Cricket

Alex Carey, Australia's incumbent wicketkeeper, is entering the Test series against India as a rejuvenated force. Despite the presence of Josh Inglis in the squad, Carey remains unfazed and confident in his abilities.After a six-month break from cricket, Carey has returned with a vengeance. He has posted impressive scores in both ODIs and Shield matches, showcasing his exceptional form with both bat and gloves. Carey attributes his resurgence to a minor technical tweak in his batting stance, which has improved his decision-making and overall performance.While Inglis's inclusion in the squad could potentially threaten Carey's position, the veteran wicketkeeper remains pragmatic. He understands the competitive nature of the role and is focused on performing to the best of his abilities. Carey's long-time teammate, Travis Head, believes he has never seen him bat better, highlighting his current form and potential impact on the team.Carey's relaxed demeanor and impressive performances have made him a key player for Australia. His ability to contribute with both bat and gloves makes him a valuable asset to the team. As the Test series against India approaches, Carey is poised to play a significant role in Australia's quest for victory.

Michael Burgess, the 30-year-old wicketkeeper for Warwickshire, has unexpectedly announced his retirement from professional cricket. Burgess, who joined Warwickshire in 2019 from Sussex, had a contract that was set to expire at the end of the 2025 season. However, he has decided to step away from the game and pursue other career opportunities in London.Burgess began his cricket journey with Surrey's age-group setup before pursuing a degree in Sports and Exercise Science at Loughborough. He made his first-class debut for the UCCE side in 2014 and later joined Leicestershire in 2015. After being released by Leicestershire, Burgess considered various options, including a city job in London and a position at Royal Hospital School in Ipswich. However, he eventually secured a trial at Sussex, which led to a permanent deal.In 2019, Burgess moved to Warwickshire, where he became a key member of the team. He scored over 3,000 runs in 65 first-class matches for Warwickshire, including a career-high 178 against Surrey in 2022. Burgess also played a crucial role in Warwickshire's County Championship title and Bob Willis Trophy double in 2021.Speaking about his retirement, Burgess said, "It's been a very difficult decision. I know it will come as a surprise to many people around the club. But I've decided the time is right to step away from the game and pursue other opportunities."Warwickshire's performance director, Gavin Larsen, expressed disappointment at Burgess' departure but acknowledged that all players eventually reach the end of their careers. He praised Burgess' combativeness and toughness with the bat, as well as his exceptional wicketkeeping skills.Burgess' retirement leaves a void in Warwickshire's squad, which has already lost Will Rhodes and Chris Benjamin to Durham and Kent, respectively. The club has only signed one incoming player so far, seamer Ethan Bamber from Middlesex.

Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh's veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against Afghanistan due to a fractured left index finger. The injury occurred during the first ODI in Abu Dhabi, where Bangladesh suffered a 92-run defeat.According to team physio Delowar Hossain, Mushfiqur sustained the injury while keeping wickets towards the end of Afghanistan's innings. An X-ray confirmed a fracture near the DIP joint. He is currently undergoing conservative management and will not be available for the second and third ODIs.The injury is a significant blow to Bangladesh, who are already without Litton Das due to fever. Jaker Ali is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties in Mushfiqur's absence.Mushfiqur's injury also raises concerns about his availability for Bangladesh's upcoming tour of the West Indies, which includes two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. He retired from T20Is in 2022, but his finger injury could impact his participation in the longer formats.Bangladesh are scheduled to fly to the Caribbean after the Afghanistan ODIs conclude on November 11. They will play a tour game in Coolidge on November 15 before the first Test begins in North Sound on November 22. The squad for the West Indies tour has not yet been announced.Mushfiqur's absence will be a major loss for Bangladesh, who will be looking to bounce back from their defeat in the first ODI. The second and third ODIs will be crucial for Bangladesh to level the series and gain momentum ahead of the West Indies tour.

Wriddhiman Saha, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman, has announced his retirement from cricket after the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. The 38-year-old has had a distinguished career, representing India in 40 Test matches and 9 ODIs.Saha's journey began in 2007 when he made his First-Class debut for Bengal. He spent 15 years with the state team before moving to Tripura. His consistent performances earned him a national call-up in 2010, and he made his Test debut against South Africa.Over the next decade, Saha established himself as a reliable wicketkeeper and a valuable lower-order batsman. He played a crucial role in India's Test victories, including the historic series win in Australia in 2018-19.In the IPL, Saha represented several teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans. He was part of the Gujarat Titans squad that won the inaugural IPL title in 2022.Saha's international career came to an end in December 2021 when he was informed by then India head coach Rahul Dravid that he was no longer in the team's plans. However, he continued to play in the IPL and made significant contributions to Gujarat Titans' championship victory.Throughout his career, Saha scored over 1300 runs in Tests, including three centuries and six half-centuries. He also took 92 catches and effected 12 stumpings. His exceptional wicketkeeping skills and ability to bat under pressure made him a valuable asset to any team.Saha's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. He was one of the most respected and experienced players in the team, and his absence will be felt. However, his legacy will continue to inspire young cricketers across the country.

Ahead of the crucial second Test against New Zealand in Pune, India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate has provided an update on the fitness of star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Doeschate expressed optimism that Pant will be fit to keep wickets in the upcoming match."He was having slight discomfort while running towards the end range of the movement of his knee while running. Fingers crossed he will be fine to keep wickets in the second Test," said Doeschate.Pant's fitness has been a concern for the Indian team after he suffered a knee injury during the first Test in Bengaluru. The injury forced him to miss the final day of the match and raised doubts about his availability for the second Test.However, the BCCI's medical team is confident that Pant will be ready to take the field in Pune. "He was in some pain after getting hit on the right knee during New Zealand's first innings. He was given injections. The limp while running between the wickets came from numbness in the affected region. He just has a bruise now and should be fit in a day or two," a BCCI source told TOI.Pant's return to the team after a year-and-a-half absence due to a near-fatal car accident has been a welcome boost for India. His gritty comeback has earned him the support of the team management, which is carefully managing his workload.Despite his injury, Pant played a crucial role in India's victory in the first Test. He scored a dazzling 99 in the second innings, helping India set a challenging target for New Zealand.With Pant expected to be fit for the second Test, India will be hoping to continue their winning ways and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Rishabh Pant's blistering knock on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand has etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to reach the milestone of 2500 Test runs, surpassing the previous record held by MS Dhoni.Pant achieved the feat in just 62 innings, eclipsing Dhoni's mark of 69 innings. Farokh Engineer, another legendary Indian wicketkeeper, had previously held the record with 82 innings. Pant's achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and aggressive batting style.Pant's milestone came as India fought back valiantly, reaching 344/3 before rain forced an early lunch. His aggressive innings of 53 off 56 balls played a pivotal role in India's resurgence, alongside Sarfaraz Khan, who scored his maiden Test century.Despite suffering a knee injury while keeping on Day 3, Pant showed no signs of discomfort as he took charge with his trademark attacking approach. After a cautious start, he launched a counter-attack, smashing two sixes off left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel in quick succession and following up with a series of elegant drives and sweeps.Pant brought up his 12th Test fifty in 55 balls, with a stunning cover drive off Glenn Phillips that showcased his controlled aggression. His partnership with Sarfaraz, worth 113 runs in 22 overs, was instrumental in guiding India out of an early wobble and putting them on course for a potential lead.Sarfaraz, in only his fifth Test, stole the spotlight with a sublime century, but Pant's contribution was equally vital in stabilizing the innings. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has become a cornerstone of India's Test lineup since his debut in 2018, with several match-winning knocks in overseas conditions, including memorable performances in Australia and England.Pant's record-breaking achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has emerged as one of the most exciting and dynamic wicketkeeper-batters in world cricket, and his contributions will be crucial as India aims to secure a series victory against New Zealand.

Kent County Cricket Club has bolstered its wicketkeeping ranks with the signing of Chris Benjamin from Warwickshire on a three-year contract. The 25-year-old South African-born player, who holds a British passport, has impressed in limited opportunities for the Bears and in the Hundred.Benjamin's breakthrough came in the 2021 Hundred, where he was drafted as a replacement player for Birmingham Phoenix. Despite having played only one senior T20 for Warwickshire, he made an immediate impact, scoring 24 off 15 balls to guide his team to victory. He continued to feature regularly in the tournament's first three seasons.In first-class cricket, Benjamin made a century on debut for Warwickshire but has had limited opportunities in the longer format. He has made 10 appearances for the county, averaging 22.23.Kent's director of cricket, Simon Cook, expressed his delight at securing Benjamin's services. "We're delighted to have attracted a player of Chris' talent to Kent on a long-term contract," Cook said. "He is still a young player with a lot of potential to improve further, and we're pleased to Kent to be the place for him to do so."Benjamin, who moved to the UK in 2018 to study, is excited about the opportunity to play regularly for Kent. "I'm excited to be joining Kent and having the opportunity to play regularly across multiple formats," Benjamin said. "There is a young squad here that will only improve over time, and there's a clear plan for Kent to return to the highs of their recent successes in the future. It's an exciting project to be a part of."Benjamin's arrival will strengthen Kent's wicketkeeping options, with Ollie Robinson and Jordan Cox having left over the last two seasons, and Sam Billings signing a white-ball contract. The club's keeper in Championship cricket this summer has been Harry Finch.Kent were relegated from Division One of the County Championship earlier this month, finishing bottom of the table. They also finished last in the South Group of the Vitality Blast and seventh in Group A of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.

Alex Carey's impressive return to Australia's ODI side has sparked a selection headache for the team ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. With incumbent wicketkeeper Josh Inglis still sidelined by a quad injury, Carey has seized his opportunity with two consecutive half-centuries.Coach and selector Andrew McDonald acknowledged the dilemma, stating that it's a "good problem to have" when players are competing for spots. He hinted at the possibility of both Carey and Inglis playing in the same team, as they have done in the past.However, McDonald also suggested that Australia could opt for an extra allrounder to bolster their batting depth. Aaron Hardie has impressed with his recent performances, including a crucial 44 off 26 balls in the third ODI.Hardie's versatility as a bowler and hitter adds to Australia's options. He can provide support with the new ball and has showcased his death-hitting prowess. McDonald confirmed that the team has been considering playing an allrounder at No. 8, a strategy they experimented with before the last World Cup.Despite the allrounder options, McDonald emphasized that Australia's attack can lack potency without Adam Zampa. The leg-spinner's absence in the third ODI was evident as England's batters took advantage. McDonald expressed hope that both Zampa and Travis Head will be available for the remaining two ODIs.In summary, Alex Carey's resurgence has created a selection conundrum for Australia. The team must decide whether to prioritize a specialist wicketkeeper or an extra allrounder. The availability of key players like Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa, and Aaron Hardie will influence the final decision.

David Richardson, a former South African cricketer, left an indelible mark on the sport both on and off the field. His international debut in 1992 marked South Africa's return to cricket after apartheid-induced isolation.As a wicketkeeper, Richardson's agility and reliable hands earned him 152 dismissals in 42 Tests and 165 dismissals in 122 ODIs. His contributions were instrumental in South Africa's resurgence in international cricket.Beyond his cricketing prowess, Richardson pursued a law degree, demonstrating his commitment to education. This legal expertise would later serve him well in his administrative roles.Post-retirement, Richardson transitioned into cricket administration. As the ICC's first General Manager of Cricket in 2002, he played a pivotal role in shaping the game's governance and regulations.In 2012, Richardson was appointed CEO of the ICC, succeeding Haroon Lorgat. In this capacity, he oversaw the sport's global development and growth. His dedication and contributions to cricket administration earned him widespread recognition.Richardson's legacy extends beyond his playing and administrative achievements. He is remembered as a skilled wicketkeeper, a dedicated student, and a visionary administrator who helped shape the modern game of cricket.