Cricket

Harshit Rana Released from Test Set-up, to Join Delhi for Ranji TrophyIndia seamer Harshit Rana has been released from the Test squad and will return to his domestic team, Delhi, for their upcoming Ranji Trophy fixture against Assam. The decision was made at the request of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), which is without the services of Navdeep Saini, who has been named in the India A squad for the tour of Australia.Rana, 22, has been serving as a traveling reserve for the Indian Test team during their recent series against New Zealand. While he did not feature in any of the matches, his time with the national side has provided him with valuable experience. He will now get some much-needed game time under his belt as Delhi looks to improve their position in the Ranji Trophy standings.Rana's release from the Test set-up is part of a larger trend of players being released to their domestic teams for competitive match practice. Nitish Kumar Reddy, another traveling reserve, has already been released and has played for Andhra in their last fixture. Mayank Yadav is also expected to be released soon and has been told to prepare for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.Delhi will be relying heavily on Rana to lead their attack in their crucial home game against Assam. The team has accumulated just four points from their first two games and needs to improve their performance to qualify for the knockout stages. Rana's experience and skill will be vital in helping Delhi achieve their goals.In addition to Rana's return, Delhi has also made other changes to their squad. Opener Dhruv Kaushik has been ruled out for the next 2-3 games due to a hand injury, while Divij Mehra and Money Grewal have been added to the pace department.

India's Historic Comeback: A Triumph of Resilience and DeterminationIn a remarkable display of resilience and determination, India overcame adversity to clinch a memorable 2-1 series win against Australia during the 2020-21 tour. After being bowled out for their lowest-ever total of 36 in Adelaide, many wrote the team off. However, under the leadership of stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, India mounted a stunning comeback, securing a thumping eight-wicket victory in Melbourne before sealing the series with a thrilling three-wicket win in Brisbane.The Adelaide debacle was a crushing blow, but it also served as a catalyst for the team's resurgence. Led by Rahane's composed century and stellar bowling from the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, India turned the tide in Melbourne. The victory, coming on the back of the 36, lifted the team's spirits and set the stage for one of the most iconic comebacks in cricket.Ravi Shastri, the then-head coach, instilled a mindset of resilience in the team after the Adelaide disaster. "Wear that 36 as a badge," he said. "So that you never forget it when things are going your way, cash in and make the most of it."India's character and belief were on full display in the remaining Tests. They drew the third Test in Sydney and pulled off a stunning three-wicket victory in the final Test in Brisbane. Reflecting on the series, Shastri called it the biggest moment in Test cricket. "I don't think cricket has seen anything like this or anything bigger than this," he declared.Virat Kohli, who departed after the first Test, was full of praise for the stand-in skipper Rahane and the squad. "The character and the belief shown by the whole squad—a group of young guys, which was led beautifully by Jinx (Ajinkya Rahane) in those three Test matches," he said.India's historic comeback is a testament to the team's resilience, determination, and mental strength. It is a story that will be told for generations to come.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has lauded Rohit Sharma's leadership, highlighting his ability to empower players and recognize their potential. Shami, who has played under Rohit's captaincy in limited-overs cricket, praised his understanding of each player's strengths and his ability to utilize them effectively."Rohit gives players freedom and knows which player can perform best in a given situation," Shami said. "He understands that well since he's played with everyone for so long and knows their abilities."Shami's comments come after Rohit announced his retirement from T20 internationals following India's World Cup triumph. Rohit expressed pride in his T20 journey, having begun his career in the format and achieving the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy.Meanwhile, Shami has assured fans that he has fully recovered from his recent knee issues and is preparing for India's upcoming Test series against Australia. The pacer, who has been managing an ankle injury since last year, confirmed that he is now pain-free and will likely play a few Ranji Trophy matches to regain form ahead of the crucial tour.Rohit had previously expressed concerns about Shami's fitness, but the pacer is confident in his preparation and aims to be at his best for the Border-Gavaskar series, which begins on November 22 in Perth.Shami's return to full fitness is a significant boost for India, who will be looking to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Australian soil. The pacer's experience and skill will be crucial in India's quest to overcome the challenges of playing in unfamiliar conditions.

The second round of the Sheffield Shield provided insights into the race for Test selection and the form of players ahead of the upcoming series against India.Openers Struggle:Australia's specialist openers continue to underperform. Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft have failed to impress, while Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas have shown glimpses of promise but lack consistency.Smith's Lean Outing:Steven Smith, who is expected to move back to No. 4 in the Test batting order, had a disappointing outing at the MCG. He was dismissed cheaply in both innings, raising concerns about his form.McSweeney's Strong Start:Nathan McSweeney has emerged as a potential Test candidate with his impressive start to the season. His consistent performances have put him in contention for a spot in the squad, even if he is not selected as an opener.Keepers in Fine Form:Alex Carey and Josh Inglis have been in exceptional form, scoring multiple centuries. Their performances have raised the possibility of Australia playing two wicketkeepers in the Test side.Starc's Encouraging Return:Mitchell Starc looked sharp in his first red-ball outing since March. He found swing and pace, taking six wickets in the second innings. His performance bodes well for Australia's bowling attack against India.Others in the Mix:While most of Australia's Test squad is likely set, there are still some players vying for selection. Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne had quiet weeks, while Mitchell Marsh struggled with the bat. Nathan Lyon and Michael Neser continue to impress, while Sean Abbott and Nathan McAndrew are also in contention.Upcoming Fixtures:Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will feature for NSW in the One-Day Cup match against Victoria on Friday. The focus then shifts to the first Australia A vs India A match in Mackay, which begins on October 31. The next round of Shield matches will also take place concurrently.

India's Triumphant Victory Over Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup: A Memorable EncounterOn October 23, 2022, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed an unforgettable clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The match, played in front of a roaring crowd of 90,000, etched itself into the annals of cricket history.India, chasing Pakistan's formidable total of 160, found themselves in a precarious position at 31/4. However, the indomitable Virat Kohli rose to the occasion, delivering a match-winning performance that will forever be remembered.Kohli, with his trademark grit and determination, anchored India's innings, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls. His two towering sixes in the penultimate over, bowled by Haris Rauf, proved to be the turning point of the match.Kohli's heroics ignited the hopes of millions of Indian fans, who had witnessed their team's struggles in the early stages of the chase. With each shot he played, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their spirits soaring.Hardik Pandya, who played a crucial role in India's victory, shared his thoughts on Instagram, posting a picture with the caption: "A game like no other, and one that will stay with me forever. Nothing makes me happier than playing for my country."Kohli's performance in the match was not only a testament to his exceptional talent but also a reflection of his unwavering commitment to the Indian team. His ability to perform under pressure and inspire his teammates is a hallmark of his greatness.The victory over Pakistan was a significant moment for India, not only in terms of the result but also in terms of its impact on the team's morale. It gave them the confidence and momentum they needed to progress through the tournament and ultimately reach the semi-finals.

England skipper Ben Stokes faced a moment of confusion during a press conference ahead of the third Test against Pakistan. A Pakistani reporter struggled to articulate a question about England's impressive 823-run total in the first Test, leading to Stokes requesting the question to be repeated three times.Despite the language barrier, Stokes remained composed and later apologized to the reporter for any miscommunication. England, looking to bounce back from their defeat in the second Test, will face a spin-friendly pitch in Rawalpindi. Stokes expressed confidence in his trio of spinners, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir, and Rehan Ahmed.Pakistan, on the other hand, have retained their spin-heavy bowling lineup, including Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Zahid Mahmood. With Pakistan hoping to build on their spin success from the previous match and England looking to dominate again, the pitch conditions will be crucial.Stokes emphasized the importance of batting first, as spin will become more significant as the match progresses. Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie echoed Stokes's sentiments, stating that the near-bald pitch is expected to favor slower bowlers.A victory for Pakistan would signal a significant turnaround in fortunes after a disappointing year in international cricket. Both teams will be looking to take advantage of the home conditions and secure a crucial win in the decisive encounter.

India vs New Zealand: Selection Dilemmas and Key Additions for Second TestIndia has bolstered its squad for the second Test against New Zealand, bringing in spin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar to exploit the tactical advantage against the visitors' left-handed batters, including Rachin Ravindra. Sundar's inclusion not only provides an additional spin option but also strengthens the lower-order batting.Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, who were recovering from minor injuries, have been declared fit to play. Gill's return could threaten KL Rahul's place in the side, who has struggled in recent performances. Sarfaraz Khan's impressive form, including a century in Bengaluru, further complicates selection decisions.In the bowling department, India may consider replacing Mohammed Siraj with Akash Deep, who could provide fresh energy alongside Jasprit Bumrah. This change could help India capitalize on early conditions and put pressure on New Zealand from the start.New Zealand, on the other hand, will continue to miss Kane Williamson, who remains in rehab. In his absence, the Kiwis will rely on young talents like Ravindra and Tom Blundell to carry the batting load. Ravindra's century in the first Test was crucial in New Zealand's victory, and his form will be vital as they aim to secure a rare series win in India.The pitch in Pune is expected to favor spinners more than the seam-friendly conditions in Bengaluru. India may opt to field both Ravichandran Ashwin and Sundar to capitalize on this advantage. New Zealand's challenge will be to maintain their momentum and adapt to the unfamiliar conditions.With both teams looking to make crucial adjustments, the second Test promises to be an intense battle. India will be desperate to bounce back and level the series, while New Zealand will aim to seal a historic triumph and carry that confidence forward.

Marnus Labuschagne has declared the race for Australia's vacant Test opening spot wide open, following Steven Smith's return to his preferred No. 4 position. Smith's move back to the middle order has sparked speculation about who will fill the void at the top of the order, with Labuschagne, David Warner, and several other candidates in the mix.Labuschagne believes Smith's return to No. 4 is a logical decision, given his exceptional record in that position. "One of the best players for Australia batting in the position he has had the most success in is a pretty simple fix," he said. "Cameron Green is unavailable for the summer, so there is no one batting at No. 4. Why not have the person who has done it best for Australia batting in that position?"Labuschagne praised Smith's ability to adapt his game to different match scenarios, making him ideally suited to the No. 4 role. "At No. 4, you have to be good at playing spin, work on when you need to push, when you need to hold, and when you need to get through a tough spell," he said. "That has always been his strength."While Labuschagne is open to batting wherever the team needs him, he believes he has been successful at No. 3 and would prefer to remain there. "I will bat wherever they tell me to bat," he said. "Currently, I would say that how I have played at No. 3 has been relatively successful. Hopefully, it should be more successful, but that's where I have batted."The race for the opening spot is now wide open, with several candidates vying for selection. New South Wales teenager Sam Konstas, Victorian opener Marcus Harris, and Western Australia's Cameron Bancroft are the three specialist openers in contention. All three will feature for Australia A against India A next week, providing them with an opportunity to stake their claim for a Test debut.

The mention of Test cricket in Australia evokes vivid memories of a unique and immersive experience. From the lush outfields dotted with seagulls and pigeons to the large stadiums with long boundaries, from fielders catching the ball with their fingers pointing to the sky to the inverted score that reads 3/20 rather than 20/3, from the soothing voice of Richie Benaud and the child-like excitement of Tony Greig on the Channel Nine telecast to the sound of the ball thudding into the hard surface and hitting the bat, the experiences were all new and captivating, leaving a deep impression that enriched one's love for the traditional format.A prominent part of this visceral experience was the pace and bounce on view. It was relayed even before a ball was bowled simply by how far back the wicketkeeper and the slip catchers would position themselves. When the ball was delivered, it often whirred past the batter's head, and tales of yore of how Jeff Thomson's bumper once reached the boundary on one bounce would be passed on from old-timers.Skill, strength, and stamina were essential for success in Australia. India's own trajectory over the past two decades Down Under illustrates that. From being competitive in 2003-04 and 2007-08 to suffering a rout in 2011-12 to finally celebrating series victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21, the pace attacks that India has had for these tours go a fair way towards making sense of the results.In 2018-19, the foundation of India's historic triumph lay in its pace attack going as far as outbowling its Australian counterpart, no mean feat considering the individual and collective brilliance of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins. Jasprit Bumrah, on his maiden Test tour of Australia, finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the series with 21 scalps at an unrivalled strike rate of 44.90 while Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma played excellent supporting roles with 16 and 11 wickets respectively. In contrast, it was off-spinner Nathan Lyon who led the way for the Aussies with 21 wickets. The honours were shared almost evenly among the pace trio — Cummins took 14 and Starc and Hazlewood 13 each — but they weren't quite at their best to find a way past Cheteshwar Pujara and company. During that tour, Bumrah, Shami, and Ishant were at the peak of their physical capabilities too, which meant India could rely on them to maintain their standards over the course of a four-Test series. Both Bumrah and Shami lasted the entire stretch while Ishant, by now a much-improved bowler, played all but one Test.Two years later, in the Covid-affected Australian summer of 2020-21, India's series victory had a miraculous touch to it given the number of injuries and absentees, but in all the drama, twists, and turns that each of the four matches offered, the depth of India's pace resources came to the fore. Even in the fourth and final Test, when the make-up of India's attack had no resemblance to the one that started the series, Shardul Thakur managed seven wickets across the two innings to go with Mohammed Siraj, in only his third Test, claiming his first five-wicket haul in the second innings. Ishant was unavailable for the entire series while Shami had gone home after suffering a fracture on his right forearm in the first Test. Bumrah, too, had to miss the storied, series-winning Gabba Test after 11 scalps in the first three matches.As India embarks on another Test tour of Australia next month, the build-up to the five-Test series — the first of this duration between these teams since 1991-92 — has understandably revolved around the pace department. With an eye on Australia, skipper Rohit Sharma said before the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru last week that the team is looking at creating a pool of eight or nine fast-bowling options. "We want to create a bench strength where tomorrow if anything happens to anyone, we are not worried, and we don't want to be too heavily reliant on a few individuals. That's not the right thing to do. We want to look at the future at the same time, try and make sure that we get the right guys in as well," he said at a press conference. "We want to create guys where even if there are injuries, we have got someone to quickly step in and take that role. It's not about three or four options. When it comes to batting, there are a lot of options. We want to create the same with the bowlers as well."The intention of having a big pool is prudent, but non-negotiable to India's plans will be Bumrah yet again. Gaining legitimacy to be considered India's greatest pacer with every passing performance, he is clearly the most complete fast bowler in the world right now. Whether it's the first over of a Test match or the final over of a T20I, in Mumbai or Manchester, amid glowing sunshine or under overcast skies, Bumrah is the bowler for all seasons and occasions.Joining the leader of the attack on that flight to Australia will be Siraj and Akash Deep. Siraj doesn't always hit his straps, but he has strengthened his credentials over the past four years to be pardoned a few blips. And though Akash, 27, is a rookie in terms of international cricket, the attributes he has exhibited in his three Test appearances suggest he has the tools to evolve into a key member of the pace unit. With Shami facing a race against time to be fit after a setback in his injury rehab, however, it is the identity of the remaining two, or perhaps even three, pacers in the squad that is shrouded in suspense at the moment.By the selectors including Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Mayank Yadav in the travelling reserves for the ongoing Tests versus New Zealand, it can be surmised that they are the leading contenders to make the cut. Having been picked as the fast men in the India-A squad, Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Khaleel Ahmed, and Navdeep Saini would assume they will also be part of the conversation. Only Saini, who played two Tests on the last tour, has experience of conditions in Australia among this lot.While the pacers below Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash in the pecking order may not have been needed in a shorter series, it is pertinent to reiterate that there will be five Tests packed into a little less than six weeks with a two-day warm-up game also sandwiched between the first two Tests. Cracking series awaits. Even if the injuries that some of India's players suffered in 2020-21 are discounted as a one-off, it is seldom possible for three pacers to go through an entire series of this intensity without encountering problems with either form or fitness. If they somehow can, it may go a long way towards helping India pull off a hat-trick of series wins in Australia. Even if not, another cracking series that adds to the bank of indelible memories of Test cricket in Australia is hopefully in the offing.