Cricket

Former Test paceman Peter Siddle, at the age of 39, continues to defy the odds, playing a pivotal role in Victoria's strong position on day one of their Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.Despite a weakened Victoria side due to Australia A commitments, Siddle's experience and skill proved invaluable. He struck twice in an over to remove Daniel Drew and Jake Lehmann, and later returned to clean bowl Liam Scott, ending the day with impressive figures of 3-44 from 18 overs.South Australia, batting first at the Adelaide Oval, struggled to find fluency, reaching a scoring rate of two runs an over only in the final moments of the morning session. Conor McInerney was the first wicket to fall, dismissed by Victoria captain Will Sutherland.Henry Hunt and Liam Scott both scored half-centuries, but it was Siddle's interventions that kept Victoria in control. He removed Hunt, edging to first slip off Doug Warren's first ball, and caught Alex Carey on the boundary off Mitch Perry's bowling.Carey's dismissal for 44 left South Australia at 159 for 5, but Scott played a crucial innings to revive the home side, assisted by Ben Manenti and debutant Henry Thornton.Victoria's young bowling line-up, featuring Cam McClure, Mitch Perry, and Doug Warren, complemented Siddle's experience. Despite an early gift of five penalty runs, South Australia ended the day on 286 for 9, with Siddle's performance highlighting that age is no barrier to excellence.

Tasmania's first innings against Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield match at Bellerive Oval ended on a promising note, with the hosts reaching 302 for 7 on day one. Despite losing to WA in the Shield final rematch just two weeks ago, Tasmania's batsmen showed resilience and determination.Caleb Jewell and Mitchell Owen played pivotal roles in Tasmania's innings, scoring half-centuries. Jewell's 61 came off 114 deliveries, while Owen's 83 was a more aggressive knock, coming off just 83 balls. Owen's innings included 13 boundaries and two sixes, marking a career-best performance for the all-rounder.Tasmania's innings got off to a solid start, with openers Jake Weatherald and Tim Ward surviving the opening session without loss. However, Brody Couch broke the partnership by dismissing Weatherald for 49. Joel Paris then struck three quick wickets, trapping Jewell lbw, dismissing Charlie Wakim, and sending captain Jordan Silk back to the pavilion.Owen's arrival at the crease provided stability to Tasmania's innings. He shared a 102-run partnership with Brad Hope, who contributed 25 runs. Owen's dismissal in the final hour left Tasmania at 255 for 7, but the hosts managed to add another 47 runs before the close of play.Western Australia, despite missing several key players due to international commitments and other reasons, put up a strong bowling performance. Paris was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4 for 38. Couch and Cameron Gannon also chipped in with two wickets each.Tasmania will be looking to build on their solid start on day two, while Western Australia will aim to make early inroads and put pressure on the hosts. The match is evenly poised, and both teams will be eager to secure a victory.

The under-construction international cricket stadium at Narsingarh in Tripura is poised to become a potential second home ground for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This development comes as the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata undergoes a significant makeover next year.The Narsingarh stadium project, initiated in 2017 with an estimated cost of Rs. 185 crore, has faced delays in its completion. However, recent developments have reignited hopes of hosting IPL matches at the venue.Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) secretary Subarta Dey revealed that IPL chairman Arun Kumar Dhumal visited the proposed stadium and expressed optimism about its potential as a second home ground for KKR. The stadium's readiness by February 2025 is crucial for this possibility.To expedite the construction process, the TCA has engaged a reputed construction agency. The agency has completed 80% of the work in the past seven years, despite the initial deadline being only 22 months.The TCA is closely monitoring the progress and has threatened to terminate the agency's contract if it fails to meet the revised deadline. The association is determined to complete the stadium by February 2025 to secure the opportunity to host IPL matches."If we could complete the stadium's work by February next year, I am confident of hosting at least two IPL matches of KKR at Narsingarh international cricket stadium," said Dey.The prospect of hosting IPL matches in Tripura has generated excitement among cricket enthusiasts in the state. The Narsingarh stadium, with its modern facilities and seating capacity of over 50,000, would provide a world-class venue for the tournament.

Sydney Thunder's Georgia Voll has etched her name in the record books with a scintillating 92-run knock, leading her team to a resounding 64-run victory over Adelaide Strikers. The triumph marks Thunder's biggest win in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) and their second victory in three matches this season.Voll, who joined Thunder from Brisbane Heat on a three-year deal, seized the opportunity to open the batting and unleashed a barrage of boundaries. Her innings, which included three sixes and 12 fours, propelled Thunder to their highest total of 212 for 5.The 21-year-old shared a 54-run opening stand with Chamari Athapaththu before combining with Phoebe Litchfield for a 96-run partnership off just 52 balls. Litchfield also contributed a valuable 49, showcasing her creative strokeplay with scoops and reverse sweeps.In reply, Adelaide Strikers struggled to keep pace with Thunder's onslaught. Only Katie Mack's 51 provided some resistance, as Shabnim Ismail and Sam Bates wreaked havoc with the ball. Ismail claimed 3 for 18, while Bates returned career-best figures of 4 for 21, dismantling the Strikers' middle and lower order.The result leaves Adelaide with a 1-2 record in the shortened 19-game season, while Thunder have emerged as early contenders with two wins from three matches. Voll's performance has been a revelation, showcasing her potential as a top-order batter and providing a glimpse of what Thunder can achieve this season.

Kurtis Patterson's resurgence and Jack Edwards' timely return propelled New South Wales to a respectable total of 239 against Queensland in their Sheffield Shield clash. Patterson, making his first appearance for NSW since being dropped last season, compiled his highest first-class score in two years, an impressive 91. Edwards, recovering from injury, contributed a valuable 88.NSW's innings got off to a shaky start as Queensland's quicks, led by 19-year-old Tom Straker, reduced them to 59 for 5. However, Patterson and Edwards steadied the ship with a crucial 135-run partnership. Patterson, who had been dropped as NSW captain last season, admitted that he needed to be dropped to rediscover his form."I probably haven't said it publicly but I think I needed to be dropped when I was last year because frankly, I wasn't batting well enough," Patterson said. "I'd be lying if I said that thought never crossed my mind, whether I'd get another go back here. But thankfully I've kind of ticked all the boxes with [grade club] St George and got my opportunity."Edwards, who missed the last round with a hamstring injury, played aggressively to regain momentum for NSW. He was unfortunate to be given out caught behind short of a century. Patterson also appeared unhappy with the decision that ended his innings.NSW lost four wickets for three runs at the end of their innings, but Queensland's openers, Usman Khawaja and Matt Renshaw, negotiated the new ball spells, including Josh Hazlewood's first of the season, to finish the day unbeaten.Queensland's attack, despite missing senior figures Michael Neser and Mark Steketee, performed admirably. Liam Guthrie, Straker, and Angus Lovell all took wickets.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has hinted at a potential move for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Raina revealed that Pant met with CSK legend MS Dhoni in Delhi, sparking speculation about a possible transfer.The Indian Premier League (IPL) player retention lists were announced on Wednesday, with Dhoni retained by CSK as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore. Pant, on the other hand, was released by the Delhi Capitals (DC) after eight seasons with the franchise.Speaking to JioCinema, Raina said, "I met MS Dhoni in Delhi, Pant was also there. I think something big is to happen. Someone will be wearing a yellow jersey soon."This statement comes amidst reports that Pant is set to join CSK. The move would not be surprising, as Dhoni is nearing the end of his career and Pant could become the franchise's next star wicketkeeper-batter or even captain.In 111 matches for DC, Pant scored 3,284 runs at an average of 148.93, with a century and 17 fifties. He is the franchise's leading run-getter. Under his captaincy, DC reached the playoffs in 2021 but failed to progress beyond the league stages in 2022 and 2023.In the last season, Pant scored 446 runs in 13 matches for DC, averaging over 40 and striking at over 155. He scored three half-centuries and had a best score of 88*. While he was the franchise's top run-getter, DC missed out on the playoffs, finishing sixth with seven wins and seven losses.DC have retained all-rounder Axar Patel, spinner Kuldeep Yadav, batters Tristan Stubbs, and Abishek Porel ahead of this year's mega auction.

Jasprit Bumrah Retained by Mumbai Indians as Top Pick for IPL 2025Amidst the flurry of player retentions ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as the top retention pick for five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI). The ace speedster, who has been retained for a whopping Rs 18 crore, expressed his delight at continuing his journey with the franchise for another three years."It feels good. I came here as a 19-year-old teenager. Now I'm going to turn 31 and have a son, so it's been a complete journey. I'm happy that the journey is continuing and no better feeling," said Bumrah in a video released by the franchise on Thursday.Bumrah, who has been an integral part of MI's success over the years, reflected on his growth within the team. "When I came, all the legends of the game were here, and I used to ask a lot of questions. So now, slowly the role is changing, and a lot of youngsters are coming into our team who are eight-nine years younger than me," he said."So, I always feel happy to help, because I got a lot of help when I started. So, always willing to help, and always trying my best to contribute in whatever way I can, and whenever I can," he added.MI had a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the league under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, who replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain after being traded in from Gujarat Titans. However, Bumrah remains optimistic about the team's future."We have been successful in the past, and we know how to win championships. So, instead of looking at championships now, look at yourself, rectify the mistakes, and try to take on the positives. So that is what has always worked for us, and I think that is something that we will focus on, and hopefully with a positive stride, we'll get good results," he said.Bumrah also spoke about the special atmosphere at Wankhede Stadium, MI's home ground. "It feels good whenever the crowd is behind you, that experience of playing in Wankhede is always great. That energy, and vibe is a sight to see if you've never experienced it before. It's an interesting atmosphere to experience, as you'll not get that in most places," he said.The ace fast-bowler, who was named Player of the Tournament in India's triumph at the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, has taken 165 wickets for MI in 133 games since 2013. He is currently their second-highest wicket-taker after Lasith Malinga, who is now the bowling coach.Bumrah concluded by emphasizing the importance of a winning mentality. "The winning mentality is always there, because you're playing the sport to win. If you are just there to participate, it doesn't really land up well, according to me. So for me, I have a lot of belief in my ability, and that's always been the case since the time I was a child," he said."I didn't want to be just any cricketer, I wanted to contribute more and do special things. So I don't look at my overs as gold, I look at them as a responsibility. So you have to accept good with the bad, and whenever you win, you accept and start from zero. Whenever you lose, you start from zero, that's the beauty of this sport," he added.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has made strategic decisions ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, retaining three key players while releasing several others. The franchise has opted to retain Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal, while parting ways with captain Faf du Plessis, all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Will Jacks, and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.The decision to retain Kohli, the former RCB captain and Indian batting legend, comes as no surprise. Kohli has been a cornerstone of the franchise since 2008, leading the team to the IPL final in 2016 and 2021. His experience, leadership, and batting prowess make him an invaluable asset.Patidar, a rising star in Indian cricket, has also earned his retention. The right-handed batter emerged as a key performer for RCB in the 2023 season, scoring 333 runs in 16 matches at an average of 25.62 and a strike rate of 152.78. His ability to play both as an opener and in the middle order adds versatility to the team.Yash Dayal, an uncapped left-arm pacer, has also been retained by RCB. The 25-year-old impressed with his performances in the 2023 season, taking 13 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 26.69 and an economy rate of 8.23. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a promising prospect for the future.The decision to release Siraj, a key member of the RCB bowling attack, was a difficult one. The right-arm pacer has been a consistent performer for the franchise since joining in 2018, taking 83 wickets in 87 matches. However, RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, explained that the team wanted to enter the auction with as many options open as possible, especially to build a balanced bowling attack.Bobat emphasized the importance of prioritizing a strong Indian core during the auction phase, which is reflected in the retention choices. He expressed confidence that the retained players will continue to make significant contributions to the team's success.

On the opening day of the third Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, Sarfaraz Khan's fiery send-off to Rachin Ravindra marked a significant moment. Ravindra, a key performer for New Zealand, had been instrumental in their victories in the previous two Tests.During the first session, Washington Sundar's delivery crashed into Ravindra's stumps, leaving him bewildered. Sarfaraz, positioned at silly point, erupted in celebration and taunted Ravindra as he returned to the dressing room. Sundar's delivery was a masterstroke, earning him Ravindra's wicket for the third time in the series.Spinner Washington Sundar continued to shine, claiming two wickets as New Zealand ended the first session at 92/3. Will Young (38*) and Daryl Mitchell (11*) remained unbeaten.New Zealand's innings began poorly, with Akash Deep dismissing Devon Conway for four runs. Skipper Tom Latham and Will Young steadied the ship, but Sundar dismissed Latham for 28. Ravindra's dismissal for five runs further weakened New Zealand's position.Young and Mitchell guided New Zealand through the remainder of the session without further losses.India, trailing 0-2 in the series, will be determined to avoid a whitewash in the final Test. Mohammed Siraj has replaced the unwell Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian lineup, while Matt Henry has come in for Tim Southee for New Zealand.