Cricket

Rohit Sharma's Unfortunate Dismissal Mars India's Fightback in Bengaluru TestIndia's hopes of salvaging the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru suffered a setback on Friday as opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed in an unfortunate manner. After trailing by 356 runs in the first innings, India had made a promising start to their second innings, with Sharma leading the charge.However, the Indian captain's impressive stay at the crease was cut short by a moment of misfortune. Facing left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, Sharma attempted a defensive stroke to a ball on the off-stump. The ball, however, glanced off the inside edge and trickled onto the stumps before Sharma could react.The dismissal left Sharma and the Chinnaswamy crowd in disbelief. The Indian opener had looked solid in his innings, scoring 52 runs off 83 balls. His departure was a major blow to India's hopes of building a substantial lead.Earlier in the day, New Zealand had been dismissed for 402 in their first innings. Rachin Ravindra (134) and Tim Southee (65) had put together a brisk 134-run partnership for the eighth wicket to extend the visitors' advantage.India's bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja (3/72), had struck early to reduce New Zealand to 233 for seven. However, Ravindra and Southee's partnership helped the Kiwis add valuable runs to their total.With Sharma's dismissal, India's task became even more challenging. The hosts will need to bat with patience and determination to avoid a heavy defeat in the first Test.

Pakistan's Test victory over England in Multan has brought a sense of relief to captain Shan Masood and the team, who had endured a four-year home winless streak. Masood emphasized the importance of the win, stating that it was a step towards addressing the unacceptable recent results.The victory was achieved through a bold strategy that involved overhauling the team's template and bringing in three uncapped spinners. The decision to reuse the same pitch as the first Test also proved crucial. Masood reiterated the team's unwavering commitment to taking 20 wickets in Test matches, regardless of the conditions.The gamble paid off as spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali shared all 20 English wickets, marking the first time since 1972 that two players have been responsible for all opposition wickets in a Test match. Masood praised the spinners' performance, acknowledging that they bowled like seasoned campaigners.Masood emphasized the need to take risks in order to achieve the desired results. He acknowledged that Pakistan had lost many matches while pursuing this approach, but the recent victory justified the strategy. However, he also recognized the need to adapt to different conditions, leaving open the possibility of a different approach in Rawalpindi.Despite the victory, Masood remained cautious, acknowledging that the team's journey was far from over. He expressed hope that the win would mark the beginning of a new era for Pakistan cricket, where they could consistently perform well in their home conditions.

Rishabh Pant's Return Boosts India's Hopes in Bengaluru TestRishabh Pant's return to training on Friday has provided a glimmer of hope for India in the ongoing first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Despite conceding a massive 356-run lead, the hosts are pinning their hopes on the star wicketkeeper-batter to salvage the match.During the Tea break on Day 3, Pant emerged from the dressing room wearing a single pad and faced throw-downs under the watchful eye of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. The Bengaluru crowd erupted in cheers as Pant, who missed the morning session due to a knee injury, began his preparations to bat.Pant's absence from the field on Friday saw Dhruv Jurel take over the wicketkeeping duties. However, as per ICC regulations, a substitute wicketkeeper cannot bat for the team. This means that Pant will be eligible to bat without serving any penalty time.India's hopes of saving the Test rest heavily on Pant's shoulders. The left-hander has a proven track record of rescuing the team from precarious situations. In the 2021 Sydney Test, Pant played a pivotal role in India's heroic draw, scoring a match-saving 97. He also played a crucial innings in India's historic victory in the Gabba Test.With India facing a daunting task in the second innings, Pant's return to the crease could prove to be a game-changer. His aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly could help India reduce the deficit and put pressure on New Zealand.The Indian team management will be closely monitoring Pant's progress in the coming hours. If he is deemed fit to bat, he is likely to come in at number six or seven in the batting order.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have unveiled their five retentions for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, hitter Shivam Dube, pacer Matheesha Pathirana, and the legendary MS Dhoni making the cut.Gaikwad and Jadeja, the team's top two performers, will be officially retained for Rs 18 crore and Rs 14 crore, respectively. However, under the IPL's "redistribution of purse" rule, CSK may offer both players the same amount, recognizing Jadeja's seniority and Ruturaj's current status.Dhoni, the former India captain and CSK icon, will take the Rs 4 crore retention. The franchise faces a dilemma with Pathirana and Dube, two crucial players whose salaries may be comparable.CSK will have one Right to Match (RTM) option remaining, which they may use based on auction dynamics. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are potential targets for the RTM.The retentions reflect CSK's emphasis on continuity and stability. Gaikwad, Jadeja, and Dhoni have been key figures in the team's success over the years, while Dube and Pathirana provide valuable depth and versatility.The IPL auction is scheduled for December 16, and CSK will be looking to fill the remaining slots in their squad with a combination of experienced players and promising youngsters.

Sri Lanka's ODI squad for the upcoming series against West Indies has undergone significant changes, with uncapped allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe and legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay earning call-ups. Wickramasinghe replaces Chamika Karunaratne, who has fallen out of favor with the new selection and coaching regime. Vandersay comes in for offspinner Akila Dananjaya.Wickramasinghe's inclusion is a testament to his impressive performances in the Lanka Premier League, where he showcased his batting prowess. He made his T20I debut against West Indies but was later replaced by Dunith Wellalage due to spin-friendly conditions.Mohamed Shiraz, who was a late addition to the squad for the India series, retains his place, while Dilshan Madushanka returns after missing the T20I series against West Indies. However, Matheesha Pathirana, who played all three T20Is against West Indies, has been omitted. Asitha Fernando completes the pace options.The spin attack will be led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, with Vandersay and Wellalage providing support. Sri Lanka's batting lineup remains unchanged, with skipper Charith Asalanka leading a formidable unit that includes Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Nishan Madushka.The three-match series will commence on October 20, with all games scheduled to be played in Pallekele.

England captain Ben Stokes has expressed regret for his outburst of frustration during the third evening of the second Test against Pakistan in Multan. The incident occurred as the match slipped away from England due to a series of dropped catches and fielding errors.Stokes, who was making his return to the side after a nine-week absence due to a hamstring injury, admitted to behaving like a "tired and grumpy old man" when he berated his players at a critical juncture of Pakistan's second innings. The flashpoint came during a spell of reverse-swing bowling from Brydon Carse, who had just dismissed Mohammad Rizwan for the third time in the series.However, two overs later, Carse suffered two drops in the space of three balls, first by Jamie Smith and then by Joe Root. Salman Agha, who was dropped on 4 and 6, went on to make a match-defining 63 from 89 balls. Stokes' frustration boiled over when Jack Leach fumbled at point to give away an unnecessary single in Carse's subsequent over."I actually apologized to the group up there last night," Stokes said afterwards. "It's the first time in my captaincy that I've let my emotions show in my body language, with how I was feeling as the game was unfolding. I owned up to that, and I'm very annoyed at myself for letting that out."Stokes acknowledged that the challenge of getting back to match fitness had been tough, having played no competitive cricket since August. "I've worked so, so hard to get fit for this Test match, but nothing can prepare you for standing out on the field in hot weather," he said.Despite the fielding lapses, Stokes praised Carse's performance, calling him "fantastic" and highlighting his heart, pace, and skill. England head coach Brendon McCullum agreed, saying that Carse had been the "standout" of England's attack.McCullum also defended Smith's display, saying that he had been "very disappointed" about dropping the catch but that his overall keeping had been "as good as I've seen in these conditions."

The Hundred, England's innovative 100-ball cricket tournament, is poised to undergo a significant transformation as it embarks on a three-round bidding process to attract private investment through the sale of franchises. The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has received expressions of interest from over a hundred parties, including high-profile individuals and established cricket franchises.Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, co-owner of Wrexham football club, has expressed interest in acquiring the Welsh Fire team. Nine Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders, are also keen on securing a stake in The Hundred.Mumbai Indians, known for their global expansion strategy, have been in discussions with both The Lord's (London Spirit) and The Oval (Oval Invincibles). The GMR group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals, are interested in the Southern Brave franchise after their recent acquisition of Hampshire Cricket.Birmingham (Birmingham Phoenix) and Leeds (Northern Superchargers) are attracting interest due to their strong Indian diaspora. Rajasthan Royals, co-owned by Manoj Badale, who is based in England, is also expected to make a bid.Lucknow Supergiants owner Sanjeev Goenka is in talks with Avram Glazer, a shareholder in Manchester United and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who is seeking a stake in The Hundred.The ECB's decision to privatize The Hundred is aimed at raising investment and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability. The bidding process is expected to provide clarity on the level of Indian involvement in the tournament, as several IPL franchises are eager to expand their global presence.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed mixed feelings following his team's 2-1 T20I series defeat to Sri Lanka. While acknowledging the home side's victory, Sammy questioned the wisdom of Sri Lanka's decision to prepare turning tracks for the final two games, which were must-wins for the hosts.Sammy argued that such conditions would not be the norm at the 2026 T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka will co-host. He believes that the ICC will ensure that pitches are more balanced, giving both batters and bowlers a fair chance.Despite the defeat, Sammy praised his team's performance, particularly in the first game, which was played on a more balanced wicket. He believes that West Indies showed their depth and challenged Sri Lanka, who had to adjust their tactics to gain an advantage.Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka defended the decision to prepare turning tracks, citing the team's strength in spin bowling. He believes that playing to their strengths gives them the best chance of winning. However, Asalanka acknowledged that Sri Lanka needs to improve their fast-bowling contingent to be competitive in all conditions.Sammy echoed Asalanka's concerns, emphasizing the importance of developing fast bowlers who can perform on different surfaces. He believes that Sri Lanka's reliance on spin could hinder their progress in the long run.Despite the contrasting views on pitches, both Sammy and Asalanka agreed that Sri Lanka's batters performed better than West Indies' throughout the series. Asalanka expressed confidence in his team's ability to score runs on any type of wicket, while Sammy acknowledged the need for his batters to improve their adaptability.Overall, the series highlighted the importance of balanced pitches and the need for teams to develop all-round capabilities. While Sri Lanka's spin-friendly tracks gave them an advantage in this particular series, it remains to be seen how they will fare on more challenging surfaces in the future.

Pakistan's frontline spinners, led by Noman Ali's eight-wicket haul, orchestrated a resounding 152-run victory over England in the second Test in Multan, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.Chasing a challenging target of 297 on a turning Multan Cricket Stadium pitch, England's batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure of Pakistan's spin attack. Skipper Ben Stokes, who has often played match-defining knocks, top-scored for England with 37, but his efforts proved futile.Noman Ali emerged as the star performer for Pakistan, claiming 8-46 in a devastating spell. His victims included England's top-order batters, including Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith. Off-spinner Sajid Khan also contributed with the wicket of Ollie Pope.England's batting woes began early on the fourth day's morning session, as they resumed on 36-2. Pope's dismissal in the second over set the tone for a collapse. Noman Ali then ran amok, trapping Root lbw and Brook in similar fashion.Stokes, known for his aggressive batting, attempted to revive England's hopes with a counterattacking approach. However, his dismissal, caught at midwicket while attempting a big shot, proved to be the final nail in the coffin.Pakistan's victory was a testament to the effectiveness of their spin attack on a turning track. The hosts' bowlers exploited the conditions to their advantage, making it difficult for England's batters to negotiate the spin and bounce.The result leaves the series evenly poised heading into the final Test in Karachi. Pakistan will be confident of securing a series win on home soil, while England will be determined to bounce back and claim the series.