickets fell in quick succession, but Shafique held his ground and accumulated runs. However, his hopes of a respectable total were dashed when he attempted a reckless shot against Shakib Al Hasan.Basit Ali has slammed Shafique's shot as the turning point of the match. "If I was in the dressing room, I would have told Abdullah Shafique to pack his bags and leave. His shot was the reason Pakistan lost the match. After hitting 37, you are giving away your wicket with such a shot. Shan Masood should punish Shafique. This is Pakistan's team, not your local team," Basit said on his YouTube channel.Shafique was not the only batsman to give away his wicket cheaply. Naseem Shah also attempted a glory shot when holding the fort was crucial. "Look at the way Naseem Shah gave away his wicket. This is Pakistan cricket, not street cricket, this happens in England's league cricket," Basit added.Apart from poor shot selection, Pakistan's failure to read the pitch conditions was another factor in their defeat. The decision to field an all-out pace attack backfired as Bangladesh's spin duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz combined to take nine wickets.Basit believes Pakistan's Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, misjudged the pitch. "Both Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie lost their opening matches. They both made mistakes. Kirsten made a mistake in the Super Over against the US, and Jason made a mistake in reading the pitch," he noted.Pakistan will aim to level the series in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 30.

Pakistan's cricket team suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test match in Rawalpindi. The loss marks Bangladesh's maiden victory over Pakistan in five-day cricket.Bangladesh's spinners, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, played a pivotal role in Pakistan's collapse. Mehidy claimed 4-21, while Shakib took 3-44, dismissing Pakistan for a mere 146 runs in 55.5 overs.Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled on a pitch that had been unresponsive for the first four days. However, small cracks began to appear, which Bangladesh's spinners exploited effectively. The hosts also faced criticism for not including a frontline spinner in their team.Pakistan's leading batsmen, Babar Azam and Shan Masood, failed to make significant contributions, scoring only 22 and 14 runs, respectively. First-innings century-maker Saud Shakeel was dismissed for a fourth-ball duck.Bangladesh's victory was a historic moment for the team, as it marked their first win over Australia, England, and Pakistan. The win in Rawalpindi was only their sixth in 143 Tests.Pakistan's loss has raised concerns about the fitness of fast bowler Naseem Shah, who has been criticized for his "bulging belly." Social media users have questioned his fitness and suggested that he may not be taking his training seriously.Pakistan skipper Shan Masood expressed disappointment over the loss, stating that the team did not take Bangladesh lightly but the pitch did not play as expected. Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto dedicated the win to those who lost their lives in the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh.The second and final Test match of the series will be played in Rawalpindi from Friday.

India's T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, renowned for his exceptional performances in the shortest format, harbors a deep-seated desire to excel in red-ball cricket. In a recent interview, he expressed his eagerness to stake a claim in the Test squad.Yadav's passion for the longest format stems from his formative years in Mumbai's maidans, where he honed his skills playing with the red cherry. He has participated in numerous First Class matches over the past decade and cherishes the opportunity to compete in this challenging format."Red-ball cricket has always been my priority," Yadav asserted. "I've played a lot of First Class matches and I still love it. I'm always looking for opportunities to play for Mumbai, whether it's in First Class or tournaments like the Buchi Babu."The Buchi Babu tournament provides Yadav with a valuable platform to prepare for the upcoming Duleep Trophy and, potentially, Test cricket. He believes that the experience of playing multi-day games in challenging conditions is crucial for his development."We don't get many multi-day games back home during this weather," Yadav explained. "But standing in the heat for six hours and doing that three or four days in a row is only possible through a game. That's very important going forward in the Duleep Trophy and, hopefully, in Tests."Yadav acknowledges the intense competition for places in the Indian Test side, but he remains optimistic about his chances. He recognizes that he must earn his spot through consistent performances."There are a lot of people who have worked really hard to earn their place," Yadav said. "I want to earn that spot again. I made my debut for India in Tests, but after that, I got injured. There were a lot of people who got an opportunity and have done well too. They deserve that opportunity right now.""Going forward, if I have to play, then I'll automatically play. That's not in my control. What's in my power right now is to play the Buchi Babu tournament, go on to play Duleep Trophy and then see what happens. But yes, I'm really looking forward. There are 10 Test matches lined up and I'm obviously excited for some red-ball fun."Yadav's determination to succeed in Test cricket is evident in his approach to batting. He understands the need to adapt his style to the demands of the longest format."It's necessary to adapt to the conditions well," Yadav said. "You have to be one step ahead in the challenging longest format and can't bat like how you would in a T20. But at the same time, intent is imperative. Everything else will take care of itself when you play."Yadav also values the opportunity to learn from his teammates, both senior and junior. He believes that there is always something to be gained from observing and interacting with others."I mean, not only Shreyas or Sarfaraz, the learning also comes from players who have not even played a single game for Mumbai till now," Yadav said. "You can observe them during training and there will be small things you grasp that can be added to your own routine.""There is no senior or junior in learning. It's all the same when you play this sport."

Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world with a delivery that has drawn comparisons to Shane Warne's iconic "Ball of the Century." On Day 2 of the first Test against England at Old Trafford, Jayasuriya dismissed Harry Brook with a stunning delivery that left the batter bamboozled.The ball, which pitched around middle and leg stump, turned sharply to crash into the off-stump. Brook, who was batting at 56, was completely stunned by the delivery, which sparked memories of Warne's magical delivery to Mike Gatting in 1993.The video of the dismissal went viral on social media, with fans and experts alike praising Jayasuriya's skill. The delivery has been hailed as one of the best of the year and has reignited the debate about whether Jayasuriya can become a world-class spinner.In the match, England eventually secured a five-wicket victory, thanks to a gritty unbeaten 62 from Joe Root. However, it was Jayasuriya's delivery that stole the show and left a lasting impression on the cricketing world.Jayasuriya's performance is a testament to the resilience of the Sri Lankan team, who fought back from a disastrous start to push England to the brink of defeat. The spinner's ability to turn the ball sharply and accurately will be a major asset for Sri Lanka in the remaining two Tests of the series.

Pakistan Cricket's Decline: Kevin Pietersen Expresses Shock and ConcernFormer England captain Kevin Pietersen has expressed shock and concern over the recent downturn in performance by the Pakistan cricket team. Pietersen, who played in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), highlighted the sharp contrast between the team's current struggles and the promising young talent he witnessed during his time in the league."What happened to cricket in Pakistan? When I played the PSL, the standard of that league was tremendous, the players had a very good work ethic and the youngsters on display were magic. What's happening there?," Pietersen wrote on social media.Pakistan's recent struggles have been evident in their Test series loss to Bangladesh, their elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024 in the initial round, and their poor home Test record since 2022. The team's decline has been compounded by a series of defeats against lower-ranked teams, including Ireland and the USA.Pietersen emphasized that Pakistan has always been a formidable force in cricket, and their current struggles are concerning. He questioned the team's work ethic and the development of young players, suggesting that these factors may be contributing to their poor performance.Pakistan's recent setbacks have raised concerns about the future of cricket in the country. The team's inability to compete with top-ranked teams and their struggles against lower-ranked opponents have raised questions about the team's direction and the effectiveness of their coaching staff.As Pakistan looks to rebuild and regain its former glory, it will need to address the issues that have led to its recent decline. The team will need to improve its work ethic, develop its young players, and find a way to regain its winning mentality.

Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, two of India's most promising batters, are set to showcase their red-ball prowess in the upcoming Buchi Babu tournament, starting Tuesday. The tournament serves as a crucial platform for the duo to revive their Test careers and secure a spot in the Indian Test squad.Suryakumar, who recently led India to a T20 series win in his first outing as skipper, is eager to prove his worth in the Test format. His solitary Test appearance came against Australia in February 2023, where he failed to make a significant impact. The Buchi Babu tournament provides him with an opportunity to showcase his red-ball credentials and stake a claim for a place in the Test squad.Shreyas Iyer, who last played a Test in February, is also eyeing a place in the Test team. He has struggled for form in recent matches, averaging a mere 17.00 in 12 innings since January 2023. The Buchi Babu tournament and the upcoming Duleep Trophy, where he will lead Team D, present him with crucial opportunities to regain form and confidence.The Mumbai team, led by Sarfaraz Khan, will face TNCA XI, led by R Sai Kishore, the leading wicket-taker in last season's Ranji Trophy. This match offers players the chance to hone their skills and vie for selection in the Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.Top players such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant are expected to be available for the Bangladesh series, intensifying competition for spots in the Test squad. The Buchi Babu tournament also acts as a precursor to the Duleep Trophy, starting September 5.Suryakumar's last First-Class outing was in the Duleep Trophy last year, where he scored 71 runs in four innings, averaging 17.75. Both Suryakumar and Iyer are keen to improve upon past performances and secure a place in the Test team for the forthcoming season.