Cricket

Former England captain Michael Atherton has drawn comparisons between India's recent collapse to 46 all out against New Zealand and England's infamous 46 all out against West Indies in 1994. Atherton, now a respected pundit, highlighted the unique distinction held by Virat Kohli, who has been part of two of India's three lowest-ever scores.Atherton noted that India's collapse occurred in the first innings of a home Test, where they had won the toss and elected to bat. In contrast, England's 46 all out came in the final innings of an away Test, where they had lost the toss.Despite these differences, Atherton identified some similarities between the two innings. Both teams were bowled out by pace bowling, and both collapses featured a number of soft dismissals. Atherton also pointed out that both India and England had been in strong positions before their batting collapses.Atherton welcomed India captain Rohit Sharma to "his world," as he had also experienced the ignominy of captaining a side bowled out for 46. He emphasized the pain and embarrassment that follows such a collapse, despite the adulation from fans.Atherton's analysis highlights the fragility of batting in Test cricket, even for the world's best teams. It also raises questions about India's batting lineup, which has been under scrutiny in recent months.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma's unwavering belief in consistency when it comes to team selection faces a dilemma as he contemplates the inclusion of speedster Mohammed Siraj in the playing eleven for the second Test against New Zealand. The match, commencing on October 24 in Pune, presents a conundrum for Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir.The inclusion of spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar as the fifth slow bowler suggests a preference for a spin-friendly track. However, Siraj's underwhelming performance in home conditions raises concerns. Despite taking 80 wickets in 30 Test matches, only 19 of those scalps have come in 13 home Tests.A coach who has worked extensively with current national team bowlers attributes Siraj's struggles to an erroneous length for Indian conditions. He explains that Siraj's ideal length of eight meters, suitable for bouncy pitches in Australia and South Africa, is too long for the lower bounce of Indian wickets.The coach suggests that Siraj should pitch the ball around 6.5 meters to hit the top of the off-stump, a technique that has proven effective for other bowlers in India. However, Siraj's current length allows batters more time to gauge the line and hit the ball.Despite his struggles in home Tests, Siraj is expected to regain his form in the upcoming five-match series in Australia, where his length will be more effective. However, his performance in Pune and Mumbai, where he has previously looked menacing, remains uncertain.

Mizoram's Agni Chopra, son of renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has continued his stellar performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, following his impressive debut in the 2023-24 edition. In a Plate Division match against Arunachal Pradesh, Agni showcased his exceptional batting skills, scoring a double century and a century in the same game.In the first innings, Agni struck a fluent 110 off 138 deliveries, setting the tone for Mizoram's innings. However, it was in the second innings that he truly dominated, hammering a magnificent 238 off 209 balls. His innings was a masterclass in batting, featuring an array of elegant strokes and powerful shots.Agni's double century and century helped Mizoram secure a comprehensive 267-run victory over Arunachal Pradesh, earning him the Player of the Match award. His performance has further cemented his status as one of the most promising young batters in Indian domestic cricket.Earlier in January, Agni became the first batter to score four centuries in his first four first-class games, a remarkable feat that had never been achieved before. He struck 105, 101, 114, 10, 164, 15, 166, and 92 in his first four Ranji games, averaging an astonishing 95.87.Despite his impressive performances, Agni has yet to be picked for the Indian Premier League (IPL). He believes that he should be selected based on his own merit, rather than his father's connections. "I want to be picked for anything based on my pedigree, it shouldn't be because of anything else," he said.Agni's determination and talent suggest that he has a bright future in cricket. His performances in the Ranji Trophy have caught the attention of selectors, and it is only a matter of time before he earns a call-up to the national team.

Ahead of the Indian cricket team's crucial Tour of Australia, the recent loss to New Zealand at home has sparked concerns about the team's composition. One player who is likely to be omitted from the touring party is veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara.Pujara, known for his resilience and ability to grind out runs, has a proven track record in Australia. However, he has been overlooked for international matches since June 2023. Despite his absence, Pujara has continued to excel in domestic cricket, recently surpassing Brian Lara's tally of 65 first-class centuries.Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed his admiration for Pujara, acknowledging his ability to outlast opponents. Cummins also highlighted the growing rivalry between India and Australia, comparing it to the iconic Ashes series."It's going to be a shame that he (Pujara) is not there, but I'm sure they'll pick someone else who's in a similar kind of style," Cummins said. "It was always great playing (against) Pujara. He was one of those guys who never really felt like he was getting away from you. But then he would (just) bat, bat, bat and bat."Cummins also emphasized the significance of the India-Australia rivalry, stating that it is now on par with the Ashes. "I do think it is," he said. "Particularly, after the Indian team won the last couple of series at (our) home. We've had more success against England over the past decade. I think it's right up there."Pujara's absence from the Tour of Australia will be a significant loss for India. His experience and ability to anchor the innings would have been invaluable in the challenging conditions Down Under. However, the team management will have to make a decision based on current form and the need to inject fresh blood into the squad.

Western Australia's hopes of securing a first-innings lead against Tasmania were boosted by a resilient batting performance on day two of their Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA.Despite a disappointing start that saw opener Cameron Bancroft depart cheaply for the third consecutive match, Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly combined for an unbroken 119-run partnership to guide WA to 219 for 4 at stumps.Inglis, who struck a century in the season opener against Queensland, once again showcased his impressive form, reaching a half-century off just 57 balls. Connolly provided valuable support, helping WA recover from a precarious position.Earlier, Tasmania had posted a competitive 277 in their first innings, thanks to a late-order rally led by Mitch Owen (69) and Matt Kuhnemann. Corey Rocchiccioli was the standout bowler for WA, claiming 4 for 70.WA's chase got off to a shaky start when Bancroft fell for 8, followed by captain Sam Whiteman and Mitchell Marsh. However, Hilton Cartwright's aggressive half-century before tea provided a much-needed boost.Cartwright's departure after the interval due to the birth of his second child left WA in a spot of bother. However, Inglis and Connolly stepped up to the plate, turning the tide in WA's favor.With the match evenly poised heading into day three, WA will be aiming to build on their solid batting performance and establish a significant first-innings lead. Tasmania, on the other hand, will be looking to make early inroads and regain control of the contest.

Jack Leach's omission from England's Test squad during the home summer proved to be a catalyst for his rediscovery of his love for cricket. A timely phone call from Ben Stokes after a Test win reinforced his belief in his abilities.Leach, now England's leading wicket-taker in Pakistan with 14, had played only two Tests in the 18 months prior to the tour. Despite regaining fitness after knee surgery, he was overlooked for Shoaib Bashir in England's first Test of the summer.However, Stokes' call reassured Leach that his performances had not gone unnoticed. "He just wanted to tell me how great I was," Leach recalled. "That gave me confidence I still had something to offer the team."Leach admitted to initial fears about his England career, but praised the communication from management. He also received a call from Brendon McCullum, further bolstering his confidence.After a slow start to the season, Leach rediscovered his form with Somerset, taking 36 wickets at 15.86 in five matches. He attributed his success to embracing his strengths and enjoying the game."I just felt like I needed to rediscover that kid-like mentality of why you play the game," Leach said. "I've discovered that again: just being myself, and actually really enjoying that."In Pakistan, Leach has outbowled Bashir, but insists that reclaiming his status as first-choice spinner is not his priority. "For me, it's all about the team," he said.The series decider in Rawalpindi presents another opportunity for Leach to shine on a turning pitch. Two years ago, he played a pivotal role in England's famous victory at the same venue."That's probably my favorite wicket," Leach said. "It was just such a good game to be part of." England will hope for a similar performance from Leach as they aim to secure a 2-1 series win.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has sparked a debate by suggesting that Team India should drop star batter KL Rahul from the Test side once Shubman Gill recovers from his injury. Gill missed the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru due to a stiff neck, paving the way for Sarfaraz Khan to make his Test debut. Khan seized the opportunity with both hands, scoring a magnificent 150 in the second innings.However, with Gill expected to return for the second Test in Pune, India faces a dilemma. Basit believes that Sarfaraz should not be sacrificed, despite his impressive performance. Instead, he argues that Rahul, who has been out of form, should be dropped."Once Shubman Gill is fit, there should not be an injustice to Sarfaraz Khan. KL Rahul should be rested now. People rate him very highly, but his performances haven't been like that. He did very well in South Africa but hasn't done the same in home matches," Basit said on his YouTube channel.Basit criticized Rahul's performance in the first Test against New Zealand, calling it "disappointing." He pointed out that Rahul's failure to deliver in both innings put pressure on the team."A lot depended on KL Rahul after Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant got out. He has played a lot of Test matches and is everyone's favorite. However, he disappointed me today," Basit added.Meanwhile, New Zealand secured a historic victory in the first Test, chasing down a target of 107 with ease. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra put on an unbroken 75-run partnership to guide the visitors to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

In a stunning upset, New Zealand defeated India by 10 wickets in the first Test in Bengaluru, marking their first Test victory on Indian soil in 36 years. The Kiwis' historic win was fueled by a dominant bowling performance that dismissed India for a paltry 46 in the first innings, their lowest team total at home.New Zealand capitalized on their advantage, piling up 402 in their first innings to take a massive 356-run lead. India responded with a spirited second innings, overhauling the deficit, but faltered in the final session on the fourth day.The Kiwis then chased down a below-par 107 in the morning session on the final day, securing their first Test win in India since 1988. The match witnessed several notable records being broken:* New Zealand's only third Test win in India, after 36 years.* India's second home Test loss in the same year in the last 20 years.* New Zealand's first successful chase of a 100-plus target in India in 24 years.* Rishabh Pant's unfortunate dismissal on 99, making him the third Indian batter to be dismissed most times in the 90s in Tests.* India's lowest team total at home, with 46 all out.* The Indian team becoming the first to hit over 100 sixes in a calendar year.* Virat Kohli reaching the 9,000-run mark in Tests, becoming the fourth Indian to do so.* The 356-run lead taken by New Zealand, the fifth biggest ever by a visiting team in India.* The 137-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee, the second highest for the 8th wicket or lower on Indian soil.The victory was a testament to New Zealand's resilience and determination, while India will be looking to bounce back in the remaining two Tests of the series.

The upcoming second Test between India and New Zealand in Pune is set to feature a bald and slow-turning pitch, according to ESPNcricinfo. The pitch, primarily composed of black soil, will offer less bounce and be flatter compared to the first Test in Bengaluru.India, reeling from their lowest Test score at home (46 all out) in the first Test, is eager to level the three-match series at 2-1. The team's strategy for both the Pune and Mumbai Tests is to prepare pitches that favor spin, giving their spinners an advantage.However, there will be a key difference between the Pune and Mumbai pitches: bounce. The black soil in Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium will result in lower bounce than the red soil in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.In Bengaluru, overcast conditions and intermittent rain made the pitch more conducive to seam bowling, which New Zealand exploited to their advantage. However, in Pune, India is expected to field at least three spinners, potentially altering the combination based on the amount of spin the slow surface offers.The Indian selectors have added Washington Sundar to the squad as the 16th member, despite having Axar Patel as the fourth spinner alongside R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav.Pune's MCA stadium has hosted only two previous Tests. The inaugural Test in 2016 saw Australia win by a massive 333 runs, with left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe taking 12 wickets. The pitch was rated poor by the ICC match referee due to its abrasive surface and loose topsoil. In 2019, Virat Kohli scored a double-century in an innings victory over South Africa.The pitch for the New Zealand Test is expected to be devoid of grass, with minimal seam movement outside the first hour after the toss. However, the dry surface will support reverse swing. The slowness of the surface and the lack of support for fast bowlers make the toss crucial, with teams likely to opt to bat first.