Cricket

James Anderson, England's legendary pacer, has expressed his unwavering support for Jofra Archer, suggesting that the speedster could play a pivotal role in England's quest to reclaim the Ashes in Australia in 2025/26.Archer, who has faced a challenging spell with injuries, has only played white-ball cricket since recovering from a persistent elbow injury and hasn't featured in a Test match since February 2021. However, Anderson sees the pacer as essential to England's Ashes campaign, if he's willing and physically able to take on the demands of the red-ball game."If we can keep him fit, the Ashes is a definite opportunity," Anderson told The Guardian. "The only worry is whether the injuries have scared him away from Test cricket and he thinks: 'Can my body cope?' But if Jofra works hard enough, and he's managed well, he would be huge for us in the Ashes."England's current focus on building a formidable pace attack has also contributed to Anderson's own retirement from international cricket, as the team prepares a roster of quicks fit for Australian conditions.Beyond Archer, Anderson highlighted England's promising crop of fast bowlers, including Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, and Matthew Potts, all of whom could be vital contributors to England's attack in 2025/26.Among the new generation of bowlers, Anderson praised Surrey's Gus Atkinson, who debuted in the same match Anderson bowed out against the West Indies. Atkinson's impact was immediate, with 12 wickets in the series, including a stunning seven-wicket haul in the first innings. Anderson noted that Atkinson, who has now accumulated 40 wickets in eight Tests, has "got it all.""I think we've got enough experience with Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Archer potentially, and then the guys that are coming in," Anderson said. "Gus Atkinson has done really well, so have Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts. They're getting experience all the time and if they've got 12 Tests under their belts that's great. It doesn't have to be 50 Tests.""He has got it all. Pace, skill and he picks up things really quickly. I've worked with him a little bit and he'll say, 'right, I want to learn an in-swinger' and within 12 balls he'll have it. That's a great trait. He's got amazing ability and a great temperament."

Abhishek Sharma, once hailed as a rising star in Indian cricket, now faces intense scrutiny due to his recent batting struggles. After a promising start to his T20I career marked by a sensational century, his form has plummeted, raising questions about his future in the squad.Abhishek's international T20 debut was far from ideal, with a first-ball duck against Zimbabwe. However, he quickly redeemed himself with a blistering 46-ball century, showcasing his explosive potential. Since then, however, his form has been inconsistent.In the ongoing four-match T20I series against South Africa, Abhishek has been given multiple opportunities to open alongside Sanju Samson. However, his performances have been disappointing, with scores of 7 and 4 in the first two matches. Both dismissals came via bouncers, exposing his tendency to play hurried shots.Despite the mounting pressure, Abhishek's father and coach, Raj Kumar Sharma, remains optimistic. He believes his son is not out of form but needs one strong innings to regain his confidence. He also highlights Abhishek's ability to bounce back from setbacks, citing his century after a duck on his debut.With tough competition in the Indian squad, Abhishek's place in the team could be at stake if he doesn't find form soon. The third T20I might be his last chance to prove his worth and secure his spot.

South Africa and India Face Off in Competitive T20I SeriesDespite fielding weakened teams, South Africa and India have engaged in a thrilling four-match T20I series that is poised for an exciting conclusion. The series has highlighted areas of concern for both sides, which they will aim to address in the remaining matches.South Africa's Wristspin WoesSouth Africa's batting has struggled against India's wristspinners, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy. In 16 overs, they have conceded 91 runs and lost 12 wickets. This dominance echoes the impact of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal in India's 2017-18 ODI tour of South Africa.India's Batting Depth IssueIndia's batting has shown a lack of depth, with their scoring seemingly stopping at No. 7. In the first T20I, they managed only 40 runs in the last six overs, while in the second, they failed to capitalize on Sanju Samson's century. This issue could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the series.Players in the SpotlightDavid Miller, who has been dismissed twice by Varun, will be eager to improve his performance against the wristspinner. Abhishek Sharma, on the other hand, has struggled to convert his aggressive approach into consistent runs. India's team management will need to support him and help him develop into a more well-rounded player.Team News and Pitch ConditionsLutho Sipamla has joined South Africa's squad for the remaining matches, potentially replacing Andile Simelane or Nqaba Peter. India has no immediate solutions for their batting depth issue but may consider experimenting with their lineup.Centurion, the venue for the third and fourth T20Is, is known for its high-scoring matches. The steep bounce could also favor fast bowlers if the surface provides assistance.Stats and Trivia* Centurion has the highest batting average (33.25) among South African grounds that have hosted at least three T20Is since 2010.* Miller has the most catches (81) by a non-wicketkeeper in T20Is.* Varun has a chance to break the Indian record for most wickets in a bilateral T20I series (9).* Arshdeep Singh has taken the most wickets (89) among Full Member players since his debut in July 2022.

Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket team coach, has taken on a new role as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ahead of the upcoming IPL auction, Dravid participated in the Girls Cup organized by the franchise, showcasing his batting skills and inspiring young players.Dravid's involvement in the Girls Cup was a testament to his commitment to fostering cricket at all levels. He spent considerable time at the crease, facing deliveries from young girls and even applauding their efforts. A video of Dravid's gesture was widely shared on social media, highlighting his humility and support for aspiring cricketers.In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Dravid has been actively involved in the Rajasthan Royals' retention strategy for the IPL 2025 season. He revealed that captain Sanju Samson played a key role in the decision-making process."We have decided to do six out of six retentions. We will retain Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma," Dravid said. "We came to this decision because we trust our talent. We also trust that we want to maintain and build with that core."Dravid emphasized Samson's importance to the team, stating that he was an automatic choice for retention as captain and wicketkeeper-batter. "Sanju Samson is our batsman, wicketkeeper, and captain. He has been the captain of this team for many years. So, it was a no-brainer for us to retain him as he will be our captain in the future too," Dravid explained.With Dravid's guidance and Samson's leadership, the Rajasthan Royals aim to build a strong team for the upcoming IPL season. Their focus on retaining core players and fostering young talent bodes well for their future success.

Mumbai, the defending Ranji Trophy champions, will face Services in Palam on Wednesday, aiming for their third outright victory of the 2024-25 season. With only eight points separating the top five teams in Group A, Mumbai, currently third behind Baroda and Jammu & Kashmir, recognizes the importance of a win before the campaign pauses for white-ball tournaments.Services, currently fourth in the standings, also has aspirations of challenging for a knockout spot. After defeats to Baroda and Jammu & Kashmir in the second and third rounds, they bounced back with a 35-run victory over Maharashtra last week. "We had lost the previous two games. So to beat Maharashtra was very important. We won a close contest and on their turf. For any team, that is bound to give confidence," said Services coach Rajesh Tiwari.Mumbai, led by Ajinkya Rahane, displayed its dominance in the previous round, crushing Odisha by an innings and 103 runs. The victory was built on a 354-run stand between Shreyas Iyer and Siddhesh Lad, the highest fourth-wicket partnership for the 42-time winner. Iyer plundered a 228-ball 233 while Lad contributed 169 off 337 balls.Iyer's continued good form, as evidenced by his century against Maharashtra, suggests he is eager to reclaim his place in India's Test plans. Services captain Rajat Paliwal acknowledges the challenge ahead against Mumbai's formidable batting lineup. "The wickets in matches here have been taken by medium-pacers as well as spinners. Batters have also scored runs. There will be help for everyone from this surface," Paliwal said.

A professional county cricket coach has been suspended for six months by the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) for engaging in inappropriate conduct with a player under his care. The incidents occurred during a pre-season tour in March 2024, involving the men's and women's teams from an unnamed county.The coach, referred to as "Coach A" in the CDC's findings, was charged with breaching regulation 3.3 of the 2023 Professional Conduct Regulations, which prohibits improper conduct that may harm the interests of cricket or bring the game into disrepute. Coach A admitted the charge in writing on July 25, 2024.The identities of Coach A, the player involved ("Player 1"), another player ("Player 2"), and a senior county employee who provided witness statements were anonymized to protect victims and vulnerable witnesses.Evidence presented to the CDC included call logs, messages, and a transcript of Coach A's interview with the Cricket Regulator. The CDC deemed it unnecessary to disclose the full details of the incidents as they had been admitted by the parties involved.Coach A's suspension includes three months already served since the last incident in March 2024, with the remaining three months suspended for two years, contingent on his future conduct. The CDC recommended that Coach A undergo appropriate training at his own expense and did not impose a fine, considering the financial impact on him and his family.Interim director of The Cricket Regulator, Dave Lewis, emphasized the importance of protecting participants from inappropriate sexual behavior, especially by those in positions of power. The Regulator encourages reporting of such incidents and safeguards the identities of victims and vulnerable witnesses.Mitigating factors considered by the CDC in sentencing Coach A included his acceptance of responsibility, apology, and expression of remorse. The panel also noted his unblemished record prior to the incidents and his completion of safeguarding courses and an up-to-date DBS check.

The ongoing dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy has taken a new turn. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed the PCB that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, sparking controversy and uncertainty.The PCB has expressed its disappointment and is seeking clarification from the ICC regarding the hosting arrangements. While the ICC has stated that India will not travel to Pakistan, there has been no official confirmation of a hybrid model being proposed.Former England captain Michael Vaughan has weighed in on the situation, expressing concern that the decision could further deteriorate the already strained sporting relationship between India and Pakistan. Vaughan believes that the absence of India from the Champions Trophy in Pakistan could lead to a prolonged hiatus in matches between the two nations."India have obviously announced that they would not be playing in Pakistan, looks like they're going to play in Dubai. I do think by India not going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, I think that relationship now could be an off-image, it has not been great for a long time and I think it is going to be at its worst," Vaughan said.Vaughan emphasized the global appeal of India-Pakistan matches and expressed regret that India would not be playing in Pakistan. He suggested that the series could be played in neutral venues such as Australia or the UK to accommodate the large fan base.Meanwhile, a report in PTI suggests that the Champions Trophy could follow a hybrid model, with India's matches being played in Dubai or another country. However, a reliable PCB source has denied any such discussions at this stage.The PCB is expected to send an email to the ICC seeking clarification on the Indian decision. The Board is also in consultation with the government for guidance and directives.The situation remains fluid, and the PCB is yet to make a decision on its next steps. The outcome of the ongoing discussions will determine the fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy and the future of India-Pakistan cricketing relations.

KL Rahul, the dynamic Indian cricketer, has expressed his fondness for his time with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Having joined RCB in 2013, Rahul returned to the franchise in 2016 after a brief stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad.During an appearance on Star Sports' "Unplugged," Rahul shared his experiences with RCB, stating, "In 2016 when I went back to RCB, it could have been a fairytale story. I enjoyed playing at RCB the most. Bangalore is home, and the people there know me as a local Kannada boy."Rahul acknowledged the challenges of sports, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability. "Unfortunately in sports, your best is not good enough always. I have always been someone who has tried very hard, and I'll find a way to bounce back. I'll find a way to better my cricket. I am okay with any role or any responsibility."Addressing his departure from the Lucknow Super Giants, Rahul explained his desire for a fresh start and an environment where he could play with greater freedom. "I wanted to start fresh, I wanted to explore my options, and I wanted to go and play where I could find some freedom. Team atmosphere would be lighter. Sometimes you just need to move away and find something good for yourself, and I have been out of the T20 team for a while."Rahul expressed confidence in his abilities and his determination to regain his form. "I know where I stand as a player, and I know what I need to do to get back. I look forward to this IPL season to give me that platform to go back and enjoy my cricket. My aim is obviously to get back into the T20 team."In 2013, Rahul's involvement with RCB was limited, playing in only five matches and batting in two innings. He accumulated 20 runs, with a highest score of 12, at an average of 10.00. His strike rate was 125.00, achieved from 16 balls faced. He didn't score any half-centuries or centuries during that season.In the field, Rahul took two catches and did not execute any stumpings. The 2016 season saw Rahul making a more significant impact. He played in 14 matches, batting in 12 innings, and remained not out on three occasions. This resulted in an average of 44.11. Rahul scored 397 runs, with his highest score being 68 not out, achieved at a strike rate of 146.49. He struck four half-centuries, 37 fours, and 16 sixes. Rahul's contributions behind the stumps included five catches and four stumpings, showcasing his dual abilities as a batsman and wicketkeeper.

Reece Topley, England's fast bowler, has been fined 15% of his match fee by the ICC for smashing a chair in frustration after suffering another injury setback during the first T20I against West Indies in Barbados.Topley, 30, injured his right knee during his delivery stride in the series opener on Saturday. Despite attempting to continue bowling after a rain delay, he left the field after one more delivery and took no further part in the match.This latest setback is a cruel blow for Topley, whose career has been plagued by injuries. As he walked up the steps to the players' pavilion, he was seen picking up a plastic chair and smashing it on the staircase handrail.It was a similar reaction to one Topley had in Mumbai during the 50-over World Cup in October 2023. He had swiped another chair out of his path after leaving the field with what would later be revealed as a tournament-ending break to his left index finger.While the severity of Topley's latest injury is unknown, it was significant enough for him to miss England's second match in Barbados, a seven-wicket win on Sunday. This adds to a litany of injuries that have hampered Topley's career, including a career-threatening stress fracture of the back and a rolled ankle sustained on a boundary sponge during a practice match in Brisbane, which ruled him out of England's successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2022.Topley escaped punishment for the 2023 incident, but this time he was found guilty of a Level 1 breach of the ICC's Code of Conduct, specifically Article 2.2 relating to "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match."Topley admitted the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson, the ICC's match referee, so there was no need for a formal hearing. In addition to his fine, one demerit point has been added to Topley's disciplinary record. If a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and the player is banned. However, this was Topley's first such offense within the time period.