Cricket

Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has set a new challenge for Virat Kohli ahead of the T20 World Cup and India's upcoming Test series in Australia. Gavaskar, who has been critical of Kohli's batting approach in the past, believes the star batter has the potential to join an elite club of overseas players who have scored a Test century at all Australian venues.Kohli, who ended the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season as the highest run-getter with an impressive average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69, has scored six Test centuries in Australia, the joint-highest by an Indian alongside Sachin Tendulkar. However, he has never scored a century at the Gabba in Brisbane."On an individual level, [my wish] maybe for Virat Kohli is that he becomes the third overseas player who's scored a Test century in all the Australian venues. I think he doesn't have one at the Gabba, so if he gets a century at The Gabba, that means he joins me and Alastair Cook," Gavaskar said at an event, as quoted by Hindustan Times.Gavaskar, who is the only Indian to have scored a Test century at all Australian venues, believes Kohli has the ability to achieve this feat. "He's got the ability, he's got the class, he's got the technique, he's got the temperament. So, I think he can do it," Gavaskar added.Kohli will have the opportunity to add to his tally of Test centuries in Australia when India tours the country later this year for a five-match Test series. India will be aiming to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they won in 2020-21.

South Africa's women's cricket team has appointed Laura Wolvaardt as captain for their upcoming tour of India, which begins on June 16. Wolvaardt will lead the team in both Test and ODI formats.The tour will commence with three ODIs in Bengaluru, followed by a one-off Test and T20Is in Chennai. The squad for the T20Is will be announced later.South Africa will be without the services of experienced players Lara Goodall (hamstring injury), Chloe Tryon (back), and Ayanda Hlubi (groin), who are currently recovering from injuries. However, they may be included in the T20I side.Interim coach Dillon du Preez emphasized the importance of negating Indian spinners during the tour. "We had big focus on options against spin and it was good to see the buy-in from the team," he said.Du Preez also urged the team to remain calm under pressure. "The key for us would be to assess the conditions as soon as possible, be calm under pressure and try and play key moments in the game better than the opposition," he added.South Africa's Test/ODI squad for the India tour:* Laura Wolvaardt (c)* Anneke Bosch* Tazmin Brits* Nadine de Klerk* Annerie Dercksen* Mieke de Ridder* Sinalo Jafta* Marizanne Kapp* Ayabonga Khaka* Masabata Klaas* Sune Luus* Eliz-Mari Marx* Nonkululeko Mlaba* Tumi Sekhukhune* Nondumiso Shangase* Delmi Tucker

Pat Cummins, the Australian Test captain, is optimistic about the team's ability to navigate potential personnel changes in the coming years. He hopes to retain the core of his Test side, particularly during his tenure as captain, with crucial home summers against India and England on the horizon.While David Warner's retirement last summer marked the beginning of a generational shift, mass retirements in Test cricket are not anticipated. Nathan Lyon's absence from three Ashes Tests last year due to injury raised concerns about the future, but he has since expressed his desire to play in the 2027 England series."It's something we definitely think about," Cummins told ESPNcricinfo. "We're lucky that everyone has played a couple of years longer than we'd first hoped. Hopefully, it's the same with Nath."Cummins emphasized the importance of ensuring Lyon's longevity, similar to Jimmy Anderson's career management. "The job is to try and ensure he does get those four or five years. We try and do everything we can to get him right for those Test matches. At his age, it all comes down to his body really."The challenge for Australia will be to prevent a mass exodus, especially among the bowlers, given the age of the Test side. With ODI and T20I teams typically built around World Cup cycles, a transition is likely after the upcoming T20 World Cup. A similar change could occur in the ODI side after next year's Champions Trophy."In more recent years, it's one of the benefits of white-ball cricket that we have so many guys who play all three formats [that] they are going to have rest at some points," Cummins said. "In white-ball cricket, we've seen the emergence of younger guys. So come big tournaments or Test matches, they've already had some exposure, and hopefully, it makes the transition a bit more seamless."Despite a successful 2022 with the World Test Championship title, Ashes retention, and ODI World Cup triumph, Australia missed an opportunity to win the Ashes series in England after leading 2-0. Cummins acknowledged the disappointment, particularly in the Headingley Test, where England edged out a three-wicket victory."Think maybe Headingley was one that got away from us," he said. "Manchester we were totally outplayed, nothing went our way, but think Leeds we had our opportunities."While Cummins has not specified a timeframe for his captaincy, he has previously indicated that it will not be a long-term role. Head coach Andrew McDonald has suggested a four-year tenure, suggesting that the successful partnership may be approaching its midpoint.Australia is well-positioned to qualify for next year's WTC final, with the upcoming India series likely to be crucial. Cummins expressed his desire for the second half of the WTC cycle to be as successful as the first."Most things have gone to plan for now. Think you are going to get a natural churn rate with some of our more senior guys. Hopefully, they hang around for a while and they can manage their bodies until we are done. That makes the job for Andrew and myself a lot easier, but we'll see."

Travis Head, the Australian batting sensation, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, despite his success in the T20 league, Head remains committed to prioritizing Test cricket."I would put all my eggs in the Test basket for the moment," Head told PTI. "I will continue to do that."Head's decision stems from his belief that Test cricket is the pinnacle of the sport. He has enjoyed a remarkable run in the longest format over the past year, scoring centuries in both the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final.While Head acknowledges the financial benefits of playing in T20 leagues, he is determined to limit his participation to just two events per year. This will allow him to focus on his Test career and maintain his fitness."After Tests, I will pick formats, and see in which different ways I am available for selection," Head said. "At this stage, I would like to be back here in [the] IPL next year. Like I will play Major League Cricket [in the USA] this year right after the World T20 [T20 World Cup] but next year might just look a lot different."Head's decision is a testament to his commitment to Test cricket. He believes that the longer format allows him to showcase his full range of skills and contribute to his team's success."Look, in few years when I am finished with Test cricket, then probably there will be few more opportunities to play a bit more franchise cricket," Head said. "But at this time, I would try to limit it to a couple of franchise[s] maybe, and [focus on] Test cricket."Despite his hectic schedule, Head is not concerned about workload management. He is determined to make the most of his time on the field and enjoy the moment."I know in a few years, I can retire and do nothing, I will have plenty of time to look back and wish I was back on tour, I would like to be in the moment, keep batting through and stay in the moment, enjoying the moment."

The eternal debate between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, two of cricket's greatest legends, has once again ignited with former English cricketer David Lloyd's recent comments. Lloyd, known as 'Bumble', weighed in on the discussion during an interaction on talkSPORT Cricket, sparking a flurry of reactions.For a Test Playing XI, Lloyd unequivocally chose Tendulkar. "In Test cricket, Sachin," he declared. "The other guy is incredible, Virat Kohli. Dangerous. Would take the game away. Exciting player. But if I had a choice in a Test match between Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, I would have Lara. He could hit the ball in places that weren't even invented, and could do it all very naturally. A different animal, Lara."Lloyd's preference for Tendulkar in Test cricket stems from his consistent performance and unwavering temperament. "He was on an even keel all the time, Tendulkar. Didn't really take chances," Lloyd observed. "So in Test match, between him and Kohli, two fabulous players. It's not really an argument, Sachin."However, for an all-format XI, Lloyd's choice shifted to Kohli. "Virat Kohli," he stated. "Sachin was sublime. All is right with the world, but I like a bit of rock and roll. We're talking about two of the greatest players there's ever been. We're trying to look at T20s and ODIs, you could easily go for Kohli."Lloyd's reasoning for favoring Kohli in all formats lies in his versatility and adaptability. "Kohli's era, with its emphasis on T20 cricket and the rigorous schedule of modern tournaments like the IPL, showcased his versatility and adaptability," he explained.The debate between Tendulkar and Kohli is likely to continue for years to come, as both players have left an indelible mark on the game. Tendulkar, with his longevity, consistency, and unmatched records, remains a revered figure in cricket. Kohli, with his aggressive style, leadership qualities, and ability to perform across formats, has established himself as a modern-day great.

When coach Brendon McCullum flew over from New Zealand to inform Jimmy Anderson, England's most successful Test bowler, that his time was up, it was a testament to both parties. Anderson's unwavering intensity and competitive spirit were evident in his desire to continue, while McCullum's decision to personally deliver the news spoke volumes about his coaching style and the reasons behind England's recent success.In contrast, the Indian administration has sometimes handled such matters with less sensitivity. In 1979, the team's skipper, Venkatraghavan, was informed of his sacking via a pilot's announcement during a flight home from England. This was the first time Venkatraghavan had heard of the decision.Anderson, who will turn 42 in July, is likely to play his 188th and final Test against West Indies at Lord's the same month. Only Sachin Tendulkar (200) has played more Tests, and only Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708) have taken more wickets than Anderson's 700. Remarkably, Anderson claimed 220 of those wickets after the age of 35, at a better average, demonstrating his ability to improve with age.For several years after his debut, Anderson carried two burdens. One, that he was effective only in home conditions where the ball swung, and two, that while he was capable of producing magical deliveries, he seemed more focused on bowling dot balls. However, when England won a series in India after 28 years in 2012-13, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni attributed the victory to Jimmy Anderson.Anderson credited Zaheer Khan for teaching him the art of reverse swing and admitted that his famous wobble ball was somewhat of a lottery due to its unpredictable nature. Few players have spoken with such honesty about their craft.Despite its dignity and humanism, it seemed incongruous that a coach's nudge was necessary before such an obvious decision was made. Perhaps Anderson himself was relieved that the decision had been taken out of his hands. Most sportsmen have an instinct for recognizing when the time comes, but great ones sometimes don't, because they have often come out of slumps in the past and believe they can do so again.Anderson's five wickets in four matches in the Ashes series at an average of 85.4 was a hint he refused to acknowledge. He struggled in India (except for a magical spell in Visakhapatnam), but kept repeating variations of "I am as fit as I have been; I am at my best now," statements he had made in the past.Yet, even if he got his timing slightly wrong, it didn't detract from his stature as one of the greats of the game. It would be a toss-up between him and Glenn McGrath for the title of the finest bowler of their type in modern times.McGrath hit his groove early and finished with nearly the same average bowling at home or away. Yet it was Anderson who might win the argument as a player who asked more questions more consistently of batters who were conscious of the fact that the near-unplayable ball was just around the corner — and he could bend it as few could.Anderson played for longer and reinvented himself periodically, cutting pace for accuracy and bowling with a grace and seeming lack of effort which is one of the game's great sights. He was experimenting with a new run-up at 41. "His ability to keep wanting to improve has been extraordinary," wrote his former captain and friend Alastair Cook.Anderson has played 70% of all the Tests England have since his debut. That, for a fast bowler, is an incredible record, testimony to his skill, fitness, hunger, success, consistency, and ability to improve.Should players be allowed the time and place for the final goodbye? It can be a tribute to long years of service (Anderson made his debut in 2003) as well as a profitable marketing ploy. Anderson's time had come. He was allowed to choose the place. It is a happy compromise.

Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, is set to make his long-awaited return to competitive cricket for Durham in the County Championship against Lancashire this week. Stokes' last competitive match was in the final Test of England's tour of India in March, where he bowled just five overs due to a troublesome left knee.Since then, Stokes has undergone surgery to clear out the knee issue and has been gradually building up his bowling intensity. He has ruled himself out of the upcoming T20 World Cup to focus on his Test summer, where he aims to play a full part with both bat and ball.Stokes' return to Durham is a major boost for the team, who are currently fifth in Division One of the County Championship. Head coach Ryan Campbell believes Stokes' presence will have a significant impact on the squad and the competition as a whole."We're looking to kickstart our season and we're looking forward to welcoming England captain Ben Stokes back into our team for the first time - it will be absolutely awesome," Campbell said. "I suggest if you've got a few days over the weekend you get down to Blackpool and watch the great Ben Stokes return for Durham."Stokes' return to bowling is particularly important for England, who have struggled to balance their team without a seam-bowling allrounder. Men's managing director Rob Key is encouraged by Stokes' progress and believes he is feeling pain-free for the first time in a long time."Ben in particular is feeling, for the first time in quite some time, that he is bowling pain free, and is able to bowl almost, straight away, into his top end speed," Key said. "And he's not having to go through pain barriers all the time to do it. I think he feels liberated by the fact the knee op has been a success and he feels he can now look to this part of his career being able to do both things, which is always a big thing for an allrounder."Stokes is expected to play four red-ball matches for Durham before the first Test against West Indies on July 10. It is still unclear whether he will be available for Durham's Vitality Blast campaign, which begins on May 30.

England's management team, comprising Rob Key, Brendon McCullum, and Ben Stokes, met with veteran fast bowler James Anderson in Manchester last month to inform him that it was time for him to retire from international cricket. The decision was reached after a 90-minute meeting, where the team management expressed their belief that it was time for a transition in the bowling department.Key, the managing director of the England men's teams, stated that Anderson had been expecting the conversation but was not completely surprised. The team management had been monitoring Anderson's performances and felt that his time at the top level was coming to an end.Anderson has decided to play one final Test match, which will be against West Indies at Lord's in July. Key emphasized that the decision to retire was Anderson's own, and the team management did not pressure him into it.The retirement of Anderson leaves a significant void in England's bowling attack, but Key expressed excitement about the prospect of new players stepping up. He mentioned several young fast bowlers who are in contention for selection, including Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, and Ollie Robinson.Key also acknowledged that Robinson needs to improve his robustness and consistency. He stated that when Robinson is at his best, he is a very good bowler, but when his pace drops, he becomes less effective.Jofra Archer, another fast bowler in England's central contract, is not expected to play Test cricket this summer but could feature in Sussex's 2nd XI fixture against Kent this week. Ben Stokes, meanwhile, could play in Durham's County Championship fixture against Lancashire from Friday.

Ravi Shastri's Unconventional Advice to Rishabh Pant: A Masterstroke in CoachingDuring India's Test match against England in Chennai, then-head coach Ravi Shastri witnessed Rishabh Pant's relentless assault on England spinner Jack Leach. Instead of the conventional advice to "grind it out," Shastri surprised Pant with an unconventional suggestion: "Don't hit there, play the reverse sweep."This unconventional advice caught the attention of Ravichandran Ashwin, who later sought an explanation from Shastri on his YouTube show. Shastri explained that he understood Pant's unique character and knew that telling him not to play the shot would only make him more determined to do so."I knew if I tell him don't play it, that's against his nature and he might play it even more," Shastri said. "So, I gave him an alternative option that would still allow him to be aggressive but in a more controlled manner."Shastri's unconventional advice proved to be a masterstroke. Pant, known for his fearless batting, embraced the reverse sweep and used it to great effect against Leach. The shot allowed him to continue his aggressive approach while minimizing the risk of getting out.Shastri's ability to adapt his coaching style to the unique characteristics of each player is a testament to his astute understanding of the game and his players. By recognizing Pant's strengths and weaknesses, Shastri was able to provide him with advice that not only allowed him to express his natural talent but also helped him become a more effective batsman.This incident highlights the importance of coaches who are willing to think outside the box and tailor their advice to the individual needs of their players. By embracing unconventional approaches, coaches can empower their players to reach their full potential and achieve success on the field.