Cricket

Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has urged the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc to exploit Virat Kohli's recent form slump and target his front pad with straighter impact balls. Healy believes that this strategy could put Kohli's forward defense to the test, as he has only averaged 22.72 in his six Test matches this season.Healy also suggests that the bowlers should consider body smashes if the first matchup fails, as Kohli is known for using hook and pull strokes to counter the bowling. Healy recommends bowling at the back armpit and having a short leg position right next to him on the leg side.Kohli has historically dominated red-ball cricket in Australia, scoring six hundreds from 13 Test matches and averaging 54.08. However, Healy believes that the Australian pace trio has the potential to unsettle Kohli and put him under pressure.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India begins in Perth on November 22. Healy's advice to the Australian bowlers could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the series.

Mohammed Siraj's heart-wrenching experience during the 2020-21 tour of Australia, where he received the devastating news of his father's death, is a testament to the emotional challenges that athletes face. Despite the immense grief, Siraj chose to stay with the team, inspired by the unwavering support of Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri, and other senior players.Siraj's decision to prioritize his nation over personal tragedy is a reflection of the mental strength and resilience required in sports. He channeled his emotions into his performance, delivering stellar performances in the Melbourne, Sydney, and fourth Tests, playing a crucial role in India's historic 2-1 series win.Mental conditioning coaches play a vital role in helping athletes navigate such deeply emotional moments. They provide emotional support, help players develop coping mechanisms, and assist them in finding deeper meanings in their performances.Jody Martins, a South African mental and conditioning coach, emphasizes the importance of a robust identity, a deep understanding of one's performance process, and an awareness of how performance works. He works with teams to create systems, processes, and a performance-driven culture that fosters individual growth and team success.Martins' approach to coaching varies depending on the stage of an athlete's career. For young athletes, he focuses on general mental performance principles and helps them develop a well-rounded approach to cricket and life. For established international players, he provides more specific support, addressing challenges related to specific tours, opponents, or conditions.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaching, Martins highlights the importance of mental conditioning in helping players cope with isolation and perform under challenging conditions. He encourages players to embrace the experience, maintain a healthy routine, and stay connected with loved ones.In the aftermath of emotional setbacks, such as South Africa's heartbreaking loss to India in the recent T20 World Cup, Martins emphasizes the need for honest conversations about emotions, acknowledging them, and learning from the experience. He believes that emotions can become a source of strength if they are processed and integrated into an athlete's performance.Martins' work with Temba Bavuma, the South African captain, exemplifies the qualities of elite cricketers who seek to maximize their game in all aspects, including mental strength. He believes that vulnerability and openness are signs of mental strength, allowing players to share their shortcomings and seek support.

Mohammed Shami's Return Boosts India's Hopes for Border-Gavaskar TrophyWith the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia approaching, the return of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has ignited excitement among Indian cricket enthusiasts. Shami, who has been sidelined with a long-term injury, made a remarkable comeback in the Ranji Trophy, sparking calls for his inclusion in the Test squad.Kirti Azad, a member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team, believes Shami should be part of the squad for the second Test in Adelaide, provided he is fully fit. "Mohammed Shami is the best seam bowler India has," Azad said. "He has excellent control, can swing both ways, and is a very sensible bowler."Shami's return to competitive cricket has been impressive. In his first match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh, he claimed a seven-wicket haul, dismantling the opposition's batting lineup. He also contributed with the bat, scoring a quickfire 37 runs.To gain more playing time, Shami will represent Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 with the first Test in Perth, followed by a Day-Night encounter in Adelaide from December 6.Azad acknowledged the challenges of playing in Australia, particularly on the bouncy wickets of Perth and Melbourne. However, he expressed confidence in the Indian team's ability to adapt to any conditions. "The Indian team is capable of playing on any track," he said. "They have played against international bowlers and batters in IPL matches."Shami's return provides a significant boost to India's bowling attack. His experience, skill, and ability to swing the ball both ways will be crucial in the upcoming series. With Shami in the squad, India will have a more balanced and formidable bowling unit capable of challenging Australia's formidable batting lineup.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has earned a reputation as one of the most formidable bowlers in the world. His unique bowling action and exceptional skill have left both past and present Australian players in awe.On his previous Test tours of Australia, Bumrah has taken 32 wickets at an average of 21.25, including a match-winning 6/33 during the 2018 Boxing Day Test. Since the start of the 20th century, only two touring bowlers have taken more wickets in Australia at a lower average -- Richard Hadlee and Curtly Ambrose.Australian batters are unanimous about the pivotal role Bumrah can play for India in the upcoming five-match Test series. Travis Head described him as "impossible to face," while Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith acknowledged his ability to strike fear into the hearts of batsmen.Part of Bumrah's magic lies in his unconventional bowling action. Brett Lee, the former Australian pace legend, likened it to that of a "cat burglar." Khawaja admitted that he initially struggled to understand where the ball was coming from when facing Bumrah.Smith, who has an impressive record against Bumrah, still feels vulnerable against him early in his innings. He attributed this to Bumrah's awkward bowling rhythm, which takes some time to adjust to.Bumrah's exceptional skill and ability to unsettle batters make him a key player for India in the upcoming Test series. His presence will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge to the Australian batting lineup.

Sri Lanka's Test squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa has undergone a significant shake-up, with left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and offspinner Nishan Peiris earning recalls. The duo replaces Ramesh Mendis, who misses out despite claiming six wickets in his only Test appearance this year.Embuldeniya, who last played a Test in 2020, and Peiris, who made his debut against New Zealand in September, will bolster Sri Lanka's spin attack alongside Prabath Jayasuriya. The move reflects the team's expectation of spin-friendly conditions in Durban and Gqeberha, where the matches will be played.The batting and seam-bowling departments remain largely unchanged. Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, and allrounder Milan Rathnayake make up the fast-bowling contingent. Top-order batter Oshada Fernando returns to the squad, while Nishan Madushka, who has impressed in ODIs, misses out.Embuldeniya and Oshada's selection is partly based on their strong performances in South Africa in 2019. Embuldeniya took six wickets at an average of 23.83, while Oshada scored a crucial 75 not out in the fourth innings to help Sri Lanka secure a victory.Despite their past performances, neither player has been particularly impressive in domestic cricket recently. However, Embuldeniya had a decent outing in the four-day National Super League.Several Test specialists, including Kusal Mendis, Asitha, Kamindu Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka, have already arrived in Durban for a pre-series training camp. They have been withdrawn from the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand to allow them extra time to prepare for the Tests.The first Test is scheduled to begin on November 27 in Kingsmead, Durban. Both Sri Lanka and South Africa have a chance to finish in the top two of the World Test Championship table.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively engaging in back-channel discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to promote the hybrid model for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Sources reveal that ICC officials are emphasizing the advantages of the hybrid format and the importance of Indian participation in the tournament.The hybrid model involves hosting matches in multiple countries, with India's matches scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to security concerns. The PCB has expressed its disappointment over India's refusal to play in Pakistan, citing the precedent set by Pakistan's participation in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup in India earlier this year.PCB Chairman Najam Sethi has stated that the board is awaiting a response from the ICC regarding India's stance. He has also urged the separation of sports and politics, emphasizing that all qualified teams, except India, are willing to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.The ICC has conveyed to the PCB that India's decision is based on security concerns. The PCB has consulted with the Pakistan government and is preparing to present its position. The board believes that India should address its concerns directly with Pakistan to find a mutually acceptable solution.The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in India in 2012-13. Since then, the two teams have primarily faced each other in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. The hybrid model for the Champions Trophy aims to balance security concerns with the desire to include all participating teams.

India's preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have suffered a setback with the news that opener Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hairline fracture on his left thumb. The injury occurred during a match simulation in Perth on Saturday, leaving Team India scrambling for a replacement in the playing XI.Former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Kirti Azad has suggested that Virat Kohli should be considered as the ideal candidate to fill the void at No. 3 in Gill's absence. Azad believes that Kohli's experience and ability to perform under pressure make him the best choice for the crucial position.However, Kohli's record at No. 3 in Test cricket has been inconsistent. In eight innings at the position since his debut, he has scored just 167 runs at an average of 23.85, with only one fifty to his name. His overall Test performance in 2024 has also been underwhelming, with 250 runs at an average of 22.72 across twelve innings.Despite Kohli's recent struggles, Azad remains confident that he can rediscover his form in Australia. "He likes challenges, though this is a tough one in Australia," Azad said.Other potential candidates to replace Gill at No. 3 include Hanuma Vihari, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav. Vihari has a solid Test record, averaging 32.61 in 16 matches, while Iyer has impressed in limited-overs cricket and has a first-class average of 52.18. Yadav, on the other hand, is a dynamic batter who has made a name for himself in the Indian Premier League.The Indian team management will have a tough decision to make in selecting Gill's replacement. Kohli's experience and pedigree make him the favorite, but his recent form is a concern. Vihari and Iyer offer more stability, while Yadav brings a touch of flair and unpredictability.

Sri Lanka's dominance over New Zealand continued in the third ODI, as they secured a comprehensive victory to complete a historic 3-0 series whitewash. Under the guidance of legendary coach Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in their cricket, and this series triumph stands as a testament to their newfound prowess.The match, played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, saw Sri Lanka bat first and post a formidable total of 283/9. Opener Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a brilliant 72, while Dhananjaya de Silva contributed a valuable 66. New Zealand's bowlers struggled to contain Sri Lanka's aggressive batting, with only Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell managing to take multiple wickets.In response, New Zealand's chase faltered from the outset. They lost early wickets and never managed to recover, eventually being bowled out for just 162. Sri Lanka's bowlers shared the spoils, with Kasun Rajitha, Chamika Karunaratne, and Maheesh Theekshana each claiming three wickets.The victory marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, as it is the first time they have ever whitewashed New Zealand in an ODI series. It also extends their winning streak to five consecutive ODIs, a testament to their newfound confidence and consistency.For New Zealand, the series defeat will serve as a wake-up call ahead of the upcoming T20I series. They will need to regroup and find a way to counter Sri Lanka's aggressive approach and potent bowling attack.

Rishabh Pant, the former captain of the Delhi Capitals, has refuted claims that his non-retention by the franchise was financially motivated. In response to a video featuring former India batter Sunil Gavaskar's comments on the IPL retentions, Pant clarified that money was not a factor in his departure."My retention wasn't about the money for sure that I can say," Pant tweeted.Gavaskar had speculated that Pant's non-retention may have stemmed from a disagreement over fees. However, Pant's response suggests that other factors were at play.The Delhi Capitals released Pant ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, which will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24 and 25. The franchise opted to retain Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw, and Anrich Nortje.Pant's release has sparked speculation about his future in the IPL. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in the league, and his availability in the auction could attract interest from multiple franchises.The Delhi Capitals have not publicly commented on the reasons behind Pant's non-retention. However, it is believed that the franchise was looking to reduce its salary cap and rebuild its squad.Pant's departure from the Delhi Capitals marks the end of an era for the franchise. He was appointed captain in 2021 and led the team to the IPL final in 2022.It remains to be seen where Pant will play in the IPL 2025 season. However, his talent and experience make him a valuable asset for any franchise.