Cricket

Former Indian cricket legend Dilip Vengsarkar has urged young aspiring cricketers to prioritize Test cricket, emphasizing its significance in establishing true cricketing honor. Vengsarkar believes that while T20 leagues offer fame and financial rewards, the traditional format of Test cricket remains the ultimate test of a player's skill and endurance.Vengsarkar, a member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team, expressed concern that parents are often swayed by the allure of T20 leagues, neglecting the importance of red-ball cricket. He stressed that young players should focus on developing their skills in Test cricket, which would ultimately benefit them in all formats of the game."Parents are overawed with the success of IPL, its teams, and players," said Vengsarkar. "But the focus of young players should only be on red-ball cricket, which would also help them do well in other formats."Vengsarkar, who played a pivotal role in bringing Virat Kohli into the national team as chief selector, emphasized the equal importance of bowlers in all formats of the game. "Bowlers also have a big role to play not just in the IPL but also Test cricket," he said. "They can be match-winners. Try to play Test cricket for your country. If you are a good Test cricketer, you can play other formats of the game.""You will be rated only by what you have done for the country in Test cricket," Vengsarkar added. "IPL is a good format, it is good entertainment, and it also meets the finances, which is also very important, but Test match cricket is the ultimate."Cricket coach Jwala Singh, who has mentored young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Prithvi Shaw, echoed Vengsarkar's sentiments. He emphasized the crucial role of parents and coaches in nurturing young cricketers."When you play any sport, there are three pillars: the player, the parents, and the coach," said Singh. "It has to be a combined effort of all three, and that is what this book is about."Singh cautioned parents against being overly ambitious for their children, driven by the fame and financial rewards of T20 leagues. He advised them to focus on fostering their children's passion for the sport and providing them with the necessary support and guidance."If a child has passion (for the sport) and it continues for (a number of) years, that is how it will work out," he added.

England's bowling attack faces a significant challenge following the retirement of veteran pacer James Anderson, according to former teammate Stuart Broad. Anderson, the highest wicket-taker among pace bowlers in Test cricket, announced his decision to step down after the first match against West Indies at Lord's in July.Broad expressed concerns about the inexperience of England's current bowling options, including Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Gus Atkinson. He emphasized the need for these bowlers to gain exposure and experience to fill the void left by Anderson's departure."I think exposure for some bowlers now is really important, because there's talent out there," Broad said. "You've got the likes of Matthew Potts who has done well in Test cricket and on a Lions tour, Gus Atkinson has loads of great attributes, Josh Tongue who struggled a bit with injuries over the winter but bowled great against Ireland and Australia."Broad also highlighted the potential of Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton, but acknowledged that England could potentially field a very inexperienced bowling group in the near future. "England could easily go into a Test match this summer with a very, very inexperienced bowling group," he said. "That's quite scary as a Test captain I would have thought."Anderson's retirement will leave a significant hole in England's bowling attack, not only in terms of his wicket-taking ability but also his leadership and experience. Broad emphasized the importance of finding someone to step into Anderson's role and provide guidance to the younger bowlers."There's going to certainly be a huge hole left by Jimmy Anderson that someone is going to have to step into," Broad said. "And not just by swinging the new ball. But by communicating, by keeping calm if the boundaries are leaking, by tactically being aware of what field works at certain grounds, pitches and times of Test matches."Broad believes that continuous improvement is key to success in Test cricket, and he praised Anderson for his unwavering commitment to developing his game. "My thing was always continuous improvement," Broad said. "Jimmy's has always been that as well, and we drove each other forward a lot with that mindset."England will host West Indies in a three-match ICC World Test Championship series in July, starting with the first Test at Lord's. The series will provide an opportunity for the younger bowlers to gain experience and prove their worth in the absence of Anderson.

James Anderson's illustrious Test career, spanning two decades, has been a testament to his unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite a shaky start, marked by an overambitious field placement that allowed Dion Ebrahim to plunder runs, Anderson's debut over was quickly overshadowed by his maiden Test five-for, bamboozling Mark Vermeulen with a classic inswinger.Initially, Anderson's fiery run-up and explosive deliveries were more about moments of brilliance than consistency. However, as he matured, he harnessed his powers, making economy of magic the cornerstone of his game. His ability to eliminate errors and deliver devastating deliveries with minimal fuss became his hallmark.Anderson's control and consistency were instrumental in England's greatest series victories, including the 2010-11 Ashes and the 2012-13 triumph in India. His parsimony perfectly complemented Alastair Cook's methodical approach to building innings, allowing England to dismantle opponents with precision and patience.Despite concerns about his relevance in the Bazball era, Anderson has proven his worth, claiming 60 wickets at an impressive average since Brendon McCullum took over. His performances have justified his recall, alongside Stuart Broad, who has also been a key figure in England's recent resurgence.Anderson's longevity is a testament to his robust physique and unwavering determination. Despite early struggles and injuries, he has remained remarkably resilient, defying expectations and becoming one of the most enduring fast bowlers in history.As Anderson prepares for his final Test at Lord's, he leaves behind a legacy of greatness. His puritanical values, unwavering competitiveness, and love for the game have made him an icon. While he may not seek the limelight, the tributes he receives will not only celebrate his individual brilliance but also the end of an era in fast bowling.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a significant pay hike for its international cricketers in a bid to boost the country's performance ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The move aims to incentivize players and sustain the red-ball format of the game amidst the growing popularity of white-ball cricket.The pay hike applies to all categories of players, with the biggest increase being awarded to Test cricketers. The match fee for a Test match has been increased by 100% on a merit basis, with players receiving $15,000 for a win, $12,500 for a draw, and $10,000 for a loss.SLC CEO Ashley de Silva emphasized the importance of safeguarding the legacy of Test cricket, stating that the pay hike is a testament to the board's commitment to the format.The match fee for ODIs and T20Is has also been increased by 25%, from $3000 to $4000. Additionally, SLC has introduced a one-time payment for players who achieve top rankings in the ICC Player Rankings.The 41 contracted players include Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Lahiru Kumara, Nishan Madushka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Janith Perera, Vishwa Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Pramod Madushan, Janith Liyanage, Akila Dananjaya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Nuwan Thushara, Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dushan Hemantha, Lasith Embuldeniya, Binura Fernando, Shevon Daniel, Niroshan Dickwella, Ashen Bandara, Oshada Fernando, and Avishka Fernando.The pay hike is expected to boost the morale of the Sri Lankan cricket team and provide them with the necessary motivation to perform well in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and other international tournaments.

James Anderson, England's legendary fast bowler, is reportedly set to retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the home summer. According to The Guardian, England's Test coach Brendon McCullum personally informed Anderson of his decision during a round of golf earlier this week.Anderson's retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that has seen him become one of the most successful bowlers in Test history. He became the third player to reach 700 Test wickets earlier this year, a testament to his longevity and skill. However, his recent performances have been less impressive, with a relatively light workload in India and a disappointing showing against Australia last summer.At 42 years of age, Anderson is approaching the twilight of his career. He is expected to address his future on Saturday during the BBC's coverage of England women's T20I against Pakistan. The ECB has declined to comment on the matter.Anderson's retirement will leave a significant void in England's bowling attack. England men's managing director Rob Key has indicated that he will look to a new generation of seamers to lead the team in the coming years. Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Matt Potts, Gus Atkinson, Matt Fisher, Saqib Mahmood, and John Turner are among the young bowlers who could potentially fill Anderson's shoes.Anderson's legacy as one of England's greatest bowlers is secure. His exceptional skill, determination, and longevity have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide. His retirement will mark the end of an era for English cricket, but his impact on the game will continue to be felt for years to come.

Joe Root, England's Test captain, has endorsed the use of the Kookaburra ball in the County Championship, arguing that it can enhance the skills of domestic cricketers and narrow the gap between domestic and international cricket.The Kookaburra ball, typically used in Australia, was introduced in the first two rounds of the County Championship season. While the initial results showed a high number of draws, Root believes that the ball's flatter seam and quicker loss of shape can challenge bowlers and force them to develop new strategies.Root, who has extensive experience with the Kookaburra ball overseas, sees its use in England as an opportunity for bowlers to improve their wicket-taking abilities in challenging conditions. He emphasizes that the transition to the Kookaburra ball may involve some initial difficulties, but it can ultimately lead to a higher standard of cricket.Root draws parallels to England's success in limited-overs cricket, which he attributes to a mindset shift and the development of a pool of talented white-ball players. He believes that a similar approach can be applied to red-ball cricket, with the Kookaburra ball serving as a catalyst for improvement.The Kookaburra ball trial is part of a wider effort to enhance the quality of domestic cricket and prepare players for the rigors of Test cricket. Root's support for the initiative highlights the importance of embracing innovation and challenging the status quo to elevate the standard of the game.

The proliferation of T20 leagues has raised concerns about the future of Test cricket, prompting West Indian legend Brian Lara to urge the ICC to intervene and establish a structured framework for franchise-based tournaments.Lara believes that the ICC should take a proactive role in regulating the relentless expansion of T20 leagues, which have encroached upon the traditional space occupied by Test cricket. He emphasized the need for a more organized approach to ensure that Test cricket remains relevant and viable.Lara acknowledged that T20 leagues have become increasingly popular due to their entertainment value and shorter format, which caters to the demands of modern-day spectators. However, he stressed that Test cricket offers a unique experience that should not be overlooked."I like the Test Championship and I think it is important to make sure that the game remains relevant," Lara said. "We haven't educated the present-day public about the importance of batting a session and not losing a wicket."Lara also highlighted the financial challenges faced by smaller cricket nations, which rely heavily on gate receipts and TV rights revenue. He expressed concern that the wealth accumulated by the "big three" nations – India, Australia, and England – could further exacerbate the financial disparities within the sport."It's hard to see outside of the big three – Australia, England, and India – how countries are going to survive when economically it's tough for them," Lara said.To address these concerns, Lara suggested that the ICC consider incentivizing Test cricket and exploring ways to attract spectators back to the grounds. He emphasized the importance of creating a compelling experience for fans, both on and off the field."Try to get them (crowd) back into the ground," Lara said. "I'm almost sure you've experienced it in India, where a sponsor preferred to spend his money on three hours of cricket instead of five days of cricket."Lara's appeal to the ICC underscores the growing need for a balanced approach to cricket, one that recognizes the popularity of T20 leagues while preserving the legacy and significance of Test cricket.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old Indian left-hander, has caught the attention of legendary batsman Brian Lara, who believes Jaiswal has the potential to achieve remarkable feats, including challenging Lara's own record-breaking 400 not out.Lara's admiration for Jaiswal stems from their close relationship, which developed during their interactions over the past year. Their bond strengthened during the IPL, where Lara coached the Sunrisers Hyderabad while Jaiswal played for the Rajasthan Royals. They engaged in "4 am conversations," fostering a strong connection between the two left-handers.Since IPL 2023, Jaiswal has become a key player in India's Test and T20 teams. His exceptional performances in Test cricket are particularly noteworthy, with an impressive average of nearly 70 and three centuries to his name, including two double centuries in the recent home series against England.What has truly impressed Lara is Jaiswal's remarkable skill in adapting to the demands of the game. He has shown a unique ability to shift gears according to the game's situation, a quality that Lara finds highly impressive."If I feel my records are threatened, Jaiswal has got a very good chance to do so. He has got capabilities, couple of double hundreds already. He is that good," Lara told PTI editors.Lara, who celebrated his 55th birthday recently, is widely regarded as one of the game's all-time greats, having scored nearly 12,000 runs in Tests and over 10,000 runs in ODIs. His monumental record of the highest individual score, 400 not out against England in 2004, remains a remarkable achievement.Reflecting on his initial encounter with Jaiswal, Lara fondly recalled a light-hearted moment they shared while on the sidelines during the clash between Rajasthan Royals and SRH in the current season."The only thing I can reveal about that (conversation) is I think he is an outstanding young cricketer. What I like about him is that he is very humble and willing to work. The first time I met him (last year), I immediately found myself attached to him.""After the game (SRH vs Royals), I went to the hotel with a friend of mine from the Caribbean who knew Jos Buttler. It was midnight and Jaiswal found me. I promise you I left the hotel at 4 in the morning.""He just wanted to hear more and more and more. That is one of his amazing traits. His ability to want to learn as much as possible. Our conversations are about trying to make him a better cricketer. I am available for anyone that has my number. I am happy to talk cricket."Lara also expressed admiration for another left-hander, Abhishek Sharma, with whom he spent time at SRH."Again he is someone who I met while I was batting coach of SRH. I spent two years there. I am allowed to a bit biased when I see a left-hander, I just love a left-hander. Myself and Abhishek have developed a very good relationship, these youngsters are very humble. They want to learn.""What I like about these two, they want to get to great heights. I have great admiration for both."Lara believes that Jaiswal's ability to score quickly and his hunger to bat long make him a potential threat to his record."I think now, the pace that these guys are batting at. And you look at the guys over the years who have challenged that 300-mark and plus. It's Chris Gayle. It's Virender Sehwag. It's Sanath Jayasuriya, It's Inzamam-ul-Haq. It's Matthew Hayden. These are guys who destroy bowling attacks.""So I believe yes, I think it will be broken at some point in time. I think it has to be that person's destiny. Everything has to fall into place. And... I look forward to that time. I hope it happens, while I'm still around," he said.

Cricket Fever Inspires Nostalgic Fashion CollectionAs the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts, a limited-edition clothing capsule has emerged, paying homage to the sport's golden era. Motherland, a fashion brand known for its innovative designs, has launched a collection inspired by the iconic cricket fashion of the 1970s.The collection transports fans back to the time of Test cricket, where players donned classic whites, off-whites, and deep navy blues. The recurring pattern on the pullovers, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and caps is the seam of a cricket ball, a subtle nod to the sport's essence. The insignia "Eye On The Ball" further emphasizes the collection's cricket-centric theme.V Sunil, the founder and creative director of Motherland, explains the inspiration behind the collection: "From the '70s through the '90s, Test cricket had great style. The image of Kapil Dev and the boys holding the (limited overs) world cup is so iconic. Our symbology of the spin ball and 'eye on the ball' typography at the first glance looks like a protest symbol which is very much part of street fashion vocabulary."The collection is crafted from 100% cotton knitwear and 100% cotton twill fabric for caps, ensuring breathability and comfort. Sunil highlights the unique features of the collection, including classic collars, a color combination of off-white, navy, and maroon, and a distinctive cricket-ball stitch polo."We wanted to create products with style, energy, and character at accessible prices," says Sunil. "A tribute to the meritocratic spirit of cricket, this collection is about creating products with style, energy, and character at accessible prices, a philosophy that we call sportocracy."Motherland's cricket collection is available online at motherlandsuperstore.com, with prices starting at ₹1,500. The brand plans to open a store in Gurugram soon.