Cricket

Persistent rain has washed out the opening session of the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, casting a shadow over India's hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.India, currently atop the WTC standings, are aiming for their third consecutive appearance in the final. However, the inclement weather in Bengaluru has disrupted their plans. With no play possible on the first day, the teams took lunch without a ball being bowled or the coin being flipped.India's quest for a smooth qualification has been hindered by the rain, as weather forecasts predict further disruptions in the coming days. A start-stop approach is expected for the first three days at the least, which does not bode well for Team India.India's position at the summit of the WTC standings is precarious, with Australia and Sri Lanka lurking behind. India has accumulated 74.24 percentage points after 8 wins, 2 losses, and a draw from 11 matches in the 2023-25 cycle. Australia (62.50 percentage points) and Sri Lanka (55.56 percentage points) are eager to challenge India for a place in the WTC Final.India's recent 2-0 series victory against Bangladesh had boosted their hopes of securing a WTC Final berth. A clean sweep against New Zealand would have guaranteed their qualification even before the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia from November 22.However, the rain in Bengaluru has thrown a spanner in the works. India will need to make the most of the remaining days of the Test series to secure a positive result and maintain their position at the top of the WTC standings. The World Test Championship final will be played at Lord's next June, and India will be determined to make their third consecutive appearance.

The highly anticipated first Test between India and New Zealand, scheduled to commence on Wednesday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, faces the threat of rain interruptions. Weather forecasts predict consistent cloud cover and thunderstorms, with a high probability of precipitation throughout the five-day match.According to local weather reports, Bengaluru is expected to witness "generally cloudy sky with heavy rain" from October 16 to 18. While the forecast slightly improves for the final two days, rain remains a possibility. This inclement weather could force frequent stoppages and impact the flow of the game.India, fresh off a 2-0 Test series sweep against Bangladesh, currently lead the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged his team to avoid complacency against a formidable New Zealand side."New Zealand is a different challenge altogether. They have high-quality players who can hurt us. We respect them, but we don't fear anyone. We need to be focused from the first ball," Gambhir emphasized.India's Test schedule includes eight more matches before the conclusion of the 2024-25 WTC cycle. After the three-Test series against New Zealand, they will embark on a highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia, which will feature a five-Test series for the first time.The WTC final is scheduled to take place at Lord's in June 2024. India's performance in the upcoming Test matches will be crucial in determining their chances of reaching the final.

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed his support for the national team as they prepare for the second Test against England in Multan. Afridi, along with Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, was released from the squad for the remaining two Tests of the series.The changes to Pakistan's squad were made by a newly-formed selection committee, formed hours after the hosts suffered an embarrassing loss by an innings and 47 runs to England in the first Test at Multan. Pakistan are 0-1 behind in the three-match Test series against England and are also at the bottom of the ongoing World Test Championship standings.Afridi, who has been struggling with form and fitness, took to social media to wish the team well. "Wishing Team Pakistan the best of luck! Rooting for a strong comeback. We're all cheering for you!" he wrote on Twitter.The second Test between Pakistan and England will be played on the same pitch as the series opener in Multan from Tuesday. Pakistan will be hoping to level the series and avoid a humiliating whitewash.Pakistan squad for second and third Tests:* Shan Masood (captain)* Saud Shakeel (vice-captain)* Aamir Jamal* Abdullah Shafique* Haseebullah (wicket-keeper)* Kamran Ghulam* Mehran Mumtaz* Mir Hamza* Mohammad Ali* Mohammad Huraira* Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper)* Noman Ali* Saim Ayub* Sajid Khan* Salman Ali Agha* Zahid Mehmood

India's seismic approach to the second Test against Bangladesh, which saw them lose two and a half days due to unpreparedness, has sent shockwaves through the cricket world. Despite the lost time, India's aggressive batting and exceptional bowling performance secured a resounding victory, highlighting the team's newfound mindset under Rohit Sharma's leadership.After Bangladesh were bowled out for 233, the popular belief was that the match would end in a tedious draw. However, Rohit's declaration of intent to "go hard at the bowling" set the tone for a remarkable turnaround. In just 34.4 overs, India amassed 285 runs for nine wickets, setting a new record for the fastest team milestones in Test cricket.Rohit's blistering 40-ball 60, which included three boundaries off the first over, ignited the Indian innings. The skipper's aggressive approach inspired his teammates, who followed suit with a relentless assault on the Bangladeshi bowlers. Shubman Gill (20), Cheteshwar Pujara (22), and Virat Kohli (24) all made significant contributions, while Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 86 off 68 balls sealed the victory.India's bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, was equally impressive. They dismissed Bangladesh for 233 and 170, respectively, in just 74.2 and 47 overs. Bumrah's 5/42 in the first innings and 3/30 in the second were instrumental in India's dominance.The victory not only secured 12 crucial World Test Championship points for India but also showcased the team's newfound attacking mindset. Rohit's leadership has instilled a belief that India can win matches even in challenging circumstances.The Kanpur Test has also highlighted the significance of the World Test Championship. India's aggressive approach was driven by the need to secure a place in the final for a third consecutive cycle. The victory has given them a significant advantage in the race for qualification.Beyond Rohit and Kohli, India's batting group is remarkably young and talented. The likes of Gill, Pujara, Iyer, and Rishabh Pant have already shown their potential, and their continued development bodes well for the future of Indian cricket.

India's dominance in Test cricket continued as they secured a resounding 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh, despite rain interruptions in the second Test in Kanpur. The victory solidified India's position at the summit of the World Test Championship points table, with 8 wins from 11 matches.After rain washed out two days of play, a draw seemed inevitable. However, India's bold approach and decisive decision-making forced the game into a result. The bowlers dismissed Bangladesh for 227 in the first innings, and India responded with an aggressive batting display to gain a slender lead.In the second innings, India's bowlers once again showcased their brilliance, coupled with astute captaincy from Rohit Sharma. The Indian fielders were exceptional, grabbing 23 out of 24 catches, including Mohammed Siraj's stunning one-handed effort.Rohit acknowledged the risks involved in their aggressive approach but emphasized the team's unwavering commitment to securing a result. "We had to take a little bit of risk to get a result," he said. "I was okay with it. So was the coach and the other players as well. Because you have to be brave enough to take those decisions and go and play that way."Rohit praised the team's fielding efforts, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the players and the support of the backroom staff. "It may go unnoticed, but out of the 24 catches that came our way, we took 23 of them," he said. "The guys who were standing behind were so sharp and to take those catches, it may look easy on television, but it is not."India's next challenge will be a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, followed by a three-Test series against New Zealand at home.

Indian cricket team's star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the first bowler to claim at least 50 wickets in all three editions of the World Test Championship (WTC). Ashwin's remarkable feat was achieved on Day 4 of the second Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur, where he dismissed Shakib Al Hasan for 9.As the top-ranked Test bowler in the world, Ashwin has reached the milestone in just 10 matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in WTC history behind Australia's Nathan Lyon. Additionally, Ashwin has equaled Zaheer Khan's record of taking the most wickets in India-Bangladesh Test matches, with both bowlers having claimed 31 wickets each.However, the issue of multiple Test match venues in India has come under scrutiny once again after Day 3 of the Kanpur Test was delayed due to poor drainage at the Green Park stadium. Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the debate, offering both the advantages and disadvantages of the current system.Ashwin believes that having numerous Test venues across India has the benefit of promoting cricket at the grassroots level. "It triggers that sort of urgency and passion among cricketers to be able to come and play for this country," he said. "That is a big positive."He also highlighted how allowing more venues to host Test matches has opened doors for cricketers from diverse regions, nurturing the sport in areas that might otherwise be overlooked. In a country as vast as India, this inclusivity fosters a sense of national pride and opportunity for aspiring players across the nation.However, Ashwin acknowledged the challenges associated with having such a broad range of Test venues. Referring to the drainage issues at the Kanpur ground, he pointed out that certain facilities are critical to hosting a Test match at the highest level. "There are certain requisite ingredients that are important to host a Test match, and these were lacking in Kanpur," he said.Despite the inclusivity and passion generated by having many Test centres, Ashwin also recognized the advantages of having fewer, designated Test venues, similar to what other cricketing nations follow. He cited Australia and England as examples of countries with fixed Test match venues and specific times of the year to host games."We go to Australia, they play India only at five Test centres. They don't play us at the Manuka Oval in Canberra," Ashwin noted. "They won't be very familiar with the conditions. So does England. They have certain select Test centres, and that's where they play. Some of those are only white-ball centres."

The World Test Championship (WTC) is nearing its conclusion, with 10 series remaining. The race for the top two spots is intensifying, with several teams vying for qualification.India's DominanceIndia currently leads the standings with 74.24 percentage points. They have a favorable schedule, with eight remaining Tests against New Zealand and Australia. If they win all eight, they will finish with 85.09%, securing their place in the final. However, they need at least four wins and two draws (56 points) to guarantee qualification, regardless of other results.Sri Lanka's SurgeSri Lanka has made a strong push towards the top two with 55.56 percentage points. They have four Tests remaining against South Africa and Australia. If they win all four, they will finish on 69.23%, assuring themselves of a final berth. Even if they lose one and win three, they will have a chance of qualifying, depending on other results.Australia's ContentionAustralia is currently in second place with 62.50 percentage points. They have seven Tests remaining against India and Sri Lanka. If they win all seven, they can finish on 76.32%. However, India and South Africa can still surpass them.South Africa's ChancesSouth Africa has 38.89 percentage points. They have six Tests remaining against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. If they win all six, they will finish with 69.44%, which should be enough for qualification. Five wins and a draw will keep them in contention, while five wins and a defeat will give them a chance if other results favor them.Other ContendersBangladesh, New Zealand, England, Pakistan, and West Indies have slimmer chances of qualifying. Bangladesh needs to win all four remaining Tests to improve to 56.25%, which may not be enough. New Zealand can theoretically finish with 64.29%, but their recent form suggests they won't reach that mark. England's maximum achievable percentage is 57.95%, while Pakistan can reach 59.52% if they win all seven remaining Tests. West Indies has already played four series and has only 20 points, making their qualification unlikely.ConclusionThe race for the top two spots in the WTC is heating up. India, Sri Lanka, Australia, and South Africa are the frontrunners, while Bangladesh, New Zealand, England, Pakistan, and West Indies have an outside chance. The remaining series will determine which teams will advance to the final and compete for the coveted WTC title.

India's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the second Test in Kanpur has propelled them towards a third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final appearance. The comprehensive 7-wicket triumph has solidified India's position at the summit of the WTC standings, with 98 points from 11 matches.Despite the weather interruptions that marred the first three days of the Test, India showcased their resilience and adaptability. The team's all-round performance was a testament to their depth and quality.India's bowlers, led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav, wreaked havoc on the Bangladesh batting lineup, dismissing them for 227 and 173. The spinners accounted for 17 of the 20 wickets to fall in the match.The Indian batsmen, too, played their part, with Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara scoring half-centuries in the first innings. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer then guided India to victory in the second innings, with unbeaten knocks of 59 and 29, respectively.The win has extended India's lead at the top of the WTC standings, with a points percentage of 74.24. They are now overwhelming favorites to qualify for the final, which will be held at Lord's in June 2025.India's next assignment in the WTC is a three-Test series against New Zealand, starting on October 16 in Bengaluru. A 3-0 sweep against the Black Caps would guarantee India a place in the final.However, if India fails to whitewash New Zealand, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia will become even more crucial. Australia, currently second in the WTC standings, could overtake India with a series win.The upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia will be pivotal in determining India's fate in the WTC. With their current form and depth, India is well-positioned to secure a third consecutive appearance in the final.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with individual battles adding spice to the contest. India, currently atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, will face Australia, ranked second, in a five-Test series that could determine their qualification for the WTC final at Lord's next year.Australian captain Pat Cummins anticipates a captivating duel with Indian opener Shubman Gill, while Mitchell Starc has singled out Virat Kohli as his preferred Indian opponent. Starc, who was punished by Rohit Sharma in the T20 World Cup, relishes the challenge of facing Kohli, stating, "I've managed to get him out once or twice and he has no doubt scored a fair few runs against me. So it's always a good contest and one we both enjoy."On the Indian side, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has emerged as a formidable threat, drawing praise from Travis Head and Steven Smith. Head described Ashwin as "all over you all the time," while Smith acknowledged his exceptional skill and longevity.Marnus Labuschagne, Australia's batting mainstay, is eager to face Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, with whom he shares a history from their academy days. Labuschagne expressed admiration for Siraj's passion and love for the game.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence with the first Test in Perth on November 22, setting the stage for a series of intense individual battles that will undoubtedly shape the outcome of the contest.