Cricket

Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has issued a stern warning to his countrymen ahead of their upcoming Test series against India, describing the Asian giants as a "powerhouse that don't want to bow down" to anyone.Lee's comments come in the wake of India's eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test earlier this week. Despite the setback, Lee believes that India remains a formidable force in world cricket."This day and age, India is a powerhouse that don't want to bow down. They know how to win, and they know they can beat Australia; they know they can beat the Kiwis. They know they can beat anyone on any given day," Lee told 'Fox Cricket'.Lee suggested that India's recent performance against New Zealand may have been influenced by the aggressive approach adopted by England under Brendon McCullum, known as 'Bazball'."India just didn't go into their shell. Maybe it's Bazball brushing off on other cricketers around the world," he noted. "I know that India won't be proud of the way they played. They played some pretty loose shots."India's batting woes in the Bengaluru Test were evident in their first innings, where they were bowled out for a paltry 46 runs, their lowest Test score at home. Lee believes that the team needs to assess conditions more accurately and make better decisions."But, you've got to weigh up the risk factor as well. There are times when you've got to go, 'Okay, well, maybe the big shots aren't working today'. Maybe, just rein it in a little bit. I don't think they sort of summed up the conditions as quickly as what they should have done," Lee said.Before departing for Australia, India will play two more Test matches against New Zealand in Pune (October 24-28) and Mumbai (November 1-5). These matches will provide the team with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Pakistan's unwavering faith in their spin-heavy strategy has led them to field an unchanged starting eleven for the decisive third Test against England in Rawalpindi. This decision comes after their resounding 152-run victory in the second Test in Multan, where their triple-spin attack proved highly effective.The decision to retain the same lineup is a testament to Pakistan's belief in the curators' efforts to transform the Rawalpindi surface into a spin-friendly haven. Historically, the Pindi pitch has not been conducive to spin, but the curators have been working tirelessly to alter its behavior.Industrial-sized fans and heaters have been deployed to dry out the surface, while windbreakers have been placed around the pitch to prevent moisture from seeping in. Footmarks are visible on the strip, particularly outside the left-hander's off-stump, indicating that the pitch may offer assistance to spinners.Pakistan's head coach, Jason Gillespie, acknowledged the unique nature of the pitch. "It's an interesting pitch," he said. "We expect it to favor the slower balls here."The series is currently level at 1-1, with both teams eager to secure a series victory. Pakistan is seeking their first series win since their 2-0 triumph in Sri Lanka in July, while England is aiming to avoid a series defeat.Pakistan's unchanged lineup features Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Zahid Mahmood.

Rangpur Division and Dhaka Metropolis emerged victorious in the opening round of the National Cricket League (NCL), while defending champions Dhaka Division and Rajshahi Division settled for draws.Rangpur Division vs. Chattogram DivisionRangpur Division dominated Chattogram Division, winning by an innings and 81 runs. Khalid Hasan and Mim Mosaddeak scored half-centuries as Rangpur declared on 273/9. Fahad Hossian claimed four wickets for Chattogram.Chattogram's batting faltered, with Rishad Hossain taking two wickets in each innings. Abdullah Al Mamun's 3/10 and Mukidul Islam's 2/15 helped Rangpur bowl out Chattogram for 103 and 89, respectively. Chowdhury Md Rizwan was named player-of-the-match.Dhaka Metropolis vs. Barishal DivisionDhaka Metropolis defeated Barishal Division by eight wickets. Marshall Ayub and Aich Mollah scored centuries as Dhaka declared on 408/5. Ayub became the first batter in Bangladesh's domestic cricket history to be dismissed obstructing the field.Barishal were bowled out for 219 and 251, with Ashraful Islam taking eight wickets. Dhaka Metropolis chased down their target of 63 runs in 15.4 overs, with Ashraful named player-of-the-match.Dhaka Division vs. Sylhet DivisionDefending champions Dhaka Division drew with Sylhet Division. Anamul Haque and Nazmul Islam took three wickets each as Sylhet were bowled out for 146. Mahidul Islam Ankon scored a century for Dhaka, who were dismissed for 224.Sylhet finished on 257/8 in their second innings, with Nazmul taking four wickets.Rajshahi Division vs. Khulna DivisionRajshahi Division and Khulna Division also drew. Tanzid Hasan scored a century as Rajshahi posted 426. Al-Amin Hossain and SM Meherob took five and six wickets, respectively, as Khulna were bowled out for 194.Sabbir Hossain's 150 helped Rajshahi declare on 311/7. Khulna batted for almost a day and a half, making 311/7 with Amit Majumder and Soumya Sarkar scoring eighties.

Jasprit Bumrah's Workload Management: A Balancing Act for India's Pace SpearheadJasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, has been a subject of intense scrutiny regarding his workload management. His unique bowling action, blistering pace, and exceptional yorker-bowling ability have made him an indispensable asset to the team in all formats. However, injury concerns, particularly back issues, have plagued Bumrah in recent years, forcing him to miss crucial series.To ensure Bumrah's longevity, the Indian cricket management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have adopted a cautious approach, carefully managing his participation across formats. Head coach Gautam Gambhir recently stated that the team will assess Bumrah's workload after the second Test against New Zealand, which begins on Thursday.India's decision to rest Bumrah after the second Test stems from his participation in all three home Tests this season and the impending tour of Australia, which is less than a month away. "Once the series is over, we still have around 10 or 12 days before the (first) Test starts in Australia. That is enough break for our fast bowlers as well," Gambhir explained.However, Gambhir emphasized that workload management extends beyond Bumrah, encompassing all fast bowlers. "We want to keep them fresh. We know that obviously we've got a long tour and an important tour of Australia," he said.Bumrah's return to action during the 2023 Asia Cup and subsequent participation in the World Cup demonstrated the importance of workload management and injury prevention. By prioritizing these aspects, India aims to ensure Bumrah's availability for key matches while mitigating the risk of future injuries.

The upcoming IPL mega-auction is set to witness a significant shake-up in team rosters, with several franchises eyeing the services of Rishabh Pant. The Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter is reportedly likely to enter the auction pool due to his desire for captaincy, which the current DC management is hesitant to grant.Pant, who has been with the Capitals since 2016, has emerged as a highly sought-after player. His exceptional batting skills and leadership qualities have made him a prime target for teams in need of a captain. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are believed to be particularly interested in acquiring Pant, as they seek a replacement for the retiring Dinesh Karthik.Other franchises, including Lucknow Supergiants and Punjab Kings, are also expected to bid aggressively for Pant. Ricky Ponting, who has a close relationship with Pant from their time at the Capitals, is now in charge of the Punjab unit.The mega-auction, scheduled for the last week of November, is expected to feature a large pool of Indian stars, including Shreyas Iyer, who is unlikely to be a top retention for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Mumbai Indians, with their star-studded roster, are the only team likely to retain a significant number of players.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have reportedly finalized their retention list, with Heinrich Klassen, Pat Cummins, and Abhishek Sharma as their three picks. The Right To Match (RTM) card is expected to be used aggressively in the auction, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir, the Indian cricket team has adopted an aggressive approach, prioritizing fearless play and strategic decision-making for the team's success. Gambhir believes that the advent of T20 cricket will reduce the frequency of draws in Test matches."Draws are boring. With T20 cricket around, I don't think we will see a lot of draws in Tests," Gambhir stated at a press conference ahead of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune.The Indian team has kept its playing XI for the second Test under wraps, as is customary for the home team. "In any Test match, picking up a playing XI is always tough. It is always good to have competition," Gambhir said.New Zealand currently holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after their eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru. The defeat was a humbling experience for India, who had previously swept Bangladesh 2-0, including a rain-affected victory in Kanpur."Cricket, sports are a big leveller. If we have enjoyed days like Kanpur we had to endure what happened in Bengaluru. We didn't show any intention to bat out the remainder of the two and a half days," Gambhir said of the Bengaluru loss, where India was dismissed for 46 in the first innings, their lowest-ever total at home.Winning the remaining two Tests is now the top priority for Rohit Sharma and his team before they embark on a five-Test series in Australia.

India's women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, embarks on a crucial three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting Thursday. The series serves as a vital preparation for next year's World Cup, following India's disappointing performance at the recent T20 World Cup.Kaur, who has faced criticism for her captaincy, will be under immense pressure to prove her worth. She will be without the services of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who is appearing for her board exams. Experienced all-rounder Asha Sobhana and seamer Pooja Vastrakar are also unavailable due to injury and rest, respectively.The series presents an opportunity for uncapped players Tejal Hasabnis, Saima Thakor, and Priya Mishra to make their mark. The opening duo of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana will be expected to provide a solid start, while Jemimah Rodrigues and Kaur will be tasked with anchoring the middle order.New Zealand, on the other hand, will be brimming with confidence after their triumph at the T20 World Cup. Led by Sophie Devine, they will be looking to continue their winning ways.The series will be a test of character for India, who will be eager to put their T20 World Cup disappointment behind them. Kaur will need to find the right balance between experience and youth, while New Zealand will be aiming to maintain their momentum.All three matches will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with the first match starting at 1.30 pm IST.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed his unwavering support for under-fire batter K.L. Rahul, emphasizing that the team management's opinion holds more weight than social media criticism. Rahul's recent struggles, including a duck in the first innings and a meager 12 in the second innings of the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, have drawn widespread criticism.However, Gambhir remains confident in Rahul's abilities, stating that "social media does not matter one bit." He highlighted Rahul's impressive knock of 68 in the first innings of the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh as evidence of his batting prowess. "He is batting really well," Gambhir asserted. "He has capability of scoring runs. That's why he has been backed by the team."Despite Gambhir's support, Rahul's place in the team is under scrutiny following Sarfaraz Khan's maiden century in the first Test. Khan's performance has made the competition for batting spots more intense, and Rahul will need to deliver in the second match to retain his place.New Zealand currently holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after their eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru. The defeat was a humbling experience for India, who had previously swept Bangladesh 2-0, including a rain-affected victory in Kanpur."Cricket, sports are a big leveller," Gambhir said of the Bengaluru loss. "If we have enjoyed days like Kanpur we had to endure what happened in Bengaluru. We didn't show any intention to bat out the remainder of the two and a half days."India's batting collapse in Bengaluru, where they were dismissed for a record-low 46 in the first innings, has raised concerns about the team's ability to compete against a strong New Zealand side. Gambhir acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that "everyone is judged. International cricket is all about being judged."

Sri Lanka and West Indies will face off in the second ODI of a three-match series in Pallekele on Wednesday, with the hosts aiming to secure a white-ball series double. Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the rain-hit ODI opener on Monday, while West Indies will be determined to force a decider in the final match on Saturday.Sri Lanka's squad boasts a blend of experience and youth, with Kusal Mendis leading the charge as captain. Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Charith Asalanka provide stability in the batting lineup, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana offer spin options.West Indies, on the other hand, will rely on the experience of Shai Hope, who will captain the side. Brandon King, Keacy Carty, and Sherfane Rutherford form a formidable batting unit, while Alzarri Joseph and Hayden Walsh provide pace and spin, respectively.The first ODI was a closely contested affair, with Sri Lanka ultimately prevailing by 1 wicket. West Indies will be eager to level the series and force a decider, while Sri Lanka will be determined to seal the series victory.The match will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, which has hosted numerous memorable matches in the past. The pitch is expected to be conducive to both batting and bowling, promising an exciting contest.