Cricket

Mumbai's batters put on a dominant display in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match against Odisha, posting a mammoth total of 602 for four before their bowlers tightened the noose around the visitors' neck.Shreyas Iyer and Siddhesh Lad were the stars of the show for Mumbai, forging a record-breaking fourth-wicket partnership of 354 runs. Iyer, known for his aggressive batting, smashed 24 fours and nine sixes in his innings of 233, while Lad played a more patient role, contributing 169 not out with 17 fours.The duo's partnership was the highest fourth-wicket stand for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, surpassing the previous record of 336 set by Wasim Jaffer and Amol Muzumdar in 2006. It also marked the first time that two Mumbai batters had scored double centuries in the same innings of a Ranji Trophy match.Mumbai's innings was further boosted by a cameo from Suryansh Shedge, who smashed 79 not out off just 36 balls, including seven fours and six sixes. The declaration came 20 minutes after lunch, with Mumbai's total standing at an imposing 602 for four.Odisha's bowlers struggled to contain Mumbai's onslaught, with only Himanshu Singh extracting some bounce and turn from the pitch. Singh picked up two wickets, while Suryakant Samantray and Debabrata Pradhan claimed one each.In response, Odisha's openers Anurag Sarangi and Swastik Samal made a steady start, putting on 39 runs for the first wicket. However, Shardul Thakur broke the partnership by dismissing Samal for a duck.Sarangi and Govinda Poddar then added 39 runs for the second wicket before Himanshu struck again, trapping Sarangi lbw for 39. The dismissal triggered a mini-collapse, as Mumbai picked up three wickets for two runs in 16 balls.Odisha's innings was eventually halted at 146 for five, with Sandeep Pattanaik (73 not out) providing some resistance. The onus will be on Pattanaik to stretch the innings on the third morning and wear out Mumbai's four specialist bowlers as much as possible.

Interim England head coach Marcus Trescothick has expressed his concerns over the team's recent struggles, following their 2-1 ODI series defeat to the West Indies. The loss marks England's third consecutive series defeat in the format.Trescothick acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, which included a packed cricketing schedule and the inclusion of several inexperienced players. "It has been a really challenging time for us," he said. "Guys have just finished the Test series in Pakistan. There is another Test series starting in 20 days' time. We know where we are. We have seen some things we have wanted to see."In the series decider at Kensington Oval in Barbados, the West Indies chased down England's total of 263/8 with seven overs remaining, thanks to unbeaten centuries from Keacy Carty and Brandon King. Trescothick praised the performance of young all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who scored a half-century in England's victory in the second match of the series. "Bethell has really shone in the short space of time he has had," he said.Despite the disappointing results, Trescothick believes the team is making progress. "We have a better understanding of what our team will look like in comparison to series results," he said. "A few guys are really stepping up. Liam Livingstone, for example. Bethell has really shone in the short space of time he has had."Former England captain Alastair Cook believes the appointment of Brendon McCullum as head coach of the white-ball teams will provide a much-needed boost. "I'm looking forward to McCullum having his stamp on this side because he has a way of getting the best out of players," Cook said. "Every time he's taken over sides, there's been a real enthusiasm about playing in that team. With that one-day team, it just needs a bit of a boost."

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to grant newly-appointed white-ball skipper Mohammad Rizwan a "decent run" to prove his leadership credentials. Rizwan took over the captaincy after Babar Azam stepped down following Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.Ponting expressed concern over Pakistan's frequent leadership changes, stating that it creates instability. He believes that Rizwan's performance during the ongoing tour of Australia will provide valuable insights into his leadership abilities."He's the sort of player that I love watching. Aggressive player that takes the game on, and wears his heart on his sleeve a little bit," Ponting said of Rizwan. "I reckon you can see he gets quite emotional out on the field, out on the ground as well, which I think is a good thing. It tends to show that you really care about what you're doing and what your team's trying to achieve."Ponting emphasized the importance of giving Rizwan a fair chance to demonstrate his leadership skills. "The proof will be in the pudding. I mean, we won't know (until they) give him a decent run at it," he said. "So I think in a few months time, or maybe in a few weeks time, even here in Australia with the one-dayers, the T20Is coming up, we might have a better idea in three or four weeks time."Pakistan's second ODI against Australia will be played in Adelaide on Friday, followed by the series finale in Perth on Sunday. The two teams will then face off in a three-match T20I series starting on November 14 in Brisbane.

In the recently concluded three-Test series against New Zealand, India's senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli endured underwhelming performances, scoring only 91 and 93 runs respectively. This has raised concerns ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, which begins on November 22 in Perth.Former India captain Kapil Dev has expressed optimism about the experienced pair, urging them to focus and enjoy their game. "They're among the best. Sometimes, it's about focusing a bit more. I'd just tell them to go out there, enjoy, and express themselves," Dev said.India's humiliating 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand marked the first time they had been clean-swept in a three-Test series on home soil. New Zealand also became the first team in 12 years to clinch a Test series in India.Despite this setback, Dev believes Indian cricket is in a good place overall. "When there's an issue, it's crucial to rectify it quickly. We're proud of our spinners, our batsmen, and our bowlers," he said.India has previously claimed consecutive series victories in Australia, under Virat Kohli in 2018-19 and Ajinkya Rahane in 2020-21. With Rohit Sharma now at the helm, India aims for a historic third straight series win on Australian soil."The rough patch has passed. Now, let's focus on the positives, and I hope they play well," Dev added.The Test series against Australia will feature five matches, with the opening Test in Perth followed by a day-night Test in Adelaide, a match at The Gabba in Brisbane, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the final Test in Sydney.

James Anderson, England's legendary pace bowler, has surprised the cricketing world by registering for the upcoming IPL mega auction. The 42-year-old, who retired from Test cricket earlier this year as the most successful fast bowler in the format, has set a base price of Rs 1.25 crore for the auction scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah.Anderson's decision to enter the IPL auction is driven by his desire to enhance his knowledge of the game and gain experience as a coach. Despite never having played in the IPL or a T20 match since 2014, Anderson believes he has more to offer as a player and is eager to learn from the world's best T20 league."There is still definitely something in me that thinks like I can still play. I have never done the IPL; I have never experienced it and I think for a number of reasons I feel like I have more to give as a player," Anderson told BBC Radio 4 Today in a podcast.Anderson's illustrious Test career spanned 188 matches, during which he claimed 704 wickets, placing him third on the all-time wicket-takers list behind Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. His exceptional skill and longevity have earned him the nickname 'Burnley Express.'While Anderson acknowledges that his playing days are numbered, he is keen to continue his involvement in cricket in a coaching capacity. He has already gained some experience mentoring the England team and believes that playing in the IPL will further enhance his knowledge and expertise."I have done a little bit of coaching since I have finished in the summer. I have been around the England team doing a bit of mentoring or whatever you like to call it," he said. "I just think opening my eyes to something like that and experiencing it, sort of might help me grow my knowledge of the game and help further down the line."Anderson's decision to enter the IPL auction has sparked speculation about which teams might be interested in acquiring his services. His experience and skill could prove invaluable to any franchise looking to bolster their bowling attack.

Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh's veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against Afghanistan due to a fractured left index finger. The injury occurred during the first ODI in Abu Dhabi, where Bangladesh suffered a 92-run defeat.According to team physio Delowar Hossain, Mushfiqur sustained the injury while keeping wickets towards the end of Afghanistan's innings. An X-ray confirmed a fracture near the DIP joint. He is currently undergoing conservative management and will not be available for the second and third ODIs.The injury is a significant blow to Bangladesh, who are already without Litton Das due to fever. Jaker Ali is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties in Mushfiqur's absence.Mushfiqur's injury also raises concerns about his availability for Bangladesh's upcoming tour of the West Indies, which includes two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. He retired from T20Is in 2022, but his finger injury could impact his participation in the longer formats.Bangladesh are scheduled to fly to the Caribbean after the Afghanistan ODIs conclude on November 11. They will play a tour game in Coolidge on November 15 before the first Test begins in North Sound on November 22. The squad for the West Indies tour has not yet been announced.Mushfiqur's absence will be a major loss for Bangladesh, who will be looking to bounce back from their defeat in the first ODI. The second and third ODIs will be crucial for Bangladesh to level the series and gain momentum ahead of the West Indies tour.

James Anderson Registers for IPL Auction to Enhance Knowledge and Coaching SkillsEngland's legendary pace bowler James Anderson has made a surprising move by registering for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. The 42-year-old, who retired from international cricket earlier this year as the most successful fast bowler in Test history, is seeking to expand his knowledge and experience in the world's biggest T20 league.Anderson, known as the "Burnley Express," has never played a T20 match in the IPL. His last T20 appearance was for his county side Lancashire in August 2014, while his final T20 international for England came in November 2009. Despite his lack of IPL experience, Anderson believes he has much to offer as a player and coach."There is still definitely something in me that thinks like I can still play. I have never done the IPL; I have never experienced it and I think for a number of reasons I feel like I have more to give as a player," Anderson told BBC Radio 4 Today in a podcast.Anderson's primary motivation for joining the IPL is to enhance his knowledge as a bowler and gain valuable experience as a coach. He has already begun mentoring young England players and believes that the IPL will provide him with a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the world."I have done a little bit of coaching since I have finished in the summer. I have been around the England team doing a bit of mentoring or whatever you like to call it," he said. "I just think opening my eyes to something like that and experiencing it, sort of might help me grow my knowledge of the game and help further down the line."Anderson's decision to register for the IPL auction has raised eyebrows, but it is a testament to his unwavering passion for the game. Despite his age, he remains one of the most respected and experienced bowlers in the world. His presence in the IPL could prove invaluable for any team that acquires his services.

The Women's Premier League (WPL) is set to undergo a roster shakeup ahead of its third season in early 2025. Several prominent cricketers, including Sneh Rana, Poonam Yadav, and Lea Tahuhu, have been released by their respective franchises.Gujarat Giants, who have struggled in the WPL's first two seasons, have parted ways with Rana, Tahuhu, and Kathryn Bryce. Rana, an all-rounder who captained the Giants in the first season, has struggled in the WPL, averaging just 6.71 with the bat and 52.16 with the ball. Tahuhu, a veteran New Zealand pacer, played only two games for the Giants in 2024.Delhi Capitals, the WPL's two-time runners-up, have released legspinner Poonam Yadav. Once a mainstay of the Indian team, Yadav hasn't played international cricket since 2022 and didn't feature in the WPL last season.Mumbai Indians have also made some changes, releasing Fatima Jaffer, Humaira Kazi, Priyanka Bala, and Issy Wong. However, they have retained their core of international stars, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Amelia Kerr, and Hayley Matthews.UP Warriorz, who reached the playoffs in the first season but finished fourth in 2024, have released Parshavi Chopra, Laxmi Yadav, S Yashasri, and Lauren Bell.These roster moves indicate that the WPL is becoming increasingly competitive, with teams looking to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. The auction, likely to be held in early December, will provide franchises with an opportunity to acquire new talent and bolster their rosters.

John Wright's Laissez-Faire Approach: The Key to India's Coaching SuccessFormer Indian cricketer and selector Sandeep Patil has attributed the success of John Wright as India's coach to his hands-off approach, which allowed players to flourish. In his autobiography, "Beyond Boundaries," Patil contrasts Wright's style with that of his successors, Greg Chappell and Anil Kumble, who he believes failed to emulate Wright's success due to their more authoritarian approaches.Patil highlights Wright's soft-spoken and polite demeanor, his willingness to stay out of the limelight, and his ability to maintain a distance from the media. He also emphasizes Wright's respect for the players and his belief in their leadership abilities.In contrast, Patil describes Chappell as aggressive and confrontational, which did not sit well with the Indian dressing room culture. Chappell's attempts to implement sweeping changes, including altering batting orders and introducing the Australian style of play, alienated senior players.Patil also points to the presence of Ian Fraser as Chappell's assistant coach as a source of tension. Many players resented Fraser's presence and felt that he undermined their authority.Patil believes that Gary Kirsten, who succeeded Chappell, was successful because of his close relationship with the players. Kirsten, like Wright, was well-respected and soft-spoken, and he had a deep understanding of Indian cricket.Patil concludes that a coach's success in India depends on their ability to understand the culture of the team and the board, and to build strong relationships with the players. Wright's laissez-faire approach allowed him to do this effectively, while Chappell's more authoritarian style proved to be counterproductive.