Cricket

Prithvi Shaw, India's prodigious young opener, has been hailed as the "New King" by Australian media ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. His coach, Jwala Singh, has taken the prediction a step further, declaring that Shaw has the potential to become the "next legend" of Indian cricket.Shaw, 22, is set to make his debut on Australian soil in the upcoming Test series. Despite the formidable challenge, Singh is confident in his student's abilities. "I think that in four or five years, yes, he can become the next legend of Indian cricket," Singh told 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.Since his Test debut in 2023 against the West Indies, Shaw has amassed 1407 runs in 14 matches at an impressive average of 56.28. His tally includes three centuries, two of which were converted into double hundreds, and eight half-centuries.Singh's unwavering belief in Shaw stems from his discovery of the young batsman a decade ago. At the time, Shaw was just 12 years old and struggling to make ends meet in Mumbai. "That small boy came out from the nets, and he just removed his helmet, and I asked him...'Where are you living? Where are you from?' He said, 'I am from Uttar Pradesh, I live in a tent...and I'm staying here alone for cricket," Singh recalled.Singh was moved by Shaw's determination and promised himself that he would help him fulfill his dreams. "Psychologically, he was very down. His fitness was not that great because he had a knee injury. So if I tell you frankly, it was my passion to make him my (first) India player," Singh said.Shaw's journey to the top has been marked by hard work and resilience. Despite facing challenges both on and off the field, he has remained focused on his goal of becoming a legendary cricketer. With his exceptional talent and the unwavering support of his coach, Shaw is poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy and beyond.

India and Pakistan Set for Clash in Inaugural Women's U19 Asia CupThe Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced the draw for the inaugural Women's U19 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia from December 15 to 22. The tournament will feature six teams divided into two groups of three.Group A consists of arch-rivals India, Pakistan, and Nepal, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and hosts Malaysia. All matches will be played at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur.The tournament will kick off on December 15 with Malaysia facing Sri Lanka in the opening game. Later that day, India and Pakistan will lock horns in a highly anticipated clash.The following day, Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh, followed by Pakistan facing Nepal. The final group-stage fixtures will be held on December 17, with Bangladesh taking on Malaysia and India facing Nepal.The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four round, scheduled for December 19 and 20. The third-placed teams from both groups will compete in a fifth/sixth-place play-off on December 18.The top two teams from the Super Four will qualify for the final, which will be played on December 22.The Women's U19 Asia Cup is a significant event for women's cricket in the region. It provides a platform for young players to showcase their skills and gain valuable international experience. The tournament is also expected to generate excitement and enthusiasm among fans, particularly in India and Pakistan.

Hobart Hurricanes have made history by calling up 13-year-old Mia Barwick to their squad for the T20 Spring Challenge. Barwick, a promising pace bowler, replaces Heather Graham, who has joined the Australian team for the T20 World Cup following Tayla Vlaeminck's injury.Barwick has showcased her talent in the Cricket Tasmania Premier League and has represented Australia at the Under-16 and Under-19 Female National Championships. Her inclusion in the Hurricanes squad is a testament to her exceptional skills and the Hurricanes' commitment to developing young talent.The T20 Spring Challenge has provided a platform for young players to gain valuable experience in the absence of leading Australian players competing in the T20 World Cup and overseas WBBL players. Sydney Sixers have also given an opportunity to 15-year-old allrounder Caoimhe Bray, who has impressed with her performances for Australia Under-19s.The Spring Challenge was introduced to compensate for the reduced number of games in the WBBL, which will feature a 40-game regular season. Initially conceived as a state competition, it was later aligned with WBBL clubs due to pressure from New South Wales and Victoria.Barwick's inclusion in the Hurricanes squad is a significant milestone for women's cricket in Australia. It demonstrates the growing opportunities for young female athletes and the importance of providing pathways for their development. The T20 Spring Challenge is playing a crucial role in this regard, offering young players the chance to showcase their skills and gain experience at the highest level.

Tragic Loss: Bengal Cricketer Asif Hossain Dies at 28 After Fatal AccidentThe cricketing fraternity is mourning the untimely demise of Bengal cricketer Asif Hossain, who passed away at the age of 28 after sustaining a fatal injury in a tragic accident.Asif, a promising young talent, was on the cusp of breaking into the senior Bengal team. His impressive performances in the Bengal T20 League had earned him widespread recognition. According to his family, he was in good health prior to the accident.On the fateful day, Asif fell from the stairs at his residence. He was rushed to a private hospital in Kolkata, but doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival. The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the cricketing community.Asif's family and friends are devastated by the loss. His teammates and senior cricketers have expressed their heartfelt condolences. The Bengal senior men's cricket team paid a poignant tribute to Asif by observing a minute's silence ahead of their practice session.Asif's cricketing journey began at a young age. He represented Bengal in various age groups and recently made headlines with a blistering 99-run knock in the Bengal T20 League. In 2024, he signed with Sporting Union in the first division of Bengal club cricket. His ultimate goal was to play Ranji Trophy for his state.Asif's untimely demise is a reminder of the fragility of life. He was a talented cricketer with a bright future ahead of him. His loss is a profound tragedy for his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community.

Young Girl Impresses with Spot-On Imitation of Jasprit Bumrah's Bowling ActionA young girl has become an internet sensation after her uncanny imitation of Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's unique bowling action went viral on social media. The video showcases the girl's remarkable ability to replicate Bumrah's signature style, from his short run-up to his rapid arm movement and release.Bumrah's unorthodox bowling action has become a trademark of his bowling prowess, baffling batsmen around the world. The girl's ability to mimic his action with such precision has garnered praise from cricket enthusiasts and fans alike. The video has been widely shared across social media platforms, with users applauding the girl's talent and potential.Bumrah is expected to return for the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand, which is set to commence on October 16. The talented bowler has been on a well-earned break following India's triumphant campaign in the T20 World Cup.However, it is anticipated that Bumrah might continue his rest period during the two Tests against Bangladesh scheduled for September. The Indian team management and selectors are reportedly exploring options to introduce more variety into the pace attack. As a result, there is a possibility of including a left-arm seam and swing bowler to the pool of pacers who are competing for a spot in the Test squad.This strategic move aims to add depth and versatility to the bowling lineup, providing the team with a wider range of options to choose from based on the playing conditions and opposition.

Rishabh Pant to Grace Delhi Premier League T20 Opener, Boosting Young TalentIn a significant development for the inaugural Delhi Premier League T20 (DPLT20), Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has confirmed his participation in the opening match of the season on August 17. Pant will don the colors of Purani Delhi 6 against South Delhi Superstarz, led by Ayush Badoni, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.Pant's presence will be a major boost for the tournament, which aims to provide a platform for aspiring cricketers in Delhi. The 25-year-old has been a key figure in India's recent success, playing a pivotal role in the team's Test and limited-overs victories.Purani Delhi 6 will also field another experienced campaigner in Ishant Sharma alongside Pant. Pant's participation was initially uncertain due to his busy international schedule. However, he has made a commitment to play the first match to support the initiative and acknowledge the role Delhi cricket has played in his career."Rishabh has agreed to play the first match of the DPLT20 as he wanted to be a part of this initiative that is likely to provide a great platform for youngsters in Delhi," a source close to Pant told TOI.While Pant is eager to gain match practice after missing 15 months of cricket due to a car accident, his preparation for the upcoming international season remains a priority. He will return to red-ball training after the first match of the DPL and focus on preparing for the long-format season, starting with the Duleep Trophy in early September.The DDCA and Purani Delhi 6 management have expressed their appreciation for Pant's gesture while respecting his commitments. Pant's participation in the DPLT20 opener is expected to generate significant excitement and inspire young cricketers in Delhi.

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he claimed 15 wickets and earned the Player of the Tournament award, further cemented his status as a cricketing icon. His unique bowling action has garnered admiration from experts and fans alike.However, a young boy has recently emerged on social media, captivating attention with his uncanny resemblance to Bumrah's bowling style. The boy's video caught the eye of legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram, who shared it with the caption: "Wah jee wah look at that control and action exactly like the great @Jaspritbumrah93 video of the day for me. #crickethavenoboundiers."Bumrah's impact extends beyond T20 cricket, as he has proven equally effective in ODIs and Tests. Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja recently hailed Bumrah as a "legend of all three formats," praising his ability to excel in all aspects of the game.Raja's comments resonated with India's new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who emphasized the importance of all-format players. "I'm a very strong believer in one thing, that if you're good, you should be playing all the three formats," Gambhir said. "They don't want to stay and they don't want to be labelled as red-ball bowler or white-ball bowler."Bumrah's success has inspired a new generation of cricketers, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. The young boy's emulation of Bumrah's bowling action serves as a testament to the Indian pacer's influence on the sport.

Dion Myers' return to international cricket has been a revelation for the Zimbabwean batter. After taking a break to pursue his university studies in the UK, Myers has returned with a renewed perspective and a hunger to succeed.In his third international innings upon his return, Myers struck an unbeaten 65 off 49 balls against a formidable Indian side. It was a performance that showcased his talent and determination, and it has given Zimbabwe fans hope for the future."Over the last few years, there's been a lot of self-introspection," Myers said. "Watching a lot of cricket, along with my own training, helps you see what you can achieve or what you can do better to give to the team. The time away from the game was a blessing in disguise."Myers' absence from the Zimbabwean team has coincided with the retirement of several senior players, including Sean Williams and Craig Ervine. This has created an opportunity for young players like Myers and Clive Madande to step up and take on leadership roles.In the third T20I against India, Myers and Madande formed a crucial 77-run partnership that helped Zimbabwe recover from a precarious position. Myers was particularly impressive against spin, taking Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, and Abhishek Sharma for a combined 44 off 31 balls."It was the sort of wicket where you couldn't really come in straightaway and start going at 150-200 strike rate," Myers said. "I just tried to play it my way, hitting it on the ground early on, and as the innings goes on, you pick more areas of the ground."Myers' return to form has been a welcome boost for Zimbabwe, who are looking to rebuild their team after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. With his talent, experience, and leadership qualities, Myers is poised to play a key role in Zimbabwe's future success.

Archie Vaughan, the son of former England captain Michael Vaughan, has taken a significant step in his cricketing career by signing his first professional contract with Somerset. The 18-year-old, a promising top-order batter and offspinner, has been a part of Somerset's academy since 2020.Vaughan's journey to professional cricket began at Millfield School, where he honed his skills from the age of 15. His talent and dedication caught the attention of Somerset, and he made his debut for their second team in 2022. He also plays club cricket for Taunton St Andrews.During Somerset's pre-season tour of the UAE, Vaughan impressed with his performances. He played against Yorkshire, the county of his father, in the third-place play-off of the Abu Dhabi T20 Counties Super Cup, scoring a valuable 35 off 28 balls in a three-wicket win.Vaughan's contract with Somerset will commence on November 1 and will initially run until the end of the 2026 season. He is eager to make the most of this opportunity and learn from the experienced players in the dressing room."It's something that I've worked extremely hard for and it's something that I've strived for since I was a kid," Vaughan said. "To get the opportunity for a club where I've really enjoyed myself over the last few years is an honor."Somerset's director of cricket, Andy Hurry, praised Vaughan's work ethic and potential. "Archie is a young man with a bright future ahead of him," Hurry said. "Since joining the academy, he has demonstrated a genuine and strong desire to work incredibly hard and improve every facet of his game."Vaughan's signing adds to the growing list of children of former England players who are making their mark in domestic cricket. Andrew Flintoff's sons, Rocky and Corey, are part of the Lancashire set-up, while Josh de Caires, son of Michael Atherton, is a first-team player for Middlesex.