Cricket

Joe Root's remarkable batting form since stepping down as England captain will face a stern test in the upcoming series against India and Australia, where his skills against both pace and spin will be thoroughly scrutinized, according to Australian cricket legend Ian Chappell.With 10 centuries in just 54 innings over the past two and a half years, Root has surpassed Sir Alastair Cook as England's highest Test run-scorer. However, Chappell believes that Root's true mettle will be tested in the upcoming challenges against India and Australia."Root's phenomenal run-making will again be tested when first he faces India at home and then Australia away. In those two series, Root will be facing the best attacks in Test cricket, and his technique against both pace and spin will again be fully scrutinised," Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo.India is scheduled to tour England for a four-match Test series next summer, while the Three Lions will face the daunting task of regaining the Ashes later next year in Australia."Those are difficult challenges that Root and England will face in the future. Currently, they're desperately involved in a bid to win after Pakistan levelled their three-game series with a spin-revolution victory against a clueless England," Chappell added.The Ben Stokes-led side is currently under pressure after Pakistan leveled the three-match series 1-1. The third Test begins on October 24."As the most technically gifted, Root will have the task of convincing his fellow team-mates that numerous versions of the sweep shot aren't the ideal way to combat good spinners. Despite Root's proven talent, that will be a very difficult task," Chappell noted.Since his remarkable 73 on debut Test versus England, Root has emerged as the England batting mainstay, but he has yet to score a century in Australia. Chappell feels his vulnerability to being caught behind suggests a need to reassess his approach to extra bounce on Australian pitches."Root was born to make runs. He's a joy to watch, as he balances a solid technique with the desire to score at every opportunity," Chappell wrote. "One of the few anomalies in Root's record is his failure to score a Test century in Australia despite having played 27 innings there. His last chance to rectify that statistic will likely come in 2025-26, when - barring injury or retirement - he will play another Ashes series.""It's not as though Root has performed poorly in Australia, as his average of around 35 is respectable. However, the lack of a century despite making nine scores in excess of 50 is most unlike Root.""In Australia, the four main bowlers have dismissed Root a number of times and this could be pointed to as a weakness. Nevertheless there's an easy answer: if you're going to be dismissed, it's preferable to get out to a good bowler.""The more worrying Root statistic in Australia is the number of times he's been caught behind. Keepers have had a bonanza as ten times they've clasped Root's edges in just 27 innings. While he could counter with "you've got to be good enough to nick 'em", it does suggest he needs to re-assess the extra bounce Australian pitches provide," Chappell added.

Victoria's batting lineup faced a stern test on the opening day of their Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales at the MCG, with Sean Abbott's exceptional bowling performance putting the Blues in a commanding position.Abbott, who is vying for a spot in Australia's Test squad, claimed four wickets for 50 runs, including a devastating spell after tea that yielded three wickets in 15 balls. His sustained fast bowling kept the Victorian batsmen on edge throughout the day.Peter Handscomb and Campbell Kellaway provided some resistance for Victoria, scoring half-centuries in challenging conditions. However, Mitchell Starc's impressive morning spell, which included a nasty blow to Marcus Harris's arm, set the tone for NSW's dominance.Harris, who batted the entire first session, was unable to capitalize on his start and was eventually dismissed by Starc for 26. The left-armer's extra pace and bounce proved too much for Harris, who was caught down the leg side.Kellaway and Handscomb shared a century stand, but their partnership was broken by Jackson Bird's off-cutter, which dismissed Kellaway for 55. Abbott then returned to wreak havoc, removing Handscomb, Sam Harper, and Will Sutherland in quick succession.Victoria's collapse continued as Nathan Lyon had Sam Elliott caught at short leg, leaving the home side reeling at 185 for 7. Tom Rogers and Fergus O'Neill mounted a brief rearguard, but O'Neill's dismissal late in the day left Victoria in a precarious position.Jack Nisbet picked up a second wicket when he had Todd Murphy caught behind, leaving Victoria on 259 for 9 at stumps. Abbott's outstanding performance has put NSW in a strong position heading into day two, while Victoria will need to find a way to rebuild their innings and avoid a heavy defeat.

New Zealand has achieved a historic victory on Indian soil, breaking a 36-year drought with an eight-wicket triumph in the opening Test match. The Black Caps now lead the three-match series 1-0.After India's dismal performance in the first innings, where they were bowled out for a mere 46, New Zealand responded with a solid 402. The hosts, however, fought back in the second innings, posting a challenging 462.Needing 107 runs to win on the final day, New Zealand faced a hostile opening spell from Jasprit Bumrah. However, Will Young (48 not out) and Rachin Ravindra (39 not out) steadied the ship, adding 75 runs for the third wicket to guide the team to victory in just 27.4 overs.New Zealand's last Test triumph in India came way back in 1988 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where they defeated the hosts by 136 runs. India had won that three-Test series 2-1.The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Pune on October 24.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli's passionate appeal to the Bengaluru crowd on Day 5 of the first Test against New Zealand has ignited social media. With India needing 10 wickets to secure victory, Kohli's animated gestures urging the fans to cheer louder have gone viral.Kohli's leadership and influence were evident as he joined an elite group of cricketers by scoring his 9,000th Test run during the match. His fluent 70 on Day 3 showcased his class and determination, especially after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings.Kohli's partnership with Sarfaraz Khan (136 runs) revived India's innings, highlighting his ability to adapt and contribute in different batting positions. His half-century off 70 balls included five boundaries and a majestic six, reaching the 9,000-run milestone in 197 innings.Kohli's achievement places him among the greats of the game, becoming the 18th player to reach 9,000 Test runs. He joins Joe Root and Steve Smith as the only active players in this exclusive club, and is the fourth Indian to achieve the feat after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.Kohli's next target is to surpass Graeme Smith on the all-time run-scoring list, while within the Indian context, he needs 1,100 more runs to overtake Gavaskar for third place. With two more Tests against New Zealand and a five-Test series in Australia on the horizon, Kohli is poised to continue his ascent in the rankings.Kohli's passionate appeal to the crowd and his remarkable achievement on the field have once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the sport and his ability to inspire both his teammates and the fans.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian cricketer, has always held Test cricket in the highest regard, considering it the ultimate test of a player's skill, character, and mental fortitude. Throughout his illustrious career, Kohli has consistently emphasized the unique challenges posed by the longest format of the game, which demands adaptability, resilience, and unwavering focus.Beyond his exceptional batting prowess, Kohli's on-field demeanor has become synonymous with his aggressive and passionate approach to the game. One of his signature gestures is the energetic crowd interaction, where he turns towards the stands and pumps up the spectators, urging them to amplify their support. This act of rallying the crowd is a testament to Kohli's deep connection with fans and his ability to harness their energy to fuel his own performance and that of the team.Kohli's crowd interaction is particularly evident during pivotal moments in matches, especially in high-pressure situations. Whether it's encouraging support during a crucial partnership, celebrating a key wicket, or raising the energy during tense periods, Kohli's ability to involve the fans plays a significant role in creating an intense atmosphere. His charisma and emotional expressions on the field not only lift the morale of the team but also amplify the excitement in the stadium.This crowd interaction is one of the many reasons Kohli has such a strong bond with Indian cricket fans, who see him as not just a player but a passionate leader who thrives on the collective energy of the team and the spectators. His ability to connect with the crowd and channel their support into his own performance is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and his deep understanding of the game.

Pakistan Cricket Legend Basit Ali Condemns On-Field Incident in Asia CupFormer Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his dismay over an unsavory incident involving Pakistan A's Sufiyan Muqeem and India A's Abhishek Sharma during the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024.In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Ali criticized Muqeem's behavior, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and respect for opponents, especially among young cricketers."The cricket was top-notch, but one thing that really upset me was the incident involving Sufiyan Muqeem and Abhishek Sharma," Ali said. "If I were sitting in the dugout or the team manager, I would have told Sufiyan, 'Son, pick up your things and go back.' You haven't even played proper cricket for Pakistan yet, and you're already using abusive language—what kind of behavior is this?"Ali referred to Muqeem's send-off gesture after dismissing Sharma, adding, "You're hurling abuses—did you take a hat-trick or something? You're not at that level yet. The management needs to teach young players how to respect the opposition."The incident occurred during a tense clash between India A and Pakistan A at Al Amerat. Sharma had gotten off to a flying start, scoring 35 off 22 balls, but his innings ended when he mistimed a shot off Muqeem's bowling.After the dismissal, Muqeem made a "silence gesture" toward Sharma, which infuriated the Indian opener, leading to a heated exchange. Umpires had to intervene to restore order.Despite the tension, India A held their nerve to secure a narrow 7-run win, posting 183/8 and restricting Pakistan A to 176/7.Ali's comments highlight the importance of maintaining a high standard of conduct on the field, especially for young players who are still developing their skills and character. Sportsmanship and respect for opponents are essential values that should be instilled in all cricketers.

Indian cricket sensation Sarfaraz Khan has been on a remarkable run of form, captivating fans and experts alike. However, concerns have been raised about his fitness, with some suggesting it could jeopardize his place in the playing XI.To address these concerns, Sarfaraz has embarked on a rigorous fitness regimen, guided by the Indian team's strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, Rishabh Pant has recommended a chef to assist Sarfaraz in improving his nutrition."Sarfaraz is working on his fitness with the Indian team strength and conditioning coach, and Rishabh has provided him with a chef who is taking care of his food," revealed Suryakumar Yadav in an interview with Indian Express. "The intent is that by the time he reaches the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, his body is in a better shape."Despite his perceived fitness issues, Sarfaraz's batting prowess remains undeniable. "His body type might make him look fat, but if you ask him to bat 450 balls, score double hundred, triple hundred, daddy hundred, he has that skill," Yadav emphasized.Sarfaraz's dedication to his craft is evident in his unwavering practice routine. "I have never seen him skipping practice even on match day," Yadav added. "If there is a game, he will get up at 5 am, bat for one hour near his home, and then join the team bus. After the game, he will go to the nearby ground and bat again."After scoring his maiden century for India against New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test, Sarfaraz expressed his elation. "It felt amazing to get my first century for India," he said. "But tomorrow will be tough for them. The pitch is breaking down, the ball is moving, and if we strike early, they could find themselves in a similar situation as we did."Sarfaraz's fitness journey is a testament to his determination to overcome any obstacles that may hinder his cricketing aspirations. With the support of his teammates and a renewed focus on his physical well-being, he aims to silence his critics and cement his place as a vital cog in the Indian cricket team.

Nick Hockley, the chief executive of Cricket Australia (CA), has announced his departure after five years in the role. He will step down in March 2023, following the conclusion of the current season.Hockley's departure comes after discussions with CA chair Mike Baird and other directors, who reportedly informed him that he was not considered a long-term option. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Hockley was given the opportunity to leave on good terms."This was a difficult decision," Hockley said. "However, following what promises to be a blockbuster summer and with our five-year strategic plan well progressed, this is the right time to pursue another challenge, while giving the board plenty of time to find its next CEO to build on the strong foundations now in place."Hockley emphasized that he remains focused on the upcoming season, including the highly anticipated five-Test series against India. "This is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain completely focused on the season ahead and supporting the board on succession and a smooth transition."James Allsopp, the Head of Cricket at CA, is considered the front-runner to succeed Hockley. Other potential candidates include Australian Cricketers' Association CEO Todd Greenberg, former women's captain Belinda Clark, and former CA Head of Broadcast and Commercial Stephanie Beltrame.Hockley's departure marks the end of an era for CA. He has overseen a period of significant change, including the introduction of the Women's Big Bash League and the expansion of the Sheffield Shield. He has also navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent ball-tampering scandal.

Pakistan's Ihsanullah Sparks Debate: Naseem Shah Better Than Jasprit Bumrah?Pakistan's rising fast bowler Ihsanullah has ignited a heated debate by boldly claiming that his compatriot Naseem Shah is a superior bowler to India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. In a recent interview on the Public Digital News podcast, Ihsanullah asserted, "If you look at it, Naseem Shah is a better bowler than Jasprit Bumrah."Despite the host's argument that Bumrah's statistics on paper suggest otherwise, Ihsanullah remained unwavering in his stance. He defended his opinion by highlighting Naseem Shah's impressive performance in the 2022 World Cup, stating that even though players may experience occasional slumps, Naseem's overall ability surpasses Bumrah's.This bold statement has sparked comparisons between two of the most talented pacers in world cricket today. Bumrah, renowned for his pinpoint yorkers and ability to perform under pressure, has been a cornerstone of India's success across all formats. Naseem Shah, on the other hand, has showcased his raw pace and swing, establishing himself as a key figure for Pakistan at a young age.Interestingly, Ihsanullah's preference for Naseem Shah over Bumrah is not an isolated opinion among Pakistani players. In a previous podcast appearance, former Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his trust in Naseem Shah to deliver in high-pressure situations, stating that he would entrust him with the final over in a T20 match with 10 runs to defend.However, Bumrah's track record speaks volumes. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, he emerged as the third-highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps and was named Player of the Tournament for the title-winning Team India. His exceptional two-wicket haul in the final against South Africa played a pivotal role in securing India's first major ICC trophy in 11 years.The debate over who is the better bowler between Naseem Shah and Jasprit Bumrah is likely to continue, with both players possessing unique strengths and abilities. However, Ihsanullah's bold statement has certainly added fuel to the fire, sparking discussions and comparisons among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.