Cricket

Virat Kohli's dominance in Test cricket reached unprecedented heights from 2016 to 2018, with the former Indian captain amassing over 1000 runs in each of those three years. In 2017, Kohli's brilliance was on full display, as he notched up 1059 runs in 10 Test matches at an astonishing average of 75.64.Kohli's dominance was particularly evident in the Hyderabad Test against Bangladesh in February 2017. In a match that marked Bangladesh's first Test on Indian soil, Kohli unleashed a batting masterclass, scoring a magnificent 204. This double century was his fourth consecutive in four successive series, a feat that surpassed the legendary Don Bradman and Rahul Dravid, who had achieved it in three consecutive series.Kohli's 204, coupled with Murali Vijay's 108, Ajinkya Rahane's 82, and Wriddhiman Saha's unbeaten 106, propelled India to a mammoth first-innings total of 687/6. India became the first team to post three successive scores of 600-plus, piling up an imposing total that left Bangladesh reeling.The Bangladesh bowlers were unable to contain Kohli's onslaught, with Taskin Ahmed, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, and Taijul Islam all conceding over 100 runs in their toiling spells. On Day 4, Ravichandran Ashwin reached the milestone of 250 Test wickets, becoming the quickest to achieve the landmark.Despite Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim's valiant 127, India's bowlers proved too strong, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking four wickets each to dismiss Bangladesh for 250. India won by 208 runs, registering their sixth successive series win and extending their unbeaten streak to 19 consecutive Tests.Kohli's performance in the Hyderabad Test was not just a statistical marvel but also a testament to his exceptional batting skills. He broke several records, including:* Scoring a double century in four consecutive Test series, a world record.* Becoming the first Indian captain to score four double centuries, surpassing the combined tally of 31 double centuries scored by all previous Indian captains.* Scoring 1,168 runs in 15 innings at an average of 89.8 in the 2016-17 home season, the most Test runs scored by an Indian in a home season.* Scoring 3,036 runs in international cricket since January 1, 2016, the most by any batsman in the world.* Becoming the only cricketer to average above 75 in all three formats of the game (Tests, ODIs, and T20s) since January 2016.Kohli's dominance in 2017 was a testament to his unwavering determination, exceptional technique, and unwavering belief in his abilities. He set new benchmarks for batting excellence and cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

Pakistan's dominance continued on Day 3 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, as the hosts tightened their grip on the match. Resuming at 27/0, Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan faced a relentless Pakistan bowling attack.Pakistan's bowlers, led by Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, kept the pressure on the Bangladesh batsmen. Islam fell for 23, caught behind off Afridi, while Hasan was dismissed for 30, trapped lbw by Shah.With the openers back in the pavilion, Bangladesh's middle order struggled to cope with Pakistan's pace and spin. Mushfiqur Rahim (16) and Liton Das (14) were both dismissed cheaply, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 85/4.Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a magnificent 171 in Pakistan's first innings, continued to torment Bangladesh with his off-spin. He dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto (18) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (12), reducing Bangladesh to 123/6.As the day progressed, Pakistan's bowlers continued to chip away at Bangladesh's batting lineup. Yasir Shah claimed the wickets of Nurul Hasan (16) and Khaled Ahmed (0), while Afridi returned to dismiss Taijul Islam (10).At the close of play, Bangladesh were struggling at 169/9, still trailing Pakistan by 279 runs. Ebadot Hossain (10*) and Shoriful Islam (0*) were the only batsmen left at the crease.Pakistan will be confident of wrapping up the match on Day 4 and securing a crucial victory in their quest for a Test series win on home soil. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need a miraculous effort to avoid defeat.

As the allure of lucrative T20 deals overseas continues to entice New Zealand's top cricketers, Test captain Tim Southee has expressed his hope for a collaborative solution between cricket boards and franchise leagues. The exodus of high-profile players like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne from central contracts has left New Zealand Cricket (NZC) facing a significant challenge.Southee acknowledges the growing popularity of franchise leagues but emphasizes the importance of Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport. He believes that boards and leagues should work together to find a balance that allows players to prioritize both international and domestic commitments."It would be nice to see the international [boards] and the leagues working together in some way because, especially Test cricket, I think for a lot of players is still the pinnacle of the format," Southee said.Despite the calendar clash, Southee remains committed to Test cricket, which he holds "closest to the heart." He believes that the Hundred format has helped him improve his skills and stay competitive across all formats.New Zealand's upcoming tour of Asia will test their ability to manage player workloads. Head coach Gary Stead has indicated that Southee may be rested for some matches to accommodate more spinners in the XI. Southee understands the need for balance but hopes to play in all nine Tests."I think it's just natural when you come to this part of the world," Southee said. "Obviously spin plays a big part, but ideally, I'd like to play all the Test matches available."The team management will assess the conditions and select the best XI for each game. Southee believes that picking the best side for each Test match is crucial, regardless of location."You decide to win over the five days," Southee said. "So we've got a lot of cricket in the subcontinent, six Test matches and then three Test matches back home."

Former Australian opening batter Matthew Hayden has expressed his disapproval of the idea of Steven Smith opening the batting in Tests. Hayden believes that Smith should continue to bat in the middle order, where he has been most successful.Hayden, who was Australia's most prolific Test opener before David Warner surpassed him in 2023, emphasized the importance of protecting the top three batting positions in Test cricket. He argued that opening the batting is a specialized role that requires different skills and experience than batting in the middle order.Smith's brief stint as an opener earlier this year yielded disappointing results. In eight innings, he was dismissed for 12 or less on five occasions and averaged only 28.50. In contrast, he averages 67.07 at No. 3 and 61.50 at No. 4.Hayden believes that moving Smith to the opening slot would be a mistake. He pointed out that Smith is one of the world's best batters in his current position and that changing his role would send the wrong message to the first-class system.If Australia decides to move Smith back down the order, they will need to find a new opening partner for Usman Khawaja. Hayden acknowledged that Warner's departure has left a void in the opening slot, but he expressed confidence that Australia has talented players in the pipeline who can fill the role.Smith himself has stated that he is open to batting anywhere for the team. However, both captain Pat Cummins and national selector George Bailey have indicated that Australia is likely to stick with the same top six for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.

In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Pakistan's Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan etched their names in the annals of Test cricket by completing an all-run four during the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. This rare feat, a testament to their exceptional agility and understanding, highlighted a dominant partnership that propelled Pakistan to a commanding position.The incident unfolded in the 49th over of Pakistan's innings. Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana unleashed a fiery delivery at 147.6 km/h, which Shakeel drove straight towards mid-off. Fielder Shoriful Islam managed to slow down the ball, but it still threatened to reach the boundary. However, it fell short, giving the batsmen ample time to complete four runs without the ball crossing the fence.Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto gave chase from mid-on, but Shakeel and Rizwan had already seized the opportunity to run all four. This rare all-run four showcased the sharp running between the wickets and the clear communication between the two batters.Shakeel, who remained unbeaten on 86 from 169 balls, and Rizwan, not out on 89 from 129 deliveries, played pivotal roles in resurrecting Pakistan's innings after a shaky start. The hosts had been in trouble on the first day, losing three wickets for just 16 runs. However, a solid 98-run stand between Shakeel and Saim Ayub (56 off 98) for the fourth wicket laid the foundation for Pakistan's fightback.Their ongoing partnership for the fifth wicket has now surpassed 100 runs, putting Pakistan in a strong position as they look to build a substantial lead against Bangladesh. The all-run four, a rare and exhilarating moment, further cemented the dominance of Shakeel and Rizwan, who have emerged as key figures in Pakistan's batting lineup.

Tim Southee, the New Zealand Test captain, has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the world's best all-format bowler, echoing the sentiments of Australian legend Ricky Ponting. Bumrah's remarkable return from an 11-month injury layoff has seen him excel in all three formats, earning him the Player of the Tournament award at the T20 World Cup.Southee praised Bumrah's ability to juggle multiple formats with ease, saying, "He's probably more experienced, understands his game a bit more... I think we've just seen a great version of Jasprit Bumrah across all three formats."Southee also acknowledged the challenges of playing in subcontinental conditions, where spin plays a significant role. He indicated that he may not play every Test match in India and Sri Lanka, but emphasized his desire to feature in as many as possible."I love Test cricket, but I understand there is a balance to the side... We have got nine Test matches in the next few months so there is a lot of Test cricket. So it is all about managing workloads," Southee said.Regarding the impact of T20 leagues on player availability for international cricket, Southee expressed uncertainty. He noted that New Zealand Cricket's decision to allow Devon Conway and Finn Allen to decline central contracts while remaining available for most Test matches was a step in the right direction."It would be nice to see the international and the leagues working together in some way because especially Test cricket, I think a lot of players, it's still the pinnacle of the format," Southee said.

Jaydev Unadkat, a highly skilled bowler in India's domestic red-ball circuit, has faced a perplexing career trajectory. Despite consistently taking wickets, he has struggled to earn a permanent spot in the Indian Test team. Even when included in the squad, his playing time has been limited.As the Indian team prepares for the upcoming Test season, the BCCI selectors opted not to include Unadkat in the Duleep Trophy squads. Undeterred, the left-arm pacer signed for English county side Sussex, hoping to showcase his abilities and impress selectors."I'm thrilled to be back here. Hove is my second home. The team has been performing exceptionally this season, and I'm confident we'll secure promotion back to Division One, where we belong," Unadkat said in a video posted by Sussex.In his first season with Sussex, Unadkat made an immediate impact, claiming 11 wickets in four matches. His impressive performances helped the team finish third in Division 2."We are delighted to have Jaydev back for the final five championship matches of the season," said Sussex's head coach, Ian Salisbury. "He not only showcased his exceptional skills on the field but also proved to be a valuable asset to our team. Jaydev is a fantastic individual who shared his knowledge and supported our players."Unadkat was part of the Indian squad that toured the West Indies in 2023. His last appearance for the national team came in the second Test against the West Indies in July 2023.Despite his impressive domestic record and strong performances for Sussex, Unadkat's path to the Indian Test team remains uncertain. However, his determination and unwavering belief in his abilities suggest that he will continue to strive for his ultimate goal of representing India in the longest format of the game.

Sri Lanka's batting lineup faced a dramatic collapse on the opening day of the first Test against England at Old Trafford, losing their first three wickets for no runs in just 10 balls. However, a resilient performance from Dhananjaya de Silva and debutant fast bowler Milan Rathnayake helped the visitors recover to a respectable total of 236 all out.De Silva, who won the toss and elected to bat, played a captain's knock, scoring a top-scoring 74. Rathnayake, playing in his first Test match, made a valuable contribution with a gritty 72, his third first-class fifty. The pair forged a crucial eighth-wicket partnership of 63, which helped Sri Lanka regain some momentum after their early setbacks.England's bowlers were impressive, with Chris Woakes leading the charge with 3-32 in 11 overs. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir also played a key role, taking 3-55 in 23 overs, including the crucial wicket of De Silva.Sri Lanka's initial collapse was a major setback, with Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, and Angelo Mathews all falling cheaply. Kusal Mendis showed some resistance with 24, but he too was dismissed by a superb delivery from Mark Wood.Despite the early setbacks, De Silva and Rathnayake showed great determination and resilience. De Silva played with authority, hitting 10 fours and a six, while Rathnayake played a more cautious role, but still managed to score at a decent pace.England's bowlers were unable to break through the De Silva-Rathnayake partnership until the 72nd over, when Bashir finally dismissed Rathnayake. However, by that time, Sri Lanka had already reached a respectable total and had given themselves a chance to compete in the match.

Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli and Australia's Steve Smith are poised to dominate the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, where runs will be "at a premium," according to Australian great Matthew Hayden.Hayden, considered one of the finest openers of his era, believes that both Kohli and Smith possess unique styles of dominance and will play pivotal roles in determining the outcome of the series Down Under."Cricket is a game of momentum, and I'm sure those two players, coming now to the later pages of their cricketing careers, will be very keen to dominate the landscape through the summer," Hayden said."That's their nature. They do it in very different ways, very different styles, but certainly, they really are the key to the Australian summer."India and Australia will play a five-Test series for the first time since 1991-92, starting November 22 at Perth. Hayden emphasized that it's difficult to predict which team has the edge."You look at the lineups, and it's hard to really tell who has the edge. I sense that it's going to be runs that are going to be the point of difference. Guys that are sure bets have retired like (Cheteshwar) Pujara was a sure bet in Australian conditions," he said."Was he exciting? No. Was he effective? Heck, yes. When you look back over the years, guys like Raul Dravid, VVS Laxman... they were really sure bets in our market. The best need to stand up in this series, runs are going to be at a premium," he added.Hayden believes that Australian players will be eager to end their barren run against India, having last won a bilateral series in 2014-15."We haven't had it (the trophy) in our hands for two series in Australia, which is kind of the coveted grounds. Not that's similar to the Steve Waugh era here in 2001, where this was the hallowed turf, this was a place where Australia really wanted to come and win," he said."And his great era didn't do it. There's always this fantastic opportunity for the No. 1 (and) No. 2 sides on the World Test Championship to go head to head, especially abroad in each other's camps and see who really has those kinds of final rights...""...to claim not only the possibility of playing the (World) Test Championship (final) but also who's the very best of the best, which you judge on how you tour, not so much how you play at home," he said.Hayden also commented on the upcoming battle between Nathan Lyon and young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal."Isn't it great that the series is shaping up the bare-heavyweight bout, someone like the GOAT (Lyon) going after (Jaiswal), what is in my opinion one of the key assets for Indian cricket. Yes he's certainly proving to be that," he said.Hayden acknowledged Jaiswal's exceptional ability to hit on the up through covers but cautioned that he may need to adjust to the length of the boundaries in Australia."Young Jaiswal is an exciting prospect to see how he'll play. He is a package. His ability in particular to get on the up through the covers is phenomenal. That'll also have its vulnerabilities," Hayden said."I'm looking forward to seeing how he adjusts on bouncy tracks. We did notice in the IPL that he's a very hard hitter of the ball, pull shots in particular, but that'll be challenged by three world-class speedsters, assuming they're all fit and on much bigger grounds.""It has to almost be the perfect contact for that ball to sail over (for a) six so you can get caught easily, three-quarters of the way in the fence. They (all) have little adjustments that world-class players like Jazzy (Jaiswal) will make for sure," he added.Hayden also expressed his concerns about Australia's opening slot following David Warner's retirement from international cricket."For the first time, it (opening slot) doesn't feel as secure. David Warner gave a great service to Australian cricket. He gave a service that was extremely competitive, wonderfully dynamic," he said."He really took that legacy that I'd created through the 2000s to a new level, strike rates in excess of 80, and gave great momentum to the top order, which otherwise is quite conservative. He's an enormous loss in terms of how do you replace him," Hayden added.Hayden expressed reservations about Smith emerging as a choice for the opener's slot, given his successful track record at No. 4."I was on record saying that I didn't like changing. I think it's crazy to think that you have the world's best-in-class batter in a certain position and then you change to a completely different position," he said.