5th Test: Spin Could Play A Part On Day Four If Fast Bowlers Don't Strike Early On, Says Karthik

Tendulkar Trophy Test: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes spin might come into play for the visitors on a decisive day four of the fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test if the fast bowlers fail to take early wickets. With England requiring 324 more runs to complete the chase of 374 and secure a 3-1 series victory, India need to take out the remaining wickets to get an improbable victory and tie the series score line 2-2. England will resume day fours play on 50/1 after Zak Crawley was castled by Mohammed Siraj on the last ball of day threes play. India will have to do what they did in England's first innings and bowl a lot of pace consistently - but I do think spin will play a part. Will it be a big part? It could be forced to if the fast bowlers don't strike early on but ideally the pacers should take 60-70 per cent of the wickets. Seamers Deep and Siraj will have a big role to play. Deep gets the ball to seam away and looks like a guy that can get wickets - if he gets his length right and hits that eight-metre mark, said Karthik on Sky Sports broadcast. England love to chase big in Tests they chased down 378 against India at Edgbaston in 2022 and hunted down 371 in the opening Test of this series opener at Headingley last month. The surface has a lot of grass on it so things will happen quicker so if England get even close here I think they will have done twice the job they did at Headingley. They will have to bat out of their skins, added former India head coach Ravi Shastri. Seamers Deep and Siraj will have a big role to play. Deep gets the ball to seam away and looks like a guy that can get wickets - if he gets his length right and hits that eight-metre mark, said Karthik on Sky Sports broadcast. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Duckett has lost his opening partner, Crawley, who he feeds off but England have four Surrey guys in Pope, Smith, Overton and Atkinson. But do England have the mental capacity to do it again after such a long series? They may just be a fraction slower in reaction time, added former Australia womens cricketer Mel Jones. Article Source: IANS

'The Moment You Give A Player Security This Is What You Get': Varun Aaron On Washington Sundar

Varun Aaron: Former India pacer Varun Aaron believes that all-rounder Washington Sundar is having one of the best Test series on the ongoing England tour. Sundar, who scored his maiden Test century at Old Trafford in Manchester, has accumulated 284 runs across eight innings in four Tests on the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. In the ongoing fifth and final Test at The Oval, Sundar scored his fourth half-century during India's second innings after Yashasvi Jaiswal's ton and Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja's fifties. The spirited batting effort enabled India to post 396 and set a target of 374. On the bowling front, Sundar has bagged seven wickets so far and is yet to bowl during England's second innings at The Oval. Aaron heaped Sundar's mature batting effort on the tour and credited that to the regular opportunities given to the all-rounder on the tour. Washington Sundar is showing so many levels to his game, whether its saving a Test match for India or accelerating towards the end with the tail. Hes gotten very important wickets as well, Aaron said on JioHotstar. Aaron heaped Sundar's mature batting effort on the tour and credited that to the regular opportunities given to the all-rounder on the tour. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score In response, England reached 50 for 1 at stumps with Mohammed Siraj delivering a crucial breakthrough just before the close of play on Saturday. He produced a pinpoint off-stump yorker to dismiss the towering Zak Crawley, giving India a slight edge heading into day four. Article Source: IANS

Holder: 'I have a burning desire to make a change, so I keep putting in my best effort'

The experienced allrounder helped West Indies break their losing streak in the format with a superb performance with the bat and ball in the second T20I against Pakistan

PCB issues blanket ban on future participation in WCL amid India's withdrawal

The PCB, during its 79th BoG meeting held virtually under the chairmanship of Mohsin Naqvi reviewed with considerable disappointment WCL's appalling conduct of awarding points to a willfully forfeiting team, and the content of the press releases of the WCL announcing the cancellation of the scheduled India vs. Pakistan legends matches, which were tainted with hypocrisy and bias.

Akash Deep Played Like A Proper Batsman: Sanjay Bangar Heaps Praise On Pacer's Iconic 66

Akash Deep: Former India batter Sanjay Bangar lavished praise on pacer Akash Deep's fluent batting effort in the second innings that provided a vital boost to the visiting side in the ongoing fifth Test against England at The Oval. Akash played a memorable knock of 66 runs, laced with 12 fours and was involved in a 107-run third-wicket partnership with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo not only rescued India's innings but also set the platform for the batters to come. Akash Deep took his chances early on against Bethell in the very first over, but after that, he was very, very thoughtful. He played like a proper batsman; he is capable of batting, and he was the one who saved India from a follow-on in the Brisbane Test match. He showed a lot of heart and wasn't afraid of the short ball. He took his chances when the field was up, defended when the field was back, and ran really well between the wickets. Yashasvi Jaiswal's contribution was also immense in that partnership, as he made sure Akash Deep stayed in the zone and helped him stitch that partnership together, Bangar said on JioHotstar. Jaiswal's 118, along with dual half-centuries from all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, guided India to 396, setting a target of 374 for England. In response, England reached 50 for 1 at stumps, with Mohammed Siraj delivering a crucial breakthrough just before the close of play on Saturday. He produced a pinpoint off-stump yorker to dismiss the towering Zak Crawley, giving India a slight edge heading into day four. Bangar praised Indias discipline with the ball in the final session. Credit to India that they didn't allow the English batters to run away with the game. Both these teams were playing the waiting game; even somebody like Duckett wasnt really charging down the wicket or playing those reverse scoops. They knew they had to hang on, and they took a few blows on their fingers as well. But all in all, to end a Day like that would certainly mean that India would go to bed the happier team. Because had they not got this particular wicket, you know what damage the England openers can do, and so far they have been very, very effective in the series. In response, England reached 50 for 1 at stumps, with Mohammed Siraj delivering a crucial breakthrough just before the close of play on Saturday. He produced a pinpoint off-stump yorker to dismiss the towering Zak Crawley, giving India a slight edge heading into day four. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score All three bowlers made life difficult for the English batters. The fact that they were imaginative, like having a sweeper cover for Zak Crawley, or even the smart placement of a slightly deeper square leg for Duckett, made the batters think about where their scoring opportunities were. So, credit to India for coming out with different plans and forcing the English batters to adjust. It was good cricket all around, Bangar added. Article Source: IANS

Want To Leave WI Cricket Better Than When I Found It: Holder After Surpassing Bravos Record

Central Broward Regional Park: Jason Holder led the West Indies to a thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan at Central Broward Regional Park, ending their six-match losing streak in T20Is. After the match, Holder admitted the team had faced a tough few weeks, especially after being whitewashed 0-8 by Australia at home, but said he remains hopeful about the team's future. Holder delivered with figures of 4-19 and then followed it with an unbeaten 16-run cameo which poetically also saw him hit the winning boundary to level the three-game series at one apiece. Told Romario when we were batting that we needed four sixes. We are powerful players and knew that we could find the boundary. Just keep wickets in hand but still hit in our strong areas. Credit to Pakistan bowlers. They did really well. extremely proud of our men. Even from the Australia series, we could see plenty of positives. Bowlers supported each other, we got wickets upfront, in the middle and towards the end, said Holder. Holder also went past Dwyane Bravo's tally of 78 T20I wickets with his second scalp, to become the highest wicket-taker for the West Indies in T20Is. The all-rounder has now raced to 81 wickets from 74 T20Is at an average of 28.25. Told Romario when we were batting that we needed four sixes. We are powerful players and knew that we could find the boundary. Just keep wickets in hand but still hit in our strong areas. Credit to Pakistan bowlers. They did really well. extremely proud of our men. Even from the Australia series, we could see plenty of positives. Bowlers supported each other, we got wickets upfront, in the middle and towards the end, said Holder. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score I love playing for the West Indies, still think a lot of work needs to be done. One of my things is to leave WI cricket better than I found it. We've had a fair bit of criticism which is warranted. We haven't done justice to our potential...we can be a lot better, consistency has definitely plagued us. For me, I'll keep putting in my best effort, he added. Article Source: IANS

PCB Issues Blanket Ban On Future Participation In WCL

The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that it is issuing a blanket ban from future participation in the World Championship of Legends (WCL). As per the governing body of Pakistan cricket, WCLs statement and actions, following the decision by India Legends to pull out of the semi-final against Pakistan, were tainted with hypocrisy and bias The PCB, during its 79th BoG meeting held virtually under the chairmanship of Mohsin Naqvi reviewed with considerable disappointment WCLs appalling conduct of awarding points to a willfully forfeiting team, and the content of the press releases of the WCL announcing the cancellation of the scheduled India vs. Pakistan legends matches, which were tainted with hypocrisy and bias. The contents of the said press releases highlight a duality where the narrative of peace through sport is selectively applied and sporting events are held hostage to political expediency and narrow commercial interests. In light of this unfortunate development, which underscores a clear and intolerable pattern of external influence and a disregard for the principles of sporting neutrality, the Pakistan Cricket Board is compelled to take a firm stance. The PCB can no longer condone participation in an event where the fundamental principles of fair play and unbiased administration are compromised by external pressures, read the statement by PCB. The contents of the said press releases highlight a duality where the narrative of peace through sport is selectively applied and sporting events are held hostage to political expediency and narrow commercial interests. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score PCBs virtual BoG meeting was attended by Sumair Ahmed Syed, Salman Naseer, Zaheer Abbas, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Sajjad Ali Khokhar, Zafarullah Jadgal, Tanveer Ahmed, Tariq Sarwar, Muhammad Ismail Qureshi, Anwaar Ahmad Khan, Adnan Malik, Usman Wahla (special invitee) and Mir Hassan Naqvi (Additional Secretary). Article Source: IANS

PCB issues 'blanket ban' on future participation in WCL

This comes after India forfeited two games, including the semi-final, against Pakistan due to strained political relations between the two countries

Jaiswal Confident India Can Spoil England Bid For Series-Winning Chase

Yashasvi Jaiswal has backed India to ruin England's quest for a record run-chase at the Oval as the tourists eye the win that would spare them a series defeat. Opener Jaiswal hit a superb 118 on Saturday to leave England needing 374 to stop India salvaging a 2-2 draw in a five-match campaign. India were dismissed for 396 in their second innings on the third day of the deciding Test. No side have made more to win in the fourth innings of a Test at the Oval than England's 263 against Australia in 1902. England were 50-1 at stumps, still requiring a further 324 runs to win, with Ben Duckett 34 not out after Mohammed Siraj bowled Zak Crawley with the last ball of the day. Jaiswal is convinced India can finish the job. Of course we are quite confident, he said. We just need to focus on our process and keep bowling in the right areas. Jaiswal added: We want some fun and some battles in the middle. That is why we enjoy Test cricket. If we are bowling on the line it will be amazing. There is always movement in the wicket and it is not easy to bat. India are in contention for a memorable victory largely thanks to Jaiswal's second hundred of the series following the left-hander's century in the first Test at Headingley. On a green-tinged pitch that proved tricky for both teams in the first innings, the 23-year-old took the attack to England with 14 fours and two sixes. - 'It's about how I fight' - I expect that in England you play on a wicket like this, said Jaiswal. Mentally I was ready and knew what shots I would play. I was really enjoying it. It's very important. We need to keep pushing ourselves. It was our last innings here. I was trying to put pressure on the bowlers, to think positive and go for my shots. I wanted to do more. I wanted to make my innings bigger than that so I could have achieved something else. But it's ok. I was enjoying it. It's about how I fight. The mentality is about going out there to fight it out. However, England can take heart from recent history, with a pair of remarkable run chases to beat India over the last three years. The most England have made to win any Test in the fourth innings was their 378 against India at Edgbaston in 2022, while they also chased down 371 at Headingley in the opening match of this series. England pace bowler Josh Tongue, who took five wickets in India's second innings, believes his team are more than capable of another epic fourth-innings triumph. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score I don't see why we can't chase down these runs, said Tongue. How we play as a batting unit is very positive and very exciting. I don't see why we can't give it a go.

Pakistan bat and bring in Hasan Ali for Rauf; WI make two changes

Alick Athanaze replaced opener Johnson Charles, and Keacy Carty came in for Jediah Blades

5th Test: Siraj Dismisses Crawley On Last Ball After Jaiswal Century Puts England On Chase Of 374 (ld)

Tendulkar Trophy Test: Mohammed Siraj castled Zak Crawley with a brilliant yorker to leave England on 50/1 in 13.5 overs at stumps on day three of fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test against India at The Oval. England need another 324 runs to win the match and clinch a series victory. India dominated most of day threes play - Akash Deep hitting an entertaining 66, his first Test fifty and was followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal making 118, his sixth Test century. Jaiswals knock of 118 came off 164 balls, laced with 14 fours and two sixes, held immense value as it came in front of his parents and elder brother present in the stadiums stands, which also had ODI captain Rohit Sharma seeing the proceedings. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who timed his acceleration well, then smashed knocks of 53 each as the visitors made 396 in 88 overs of their second innings. For England, Josh Tongue took 5-125, while Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton picked 3-127 and 2-98. In the pursuit of chasing 374 and sealing the series with a 3-1 scoreline, England had done so well to survive the last hour, with Ben Duckett being unbeaten on 34. But Siraj taking out Crawley for 14 bluffing the batter with a field set for short ball - at the stroke of stumps gave India a much-needed lift ahead of a crucial day fours play. Siraj is also the equal leading wicket-taker in the series alongside Tongue and he looms as a crucial figure for India if they are to make the series scoreline 2-2. In the morning, the majority of fireworks were produced by Akash, who was dropped on 21, and hit his maiden half-century in international cricket, laced with 12 boundaries, before falling to Jamie Overton. By then, Akash had done way more than asked of his nightwatchman duties while sharing a decisive 107-run partnership with Jaiswal. Akash, who came in the fag end of day twos play, wasted no time in finding his groove hoicking Jacob Bethell for four, before swiping Atkinson for another boundary. He and Jaiswal took a boundary each off Tongue, before Akash survived an lbw appeal off him and was fortunate to see Crawley dropped his catch at third slip. Jaiswal then welcomed Overton with an upper-cut over the slip cordon for four, before Akash put away Atkinson for three easy boundaries. Akash then swiped Atkinson through the leg side for a boundary which brough up his maiden Test half-century. He celebrated it with a fist pump and pointed to the India crest on his jersey, even as the Indian team stood up to applaud his knock, with head coach Gautam Gambhir making a rare smile. Englands frustration continued as Akash took two boundaries off Overton and then proceeded to hit Tongue for a boundary. But shortly before lunch, Akashs fun time ended he looked to send Overton's short ball away in the leg-side, but the leading edge was caught by backward point diving in to take the catch. Gill came in to unfurl two picture-perfect steer and drive, before lunch break arrived. The afternoon session began with a bang for England as Atkinson bowled a sharp nip-backer that smacked Gill on the knee roll and trapped him plumb lbw. Gill went for the review, but there was no inside edge, as he fell for 11. Jaiswal brought up his fourth century against England, and his second ton of this series with a hurried single through backward point. But from the other end, Karun Nair had a jittery time at the crease and couldnt capitalise on a lifeline a dropped catch in slips as he was soon undone by that extra bit of bounce and nicked behind to Jamie Smith off Atkinsons bowling. Jaiswal and Jadeja continued to collect boundaries in a jiffy before the latters knock came to an end when his ramp shot was caught by backward point off Overtons bowling. England thought they had Jadeja lbw when Tongue hit him on the boot, but he overturned it successfully on review and with Dhruv Jurel hitting three well-timed boundaries, India reached tea break without any further damage. The final session began with Indias lead going past 330, before Overton trapped Jurel lbw for 34. Jadeja got his fifth fifty of the series by punching Tongue through backward point for four, before edging to second slip off the pacer. Three balls later, a fired-up Tongue trapped Siraj lbw. Sundar then began his acceleration by hoicking Atkinson over midwicket for six, before swivelling Tongue over fine leg and mid-wicket for a brace of maximums. The all-rounder cut and pulled Atkinson for back-to-back boundaries, before bringing up his fifth Test fifty from 39 balls by smacking the pacer over mid-wicket for six. But in a bid to take another six off Tongue, Sundar skied a catch into the leg side, where Crawley held on to it, despite colliding with Ollie Pope, as Tongue completed his five-wicket haul. Just like in the first innings, Crawley and Ben Duckett (34 not out) got them off to a breezy start as India got Prasidh Krishna to share the new ball with Akash instead of Siraj. Barring a couple of deliveries from Akash having extra bounce, England weren't too troubled, as there was lack of seam movement on offer for the Indian bowlers. Duckett began by picking effortless boundaries via flicks, whenever Prasidh bowled fuller. Crawley took a four each off Akash and Prasidh before a measured Duckett drove and slashed Siraj for boundaries. After a maiden from Siraj, Crawley faced 18 dot balls in a row before breaking free with a single. Just like in the first innings, Crawley and Ben Duckett (34 not out) got them off to a breezy start as India got Prasidh Krishna to share the new ball with Akash instead of Siraj. Barring a couple of deliveries from Akash having extra bounce, England weren't too troubled, as there was lack of seam movement on offer for the Indian bowlers. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Brief Scores: India 224 and 396 in 88 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66; Josh Tongue 5-125, Gus Atkinson 3-127) lead England 247 and 50/1 in 13.5 overs (Ben Duckett 34 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1-11) by 324 runs Article Source: IANS

5th Test: Siraj Castles Crawley As England Reach 50/1, Need 324 Runs To Secure Series Win

Tendulkar Trophy Test: Mohammed Siraj castled Zak Crawley with a brilliant yorker to leave England on 50/1 in 13.5 overs at stumps on day three of fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test against India at The Oval. England need another 324 runs to win the match and clinch a series victory. After bowling out India for 396, with England being set a target of 374 to win, the hosts had done so well to survive the last hour. But Siraj taking out Crawley for 14 at the stroke of stumps gave India a much-needed lift ahead of a crucial day fours play. Siraj is also the equal leading wicket-taker in the series alongside England's Josh Tongue. Just like in the first innings, Crawley and Ben Duckett (34 not out) got them off to a breezy start as India got Prasidh Krishna to share the new ball with Akash Deep instead of Siraj. Barring a couple of deliveries from Akash having extra bounce, England weren't too troubled, as there was lack of seam movement on offer for the Indian bowlers. Duckett began by picking effortless boundaries via flicks, whenever Prasidh bowled fuller. Crawley took a four each off Akash and Prasidh before a measured Duckett drove and slashed Siraj for boundaries. After a maiden from Siraj, Crawley faced 18 dot balls in a row before breaking free with a single. By the time stumps were in sight, the opening partnership crossed 50 runs and it seemed England had done enough to end the day unscathed. But Siraj produced a superb inswinging yorker to past Crawleys bat and hit the off-stump to end the day with a magical moment for India, who need to win the game for making the series scoreline 2-2. Previously in the session, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar hit 53 each as India were bowled out for 396 in 88 overs. The day began with Akash Deep hitting an entertaining 66, his first Test fifty and was followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal making 118, his sixth Test century. Jadeja and Sundar, who timed his acceleration well, then smashed half-centuries each to set an imposing target for England. For England, Josh Tongue took 5-125, while Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton took 3-127 and 2-98 respectively. Initially, Indias lead went past 330, before Overton trapped Dhruv Jurel lbw for 34. Jadeja got his fifth fifty of the series by punching Tongue through backward point for four, before edging to second slip off the pacer. Three balls later, a fired-up Tongue trapped Siraj lbw. Sundar then began his acceleration by hoicking Atkinson over midwicket for six, before swivelling Tongue over fine leg and mid-wicket for a brace of maximums. The all-rounder cut and pulled Atkinson for back-to-back boundaries, before bringing up his fifth Test fifty from 39 balls by smacking the pacer over mid-wicket for six. For England, Josh Tongue took 5-125, while Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton took 3-127 and 2-98 respectively. Initially, Indias lead went past 330, before Overton trapped Dhruv Jurel lbw for 34. Jadeja got his fifth fifty of the series by punching Tongue through backward point for four, before edging to second slip off the pacer. Three balls later, a fired-up Tongue trapped Siraj lbw. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Brief Scores: India 224 and 396 in 88 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66; Josh Tongue 5-125, Gus Atkinson 3-127) lead England 247 and 50/1 in 13.5 overs (Ben Duckett 34 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1-11) by 324 runs Article Source: IANS

Jaiswal hundred, Siraj's late strike make India favourites

England lose Zak Crawley to last ball of day after being set 374 to win with series on the line

Rovman Powell ruled out of T20I series against Pakistan with wrist injury

He suffered the injury while attempting a catch on July 26 against Australia

Dhoni expects Gaikwad's return to fix CSK's batting problems in IPL 2026

Dhoni also hopes CSK are able to 'plug some loopholes' in the mini-auction

Asia Cup 2025 in UAE starting September 9; India vs Pakistan on September 14

India and Pakistan are in Group A with Oman and UAE; Group B has Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong

Dubai And Abu Dhabi Confirmed As Host Cities For 2025 Mens T20 Asia Cup

Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been confirmed as official host cities for 2025 Mens T20 Asia Cup, set to happen from September 9 to 28. Dubai will host 11 games, including the final, while Abu Dhabi will host eight matches. India will play its Group A games against UAE and the high-stakes clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10 and 14 respectively, while its clash against Oman is slated to happen at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19. The Asia Cup is more than just a tournament, its a celebration of Asian cricket. Hosting it in the UAE allows us to bring the excitement to one of the most vibrant cricketing hubs in the world. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well equipped to deliver a seamless and world class experience for players, fans, and broadcasters alike. We are confident that the 2025 edition will not only set new standards for excellence but also deepen the connection between the game and millions of passionate supporters across the continent, said Mohsin Naqvi, President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in a statement on Saturday. India, Pakistan, UAE and Oman are placed in Group A, while Group B comprises of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Its also the first time Asia Cup, to be held in the T20I format keeping in mind the preparation of teams for the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, will have eight teams. Top two teams from each group will proceed to the Super Fours stage, with the top two facing each other in the title clash to decide the winner of the 17th edition of the Asia Cup, which kicks off with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong China. While India is the designated host of the Asia Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will stage the tournament in the UAE due to the mutual agreement between them and Pakistan to play at neutral venues in 2027 owing to the geopolitical and diplomatic tensions between the two nations. India are the defending champions of the Asia Cup, having beaten Sri Lanka in the 2023 final held in the 50-over format in Colombo. Sri Lanka had won the Asia Cup in the T20I version after beating Pakistan in the final in 2022. 2025 Mens T20 Asia Cup full schedule September 9 - Afghanistan vs Hong Kong China, Abu Dhabi September 10 - India vs UAE, Dubai September 11 - Bangladesh vs Hong Kong China, Abu Dhabi September 12 - Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai September 13 - Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi September 14 - India vs Pakistan, Dubai September 15 - UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi September 15 - Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong China, Dubai September 16 - Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi September 17 - Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai September 18 - Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi September 19 - India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi September 20 B1 vs B2, Dubai September 21 A1 vs A2, Dubai September 23 A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi September 24 A1 vs B2, Dubai September 25 A2 vs B2, Dubai September 24 A1 vs B2, Dubai Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score September 28 Final, Dubai Article Source: IANS

Pakistan's home series against Ireland postponed to 2027

The white-ball series, scheduled to take place in September-October, has been pushed due to a congested schedule

5th Test: India Will Want For The Lead To Go Past 350 Against England, Says Ponting

Tendulkar Trophy Test: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said India will be aiming for taking their lead past 350 against England in the ongoing fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test, adding that it can add pressure on the tiring hosts who are bowling with only three seamers. At tea, India extended their lead to 281 runs after reaching 304/6 in 71 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal making 118. Anything above 350 runs means England will be facing the challenge of becoming the first team in The Ovals history to chase a fourth-innings target beyond 275. Its not safe yet. I think they're going to want 350 to be honest. The reason I'm saying that is, and one of the reasons that their scores are trending up, is the workload on the bowlers. England with only their three seamers. India with only their three seamers - they did such a great job for them yesterday. Spins played no part in the game yet. It doesn't look like it's going to turn at all. So I think they've got to look just to get as many as they can and its 350 plus as far as I'm concerned, said Ponting on Sky Sports broadcast. Asked if conditions were becoming easier for batting, ex-England captain Michael Atherton said, India are in front but England will look at the scores trending upwards, which may suggest conditions are easing a touch. Still, we have seen a bit of movement and I don't think England have bowled well all told, plus they have dropped catches. They are hanging in there and I wouldn't completely discount them chasing 300 but if it gets beyond that number, very much India's game. Asked if conditions were becoming easier for batting, ex-England captain Michael Atherton said, India are in front but England will look at the scores trending upwards, which may suggest conditions are easing a touch. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score England dropped him a few times and you don't want to do that as he is so dangerous. Batters who have been successful on this pitch have played their shots and he does that. He has showed he still has it at the end of a tough five-match series, with his returns dropping off a little bit recently. Article Source: IANS

Jaiswal's sixth Test century stretches India's lead

India went into the tea break at 304 for 6, having gained a healthy lead of 281

5th Test: Jaiswal Makes 118 As Indias Lead Over England Extends To 281 Runs At Tea

Tendulkar Trophy Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal hit a gritty 118 as India extended their lead over England by 281 runs after reaching 304/6 in 71 overs at tea on day three of fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at The Oval on Saturday. It was a session where honours were shared between both teams - India making 115 runs, with Jaiswal reaching his sixth Test century incidentally the left-handed opener began his tour of England with a ton at Headingley. His knock of 118 came off 164 balls, laced with 14 fours and two sixes, held immense value as it came in front of his parents and elder brother present in the stadiums stands. England picked three wickets in the session, though they still have a lot to ponder in terms of their bowling effort. With Ravindra Jadeja and Dhruv Jurel unbeaten on 26 and 25 respectively, India will be aiming to pick as many runs as possible before the second new ball comes into the picture after nine overs of the final session. The afternoon session began with a bang for England as Gus Atkinson bowled a sharp nip-backer that smacked Shubman Gill on the knee roll and trapped him plumb lbw. Gill went for the review, but there was no inside edge, as he fell for 11. Jaiswal brought up his fourth century against England, and his second ton of this series with a hurried single through backward point. But from the other end, Karun Nair had a jittery time at the crease and couldnt capitalise on a lifeline a dropped catch in slips as he was soon undone by that extra bit of bounce and nicked behind to Jamie Smith off Atkinsons bowling. The afternoon session began with a bang for England as Gus Atkinson bowled a sharp nip-backer that smacked Shubman Gill on the knee roll and trapped him plumb lbw. Gill went for the review, but there was no inside edge, as he fell for 11. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Brief Scores: India 224 and 304/6 in 71 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66; Gus Atkinson 3-99, Josh Tongue 2-100) lead England 247 in 51.2 overs (Zak Crawley 64; Prasidh Krishna 4-62) by 281 runs Article Source: IANS

5th Test: Rohit Sharma Makes An Appearance During Day Threes Play At The Oval

Tendulkar Trophy Test: Indias ODI skipper Rohit Sharma made a surprise appearance at The Oval during day three of the ongoing fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test between the visitors and England. Television cameras caught Rohits arrival at the venue and later showed him watching his side bat during the opening session. Rohit, dressed in a casual black denim shacket and jeans, appeared relaxed as he followed the proceedings. The broadcast cameras returned to him towards the end of the first session, prompting former Australia womens cricketer Mel Jones to say on air, He would be pretty happy with what he has been seeing this morning. Notably, it is also the first time since announcing his retirement from the longest format in May this year that Rohit was spotted in the stands of a Test match. Spotted alongside Rohit was Akash Ambani, the Mumbai Indians owner. On May 7, Rohit announced his retirement from Tests with immediate effect, ending a career where he amassed 4,301 runs from 67 Tests at an average of 40.57, including hitting 12 centuries and 18 fifties. Rohit also led India in 24 Tests, winning 12 and losing nine games. Rohit averaged a wonderful 42.81 in 66 innings as an opener in Tests, including hitting nine centuries and eight fifties. He also oversaw India becoming runners-up in 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final after losing to Australia at The Oval. On May 7, Rohit announced his retirement from Tests with immediate effect, ending a career where he amassed 4,301 runs from 67 Tests at an average of 40.57, including hitting 12 centuries and 18 fifties. Rohit also led India in 24 Tests, winning 12 and losing nine games. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Both Rohit and Virat Kohli - who has also stepped away from Test and T20Is - are expected to return for the ODI leg of Indias white-ball tour of Australia, starting on October 19 at Perth Stadium, and is followed by matches at Adelaide Oval and Sydney Cricket Ground on October 23 and 25 respectively. Article Source: IANS

Dhakshineswar Suresh loses to second seed Eliot Spizzirri

5th Test: Akash Deeps Knock Of 66 Was A Wonderful Effort, Says Dinesh Karthik

Tendulkar Trophy Test: Former wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik said Akash Deeps entertaining knock of 66 during day threes play in the ongoing fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test was a wonderful effort which in turn has taken the visitors to a very strong position. In the morning session, with the pitch flattening out, nightwatchman Akash was dropped on 21, and went on to hit his maiden Test half-century, laced with 12 boundaries, before falling to Jamie Overton for 66. By then, Akash had done way more than asked of his nightwatchman duties while sharing a decisive 107-run partnership with Jaiswal. They couldn't have asked anything more from him. All they wanted him to do was probably just get past last night, which he did quite comfortably. But today, he came out there, played wonderfully well, gave a chance early. When you put down chances, that's what happens. That's the last thing you want, as it is, you're a depleted bowling attack. Then when you put down simple ones, it gets even tougher. He got lucky as well. A couple of the balls that he ended up edging just went in the gap in the slip cordon. But all in all, I think it is a wonderful effort. You pretty much can assess and understand the mindset of a team, depending on how your tailenders are playing. I think Michael Atherton put it nicely, saying that if you have 9-10-11 fighting it out there for you, like what Siraj and Bumrah did at Lords, those kind of small moments actually spur you on as a team. Akash Deep's effort as a batter, and you could see the applause that he got when he went back in, means so much to the team. Its because what he's done is actually take India to a very strong position. From here on, you'd expect the batters to bat deep and take India to a very strong and very good place, said Karthik on Sky Sports broadcast during lunch break. He also thinks the current series is among Indias best tours of England in recent times. I think it is one of the best series India have had in England, for sure because of how competitive they have been from day one. If you just look at the number of sessions India have won, the fact they are still lagging behind 2-1 shows how hard it is to beat England at home. It is a young team that is going to take over India and it's Test cricket for the next 10 years. Nasser Hussain, the former England captain, felt the hosts needed to bowl fuller in the first session. They were OK in that morning session. Ricky Ponting made the excellent point that they have bowled some good lengths but they need to go fuller now. There is a lot of batting to come and England are one bowler down (with Chris Woakes out) so it is a big session ahead. If you just look at the number of sessions India have won, the fact they are still lagging behind 2-1 shows how hard it is to beat England at home. It is a young team that is going to take over India and it's Test cricket for the next 10 years. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score When doe he turn to Bethell or Root to hold an end up and rotate his seamers from the other end? It's all India at the minute. England are under pressure, Pope is under pressure, and I'm not entirely sure what he can do. Article Source: IANS

5th Test: Jaiswal And Akash Fifties Pile Misery On England, Extend Indias Lead To 166 Runs

Tendulkar Trophy Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal marched forward to be unbeaten on 85 while Akash Deep hit an entertaining 66 as India reached 189/3 in 44 overs and lead England by 166 runs at lunch on day three of the fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at The Oval on Saturday. It was a session which well and truly belonged to India, with the majority of fireworks being produced by Akash, who was dropped on 21, and hit his maiden Test half-century, laced with 12 boundaries, before falling to Jamie Overton. By then, Akash had done way more than asked of his nightwatchman duties while sharing a decisive 107-run partnership with Jaiswal. With Jaiswal and captain Shubman Gill (11 not out) at the crease and pitch flattening out, India will be keen to build on their lead. The session began with Akash wasting no time in finding his groove hoicking Jacob Bethell for four, before swiping Gus Atkinson for another boundary. The duo took a boundary each off Josh Tongue, before Akash survived an lbw appeal off him and was fortunate to see Zak Crawley drop his catch at third slip. Jaiswal then welcomed Overton with an upper-cut over the slip cordon for four, before Akash put away Atkinson for three easy boundaries. Akash then swiped Atkinson through the leg side for a boundary which brough up his maiden Test half-century. Even as he did a fist pump and pointed to the India crest on his jersey, the Indian team stood up to applaud his knock, with head coach Gautam Gambhir making a rare smile. The duo took a boundary each off Josh Tongue, before Akash survived an lbw appeal off him and was fortunate to see Zak Crawley drop his catch at third slip. Jaiswal then welcomed Overton with an upper-cut over the slip cordon for four, before Akash put away Atkinson for three easy boundaries. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Brief scores: India 224 and 189/3 in 44 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 85 not out, Akash Deep 66; Jamie Overton 1-47, Josh Tongue 1-64) lead England 247 in 51.2 overs (Zak Crawley 64; Prasidh Krishna 4-62) by 166 runs. Article Source: IANS

Matt Milnes To Return To Kent On Three-year Contract

Matt Milnes: Kent Cricket has announced the signing of Matt Milnes from Yorkshire at the end of the current season, on a three-year contract. The 31-year-old will be returning to Kent, where he made an impact across all formats from 2019-2022, and was a part of the Kent Spitfires side that won the 2021 Vitality Blast. In all, Milnes took 193 wickets in 94 appearances during his first stint as a Kent player, and was awarded Kent Mens Cap no. 220 in September 2021. The right-armer was named the Clubs Bowler of the Year for 2021, the year in which Kent Spitfires were crowned Vitality Blast champions. After leaving the club to join Yorkshire at the end of the 2022 season, he now returns to Kent after 41 wickets in 20 appearances for the White Rose. On returning to Kent from the 2026 season, Milnes said, I absolutely loved playing for Kent the first time around and Ill always be proud of being a capped Kent cricketer. Im excited to come back to Kent and join this new project under Adam Hollioake. Im ready to get going in a Kent shirt again next year. Once a Spitfire, always a Spitfire! On returning to Kent from the 2026 season, Milnes said, I absolutely loved playing for Kent the first time around and Ill always be proud of being a capped Kent cricketer. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score As we plan for the future in our ethos of producing Kent talent, his experience will also be a great boost to us, too. Article Source: IANS

Akash Deep's maiden Test fifty gives India upper-hand at lunch

He scored 66 and fell just before lunch, adding 107 with Yashasvi Jaiswal for the third wicket

Lancashire Sign Gloucestershire Pacer Ajeet Singh Dale On Three-year Contract

Cricket Performance Mark Chilton: Lancashire Cricket have signed Gloucestershire fast bowler Ajeet Singh Dale on a three-year contract on Saturday. Dale will make the move to Old Trafford on November 1, ahead of the 2026 season, after the Red Rose beat several counties to secure his signature. The 25-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting fast bowling prospects in English domestic cricket, following a string of impressive performances for both Gloucestershire and England Lions. He began his career at Hampshire, making his First-Class debut in 2020, before making the move to Gloucestershire in 2022 and debuting in both white-ball formats that same season. In 37 First-Class appearances, Dale, known for his pace and ability to swing the ball, has taken 87 wickets and from 15 matches in the T20 Blast has claimed 18 wickets at an average of 27. This summer, his most productive to date with 25 wickets in the County Championship, Dale was selected by England Lions and made his debut against India A at Canterbury. Speaking about making the move to Old Trafford, Dale said, Im really excited to be joining Lancashire and cant wait to get started with the club in November. Lancashire has an exceptionally strong squad, which can compete across all formats and Im looking forward to pushing myself in a new environment while contributing towards success for this great club. I have heard great things about the set-up and facilities at Old Trafford and Im confident its the right place for me to take the next step in my career with the Red Rose. Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton also commented on the move. We are thrilled to have secured Ajeets services ahead of the 2026 season. Ajeet is an exciting young fast bowler with genuine pace and a real hunger to keep on developing and improving his game. I have heard great things about the set-up and facilities at Old Trafford and Im confident its the right place for me to take the next step in my career with the Red Rose. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score We believe he will add a lot to our bowling attack and were looking forward to seeing him grow over the next three seasons as part of our group of pace bowlers. Article Source: IANS

Singh Dale signs for Lancashire, Milnes heading back to Kent

Nottinghamshire batter Matthew Montgomery joins Derbyshire on three-year contract

India Should Continue With Kohli, Rohit For ODIs, But Replacing Them Wont Be A Problem: Monty Panesar

T20 World Cup: Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes India need to continue with stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, after the duo called curtains on their Test and T20I careers, in the ODI format but believes India will not have too much of a headache while selecting their replacements. The two former captains announced their retirement from T20Is after the T20 World Cup win in 2024 and stepped away from the longest format in the build-up to the England Test series. With only the 50-over format left to play for, questions have arisen whether the two greats will stick around till the 2027 ODI World Cup. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Panesar said Kohli and Rohit are absolutely vital for the team, but given the amount of talent India have at its disposal, their potential absence may not cause too much of a problem. India should look to continue to play with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. They have got plenty of experience and it's absolutely vital that they are there but I think possibly for the World Cup, because there's some players coming through. We've seen how we move on very quickly from the senior players in the test series so I think it's very much to do with India's bench. They've got very strong players everywhere and even if they don't play, India will probably find replacements for them very quickly because of this strength, Panesar told IANS. The last time Indian cricket fans saw the duo take the field in national colours was during the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai. India won the title after defeating New Zealand in the final. It was the third prominent trophy the side won under Rohit's leadership, following the 2023 Asian Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. We've seen how we move on very quickly from the senior players in the test series so I think it's very much to do with India's bench. They've got very strong players everywhere and even if they don't play, India will probably find replacements for them very quickly because of this strength, Panesar told IANS. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The fans have to wait till October to see the veteran batters Kohli and Rohit in India jerseys when they will tour Australia for the white-ball series, starting with three ODIs. Article Source: IANS

5th Test: 'Inventive And Unorthodox' Jaiswal Is The Key Man For India, Says Shastri

BBC Test Match Special: Ahead of the start of day threes play in the fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test, former head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Yashasvi Jaiswals inventive and unconventional approach makes him a vital player for India if they are to get an advantage over England. Jaiswal hit an unbeaten 51, laced with seven fours and two sixes, to ensure India reached 75/2 in 18 overs and lead England by 52 runs before stumps arrived on day twos play. The left-handed opener had luck on his side when he was dropped twice - by Harry Brook at slip on 20 and then by substitute fielder Liam Dawson at deep fine leg on 40. This game is beautifully balanced and Jaiswal is the key wicket. While he is there, England captain Pope will have headaches as you cant control the game. Jaiswal can be inventive and unorthodox. Only when he is out, will England feel in control. India have to set England at least 250 in the fourth innings as that, with the series on the line, will be a test, said Shastri on Sky Sports broadcast. Jaiswal hit an unbeaten 51, laced with seven fours and two sixes, to ensure India reached 75/2 in 18 overs and lead England by 52 runs before stumps arrived on day twos play. The left-handed opener had luck on his side when he was dropped twice - by Harry Brook at slip on 20 and then by substitute fielder Liam Dawson at deep fine leg on 40. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score India must win the ongoing match at The Oval to draw the series, while a victory for England would help them clinch the series. No side has been able to nail their position down. England were 90-0 off 12 overs. They were only 150-odd behind, for them only to get a 30-run lead - they did not take their opportunity, added Cook. Article Source: IANS

World Championship Of Legends 2025 Season Leaves Lasting Impression With High-octane Cricket

Pakistan Cricket Board: The 2025 edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) has proven that its far more than just social media noise or nostalgic exhibition cricket - it's a full-throttle spectacle thats left a lasting impact on fans and players alike. Over the past two weeks, WCL has dominated headlines - from trending hashtags and viral clips to heated debates on news channels and even urgent discussions at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters. Yet, behind the buzz lies a tournament that has delivered genuine, high-octane cricketing action. What sets WCL apart is the intensity and level of competition. This isnt just a gathering of retired legends; its a star-studded league featuring active franchise players still capable of producing world-class performances. Big names like Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Moeen Ali, Chris Lynn, Wayne Parnell and DArcy Short lit up the stage while AB de Villiers - still electric as ever - wowed crowds with his fielding, explosive batting and match-winning presence. From breathtaking last-ball thrillers to a rare bowl-out after 18 years and an incredible comeback by the India Champions to seal a knockout spot, the 2025 season was loaded with drama and highlights. The semi-finals delivered edge-of-the-seat excitement, and now, as South Africa Champions and Pakistan Champions face off in the grand finale, the WCL has already stamped its place as a legitimate cricketing product. What sets WCL apart is the intensity and level of competition. This isnt just a gathering of retired legends; its a star-studded league featuring active franchise players still capable of producing world-class performances. Big names like Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Moeen Ali, Chris Lynn, Wayne Parnell and DArcy Short lit up the stage while AB de Villiers - still electric as ever - wowed crowds with his fielding, explosive batting and match-winning presence. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score For fans still wondering whether WCL was just hype or the real deal - this season has made it clear: WCL 2025 has been a blockbuster cricketing event that combined nostalgia with elite performance, and it's here to stay. Article Source: IANS

Netizens Applaud Dhawan, India Legends For Refusing To Play Pakistan In WCL

West Indies Champions: In one of the most defining moments of the World Championship of Legends 2025, Shikhar Dhawan and the India Legends made a statement that echoed far beyond the cricket field. Days before the highly anticipated semifinal clash between India and Pakistan, Dhawan, when asked whether he would play, responded with measured intensity: You shouldnt have asked this. And even if I didnt play earlier, I still wont play now. These were a reaffirmation of a decision he had officially communicated to the organisers as early as May 11. Citing the emotional aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Dhawan made it clear he would not step onto the field against Pakistan. And in an extraordinary show of solidarity, the rest of the India Legends squad led by captain Yuvraj Singh and comprising cricketing greats like Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan stood united in boycotting the match, choosing principle over participation. What followed was an outpouring of respect from fans across the globe with Instagram reels, emotional edits, and patriotic montages honouring the teams decision. Indias refusal to play was reposted across social media. Hashtags like #MeraDeshSabsePehle, #IndiaLegends, and #RespectDhawan trended for days. India Champions entered the semifinals of the ongoing World Championship of Legends after defeating West Indies Champions in just 13.2 overs in their last group match on Tuesday. What followed was an outpouring of respect from fans across the globe with Instagram reels, emotional edits, and patriotic montages honouring the teams decision. Indias refusal to play was reposted across social media. Hashtags like #MeraDeshSabsePehle, #IndiaLegends, and #RespectDhawan trended for days. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Fans hailed the India Legends not for walking away from a match, but for standing tall in the face of compromise. In an era where athletes are often weighed down by commercial deals and diplomatic tightropes, India Legends firm, unapologetic stand and the teams collective backing reminded everyone of the deeper purpose sport can serve. Article Source: IANS

Fantasy Preview: WI vs PAK 2nd T20I Dream11 Picks, Playing XI & Pitch Report

WI vs PAK 2ndT20I , Dream11 Prediction :Pakistan produced an all-round game to get a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against West Indies. They have a chance to win the series with a victory in the second game. These two teams will be in action on Sunday morning at 5:30 PM at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida. Pakistan will be keen to take the momentum forward and win the series. Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz had good games that helped them to win. That will boost the confidence of the visitors, as they didn't do well in the previous series. For the West Indies, it is all about the pride now; they have lost nine back-to-back international games now. WI vs PAK: Match Details Date : August 3 (Sunday) Time : 5:30 AM IST Venue : Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida WI vs PAK: Live Streaming Details Unfortunately, the live telecast of this game is not available in India. However, fans can opt to watch the live stream through the FanCode mobile app or website with a nominal fee. WI vs PAK: Head-to-Head in T20I Total Matches : 22 West Indies : 3 Pakistan : 16 No Result : 3 WI vs PAK: Ground Pitch Report The playing surface in Florida is on the slower side. It will be good for batting in the first innings, but due to the slowness of the surface, it will become difficult in the second innings to bat on. That is why batting first can be a good option. WI vs PAK: Possible XI West Indies : Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew (wk), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Jason Holder, Sherfane Rutherford, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph, Jediah Blades Pakistan : Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem WI vs PAK: Dream11 Team Wicket - keeper : Shai Hope (Vice Captain) Batters : Saim Ayub (Captain), Johnson Charles, Fakhar Zaman All - rounders : Mohammad Nawaz, Jason Holder, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd Bowlers : S Muqeem, Shaheen Afridi, Shamar Joseph Dream11 Prediction : West Indies have not been able to perform collectively, and they are failing consistently in both departments. Pakistan have still a better combination and their bowling unit gives them an edge over the opposition. WI vs PAK 2nd T20I Dream11 Prediction, WI vs PAK Dream11 Prediction, Today Match WI vs PAK , WI vs PAK Prediction, WI vs PAK Dream11 Team, Fantasy Cricket Tips, WI vs PAK Pitch Report, Today Match Prediction, Today Cricket Match, Dream11 Team, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update of the match between West Indies vs Pakistan Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Disclaimer : The fantasy team is purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your Dream11 team.

I Hope Yashasvi Converts His 50 Into Century On Day 3, Says Jwala Singh

The Oval Test: India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's childhood coach Jwala Singh expressed confidence that his ward will convert his fifty in to a century on Day 3 of the ongoing fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. During India's second innings, when the hosts got rid of KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan cheaply, Jaiswal's unbeaten 51 and nightwatchman Akash Deep (4*) saw off England's attack before stumps even as they dropped Jaiswal when he was on 41. India ended Day 2 of The Oval Test with a 52-run lead. Im happy for Yashasvi because he has been consistently scoring runs. Although he has shown a bit of inconsistency at times, hes currently batting with a score above 50. I hope he can convert this into a big score tomorrow maybe even a century. Lets see what happens, Singh told IANS. Jaiswal has had a mixed performance in the series so far. He started strongly with a century in the opening Test at Leeds, followed by scores of 87 and 28 in the subsequent matches. However, he struggled in the Lords Test, failing to make an impact. He bounced back somewhat with 58 in the Manchester Test. After bowling India for 224 in the first innings, England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley threatened to take the game away, but Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna staged India's comeback into the game, restricting England's lead to just 23 runs by bowling them out for 247. Reflecting on the two days' play in London, Singh said, The first two days (of the fifth test) have reflected typical English weather. When we were all out, it seemed like England would do much better. But the way our bowlers managed to bowl them out within a day without letting them build a big lead is a positive sign. After bowling India for 224 in the first innings, England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley threatened to take the game away, but Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna staged India's comeback into the game, restricting England's lead to just 23 runs by bowling them out for 247. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Singh concluded by saying, The pressure is mostly on England, especially in the absence of their regular captain, Ben Stokes. There is still plenty of time left in this Test match, and theres a good chance of getting a result despite the rain. I think if our batsmen play well, India can win this Test match. Article Source: IANS

Mirpur Wicket Is Not Satisfactory: BCB

Bangla National Cricket Stadium: Nazmul Abedin, chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Boards cricket operations, stated on Friday that the board never instructed the grounds committee to prepare a low and slow wicket at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, while also admitting that the pitch condition was not up to the mark. Bangladesh recently secured a 2-1 series win over Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, but the victory sparked criticism. Many observers argued that the hosts gained an unfair advantage by winning the first two matches on a pitch that made stroke play difficult. Their vulnerabilities were exposed in the third T20I, played on a comparatively better surface. I think there was an attempt to make it sporting, but they couldn't do it. That responsibility lies with those who are in charge of preparing it. Because from our side - from the board's side - I don't think it was ever instructed that the wicket has to be low and slow, Cricbuzz quoted Nazmul as saying. The team has faced similar criticism in the past for relying on low and slow wickets at SBNS to gain an edge over visiting sides such as Australia, England, and New Zealand. Nazmul also voiced his disappointment with the SBNS pitch, noting that it continues to fall short of expectations despite repeated attempts to improve it. We've seen that whenever we wanted a better wicket, a bouncy wicket, often that didn't happen. The usual reasons that are given relate to the nature of the soil there, or the environment, or the fact that too many matches are played on that pitch, he said. Overall, the Mirpur wicket is not satisfactory - we all accept that. We'll have to work on this going forward. Perhaps the entire soil base will have to be removed. Or, the process through which the pitch is prepared will have to be changed. I hope that some changes will come in this area in the near future, and that we'll see a better wicket in Mirpur, Nazmul added. We've seen that whenever we wanted a better wicket, a bouncy wicket, often that didn't happen. The usual reasons that are given relate to the nature of the soil there, or the environment, or the fact that too many matches are played on that pitch, he said. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score If there had been grass on the wicket, then the ball's color might not have been damaged as much. Since there is no natural grass, when the ball comes into friction with the soil, it absorbs the color of that soil, and eventually, a time comes when the ball appears less white and takes on a darker shade. That naturally affects visibility. So that is definitely a factor. Our board president made a correct observation or comment (in this regard), he explained. Article Source: IANS

'Picked Players Who've Been Playing No Cricket': Vaughan Slams Bethell's Inclusion For 5th Test

New Delhi: Michael Vaughan criticised England's decision to include Jacob Bethell in the team for the Oval Test, pointing out that the young all-rounder had played very little cricket over the summer. Bethell was one of four changes made by the hosts for the final match of the series and was selected as the team's sole spinner. Despite being entrusted with a key role, Bethell bowled just two overs in the first innings and managed only six runs with the bat on Day 2. While the 21-year-old had impressed during England's tour of New Zealand last year, his red-ball experience this season has been limited to just one first-class match, with most of his appearances coming in white-ball cricket. It has been an epic. It really has been a brilliant series, and I think this England side,on this kind of pitch, I like the way that they played today, said Vaughan. The only thing I say is in terms of their selection, they have picked players who have been playing no cricket. And to throw them into this hotbed of international cricket in front of this amount of people, with so many more watching, not just here but on TV screens around the world, it isn't an easy game. Vaughan expressed surprise at Englands decision to select Bethell for the final match of the series, saying he finds it extraordinary. He believes the team isnt providing Bethell with the best opportunity to succeed at the Test level. If it was that easy, anyone could play Test match cricket. If you're throwing a 21-year-old into this situation on the back of one first-class match in our summer, I find that absolutely extraordinary. I don't think you're giving a kid the best chance of succeeding at this level, he said. As part of the changes made by England ahead of the match, Bethell was included in the lineup alongside Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton. If it was that easy, anyone could play Test match cricket. If you're throwing a 21-year-old into this situation on the back of one first-class match in our summer, I find that absolutely extraordinary. I don't think you're giving a kid the best chance of succeeding at this level, he said. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Yashasvi Jaiswal's half-century took India to 75/2 at stumps after losing opener KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan cheaply. Article Source: IANS

5th Test: Key Will Be How Gill Bats, India Can Push For A Lead Of Over 300, Says Aaron

Even Akash Deep: Former India pacer Varun Aaron believes that captain Shubman Gill's batting approach will set the tone of their second innings after finishing the day 2 for 75/2 with a brief lead of 52 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal's half-century led India's fightback after after the hosts were successful in grabbing two Indian wickets of KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan cheaply. I dont think Gill will be taking any risky singles, thats for sure. But I hope he plays just like he has throughout this series. Hes already broken multiple records and could even surpass Sunil Gavaskars tally in this series. If he gets a big one tomorrow, India can push for a lead of over 300 and that would really tilt the game. The key will be how Gill bats and I think he knows his role is central to Indias plans, Aaron said on JioHotstar. I think India are in a good position. The wicket of Sai Sudharsan could have been avoided, but it was a great delivery, there wasnt much he could have done. For me, the story of the day was the bowling spells from Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. They bowled with real heart. Even Akash Deep did a solid holding job. England started aggressively in the morning, almost shock-and-awe, but the Indian bowlers held their nerve. Shubman Gill, as captain, stayed calm, didnt go defensive too early, and ensured Englands lead didnt cross 30, which was crucial. Jaiswals innings looked risky at times and he had a few chances, but his aggressive intent was important. Weve seen India struggle with run rate in this series so someone needed to keep the scoreboard ticking. India now find themselves 50 runs ahead, which is a good position. Earlier on day 2, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bagged four wickets each to bundle out England for 247/10 from 92/1. Aaron lauded Siraj and Krishna's performance on the day to stage a fight back in the match. I think India are in a good position. The wicket of Sai Sudharsan could have been avoided, but it was a great delivery, there wasnt much he could have done. For me, the story of the day was the bowling spells from Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. They bowled with real heart. Even Akash Deep did a solid holding job. England started aggressively in the morning, almost shock-and-awe, but the Indian bowlers held their nerve. Shubman Gill, as captain, stayed calm, didnt go defensive too early, and ensured Englands lead didnt cross 30, which was crucial. Jaiswals innings looked risky at times and he had a few chances, but his aggressive intent was important. Weve seen India struggle with run rate in this series so someone needed to keep the scoreboard ticking. India now find themselves 50 runs ahead, which is a good position. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score This had to be Prasidhs day. He really stepped up, especially after Siraj had just bowled an eight-over spell and Akash Deep had done a long shift. Prasidh getting those breakthroughs was vital. If he hadnt, wed have had to turn to spin, and someone like Harry Brook could have taken advantage. Thanks to Prasidh, the bowlers didnt have to overwork, and now theyre fresh and full of confidence heading into the next innings, the former India pacer added. Article Source: IANS

Didn't Expect The Words I Said To Get Such Big Reaction: Prasidh On Verbal Duel With Root

Test Match Special: India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna revealed that engaging Joe Root in a verbal exchange on the second day of the fifth Test at The Oval was part of a deliberate strategy to disrupt the former England captains focus. While Krishna downplayed the incident as mere banter, he admitted to being surprised at Root getting rattled. Root walked out to the crease with the team in a strong position at 129/2 in response to India's 224. The very first ball Root faced, a rising delivery from good length, he was rapped on the glove by Prasidh. Two balls later, a wobble-seam delivery straightened to beat Root's defense. It was then, possibly, that Prasidh said those words to him. The very next ball, Root guided a boundary past gully and even offered a verbal reaction to Prasidh's action from before. At the change of overs, umpire Kumar Dharmasena intervened and had a long chat with Prasidh, with even skipper Shubman Gill and KL Rahul jumping in the bowlers' defense. The exact words, which came when Root was yet to get off the mark and played and missed at Krishna, were not picked up by the stump mic but Krishna said he just told Root 'you are looking in great shape'. I don't know why Rooty (reacted). I just said, 'You're looking in great shape,' and then it turned into a lot of abuse and all of that, the 29-year-old pacer told the BBC's Test Match Special. Later at the press conference, Prasidh said it had been a strategy of his to try and get Root off his game but there was nothing antagonistic about the exchange to add to the other sparks that have been lit through the series. That was the plan, but I didn't expect the couple of words I said to get such a big reaction from him. That's just who I am when I'm bowling, when I'm enjoying. If it means that I have a bit of a chatter with the batter... and it does help me when I can get under the nerves of the batsman and get a reaction from them. But I love the guy that he is. He is a legend of the game and I think it is great when two people are out there wanting to do the best and be a winner at a given moment, Prasidh said at the press conference. England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick did not want to read too much into India's plan to rattle Root and said, He (Prasidh) obviously tried to get after him [Root] and spark him up a little bit. Maybe they have seen him play so well over the last couple of games that India tried a different approach, and Joe bit back, as sometimes he does. But I love the guy that he is. He is a legend of the game and I think it is great when two people are out there wanting to do the best and be a winner at a given moment, Prasidh said at the press conference. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Reacting to the incident, Trescothick said, He didn't really say too much. Strange, really. I don't think you really need to be putting your arm around someone, but nothing was really said, was it? You just don't really see it. We were chatting on the balcony there and I know many good people playing in county cricket would have said something or dug the elbow in, or something like that. Article Source: IANS

Deep Lucky To Escape Duckett 'Elbow' As India Get Under England's Skin

England batting coach Marcus Trescothick claimed Akash Deep was lucky not to be elbowed by Ben Duckett after the India bowler sparked a series of explosive incidents between the feuding sides at the Oval on Friday. Deep's clash with Duckett lit the fuse on the second day of the deciding Test as an increasingly tense rivalry approaches boiling point. The India seamer mockingly put an arm around Duckett's shoulder after having the opener caught behind for 43 attempting a cheeky reverse scoop in England's first innings. The dismissal came not long after Duckett was heard telling Deep you can't get me out. Deep's provocative act could be deemed to breach International Cricket Council rules on inappropriate physical contact. Duckett did not react as he walked off, but Deep had to be pulled away by KL Rahul to stop the row escalating. Trescothick, who made 76 Test appearances for England from 2000 to 2006, was stunned by Deep's 'send-off' and said the reaction in his playing days would not have been as composed as Duckett's. I was just saying many in my time, a lot of players would have just dropped the elbow on him. I don't think I've ever seen a bowler do that after getting someone out, said Trescothick. You see bowlers have many words like we've seen a bit in this series on both sides. But it was just different wasn't it? I was just laughing and joking about it. Ben doesn't really do a great deal. Put your head down and walk off, your job is done at that point. There is no need to walk him off in that fashion. With the animosity rising, England batsman Joe Root responded furiously after an exchange with Prasidh Krishna as he ran between the wickets later in the innings. Root, who has rarely lost his cool on the pitch, was clearly incensed as he shouted at Krishna. - 'Plenty of words and arguments' - Speaking after the day's play, Krishna insisted the exchange was just good-natured banter in the heat of the moment. It was a very small thing. It was just a combative edge that was coming out. We are good mates off the field. It was just a bit of banter and we both enjoyed it, he said. Root was eventually dismissed by Mohammed Siraj for just 29 and Krishna revealed India had been determined to unsettle him with an aggressive approach. I think that was the plan but I didn't think the couple of words I said would get such a big reaction from him, he said. I love the guy, he is a legend of the game. It's great when two people are out there wanting to do their best. Krishna was involved in another clash when he threw the ball towards Zak Crawley, hitting his bat in the process, after fielding a shot from the England opener. Earlier in the series, India captain Shubman Gill accused the hosts of ignoring the spirit of cricket following Crawley's time-wasting late on the third day of the third Test at Lord's. England were angered by India's decision to bat on in the fourth Test at Old Trafford rather than agree a draw as soon as possible. England hold a 2-1 lead in the series with three days left in the deciding Test, with India leading by 52 runs at 75-2 in their second innings. Trescothick insisted the teams would remain on friendly terms after the series, despite the growing evidence to the contrary. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The game has been fought in good spirits, even though there have been plenty of words and arguments along the way, he said.

'That was the plan' - Prasidh on verbal duel with Root

But I didn't expect the couple of words I said to get such a big reaction from him, says the fast bowler

Dropped catches leave England 'frustrated' and 'disappointed'

They dropped three catches in the first 15 overs of India's second innings

5th Test: Jaiswals Fifty, Siraj And Prasidh Four-fers Keep India Just Ahead Of England (ld)

Yashasvi Jaiswal: On a day where 15 wickets fell, India managed to keep themselves just ahead of England by taking a 52-run lead at stumps on Day Two of the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval on Friday. Yashasvi Jaiswals undefeated 51 ensured India reached 75/2 in 18 overs, before bad light forced stumps to be called 15 minutes earlier than expected on a day of see-saw cricketing action. In the morning, England ended Indias first innings at 224, before being bowled out for 247 for a minuscule 23-run lead. When England put on an entertaining 92-run opening stand off only 12.4 overs and reached 109/1 at lunch, it felt that they would pile on a huge lead. But from the post-lunch session onwards, Mohammed Siraj got crucial scalps through his nip-backers and yorkers to pick 4-86 and became the current leading wicket-taker of the ongoing series. Prasidh Krishna troubled batters with up-and-down bounce as well as sideways movement to take 4-62. For England, Zak Crawley and Harry Brook went on to make half-centuries. While Crawley top-scored with 64, Brooks 53 helped England take a slender lead. Though England took out KL Rahul and B Sai Sudharsan, they would be ruing their three dropped catches, including that of Jaiswal, who raised his 13th Test fifty. In the morning, the session began with Karun Nair and Washington Sundar taking a boundary each off Tongue. But Tongue bounced back to deliver the first breakthrough for England when he got a ball to jag back in and beat Nairs inside edge to trap the batter plumb lbw for 57, with the right-handed batter also burning a review. In the next over, Washington was dismissed for 26 after he pulled a short delivery from Atkinson to deep square leg. Atkinson got his fourth wicket when his fuller delivery crashed into Mohammed Siraj's off stump to castle him through the gate. Two balls later, Atkinson completed a richly-deserving five-for by forcing Prasidh Krishna to nick an outswinger behind to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Atkinsons haul of 5-33 was all the more significant after Chris Woakess left shoulder injury, sustained while fielding on day ones play, meant he wont be taking any further part in the match. It was unsurprising to see Duckett and Crawley be quick off the blocks in Englands first innings, as they were severe on wide deliveries, irrespective of whether them being full or short. Crawley was magnificent in slashing, punching, and flicking Siraj for three fours, before Duckett ramped Akash Deep for six, just after surviving an lbw review. With Siraj, Akash, and Krishna unable to nail their lines and lengths, Crawley and Duckett merrily hit them for boundaries. The possibility of England ending their session wicketless came to a halt in the 13th over when Duckett once again tried to reverse scoop off Akash, but this time, he gloved it behind to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Crawley brought up his third fifty-plus score of the series off 42 balls by dabbing Akash past gully for four, before Pope middled two drives off Prasidh for boundaries to end a super dominating morning session in Englands favour. But the post-lunch session saw India put up a much-improved show with the ball bowling tighter lines, good lengths, hitting the stumps much more to keep the pressure on the batters to get the session in their favour. Crawley had issues in timing the ball well after lunch, and in an attempt to pull off Prasidh, the right-handed batter top-edged to mid-wicket and fell for 64. Four overs later, Siraj got a length ball to come back in sharply and beat Ollie Pope's inside edge to trap him lbw for 22. India challenged the on-field call and got it in their favour as replays showed the ball hitting the middle and leg stumps. Brook and Joe Root tried stabilising Englands innings by hitting five boundaries in their brief 33-run stand, before Siraj trapped the latter plumb lbw with a nip-backer coming in sharply again, as England also burnt a review. Siraj got more reward for his relentless toil when his inswinging yorker trapped Jacob Bethell lbw for just six. Prasidh then took over and dismissed Jamie Smith, who tried to punch off the back foot, but edged to KL Rahul, taking a sharp catch at second slip. At the stroke of tea, Prasidh trapped Jamie Overton plumb lbw for duck, as the session came to an end in Indias favour. Atkinson began the final session by creaming Siraj and Prasidh each for a boundary. But on the fifth ball of the 47th over, Atkinson couldnt middle his pull shot and mid-on took a simple catch to give Prasidh his fourth wicket. Brook then swept Siraj for six in a style reminiscent of Rishabh Pant, before rain caused the proceedings to stop for 40 minutes. When play resumed, Brook brought up his 13th Test fifty off 57 balls. But Siraj managed to finish with four wickets as Brook tried to clip one away but was only left to see his stumps being rattled. With no Chris Woakes available for batting, it brought an end to England's innings at 247, their lowest total of this series. Indias second innings began with Jaiswal driving crisply and using the cut shot well to take five boundaries four of which came off Gus Atkinson. Jaiswal got a life on 20 when his edge off Atkinson was put down by Harry Brook at second slip, as the ball raced to the boundary rope. Jaiswal then slashed Jamie Overton for six, before getting another boundary off Josh Tongue to keep India afloat. But from the other end, Rahul was beaten on the outside edge and eventually nicked to Joe Root, who took a sharp, low catch at first slip. Jaiswal again had fortune on his side when, on 40, substitute fielder Liam Dawson dropped a sitter at long leg. More trouble followed England when Zak Crawley shelled Sudharsans catch on seven at third slip. Jaiswal brought up his fifty off 44 balls with an upper-cut six over the slip cordon off Atkinson. But the pacer bounced back 20 minutes before the stumps break when his wobble ball struck Sudharsan on the pad and was trapped lbw for 11. The left-handed batter went for a review, but to no avail as replays showed the ball crashing into the stumps. Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akash Deep ensured India suffered no further damage to set the stage for another exciting day of Test cricket. Jaiswal again had fortune on his side when, on 40, substitute fielder Liam Dawson dropped a sitter at long leg. More trouble followed England when Zak Crawley shelled Sudharsans catch on seven at third slip. Jaiswal brought up his fifty off 44 balls with an upper-cut six over the slip cordon off Atkinson. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score India 224 and 75/2 in 18 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 51 not out; Josh Tongue 1-25) lead England 247 in 51.2 overs (Zak Crawley 64, Harry Brook 53; Prasidh Krishna 4-62, Mohammed Siraj 4-86) by 52 runs Article Source: IANS

Siraj, Jaiswal, Prasidh help India nose ahead on 15-wicket day

England dominated till lunch with bat and ball, but India reversed the momentum from there and didn't look back

5th Test: Bad Light Forces Stumps After Jaiswals Unbeaten 51 Takes Indias Lead To 52 Runs

Tendulkar Trophy: On a day when 15 wickets fell, Yashasvi Jaiswals undefeated 51 ensured India reached 75/2 in 18 overs and took a lead of 52 runs against England as stumps were called earlier than anticipated due to bad light on Day Two of the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval on Friday. In the morning, England ended Indias first innings at 224, before being bowled out for 247 and taking a 23-run lead. When England put on an entertaining 92-run opening stand off only 12.4 overs and reached 109/1 at lunch, it felt that they would run all the way to take a huge lead. But from the post-lunch session onwards, Mohammed Siraj got crucial scalps through his nip-backers and yorkers to pick 4-86 and be the current leading wicket-taker of the ongoing series. Prasidh Krishna troubled batters with up-and-down bounce as well as sideways movement to take 4-62. For England, Zak Crawley and Harry Brook went on to make half-centuries. While Crawley top-scored with 64, Brooks 53 helped England take a slender lead. Though England took out KL Rahul and B Sai Sudharsan, they would be ruing their three dropped catches, including that of Jaiswal, who raised his 13th Test fifty. Indias second innings began with Jaiswal driving crisply and using the cut shot well to take five boundaries four of which came off Gus Atkinson. Jaiswal got a life on 20 when Harry Brook put down his edge off Atkinson at second slip, as the ball raced to the boundary rope. Jaiswal then slashed Jamie Overton for six, before getting another boundary off Josh Tongue to keep India afloat. But from the other end, Rahul was beaten on the outside edge and eventually nicked to Joe Root, who took a sharp, low catch at first slip. Jaiswal again had fortune on his side when, on 40, substitute fielder Liam Dawson dropped a sitter at long leg. More trouble followed England when Zak Crawley shelled Sudharsans catch on seven at third slip. Jaiswal brought up his fifty off 44 balls with an upper-cut six over the slip cordon off Atkinson. But the pacer bounced back 20 minutes before the stumps break when his wobble ball struck Sudharsan on the pad and was trapped lbw for 11. The left-handed batter went for a review, but to no avail as replays showed the ball crashing into the stumps. Jaiswal and nightwatchman Akash Deep ensured India suffered no further damage to set the stage for another exciting day of Test cricket. Previously, Atkinson began the final session by creaming Siraj and Prasidh each for a boundary. But on the fifth ball of the 47th over, Atkinson couldnt middle his pull shot and mid-on took a simple catch to give Prasidh his fourth wicket. Brook then swept Siraj for six in a style reminiscent of Rishabh Pant, before rain caused the proceedings to stop for 40 minutes. When play resumed, Brook brought up his 13th Test fifty off 57 balls. But Siraj managed to finish with four wickets as Brook tried to clip one away but was only left to see his stumps being rattled. With no Chris Woakes available for batting, it brought an end to England's innings at 247, their lowest total of this series. Brook then swept Siraj for six in a style reminiscent of Rishabh Pant, before rain caused the proceedings to stop for 40 minutes. When play resumed, Brook brought up his 13th Test fifty off 57 balls. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score India 224 and 75/2 in 18 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 51 not out; Josh Tongue 1-25) lead England 247 all out in 51.2 overs (Zak Crawley 64, Harry Brook 53; Prasidh Krishna 4-62, Mohammed Siraj 4-86) by 52 runs Article Source: IANS

Libby makes twin hundreds as Worcestershire chase comes close

Teams settle for enthralling draw after Hampshire's enterprising declaration

Bengal Tigers Unveiled As Newest Franchise In LEGEN-Z T10 League

Sawai Mansingh International Stadium: As excitement builds for the debut season of the LEGEN-Z T10 League, Bengal Tigers, one of the six franchises that will take the field, have announced their squads for the tournament. The league gets ready to roll with daily triple-headers from August 7 to August 11, culminating in a grand finale on August 13. The Bengal Tigers, led by former Australian white-ball captain Aaron Finch, feature a powerful blend of international firepower and raw Indian street talent, handpicked from thousands of trialists across India. Speaking on the League, team owner Sunil Raniwala said, I'm happy to be joining LEGEN-Z T10 League. Ive seen how tennis ball cricket is being played in India, and I believe Indias true cricketing soul is found on the streets. Having Bengal Tigers is my way of giving back to a game that connects every corner of the country. Venkatesh Prasad, chairman of the LEGEN-Z T10 League, welcomed the addition of Raniwala to the ownership roster, saying, Having a visionary like Sunil Raniwala own the Bengal Tigers is an endorsement of our core ideathat cricket belongs to every Indian, whether in gullies or global boardrooms. The Bengal Tigers will be among the first to take the field in the inaugural match of the tournament, as they face Royal Challengers Delhi at 5:00 PM on August 7 at the Sawai Mansingh International Stadium, Jaipur. Venkatesh Prasad, chairman of the LEGEN-Z T10 League, welcomed the addition of Raniwala to the ownership roster, saying, Having a visionary like Sunil Raniwala own the Bengal Tigers is an endorsement of our core ideathat cricket belongs to every Indian, whether in gullies or global boardrooms. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Aaron Finch (Captain), Christofer Mpofu, Daniel Christian, Isuru Udana, Sudeep Tyagi, Gaurav Dhiman, Mohd Hussain, Umang Sethi, Kevin Rodrigues, Mohammad Mujtaba, Refar Ali, Mohammad Naaz, Sorabh Soni, Pramod Kumar, Avinash Rana, Raj Shekhar Malik, Manas Dutta, Vipin Verma, Priyanshu Pratap Article Source: IANS

Northants frustrated by Reece, Guest and rain

Home side only manage one wicket on truncated final day

Injured Sadaf Shamas out of Ireland T20Is; Shawaal Zulfiqar replaces her

Shamas tore her left quadriceps muscle during a practice session in Karachi

5th Test: Prasidh And Siraj Pick Four-fers As England Earn 23-run Lead Over India

Prasidh Krishna: Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj led a brilliant fightback for India by picking four wickets apiece as the visitors kept England's lead down to 23 runs after dismissing them for 247 in 51.2 overs on Day Two of the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval here on Friday. When England put on an entertaining 92-run opening stand off only 12.4 overs and reached 109/1 at lunch, it felt that they would run all the way to take a huge lead. But from the post-lunch session onwards, Siraj got crucial scalps through his nip-backers and yorkers to pick 4-86 and be the current leading wicket-taker of the ongoing series. Prasidh then troubled batters with up-and-down bounce as well as sideways movement to take 4-62. For England, Zak Crawley and Harry Brook went on to make half-centuries. While Crawley top-scored with 64, Brooks 53 helped England take a slender lead and leave the match on a knife-edge, especially with India set to bat for an hour and 40 minutes. The final session began with Gus Atkinson creaming Siraj and Prasidh each for a boundary. But on the fifth ball of the 47th over, Atkinson couldnt middle his pull shot and mid-on took a simple catch to give Prasidh his fourth wicket. Brook then swept Siraj for six in a style reminiscent of Rishabh Pant, before rain caused the proceedings to stop for 40 minutes. When play resumed, Brook brought up his 13th Test fifty off 57 balls. But Siraj managed to finish with four wickets as Brook tried to clip one away but was only left to see his stumps being rattled. With no Chris Woakes available for batting, it brought an end to England's innings at 247, their lowest total of this series. The final session began with Gus Atkinson creaming Siraj and Prasidh each for a boundary. But on the fifth ball of the 47th over, Atkinson couldnt middle his pull shot and mid-on took a simple catch to give Prasidh his fourth wicket. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score India 224 in 69.4 overs (Karun Nair 57, B. Sai Sudharsan 38; Gus Atkinson 5-33, Josh Tongue 3-57) trail England 247 all out in 51.2 overs (Zak Crawley 64, Harry Brook 53; Prasidh Krishna 4-62, Mohammed Siraj 4-86) by 23 runs Article Source: IANS

Abell, Banton do the needful as Somerset secure draw

Result dents both teams with Surrey pulling away at top of table

Compton doubles up as Kent bat out for draw

Opener completes the task of securing draw after rain wrecked day three

No police clearance yet for Chinnaswamy Stadium to host Maharaja T20

KSCA is looking at alternative venues, including its own facility in Alur as well as the Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru

PCB Bars Use Of Pakistans Name In Private Cricket Leagues After WCL Fiasco: Report

The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put a ban on using the name of the country in teams representing it in private cricket leagues following the fiasco in the World Championships of Legends (WCL) in which Indian players refused to play against the 'Pakistan Champions'. According to a report in Telecom Asia Sport(www.telecomasia.net), the PCB has decided to pull the plug on the use of the country's name in private cricket leagues after the ongoing WCL in the UK was made out to be a clash between India and Pakistan. The decision was taken after a detailed discussion in the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, sources told www.telecomasia.net on Friday. The high-level authorities felt Indian players refusing to play Pakistan in the WCLs second edition twice is hurtful to the name of the country. In the future, no permission will be given to any private organization to use the name of the country for private leagues. However, the current Pakistan Legends team will be allowed to play Saturdays final against South Africa. The reports said that various private organisations have used the name of Pakistan to feature in minor and low-profile leagues in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and the USA. In the future, no permission will be given to any private organization to use the name of the country for private leagues. However, the current Pakistan Legends team will be allowed to play Saturdays final against South Africa. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score It is also learnt that the Pakistan government and the IPC (Inter-provincial coordination committee), which is looking after the sports in the country, has sent an advisory to the PCB to control the use of the countrys name in private cricket leagues in the future. Article Source: IANS

India fight back through Siraj, Prasidh after England's morning blitz

England dominated the morning session on Day 2, but India's quicks turned the tide

Mohammed Shami in East Zone squad for Duleep Trophy

Ishan Kishan is named captain of the 15-man squad, which includes Abhimanyu Easwaran, Akash Deep, Riyan Parag and Mukesh Kumar

Milnes five-for seals innings win; lifts Yorkshire out of bottom two

Hughes, Ibrahim fall early but Hudson-Prentice fifty delays the inevitable

Matt Henry Stars As New Zealand Crush Zimbabwe By Nine Wickets In Bulawayo

Queens Sports Club: New Zealand stamped their authority over Zimbabwe with a dominant performance in the first Test of the two-match series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, wrapping up the match in just two-and-a-half days to secure a comprehensive nine-wicket win. The BlackCaps now lead 1-0 in the series, which is not part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. The victory was set up by New Zealands relentless pace attack, spearheaded by Matt Henry, who returned match figures of 9 wickets, including a stunning 6 for 39 on the opening day. Zimbabwe were bundled out for 149 in their first innings and failed to recover from the early damage, eventually folding for 165 in the second, despite some resistance from Sean Williams and Tafadzwa Tsiga. New Zealand batted solidly in response to Zimbabwes first innings, building a commanding lead of 158 runs. Devon Conway (88) and Daryl Mitchell (80) led the charge, helping the visitors post 307. While Zimbabwe's bowlers toiled hard, they lacked the sting to restrict the South African batters for long periods. Zimbabwe began their second innings on Day 3 with hopes of putting up a more resilient fight. However, their innings followed a familiar pattern, with Will ORourke (3 for 28) and Mitchell Santner (4 for 27) exploiting the fragile middle and lower order. Sean Williams top-scored with a gritty 49, while Tafadzwa Tsiga, who had impressed in the first innings with a career-best 30, added 27 more runs. But Zimbabwes total of 165 was never going to be enough to force a contest. New Zealand chased down the target of just eight runs in 14 deliveries, losing Devon Conway in the first over but eventually sealing the match with nine wickets in hand. Zimbabwes batting frailties were once again exposed. Despite a blend of young players and seasoned campaigners, they failed to post significant partnerships. The only Test win for Zimbabwe this year came in Chattogram against Bangladesh, and the side has now suffered five consecutive Test losses, with home performances continuing to raise concern. South Africa, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their clinical showing. With Matt Henry leading the charge, they will go into the second Test with confidence and momentum on their side. The second and final Test of the series begins on August 7 at the same venue. Zimbabwes batting frailties were once again exposed. Despite a blend of young players and seasoned campaigners, they failed to post significant partnerships. The only Test win for Zimbabwe this year came in Chattogram against Bangladesh, and the side has now suffered five consecutive Test losses, with home performances continuing to raise concern. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Zimbabwe 149 & 165 all out in67/1 overs (Sean Williams 49; Mitchell Santner 4-27, William O'Rourke 3-28, Matt Henry 3-51) lost to New Zealand 307 all out (Devon Conway 88, Daryl Mitchell 80; Blessing Muzarabani 3-73) & 8/1 in 2.2 overs (Henry Nicholls 4 not out) by nine wickets. Article Source: IANS

Westley fifty caps stalemate between Essex and Warwickshire

Ed Barnard rewarded for saving follow-on with unbeaten century

Duleep Trophy: Shami, Akash, Easwaran Included, Kishan Appointed East Zone Captain

The East Zone: Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, and Abhimanyu Easwaran have been included in the East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy, starting on August 28 in Bengaluru. The East Zone zonal selectors, who convened in a meeting at JSCA International Stadium on Friday, have appointed India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as the sides captain. Shami hasn't been in competitive cricket action since IPL 2025, where he picked up only six wickets in nine innings at an economy rate of 11.23 for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The veteran right-arm pacer, who last played for India in their victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, was recently named in Bengals probables list for the Ranji Trophy. Easwaran, the right-handed opener whos warmed the bench in the ongoing Test series against England, will be the vice-captain. Akash, who picked a ten-wicket haul in Indias 336-run win in Birmingham, and is in action at The Oval, will handle pace bowling duties alongside Shami, Mukesh Kumar and Suraj Jaiswal. Other prominent players include India all-rounder Riyan Parag and Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra. Teenaged left-handed opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made heads turn with a 35-ball century in IPL 2025 for Rajasthan Royals and had a productive time on the U19 tour of England, is amongst the stand-by players. The Duleep Trophy will be held in the old zonal format of six teams and marks the beginning of 2025/26 domestic cricket season. East Zone will begin their campaign with a quarter-final clash against North Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, with the games winner set to meet South Zone in the semi-final. Other prominent players include India all-rounder Riyan Parag and Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra. Teenaged left-handed opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made heads turn with a 35-ball century in IPL 2025 for Rajasthan Royals and had a productive time on the U19 tour of England, is amongst the stand-by players. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Stand-bys: Mukhtar Hussain (Assam), Aasirwad Swain (Odisha), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Bihar), Swastik Samal (Odisha), Sudip Kr Gharami (Bengal) and Rahul Singh (Assam) Article Source: IANS

Glamorgan unpick Harris resistance for first win at Old Trafford since 1993

Kellaway, Crane claim three wickets apiece as Lancashire's slim hopes unravel

Shastri Urges India to Stick to Basics After Englands Blistering Start at The Oval

Former head coach Ravi Shastri believes India must focus on maintaining a strict line and length to build pressure from both ends if they are to bounce back in the ongoing fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at The Oval here on Friday. By the time lunch break came, England reached 109/1 in 16 overs, and trail India by 115 runs with Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope unbeaten on 52 and 12 respectively. Crawley also shared a 92-run opening stand with Ben Duckett, who hit a quick 43, as Indias pacers were unable to nail their lines and lengths to leak a staggering 21 boundaries. The game has moved forward and India have been blown away. They lost four wickets for 20 runs, and then England scored so quickly. That is alarming for India, so they will sit down and say, 'let's focus on where we want to bowl'. The batters will try different things, but India need to stick to a line and length and build pressure at both ends, not try too many things, said Shastri on Sky Sports broadcast during lunch break. Ricky Ponting, the former Australia captain, also pointed out that India haven't used short-ball enough to push England on the back foot. Duckett and Crawley can put bowlers off their length, and I don't think India bowled full enough with the new ball. They also haven't bowled enough bouncers, something we talked about in the last game (at Old Trafford). The game has moved forward and India have been blown away. They lost four wickets for 20 runs, and then England scored so quickly. That is alarming for India, so they will sit down and say, 'let's focus on where we want to bowl'. The batters will try different things, but India need to stick to a line and length and build pressure at both ends, not try too many things, said Shastri on Sky Sports broadcast during lunch break. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score We have watched England be front-foot and take the game forward over the last four or five years, and they have done that perfectly today. They have scored at almost seven runs an over, he added. Article Source: IANS

Matt Henry takes nine in the match as NZ rout Zimbabwe in first Test

New Zealand needed only eight to win after Zimbabwe were bowled out for 165 in second innings

Freya Sargent back in Ireland squad for Pakistan T20Is

Lara McBride retains her place in the squad for three games against Pakistan

5th Test: Crawley Hits Unbeaten 52 As England Reach 109/1 At Lunch, Trail India By 115 Runs

Tendulkar Trophy Test: Zak Crawleys 52 not out has propelled England to reach 109/1 in 16 overs trail India by 115 runs at lunch on day two of fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at The Oval on Friday. Resuming from 204/6, Indias innings ended within 30 minutes and 34 deliveries of the morning sessions start. Atkinson took three of the final four wickets to finish with 5-33 from 21.4 overs, including eight maidens. Josh Tongue took one more scalp to end up with 3-57, as India lost their last four wickets for just 20 runs. In reply, England put on an entertaining 92-run opening stand off only 12.4 overs with Ben Duckett hitting 43 off 38 balls. Crawley at his rollicking best, especially when playing effortless drives, to hit 12 boundaries and be unbeaten on 52 off 43 balls his 19th Test fifty. Giving him company is skipper Ollie Pope, whos unbeaten on 12 off 16 deliveries. It was unsurprising to see Duckett and Crawley be quick out of the blocks, and be severe on deliveries which were wide, irrespective of them being full or short. Crawley was magnificent in slashing, punching and flicking Mohammed Siraj for three fours, before Duckett ramped Akash Deep for six, just after surviving an lbw review. With Siraj Akash and Prasidh Krishna unable to nail their lines and lengths, Crawley and Duckett merrily hit them for boundaries. The possibility of England ending their session wicketless came to a halt in the 13th over when Duckett once again tried to reverse scoop off Akash, but this time, he gloved it behind to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Crawley brought up his third fifty plus score of the series off 42 balls by dabbing Akash past gully for four, before Pope middled two drives off Prasidh for boundaries to end a super dominating session in Englands favour. In the morning, the session began with Karun Nair and Washington Sundar taking a boundary each off Tongue. But Tongue bounced back to deliver the first breakthrough for England when he got a ball to jag back in and beat Nairs inside edge to trap the batter plumb lbw for 57, with the right-handed batter also burning a review. In the next over, Washington was dismissed for 26 after he pulled a short delivery from Atkinson to deep square leg. Atkinson got his fourth wicket when his fuller delivery crashed into Mohammed Siraj's off stump to castle him through the gate. In the morning, the session began with Karun Nair and Washington Sundar taking a boundary each off Tongue. But Tongue bounced back to deliver the first breakthrough for England when he got a ball to jag back in and beat Nairs inside edge to trap the batter plumb lbw for 57, with the right-handed batter also burning a review. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Brief Scores: India 224 in 69.4 overs (Karun Nair 57, B Sai Sudharsan 38; Gus Atkinson 5-33, Josh Tongue 3-57) lead England 109/1 in 16 overs (Zak Crawley 52 not out, Ben Duckett 43; Akash Deep 1-46) by 115 runs Article Source: IANS

Gaby Lewis To Lead Ireland Women Against Pakistan In T20Is

T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier: Gaby Lewis will lead the 14-member Ireland Women's squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan at home in Clontarf, near Dublin. The 24-year-old Gabi, who made her international debut in July 2014 at the age of 13, became the youngest player to captain the Ireland Women's team in international cricket in June 2022, at the age of 21. Orla Prendergast has been named as vice-captain, while off-spinner Freya Sargent returns to the squad after recovering from injury, and fellow off-spinner Lara McBride holds onto her spot after impressing during her debut series against Zimbabwe. The series holds significant importance for Ireland as they prepare for the ICC Womens T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, where theyll be targeting a place in next years main event. Historically, Pakistan have dominated the head-to-head in T20Is, winning 15 of their 19 meetings. However, Ireland claimed bragging rights the last time the two teams met in a bilateral T20I series, securing a 2-1 win in 2022. Speaking on facing Pakistan after a successful series against Zimbabwe, National Womens Selector Ciara OBrien said, After a strong 5-0 series win against Zimbabwe Women across formats under new head coach Lloyd Tennant, its great to be able to move so quickly into what will understandably be a much tougher assignment against Pakistan Women in Clontarf for this T20I series. With the upcoming matches, our preparation continues for the ICC Womens T20I World Cup Europe Qualifier in the Netherlands in a few weeks, so were looking to see this latest momentum continued by the squad at Clontarf. Speaking on facing Pakistan after a successful series against Zimbabwe, National Womens Selector Ciara OBrien said, After a strong 5-0 series win against Zimbabwe Women across formats under new head coach Lloyd Tennant, its great to be able to move so quickly into what will understandably be a much tougher assignment against Pakistan Women in Clontarf for this T20I series. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Ireland squad: Gaby Lewis (captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell. Article Source: IANS

5th Test: Gus Atkinson Bags Five-wicket Haul As England Bowl India Out For 224

Tendulkar Trophy Test: Gus Atkinson was at his fiery best at his home ground to pick his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests as England bowled India out for 224 in 69.4 overs on day two of the fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at The Oval on Friday. Resuming from 204/6, Indias innings ended within 30 minutes and 34 deliveries of the morning sessions start. Atkinson took three of the final four wickets to finish with 5-33 from 21.4 overs, including eight maidens. Josh Tongue took one scalp in the session to end up with 3-57, as India lost their last four wickets for just 20 runs. The session began with Karun Nair and Washington Sundar taking a boundary each off Tongue. But Tongue bounced back to deliver the first breakthrough for England when he got a ball to jag back in and beat Nairs inside edge to trap the batter plumb lbw for 57, with the right-handed batter also burning a review. In the next over, Washington was dismissed for 26 after he pulled a short delivery from Atkinson to deep square leg. Atkinson got his fourth wicket when his fuller delivery crashed into Mohammed Siraj's off stump to castle him through the gate. Two balls later, Atkinson completed a richly-deserving five-for by forcing Prasidh Krishna to nick an out-swinger behind to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Atkinsons haul of 5-33 was all the more significant after Chris Woakess left shoulder injury sustained while fielding on day ones play meant he wont be taking any further part in the match. In the next over, Washington was dismissed for 26 after he pulled a short delivery from Atkinson to deep square leg. Atkinson got his fourth wicket when his fuller delivery crashed into Mohammed Siraj's off stump to castle him through the gate. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Brief scores: India 224 in 69.4 overs (Karun Nair 57, B Sai Sudharsan 38; Gus Atkinson 5-33, Josh Tongue 3-57) against England. Article Source: IANS

Duleep Trophy: Iyer, Sarfaraz in West Zone squad; Thakur named captain

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are also in the West Zone squad

Gus Atkinson takes five as India collapse for 224

He took three of the remaining four India wickets that India had when they arrived on Friday morning on 204 for 6

Shardul Thakur To Lead West Zone Side In Upcoming Duleep Trophy

MCA Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket: India's seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur has been named as the captain of the strong West Zone squad in the forthcoming Duleep Trophy, starting on August 28 in Bengaluru. The squad selected by the zonal selection committee in a meeting at MCA Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy and Recreation Centre in BKC on Friday has also included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Thakur, currently in the Indian team for the ongoing Test series in England, had been a crucial all-round player for Mumbai in domestic cricket alongside Tanush Kotian and Shams Mulani. Pacer Tushar Deshpande also finds a place in the squad for the Duleep Trophy. Iyer currently finds himself out of favour of the Indian Test team set-up. He has played 14 Tests for India, hitting one century and five fifties before being out of the team after the second Test of 2024 home series against England. Sarfaraz, on the other hand, warmed the bench for the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour in Australia earlier this year and didnt get a place for the ongoing Test tour of England, though he did play for India A in the two games against England Lions. From Saurashtra, wicketkeeper-batter Harvik Desai and spinner Dharmendra Jadeja have been included, while Aarya Desai, Jaymeet Patel, Manan Hingrajia and Arzan Nagwaswalla have been selected from the Gujarat set-up. Apart from Gaikwad, Saurabh Nawale is the other player from the Maharashtra side in the West Zone team. Sarfaraz, on the other hand, warmed the bench for the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour in Australia earlier this year and didnt get a place for the ongoing Test tour of England, though he did play for India A in the two games against England Lions. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score West Zone squad: Shardul Thakur (Capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Aarya Desai, Harvik Desai (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Jaymeet Patel, Manan Hingrajia, Saurabh Nawale (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Dharmendra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, and Arzan Nagwaswalla. Article Source: IANS

England Say Injured Chris Woakes Set To Miss Rest Of India Decider

England paceman Chris Woakes is set to miss the remainder of the fifth and deciding Test against India at the Oval after suffering a shoulder injury, team management announced on Friday. Woakes injured himself late on Thursday's opening day in south London in a desperate bid to prevent a boundary, landing awkwardly and then leaving the field with his left arm in a makeshift sling while in evident pain. He was then assessed by team medical staff and while Woakes could yet feature again in a dire emergency, an England spokesman, speaking before the start of Friday's second day, effectively ruled him. England seamer Chris Woakes will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the Rothesay Fifth Test at The Kia Oval, following a left shoulder injury sustained on day one of the match against India, the spokesman said. At this stage, the injury has ruled him out of any further participation in the Test. A further assessment will be conducted at the conclusion of the series. India, who must win the match to end a five-Test series level at 2-2, were 204-6 at Thursday's close after being sent into bat. Woakes is the only England pace bowler to have featured in every match of a gruelling series where five Tests have been squeezed into a schedule of seven weeks. On generally flat pitches in the preceding four Tests, Woakes struggled to make an impact, taking 10 wickets. And on Thursday he had India opener KL Rahul chop the ball onto his stumps before suffering the injury. Given his mediocre record away from home, Woakes already faced a tough task to gain selection for England's upcoming Ashes tour of Australia and at the age of 36, this injury could threaten the Warwickshire all-rounder's international career. In the short term, his injury is set to leave an already depleted England pace attack a a man down at the Oval, with substitutes only permitted to field, not bat or bowl. England captain Ben Stokes, the leading wicket-taker this series, is missing the series finale with a shoulder injury, while pacemen Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse were both left out at the Oval following their previous workload in this series. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Express quick Mark Wood is a long-term absentee, while Olly Stone is only just returning to fitness following a knee injury.

LPL 2025 To Be Held In Colombo, Pallekele And Dambulla From November 27

Lanka Premier League: The 2025 edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) will run from November 27 to December 23, marking the tournament's sixth season. Matches will be held across three venues - Colombo, Pallekele and Dambulla. This will be the fourth time in six years that the LPL is being staged in the November-December window instead of its usual July-August slot. While the last two seasons were held during the mid-year period, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) opted for a later schedule this year, considering the 2026 T20 World Cup is set to begin in February, making the revised window more strategic. The idea to conduct the LPL during this time frame is aimed at aligning the tournament with the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, said Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director, LPL. The LPL, Sri Lankas flagship domestic T20 tournament with an international appeal, serves as a dynamic platform for the country's top first-class cricketers to compete alongside and against international stars. Since the inaugural edition in 2020, the Lanka Premier League has been held annually and has become a vital fixture in Sri Lankas cricketing calendar. Earlier this year, Sri Lanka Cricket terminated the contracts of Jaffna Kings - previously the longest-standing franchise since joining in the tournaments second edition - and Colombo Strikers, citing failure to uphold contractual obligations. As a result, none of the current LPL franchises have ownership histories dating back beyond 2024. New owners for the Jaffna and Colombo teams are yet to be announced. Dodanwela also shared the boards intent to develop more batting-friendly pitches to help players adapt to conditions expected during the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka along with India. As a result, none of the current LPL franchises have ownership histories dating back beyond 2024. New owners for the Jaffna and Colombo teams are yet to be announced. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Supporting his comments, relaying work is currently underway on the pitches at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Several national players, including Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva, have also recently highlighted the need for surfaces that offer more support to batters. Article Source: IANS

Woakes Ruled Out Of Remainder Of 5th Test With Shoulder Injury

Wales Cricket Board: England's experienced seamer Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India after injuring his shoulder on opening day, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Friday. England seamer Chris Woakes will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the Fifth Test at The Kia Oval, following a left shoulder injury sustained on day one of the match against India, ECB said in a statement. At this stage, the injury has ruled him out of any further participation in the Test. A further assessment will be conducted at the conclusion of the series, it added. In the 57th over of India's first innings on Day 1, Woakes walked off the field after he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder and stayed down clutching it while saving a ball hit to the boundary by Karun Nair at long-off. He received medical attention from England physio, before using his sweater as a makeshift sling on his way to the dressing room. Woakes bowled 14 overs on Day 1, returning figures of 1 for 46. His injury added to Englands growing list of concerns, with the team already missing several key players for the all-important final Test, including captain Ben Stokes, who was ruled out of the series decider due to a right shoulder injury. In the 57th over of India's first innings on Day 1, Woakes walked off the field after he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder and stayed down clutching it while saving a ball hit to the boundary by Karun Nair at long-off. He received medical attention from England physio, before using his sweater as a makeshift sling on his way to the dressing room. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The 35-year-old has been a workhorse for England throughout the series, one of only two seamers along with Indias Mohammed Siraj to feature in all five matches. Across the series, he has bowled 181 overs and taken 11 wickets at an average of 52.18. Article Source: IANS

UAE To Host Afghanistan And Pakistan In T20I Tri-series Ahead Of Asia Cup

East Asia Pacific Qualifiers: UAE will host Pakistan and Afghanistan in a seven-match T20I Tri-Series at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29. The three teams will play each other twice in the six-match group stage. The top two teams will then compete in the final on September 7. Afghanistan will take on Pakistan in the tournament opener on August 29. Host UAE will open their campaign against Pakistan on August 30 followed by Afghanistans clash against UAE on September 1 and their second group-stage match against Pakistan on September 2. Pakistan and UAEs second group-stage match will be played on September 4 followed by the Afghanistan-UAE match on September 5. The tournament will provide the ideal preparation opportunity to the three teams ahead of the eight-team ACC Asia Cup 2025 which will be played in the UAE from September 9. According to the ICCs Future Tours Programme, Pakistan were initially scheduled to host Afghanistan for a three-match T20I series during the window now taken up by the upcoming tri-series. Among the three participating teams, Pakistan are the highest-ranked in the ICC T20I rankings at No. 8, followed by Afghanistan at No. 9 and UAE at No. 14. According to the ICCs Future Tours Programme, Pakistan were initially scheduled to host Afghanistan for a three-match T20I series during the window now taken up by the upcoming tri-series. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have already secured direct qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan qualified by finishing among the top seven teams (excluding the hosts) in the last T20 World Cup, while Pakistan earned their spot based on their ICC ranking as of June 30, 2024 cut-off. UAE, however, are yet to confirm their place in the tournament and will need to go through the Asia-East Asia Pacific Qualifiers, scheduled in Oman from October 8 to 17. Article Source: IANS

LPL 2025 set for November-December return, SLC set to add sixth franchise

The sixth edition will run from November 27 to December 23, with SLC keen to prepare batting-friendly pitches ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup

Pakistan, Afghanistan and UAE to play T20I tri-series in Sharjah ahead of Asia Cup

The teams will play each other twice in the first round, with the top two teams going through to the final

It Would Improve Standard Of Cricket: Broad Bats For Injury Replacements In Tests

New Delhi: England pacer Chris Woakes shoulder injury has reignited the debate around the injury replacements in Tests, with former fast bowler Stuart Broad suggesting that replacement rule would improve the quality and standard of the cricket. On the opening day of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, Woakes walked off the field after he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder and stayed down clutching it while saving a ball hit to the boundary by Karun Nair at long-off. Earlier, India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant retired hurt on the first day of the drawn fourth Test in Manchester but courageously returned to the crease the next day with a broken right foot. India were able to use Dhruv Jurel, a substitute, as their wicketkeeper in Pant's place, but he wasn't available to bat in their second innings due to ICC rules. There are decent arguments either way, aren't there? It would certainly improve the standard and quality of cricket if you could keep it at 11-v-11 throughout the game, especially when it's unusual injuries, like Pant's last week or what has happened with Woakes. He has not come into the game with that sole injury or is trying to manage an injury, Broad said on Sky Sports. Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik is also in favour of an injury replacement and said there may be scope to ask for an injury replacement in a Test if the match referee agrees with it. For the second time in this series, on day one of a Test match, an injury has happened where you get the feeling that the player couldn't participate in the Test match anymore. It begs the question that if it is a proper injury, like what we have noticed on the field with Woakes, maybe the team could ask for a replacement if the match referee feels it's okay, Karthik said. For the second time in this series, on day one of a Test match, an injury has happened where you get the feeling that the player couldn't participate in the Test match anymore. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score However, while providing an update on Woakes' injury at the end of the day's play on Thursday, Gus Atkinson said, I don't know too much about it, but it doesn't look great. It's a big shame, last game of the series, and when anyone gets injured, it's a shame. I'm hoping it's not too bad, and whatever it is, he'll get full support from everyone. Article Source: IANS

South Africa All Geared Up To Break Pakistan Champions Dream In WCL 2025 Final

The World Championship: The World Championship of Legends 2025 (WCL) is all set for its ultimate showdown as South Africa Champions, led by AB de Villiers, go head-to-head against Pakistan Champions in the grand finale on Saturday. In 2024, Indian cricket fans witnessed Yuvraj Singh lead the India Champions to victory. This year, AB de Villiers stands at the forefront, ready to take the crown and secure the title for South Africa. Backed by a stellar line-up featuring Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir, Wayne Parnell and Chris Morris, the South Africa Champions earned their place in the final with a commanding win over Australia Champions in the semi-final. Their final opponents, the Pakistan Champions, have looked unstoppable throughout the tournament. With a powerful squad comprising Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sharjeel Khan and Saeed Ajmal, they bring experience, aggression and consistency to the final stage. WCL 2025 has been a celebration of crickets golden era. Sanctioned by the England & Wales Cricket Board, the tournament has brought together some of the biggest names in world cricket. This season featured a star-studded cast including Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Chris Gayle, DJ Bravo, Brett Lee, Chris Lynn, Shaun Marsh, Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, and Sir Alastair Cook, drawing fans from across the globe. WCL 2025 has been a celebration of crickets golden era. Sanctioned by the England & Wales Cricket Board, the tournament has brought together some of the biggest names in world cricket. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The high-stakes clash will be broadcast live in India on Star Sports and FanCode at 9:00 PM IST. Article Source: IANS

We Want To Wheel Bumrah In, But Also Want To Respect Where His Body's At: India Assistant Coach

India Assistant: India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said the team management felt it was right to honour Bumrah's call to play just three games of the five-match series against England, suggesting the long-term future of the No.1 ranked Test bowler was more important than a single Test match. Bumrah completed his scheduled workload of playing in just three Tests across the series during the recent contest in Manchester and the team decided to take no risks with the star pacer for the fifth and final Test in London. It's quite a complex issue around Bumrah. We obviously want to wheel him in, but we also want to respect where his body's at, and on the basis of that, we just felt that it wasn't worth including him in the squad, ten Doeschate told reporters after end of Day 1 play. He has bowled a large number of overs, I know it doesn't always seem like that because he's only played three Tests and he only bowled in one innings in Manchester. But if you look at the loads, he's bowled a lot of overs, and like he did say coming into the tour, he was going to be available for three games, and we just felt it was right to honour that call,' he added. Ten Doeschate said there was no exact science to consider when choosing which matches the fast bowler would sit out across the five-game series. Every time I've answered this question I've spoken about like putting the pieces of the puzzles together and guys were baffled when we didn't play him in the third Test, and our thinking yeah was that The Oval, yes it's got bounce but it's normally a fairly good wicket for batting on, and we thought we'd roll the dice and if we'd won the toss we would have bowled. In hindsight you would have loved to have him here, but you would also have said if we come here 3-1 down that we didn't use him there, so it's trying to not guess but trying to look into the future and then see how we can manage him, and maybe England have got it spot on leaving the best bowling wicket for the last Test after he's played three, the assistant coach said. The assistant coach also said it wasnt fair to say that Bumrah was picking and choosing games, considering his injury-prone past and back surgeries. In hindsight you would have loved to have him here, but you would also have said if we come here 3-1 down that we didn't use him there, so it's trying to not guess but trying to look into the future and then see how we can manage him, and maybe England have got it spot on leaving the best bowling wicket for the last Test after he's played three, the assistant coach said. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Make them know that youre making all the decisions in good faith, in the best interest of the team, and just on that, all the guys who havent played, theyve been fantastic, theyve trained the house down, theyre disappointed when they get left out, he added. Article Source: IANS

Ayub 57, Nawaz three-for extend West Indies' horror run

Pakistan's spinners were the difference between the two sides as they derailed the West Indies chase of 179

'It Doesn't Look Great': Atkinson Hints On Woakes Unavailability For Remainder Of Fifth Test

Teammate Gus Atkinson: England are sweating on the bowling availability of fast bowler Chris Woakes for the remainder of the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India after he sustained a shoulder injury on the opening day at The Oval. Woakes walked off the field after he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder and stayed down clutching it while saving a ball hit to the boundary by Karun Nair at long-off. He received medical attention from England physio, before using his sweater as a makeshift sling on his way to the dressing room. Teammate Gus Atkinson provided an update on the fitness of Woakes at the end of the day's play, saying, I don't know too much about it, but it doesn't look great. It's a big shame, last game of the series, and when anyone gets injured, it's a shame. I'm hoping it's not too bad, and whatever it is, he'll get full support from everyone. Woakes had bowled 14 overs, claiming the crucial wicket of KL Rahul, while conceding 46 runs. His injury added to Englands growing list of concerns, with the team already missing several key players for the all-important final Test, including captain Ben Stokes. Atkinson, who is playing his first senior professional cricket in more than two months following a hamstring injury, collected two wickets from 19 overs on the opening day and indicated he was ready to step up with the ball over the remainder of the match should the team be without the services of Woakes. Woakes had bowled 14 overs, claiming the crucial wicket of KL Rahul, while conceding 46 runs. His injury added to Englands growing list of concerns, with the team already missing several key players for the all-important final Test, including captain Ben Stokes. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score On a rain-affected Day 1 of the final Test at The Oval, Karun Nair's fighting half-century kept India in the hunt after England's pacers snuffed out regular wickets, with the visitors ending the day at 204/6. Article Source: IANS

Pakistan fan ejection at Old Trafford: Lancashire apologise for 'any upset and offence caused'

Farooq Nazar, the fan in question, refused to cover his Pakistan shirt during the fourth England vs India Test and was asked to leave the stadium by security officials

Maharaj and Mlaba win the big ones at CSA annual awards

Temba Bavuma, Annerie Dercksen, Dewald Brevis, Kagiso Rabada, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Ayanda Hlubi are some of the others to win major awards

Woakes' shoulder dislocation threatens to cut his bowling short in Oval Test

Will get a scan overnight after landing awkwardly on his left shoulder in the field

Karun Nair fifty resists England on rain-hit day

Only 64 overs were possible on the day as England's lack of discipline even in helpful conditions kept India afloat

5th Test: Karun Nair's Unbeaten Half-century Takes India To 204/6 At Stumps

Tendulkar Trophy Test: On a tricky green pitch under overcast conditions, Karun Nair hit a fighting unbeaten 52 and took India to 204/6 in 64 overs at stumps on day one of the fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test against England at The Oval. Two rain delays marred a major chunk of the days play, but Nair notched up his first half-century in Tests after 3149 days, laced with seven boundaries, which would make India a happier side. What would be really heartening for Nair is his making the most of his chance of coming into the playing eleven after being included in place of Shardul Thakur. But India would also be rueing that no other batter could make a significant score on a seam and swing-friendly pitch. For England, who opted to bowl first, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue took two wickets each, while Chris Woakes had a scalp before leaving the field due to a left shoulder injury. The final session proceedings began sedately after another rain delay of an hour and 16 minutes. Sudharsan controlled his cut shots so well to get a brace of boundaries off Jamie Overton. But Tongue came in to bowl jaffas exactly on the same off-stump line with precision to take out left-handed batters B Sai Sudharsan and Ravindra Jadeja. On the fourth ball of the 36th over, Tongue produced a wicket out of nowhere when his short of length ball angled in and nibbled away late to take Sudharsan's outside edge, and Jamie Smith completed a simple catch behind the stumps. Four overs later, Tongue produced another jaffa when he got a short of length ball to hoop around and took the outside edge of Jadejas defence, which was easily caught by Smith. Nair had luck on his side when an inside edge off Woakes just went past stumps for four, while Dhruv Jurel used the pace of the all-rounder to clip through leg-side for another boundary, before the drinks break arrived. After this, Jurel hit an upper cut off Overton for four, before being given out lbw to Atkinson after not offering a shot. He managed to overturn the call on review, as replays showed the ball missing off stump. But on the very next ball, Jurel played another cut, and this time Harry Brook took the catch to his right at second slip to dismiss him for 19. Though England continued to keep things tight, Nair clipped Overton for four, while Washington Sundar glanced Atkinson for four off a no-ball. With Chris Woakes walking off the field after trying to stop a boundary off Nair's bat, which resulted in left shoulder damage, the right-handed batter eventually reached his half-century off 89 deliveries, which also brought up Indias 200, before stumps arrived. After this, Jurel hit an upper cut off Overton for four, before being given out lbw to Atkinson after not offering a shot. He managed to overturn the call on review, as replays showed the ball missing off stump. But on the very next ball, Jurel played another cut, and this time Harry Brook took the catch to his right at second slip to dismiss him for 19. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score India 204/6 in 64 overs (Karun Nair 52 not out, B Sai Sudharsan 38; Gus Atkinson 2-31, Josh Tongue 2-47) against England Article Source: IANS

Wells resists but Glamorgan in sight after Northeast, Carlson hundreds

Lancashire have outside chance of victory after enterprising counterattack

Bamber's maiden hundred guides Warwickshire past follow-on

Matt Critchley perseveres with five wickets but game is heading for a draw

Sonny Baker breaks Worcestershire resolve as Hampshire take control

Fiery burst wrecks hosts' hopes of taking lead, before Gubbins' fifty builds for visitors

Revis stars again with unbeaten 152 as Yorkshire close in on victory

Top-order collapses before Hughes, Ibrahim come together in fourth-wicket stand