'He Looks Better Today': Hazlewood Confirms Smith Will Bat After Neck Discomfort
Josh Hazlewood: Australia fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood has confirmed that veteran Steve Smith will be batting on Day 5 despite the neck discomfort that troubled him on Day 4 of the second Test against South Africa at the St George's Park here. Smith experienced neck issues while batting in the first innings, when he was dismissed on 28 in a shock Australia collapse of 99 all out before the visitors were asked to follow-on as they were still trailing by 326 runs in reply to South Africa's 425 in the first innings. Smith did not come out to bat in the second innings, as Matt Renshaw was promoted to Smith's No. 4 spot. He was seen in the viewing area with a neck cushion as Beau Webster was promoted to No. 5 before Scott Boland came in as a nightwatchman at the dying stages of the day. With Australia at 156/4, they are fighting to save the Test match, and Hazlewood issued a positive update on the veteran batter, confirming that he will be out in the crease. Yeah, I think it was just a sore neck, really. It wasn't like from an incident or anything? I don't think so. I think it's probably just from time in the middle and fielding in the slips, batting, training, all that sort of thing. Different beds and different pillows every second night on tour doesn't help. And, yeah, I'm accustomed to a sore neck from time to time as well. So it's very, very annoying. I think particularly when you're batting, it can be quite frustrating or quite debilitating. So he looks better today, I think. He'll obviously bat at some stage. And, yeah, he's the best in the world, Hazlewood said before the rain-forced delayed start to Day 5. Yeah, I think it was just a sore neck, really. It wasn't like from an incident or anything? I don't think so. I think it's probably just from time in the middle and fielding in the slips, batting, training, all that sort of thing. Different beds and different pillows every second night on tour doesn't help. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
1st T20I: It's Pretty Cool To Get Started Like That, Says Jacobs
Openers Finn Allen: New Zealand's Bevon Jacobs said it was a thrill to open his account with a towering 96-metre six off the first ball he faced, as the hosts piled up 225/4 in 20 overs against India in the first T20I here at the Hagley Oval on Thursday. Walking in after Daryl Mitchell's dismissal in the 13th over, Jacobs wasted no time in settling in, lofting Arshdeep Singh high over the ropes to set the tone for a breezy 16-ball 31 that included three sixes at a strike-rate of 193.75. I mean absolutely. It was pretty cool to get out there and get started like that and continue on what the boys at the top left on the table, so that was pretty cool, Jacobs said to broadcasters at the innings break. The right-hander put on 73 runs off 32 balls for the fourth wicket with Glenn Phillips, who remained unbeaten on a 40-ball 82, before being run out when Arshdeep kicked the ball onto the stumps at the non-striker's end. Jacobs said having the experienced Phillips at the other end helped him stay calm while going after the bowling. Look, I think I was obviously surrounded by a lot of experience there with GP going off as well and keeping my head on straight, and I think just the way I tried to make sure I could keep counter-attacking and build off what the boys had started on with that platform, he said. Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert had laid that platform with 65 runs in the powerplay, after Bhuvneshwar Kumar extracted some early swing. Jacobs felt the pitch offered the bowlers a little help with the new ball before easing out. Look, obviously I think with the new ball it's always going to offer something a little bit more. There was a bit of swing and a little bit off the surface, but obviously as the ball got older I think it became quite a true surface, and the boys really made that count and obviously we got a good total on the board, he said. Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert had laid that platform with 65 runs in the powerplay, after Bhuvneshwar Kumar extracted some early swing. Jacobs felt the pitch offered the bowlers a little help with the new ball before easing out. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Allen, Phillips Power NZ to Huge Total As India's Bowlers Struggle
Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips delivered destructive performances, scoring 45 off 24 and 82 not out off 40 respectively, to propel New Zealand to a formidable 225/8 against India in the first T20 International in Christchurch.
Jharkhand's Shikhar Mohan To Join India A Team From Second Game Of New Zealand Tour
MA Chidambaram Stadium: Jharkhands left-handed batter Shikhar Mohan will link up with the India A side from the second four-day game of their tour of New Zealand. India A will open their three-match four-day series against New Zealand A in Lincoln on October 24. The second game will be played at the Hagley Oval before the tour wraps up in Lincoln on November 7. He will be there with the India A team from the second game onwards. Some changes are expected to be made to the India A team due to a few players being a part of the ODI series against New Zealand. So, for now Shikhar will be there with the India A side from the second game onwards, a source familiar with the development said to IANS on Thursday. KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj, both part of the India A set-up, have been named for the first three ODIs. Meanwhile, Auqib Nabi and Kumar Kushagra have been picked for the last two games of the five-match series. Shikhars call-up to India A team caps a rapid rise for him since he made his senior debut barely a year ago. Mohan has been in prolific form for Jharkhand in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, hammering 143 against Kerala before following it up with scores of 27 and 127 against Maharashtra in Pune in the second round of the competition. He had also made a strong impression on his Duleep Trophy debut, scoring twin fifties for East Zone in the final against South Zone and playing a vital role in his side's title triumph at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Earlier this month, Shikhar struck 60 in the first innings for Rest of India in their Irani Cup win over Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar. Born in Ranchi in May 2005, Mohan honed his skills at the Ranchi Cricket Academy and went on to represent Jharkhand at the Under-16, Under-19 and Under-23 levels before making his senior debut at 20, in a Ranji Trophy game against Tamil Nadu in Coimbatore in October last year. He had also made a strong impression on his Duleep Trophy debut, scoring twin fifties for East Zone in the final against South Zone and playing a vital role in his side's title triumph at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India women target another clean sweep against Zimbabwe in ODIs
Under new skipper Smriti Mandhana, a dominant Indian women's cricket team is set to face Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series, aiming for another clean sweep after their T20I success.
Team India took on New Zealand in the first of five T20I of the ongoing series. The two sides met at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch for the game, and the game saw India win...
Bell clinches four-run thriller to break Victoria hearts
Victoria got to within 19 runs of victory with threw wickets in hand but fell short in a dramatic finish
Cricket Australia issues a two-game suspension to Megan Schutt; Check details
In a major development, CA (Cricket Australia) has come forward and issued a two-game suspension to star seamer Megan Schutt. It is worth noting that Schutt has been suspended for not adhering to the strict...
England drop Rashid for Dawson; Sri Lanka opt to field
England have also brought in Josh Tongue in place of Sonny Baker; Sri Lanka leave out Sachindu Colombage in favour of Dunith Wellalage
South Africa vs Australia LIVE Score, 2nd Test Day 5 LIVE Updates
South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test Day 5 LIVE Score Updates: South Africa are relying on their bowlers to pull off an astonishing victory over Australia on Day 5 of the second Test in Gqeberha.
1st T20I: It's Exciting Any Time India Comes Over, Says Daryl Mitchell Ahead Of Series Opener
T20 World Cup: New Zealand batting all-rounder Daryl Mitchell said a visit by India always brings a special buzz in the country, as the hosts prepare to open their home summer against the current T20 World Cup champions in the first of five games at a packed Hagley Oval. Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who will join the England Test team as their head coach at the conclusion of the T20I series, rang the Hagley Oval bell to mark the start of proceedings in front of a sell-out crowd. Oh look, it's exciting any time I guess India comes over. Excited to see a full Hagley Park. It's going to be pretty cool. It's nice to wake up at home and do the school pick-up at 3:30 this afternoon, and then here we are playing some cricket, so it should be good fun, Mitchell said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. The two sides are meeting for the first time since India beat New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, but Mitchell said the excitement had little to do with settling old scores. No, any time you play for New Zealand, it's very special, and to take on India on our home turf is something that we're really excited about. So looking forward to this five-match series and ODIs and Tests after that as well. Returning to the shortest format after a break, Mitchell said the side was also keeping one eye on the next T20 World Cup, which New Zealand will co-host with Australia in 2028. You always try to evolve. We know there's another World Cup now in two years' time in our own conditions, so I guess it's trying to learn as much as we can at this time of year and at the same time keep trying to win games and create momentum, he said. Returning to the shortest format after a break, Mitchell said the side was also keeping one eye on the next T20 World Cup, which New Zealand will co-host with Australia in 2028. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Mumbai Indians Change Kit-Maker To Nike, Announce Multi-Year Deal
Nike and Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful franchises in global cricket, today announced a multi-year partnership that names Nike the official kit partner of both its women's and men's team in India, beginning with the 2027 season.
Nice Balance Between Pace And Spin: Shaun Tait Pleased With Pakistan's Bowling In ODI Tri-series
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Pakistan bowling coach Shaun Tait on Thursday expressed satisfaction with his attack's showing in the ongoing ODI tri-series, saying the pace and spin departments had complemented each other well in back-to-back wins over Sri Lanka and England. Pakistan made a strong start to the tri-series first by beating Sri Lanka by 37 runs before thrashing England by 87 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The side arrived in Lahore from Rawalpindi on Wednesday evening and was given a day off on Thursday. The players will resume training on Friday ahead of their second meeting with England on Sunday. The bowling has been really encouraging so far. It is a great way to start the series against two quality teams with some very good players. England have a formidable batting line-up, so to bowl the way we did against them was really pleasing. We have a nice balance between pace and spin and both departments are complementing each other really well, Tait told PCB Digital on Thursday. The former Australia fast bowler, who is in his second stint with the Pakistan side, said it was a pleasure to reunite with a familiar pace group. It is also pleasing for me personally because the fast-bowling group is very similar to the one I worked with when I was Pakistan's bowling coach four years ago. Haris, Shaheen, Naseem and Faheem were all part of that group, so it is nice to link up with them again. Tait credited the domestic first-class games played before the series for getting the fast bowlers ready for international duty. I definitely think playing one or two domestic matches before an international series has been a big help. It allows the bowlers to get some overs under their belts, build up their bowling workload and then freshen up before the international matches begin. Getting that balance right is not always easy, but ideally you want the bowlers to have enough bowling behind them while also being fresh going into a major series. You do not always get that opportunity, so you have to be smart about how you manage their preparation. I think the first-class matches have helped the bowlers and now it is about managing their workloads throughout the series, which I believe we are doing really well. He also praised head coach Mike Hesson's handling of the squad and stressed that rest days had become vital in a crowded calendar. Head coach Mike Hesson has managed the team really well, making sure the players have enough time away from the game and come into matches feeling fresh. There is so much cricket being played nowadays, along with the demands of training, that rest days have become extremely important. A day off today is not necessarily about tomorrow; it is about how a player feels in two weeks or even two months. That is how you have to look at recovery. It is not just about the immediate benefit but also about keeping the players physically and mentally fresh over a longer period. Looking ahead to Sunday's return clash, Tait said England remained a formidable white-ball outfit, but Pakistan had shown in Rawalpindi that they could keep strong sides in check at home. Everyone understands what England are capable of as a white-ball team. They are among the best sides in the world and have a very strong batting line-up. The scores they are capable of putting up make it a great challenge for our bowlers. We showed in Rawalpindi that we can make things difficult for strong opposition in our own conditions and that is what we want to continue doing against both England and Sri Lanka. I do not think our overall approach will change too much. We have our plans and a clear understanding of how we want to bowl. There will always be small adjustments depending on the conditions. The pitch here in Lahore will be different from Rawalpindi, although I have not had a chance to look at it yet. We do not want to put too much emphasis on the conditions. It is more about what we do as a bowling group and I believe we are experienced and smart enough to make the necessary adjustments, he explained. Tait further said he wanted his fast bowlers to bring back the thrill that Pakistan's pace attacks have traditionally been known for, and hoped it would draw fans to the grounds. We had a decent crowd in Rawalpindi and hopefully we will see similar support here in Lahore. The best way to attract crowds is for Pakistan to play good, exciting cricket. I have spoken to the fast bowlers about bringing that excitement back to the bowling attack. We have the players who are capable of doing that and it is something I really want to see from this group. Tait signed off by reserving special praise for young all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who made key contributions with both bat and ball against England. Arafat Minhas is also a product of the HBL PSL, where he has already shown what he is capable of. He has carried that confidence into international cricket and performed well against Australia, from what I have seen and heard and he is continuing that form in this series. He is showing his worth and repaying the faith the selectors have placed in him, which is all you can ask for from a young player. There will be different challenges for him as his career progresses, but he is a very confident young cricketer who contributes with the bat, the ball and in the field. Tait signed off by reserving special praise for young all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who made key contributions with both bat and ball against England. Arafat Minhas is also a product of the HBL PSL, where he has already shown what he is capable of. He has carried that confidence into international cricket and performed well against Australia, from what I have seen and heard and he is continuing that form in this series. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
1st T20I: Nitish, Mayank Return As India Elect To Bowl First Against New Zealand
Nitish Kumar Reddy: India have brought back express pacer Mayank Yadav and seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in the T20I series opener at the Hagley Oval on Thursday. This is the first T20I meeting between the two teams after this years T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where India emerged triumphant to retain the title on home soil. India are hitting the ground running in New Zealand just four days after their series decider against the West Indies was rained out in Bengaluru. After winning the toss, Iyer said Mayank and Nitish have replaced Prince Yadav and Shivam Dube in the playing eleven. This is the first time both Mayank and Nitish are playing T20I cricket in New Zealand. Obviously a quick turnaround, I want to have a fair idea about how the wicket will play, how much the bounce it's going to offer, and based on that we made this decision. I think pretty well. A lot of them took a while to get accustomed to the conditions and also the weather, the time difference especially. But no complaints. We are a bunch of professionals and everybody knows that in the dressing room. Well, a lot of positives (came from playing against the West Indies), honestly, especially in our batting. I think scoring 230, 250 in almost every alternate game was a plus for us. Also bowling-wise, it wasn't easy to bowl on smaller ground and flat wickets, but the boys showed a lot of character and that is the same attitude and approach we want to come here with, he said. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said he would have bowled first too in front of a sell-out home crowd, but felt that with the fresh pitch on offer, they would like to post big runs first. We were going to bowl. Looks like a fresh wicket. Guys are really excited for a big series. It's cool to play against India. The depth we've got is really good. He (Bevon Jacobs) has shown what he can do, and brings a lot of power in the middle-order. Playing XIs India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Mayank Yadav Playing XIs Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India bring in Reddy and Mayank, ask New Zealand to bat in first T20I
New Zealand have marked Daryl Mitchell to bat at No. 3 and have slotted Bevon Jacobs to bat in the middle order
1st T20I: Coming To NZ Is Always Refreshing; We've Been Well Taken Care Of, Says Samson
Sanju Samson: India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson said the team has been well looked after since landing in New Zealand and that the side was raring to go in the first T20I at the Hagley Oval despite having taken on the West Indies at home only four days ago. With barely any breathing space between the two assignments, Samson said the arrangements made for the players had ensured the quick switch from Indian conditions to the Kiwi summer was a comfortable one. Travel was really nice. I think you get that luxury of being an Indian player. We are well taken care of. Everything was very nice. I think coming to New Zealand is always very refreshing. Good people, good climate, good atmosphere to come and play a great brand of cricket, Samson told broadcasters ahead of the series opener. Far from being weighed down by the packed calendar, Samson said the Indian team players were happy to keep turning out for the country. The more you play, the better. I think we are at the stage of our career where we love coming in, coming out and playing for the country more. So very much excited. Samson has toured New Zealand before in 2020, though his returns were just only ten runs in three games, and he replied about how he now handles the pressure of being an India player compared to a few years ago, when he was more in and out of the team. Definitely, you need to find your own patterns. You need to find your own mental state. Everyone has their own mantras to actually be at their best mental state here. I think it definitely took me a while, but I can say that I found out my own way to enjoy myself here. There was a moment of light-hearted banter too when Samson was reminded that Stephen Fleming, who is on the commentary panel for this T20I series, revealed he had picked up a painting during the IPL. Definitely, you need to find your own patterns. You need to find your own mental state. Everyone has their own mantras to actually be at their best mental state here. I think it definitely took me a while, but I can say that I found out my own way to enjoy myself here. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not playing for India in first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi failed to break into the playing XI in the first T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Captain Shreyas Iyer had confirmed the development on the matchday eve itself, stating that...
IND vs NZ first T20I: Reddy, Mayank return as India elects to field against New Zealand
Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mayank Yadav were replaced in place of Shivam Dube and Prince Yadav
Why is Hardik Pandya not playing in India's 1st T20I vs New Zealand in Christchurch?
Team India kicks off their multi-format series against New Zealand. The two sides take on each other in the first of five T20Is at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22nd. Both sides would...
Is Marco Jansen the Best Cricketer in the World?
'But sometimes I am cuckoo in the head. I sit late at night, and I think of how I want to play and how I want to be as a cricketer.'
Smith Likely To Bat On Day 5 As Australia Battle For Survival
Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith is battling a neck injury, raising concerns about his ability to bat on the final day of the second Test against South Africa, as Australia fights to salvage a draw after being forced to follow on.
Can Bhuvneshwar Kumar help India against New Zealand in upcoming series? Former cricketer opines
India and New Zealand are all set to take on each other in a multi-format series. The two sides will take on each other across five T20Is to kick off the T20I of the series, slated to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22nd.
IND vs NZ 1st T20I LIVE Score: Can India beat New Zealand away from home without Bumrah, Pandya?
After a 2-2 draw against West Indies at home, India have travelled to New Zealand for a five-match T20I series, starting October 22 in Christchurch. The players barely had time to get adjusted to the...
If India Needs Bowling All-rounder, Nitish Reddy Can Be That: Pujara
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes Indias choice between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube for the upcoming T20Is against New Zealand should depend on the conditions and the teams balance, while backing Varun Chakaravarthy over Kuldeep Yadav as a spin option. Pujara explained that New Zealands playing conditions and the oppositions familiarity with Indias bowlers could influence selection decisions and determine the roles assigned to the all-rounders. With both Reddy and Dube offering different combinations of batting and bowling, Pujara stressed that neither player should be considered an automatic selection in the shortest format. While Dube provides greater batting strength lower down the order, Reddys bowling could make him a more suitable choice if India require an additional bowling option in New Zealand. In the T20 format, in my opinion, no players spot in the playing eleven is completely cemented because you select the team based on conditions. So, if the Indian team needs a bowling all-rounder, then Nitish Kumar Reddy can be that, because his bowling is better than Shivam Dubes. If you are looking for a batter at number seven, then its not even a conversation. Shivam Dube is a good batter who can give you one or two overs in the T20 format. But if there are conditions in New Zealand where you need a bowler first and someone who can go and bat at number seven or eight, then Nitish Kumar Reddy can be that option, Pujara told JioStar. Pujara also weighed in on Indias spin combination, identifying Varun as a potentially difficult proposition for New Zealands batters. Although many in the opposition have encountered the mystery spinner, the former India cricketer believes his variations could still offer India an advantage. He also pointed to the contrasting demands on Kuldeep, whose effectiveness, in his assessment, can be influenced by the dimensions of the ground, while underlining the importance of confidence in Varuns performances. If you are looking for a batter at number seven, then its not even a conversation. Shivam Dube is a good batter who can give you one or two overs in the T20 format. But if there are conditions in New Zealand where you need a bowler first and someone who can go and bat at number seven or eight, then Nitish Kumar Reddy can be that option, Pujara told JioStar. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India vs New Zealand Free Live Telecast, 1st T20I Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch
India vs New Zealand Free Live Telecast, 1st T20I Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch IND vs NZ
Schutt suspended by CA for improper use of prescription medication out of competition
Schutt accepts two-match ban for
Andrew McDonald disappointed with Australia's batting performance, says 'can't defend that'
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has acknowledged his sides batting failures after a dramatic collapse against South Africa in the second Test in Gqeberha. The visitors defeated the Proteas by 214 runs in the first...
Greg Chappell Divided Players, Made Them Fight: Harbhajan On How Aussie Coach Destroyed Team India
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh recently opened up about the challenging period the Indian cricket team endured during Greg Chappell's tenure as head coach.
India vs New Zealand 1st T20I LIVE Score Updates: It is a rematch of the T20 World Cup 2026 final, as a blockbuster series kicks off.
Dube Will Be More Effective In NZ Conditions: Nayar
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has backed Shivam Dube to make a greater impact than Nitish Kumar Reddy with the ball in New Zealand conditions, citing the all-rounders international experience, ability to extract bounce and performances in high-pressure matches. Nayar also highlighted Kuldeep Yadavs wrist-spin as a potential advantage for India, particularly when the ball offers limited movement off the pitch. Explaining why Dube could be a more trusted bowling option, Nayar pointed to the difference between domestic franchise performances and delivering for India in T20 internationals. While Reddy has shown promise for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dubes contributions in crucial international fixtures give him an edge in the teams current combination. I think there is more trust in Shivam Dube because he has done it for India. Nitish Kumar Reddy has bowled well for SRH, but so far for India in T20Is, unfortunately, he hasnt played that role yet. In the World Cup, we saw that in big matches, Shivam Dube took big wickets with his bouncers, with his line and short-pitched length. So, I think there is more trust in Shivam Dube overall. Also, with the power and the number at which he bats, I think he suits the Indian team and its makeup right now. So, I believe that, especially in New Zealand conditions, Shivam Dube will be more effective because he hits the deck. Shivam Dube is a tall bowler, which gives him a little more bounce than Nitish Kumar Reddy in foreign conditions, Nayar told JioStar. Nayar also identified Kuldeep as a key tactical option against New Zealand, where seam and swing could assist the pacers early on. According to him, the left-arm wrist-spinners trajectory and the uncertainty he creates for opposition batters could prove valuable once the powerplay is over, adding variety to Indias bowling attack. There will be a bit of seam and swing, and often, in conditions where there is no deviation off the pitch, a wrist spinner comes into play because the trajectory is different, and the ball will skid slightly. I always believe that when Kuldeep Yadav bowls, there is a question in every teams mind, mostly among foreign players, about how to tackle him. You think strategically about which overs he will bowl. In the powerplay, fast bowlers will bowl most of the overs. If spin bowlers bowl, when will they bowl? When will Kuldeep Yadav be used? Post six overs. When will Varun Chakaravarthy be used? Post six overs. There, I feel Kuldeep Yadav will give another dimension to the Indian team, especially against New Zealanders in those conditions, he stated. There will be a bit of seam and swing, and often, in conditions where there is no deviation off the pitch, a wrist spinner comes into play because the trajectory is different, and the ball will skid slightly. I always believe that when Kuldeep Yadav bowls, there is a question in every teams mind, mostly among foreign players, about how to tackle him. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Where to watch India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I live on TV and stream online in India?
The stage is set for the upcoming multi-format series between India and New Zealand. The two sides will be taking on each other across five T20Is, five ODis, and two Test matches. The series will...
'Sonic' Technology To Be Part Of DRS For First Time In IND-NZ Series
Commercial Officer Glenn Critchley: 'Sonic' technology will be used for the first time as part of the Decision Review System (DRS) during the multi-format series between New Zealand and India, starting Thursday, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said. NZC added that the approval applies to the upcoming BlackCaps v India series in New Zealand, with any future use of the technology remaining subject to the ICC's ongoing accreditation and approval processes. The addition of New Zealand-designed edge-detection technology means Virtual Eye, which has been ICC-accredited for ball-tracking since 2008, will now provide the full suite of DRS technology to assist umpires and enhance the viewing experience during the upcoming three-series tour. Sonic uses advanced audio analysis technology to assist third umpires when reviewing potential bat-ball contact. NZC said the approval follows an extensive programme of testing, validation and independent assessment conducted in consultation with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and has been supported by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The integrity of decision-making is fundamental to the game, which is why such a comprehensive testing and assessment process has been undertaken. The technology has been subject to extensive validation and independent review, and we're pleased with the outcome of that process. We'd like to thank the ICC, BCCI, Sky and Virtual Eye for their collaboration and commitment throughout, NZC Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Glenn Critchley said. Ben Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Virtual Eye, added, Our team has worked tirelessly developing and refining this technology, with a strong focus on accuracy, consistency and meeting the standards expected at the highest level of international sport. The integrity of decision-making is fundamental to the game, which is why such a comprehensive testing and assessment process has been undertaken. The technology has been subject to extensive validation and independent review, and we're pleased with the outcome of that process. We'd like to thank the ICC, BCCI, Sky and Virtual Eye for their collaboration and commitment throughout, NZC Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Glenn Critchley said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
In-form Afghanistan heavy favourites in tri-series final against Zimbabwe
This will be the first ODI tournament final in Sharjah since 2003, and Afghanistan go into it as the team in form, while Zimbabwe will hope their batters come good
India-New Zealand series to debut DRS's new 'Sonic' technology
Virtual Eye will now provide the full suite of DRS technology to assist umpires and enhance the viewing experience during India's tour of New Zealand involving five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.
Virtual Eyes Sonic technology approved for India tour
The approval follows an extensive programme of testing, validation and independent assessment conducted in consultation with the ICC and supported by the BCCI
India vs New Zealand LIVE Streaming, 1st T20I LIVE Telecast: When And Where To Watch
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India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I Pitch Report, how will surface in Christchurch play?
The stage is set for the beginning of the multi-format series between India and New Zealand. The two sides are slated to meet for the first T20I of the series at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch,...
Rice saves Arsenal; Real Madrid hit four, Man Utd trounced
Declan Rice scored a late equaliser for Arsenal in a 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Elsewhere, Real Madrid secured a dominant 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig, largely due to Thibaut Courtois's saves. Manchester United suffered a bruising 4-1 defeat to Como, with Nico Paz starring for the Italian side. Other European matches saw Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Aston Villa, Real Betis, and LASK secure wins.
'Can't defend that' - Australia's batting deficiencies exposed
Australia coach Andrew McDonald backed the longer term record of his side after they were bundled out for 99
'We obviously want to go for the win' - Bavuma's 179 gives South Africa a chance to dream
South Africa are now the only side with a realistic chance of winning although being able to enforce the follow-on will likely be key to the outcome
2nd Test: South Africa Quicks Push Australia To The Brink Despite Head's Unbeaten Fifty
ICC World Test Championship Test: Opener Travis Head struck an unbeaten 87 in the second innings to rescue Australia despite being forced to follow-on after being bowled out for 99 in their first innings on the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa at the St George's Park in Gqeberha on Wednesday. Bundled out for a paltry 99 in the first innings, Australia lost opener Nic Maddinson for eight before Head and Marnus Labuschagne shared a 92-run partnership in the second innings as they reached 156/4 at stumps, still trailing South Africa by 170 runs. The fourth day of the second ICC World Test Championship Test between South Africa and Australia saw the Proteas quicks come out all guns blazing, ripping through Australias batting line-up to secure a sizeable first-innings advantage. Starting the day at 3/1 after losing Nic Maddinson for a duck late on Day 3, Australia struggled to get their innings going from the outset. Scott Boland was the first to fall, with Ryan Rickelton and Marco Jansen combining to dismiss Australia's five-wicket star from the first innings. Jansen then produced a beauty to remove Head for 14, leaving Australia reeling at 22/3. Labuschagne and Steve Smith attempted to steady the innings, but Anrich Nortje struck again before leaving the field with a suspected groin injury. Jansen then returned to dismiss Australia's star performer from the first Test, Matt Renshaw, and Alex Carey in the space of three deliveries, piling further pressure on the visitors. The pacer continued his remarkable spell, bringing Beau Websters resistance to an end, with Aiden Markram taking the catch to hand the seamer his fifth wicket of the innings, which he concluded with bowling figures of 5-33. As wickets continued to tumble at the other end, Smith reached the landmark of 11,000 Test runs, joining Australian greats Ricky Ponting and Allan Border in an exclusive club. However, Wiaan Mulder cut short his milestone innings, dismissing him for 28 off 88 balls. Australia were eventually bowled out for just 99, with the Proteas securing a mammoth 326-run first-innings lead. South Africa enforced the follow-on, and Kagiso Rabada struck early, dismissing Maddinson for eight. Labuschagne and Head took charge of things after the first wicket and combined for a 92-run stand to anchor the innings for Australia. Labuschagne, however, bit the dust when he was dismissed for 39 by Simon Harmer. Rabada struck again soon after, toppling the stumps of Renshaw to pile on more trouble for the visitors as they found themselves at 123/3 with over 200 runs to catch up on. Webster came in and wasnt able to match up to Harmers spin, who trapped him leg-before soon after. Head fought on at the other end, ending the day unbeaten at 87, as Australia finished with 156/4 on the board, staring at a substantial 170-run deficit to save the second Test in Gqeberha. Brief scores: Head fought on at the other end, ending the day unbeaten at 87, as Australia finished with 156/4 on the board, staring at a substantial 170-run deficit to save the second Test in Gqeberha. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Smith's 11K milestone overshadowed by Aussie collapse
Australian batter Steve Smith has become the third Australian and 12th overall player to reach 11,000 runs in Test cricket during the ongoing second Test against South Africa. He achieved this milestone in 226 innings, placing him among an elite group of batters. The article also details the match situation where South Africa has enforced a follow-on against Australia.
Rabada joins Steyn, Ntini in South Africa's elite Test club
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada has become the fourth Proteas bowler to claim 200 Test wickets on home soil, joining legends like Dale Steyn and Shaun Pollock. His achievement came during a Test match against Australia where South Africa staged a remarkable comeback, enforcing a follow-on after dismissing Australia for 99. Captain Temba Bavuma led a strong batting recovery for the Proteas.
Priyansh opens up after missing Ranji double ton by 1 run
Young Delhi opener Priyansh Arya scored a magnificent 199 against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match, helping Delhi secure a crucial first-innings lead in the drawn game. Captain Ayush Badoni also contributed with 217, while Hrithik Shokeen took five wickets for Delhi. Arya expressed satisfaction with his knock and highlighted the importance of domestic cricket.
Jansen says he is ready to 'come back again and again' after star turn in Gqeberha
Jansen has already made an 85 in the first innings, taken a five-for, and effected a third-innings run out in the second Test as South Africa look to level series
NZ vs IND 1st T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs
NZ vs IND 1st T20I, Cricket Tips: Team India and New Zealand will be facing each other in the five-match T20I series, starting on Thursday. The first T20I will start at 12:30 PM IST at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Shreyas Iyer and co. have been competitive against a lower-ranked side, but their bowling has been a big issue. In the recent home series, they failed to win against West Indies. India have not lost the T20I series against New Zealand in the last five attempts. So, the streak is on the line. New Zealand will be keen to take the early lead and take down the world champions in home conditions. NZ vs IND: Match Details Date : October 22, 2026 (Thursday) Time : 12:30 PM IST Venue : Hagley Oval, Christchurch NZ vs IND: Live Streaming Details The live action of the game will be available on the Sony Sports Networks, while the live stream of the game will be available on the Sony LIV app or website. NZ vs IND: Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 31 New Zealand: 11 India : 19 No-result : 1 NZ vs IND: Ground Pitch Report Hagley Oval is an excellent wicket for the fast bowlers because of the pace and bounce. The new ball will be tough to face because of the swing and seam movement. The conditions are expected to remain similar in both innings, and it is a batting-second wicket. NZ vs IND: Possible XIs New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Mitchell Santner , Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry India : Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Prince Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh NZ vs IND: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Abhishek Sharma will love these conditions, and he will be dangerous in this game. Finn Allen can take the game away and will be a hard batter to face. Probable Best Bowler Matt Henry and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will like these conditions, and they can change the game in the powerplay. Today Match Prediction : India have a strong batting unit, but their bowling has lacked consistent. That is why we predict New Zealand to win this game. NZ vs IND Match 1st T20I, Today Match NZ vs IND, NZ vs IND Prediction, NZ vs IND Predicted XIs, Injury Update for New Zealand vs India Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
NCL: Khulna go top; Nayeem double-century lifts Rajshahi
Meanwhile, defending champions Rangpur's difficult season continued, as they lost to Sylhet by 37 runs
Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada Put South Africa In Sight Of Win Over Australia
Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada bowled South Africa to within sight of a series-levelling victory on the fourth day of the second Test at St George's Park on Wednesday. Australia were 156 for four in their follow on innings after being shot out for 99 earlier in the day. They were still 170 runs short of making South Africa bat again. Travis Head survived an early chance and was unbeaten on 87. Steve Smith did not come out to bat in the second innings after appearing to be struggling with a neck injury while making top score of 28 in Australia's first innings. Jansen took five for 33 as Australia crashed to their fourth-lowest total against South Africa and Rabada made two crucial breakthroughs in the second innings. Rabada dismissed Australian opening batsman Nic Maddinson cheaply for the second time in the match and later bowled Matt Renshaw, who was man of the match in Australia's 214-run win in the first Test. With a first innings lead of 326 runs, South Africa enforced the follow-on despite fast bowler Anrich Nortje being out of action with a groin injury. Nortje dismissed Marnus Labuschagne in the first innings but bowled only 3.3 overs before pulling up injured. In Nortje's absence, South African captain Temba Bavuma used Rabada, Jansen and fellow seamer Wiaan Mulder in short spells and made extensive use of off-spinner Simon Harmer, who bowled 18 overs and took two wickets. Harmer broke a 92-run second wicket stand between Head and Labuschagne when the latter went for a big hit and was caught by Jansen running back from mid-on as the ball was held up in a stiff breeze. Tall left-armer Jansen was superb in the first innings. He struck with his first ball of the match when he had nightwatchman Scott Boland caught behind in the second over of the day. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories He followed up with the wickets of Head, Renshaw, Alex Carey and Beau Webster as Australia collapsed.
Ranji Trophy: Rain denies Puducherry a chance against Madhya Pradesh
The Ranji Trophy Group A match between Puducherry and Madhya Pradesh concluded in a draw after persistent rain prevented any play on the final day. Madhya Pradesh secured three points due to their first-innings lead.
Amit Mishra returns to Delhi Capitals in new role
Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra has been appointed as the spin-bowling coach for the Delhi Capitals. Mishra, an IPL veteran who played 10 seasons for the franchise, joins a high-profile support staff.
Tanay Thyagarajan Stars As Hyderabad Beat Andhra Pradesh: Kerela, Mumbai, Punjab Secure Wins
Tanay Thyagarajan finished with 11 wickets, after hitting an unbeaten half-century as Hyderabad thrashed Andhra by 267 runs in an Elite Group B Ranji Trophy match in Mulapadu on Wednesday.
Gluten-Free Diet, No Excuses: Inside Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Quiet Road Back To T20I Team
When Bhuvneshwar Kumar trudged off the field in Napier on November 22, 2022, little did anyone know that it would be his last T20I for India for nearly four years.
Is This the End for England Legend Jimmy Anderson?
Legendary fast bowler Jimmy Anderson's long career with Lancashire is set to conclude as the club will not offer him a new contract for the 2027 season. At 44, Anderson is not expected to pursue another deal, marking the end of an era for one of cricket's finest.
Priyansh Arya registered his maiden first-class hundred but was unfortunate to miss out by just one run on what would have been a brilliant double century.
Anderson's future in doubt as Lancashire opt against new contract
Decision could prompt England's leading Test wicket-taker to finally retire aged 44
The game has undergone a generational change:Vijay Amritraj
The Indian sporting great dwells on nature of the surfaces, the equipment, the playing styles, pay parity, player earnings and multiple other aspects
Ahmadzai, Omarzai lay the foundation as Bangladesh fold for 160
Afghanistan got the last six wickets for 39 runs, with Rashid Khan running through the lower order
India Sent Blunt Reputation Reminder By Ravi Shastri Ahead Of New Zealand T20Is
New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) India will need more than their reputation to get the better of New Zealand on their home turf, former head coach Ravi Shastri said on Wednesday, urging the visitors to soak up the pressure and turn it back on the hosts right from the opening T20I on Thursday.
Steve Smith Achieves Rare Feat Amid Australia's Batting Collapse Against South Africa In 2nd Test
Australian batter Steve Smith on Wednesday became the third player from his country to reach 11,000 runs in Test cricket, joining Ricky Ponting and Allan Border in the elite list, during the ongoing second Test against South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha.
Gluten-free Food And No 'kyon Drop Ho Gaye' - Inside Bhuvneshwars Quiet Road Back To T20I Team
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: When Bhuvneshwar Kumar trudged off the field in Napier on November 22, 2022, little did anyone know that it would be his last T20I for India for nearly four years. Three captaincy changes and at least two selection committee overhauls later, his India career appeared consigned to the past tense. On October 17, it was revived where it began. Arshdeep Singh took a blow to the shoulder in Hyderabad, and Bhuvneshwar was drafted into the squad for the fifth T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru. When Shreyas Iyer took his name while revealing the changes to the playing eleven, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium erupted. Bhuvneshwar made his T20I debut at the same venue against Pakistan in December 2012 and wowed everyone with his swing. It is now his IPL home via Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Though the heavens intervened to abandon the game, that game will also be remembered for Bhuvneshwars first sight in Indian colours after 2022. His selection for the five-match T20I series in New Zealand, which begins in Christchurch on Thursday, had come earlier. When that news reached Dr. Ramneesh Vohra, his physiotherapist since 2020 and who was in the middle of an appointment at his clinic in Noida, happiness was writ large on his face. When I got the news, I immediately called sir and congratulated him and he picked up the call and we then discussed about the journey and talked that 'aaj tak humne jitna kaam kiya, woh badiya nikla' (whatever work we have done till now has turned out very well), Vohra recalled in a free-wheeling chat with IANS. Then all the emotions came out of happiness while talking, and there's no doubt about it. Although we were not expecting this thing to happen, I mean, we were not working together for this day particularly. But when something like this happens as a reward, emotions come up, right?' he added. Vohra later joined him at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where Bhuvneshwar was preparing for New Zealand, and stayed until he was summoned to the fifth T20I squad. Bhuvneshwar was the fulcrum of RCB's back-to-back IPL titles in 2025 and 2026, including picking 28 wickets in 16 matches this year. Yet Vohra insists a return to the Indian team was never the target. In the past few years, he never targeted himself with, ' No, I have to go back to the team and really work hard.' He used to always say that I have to do my work and the selectors are doing their work, and I'm not going to do anything out of the box. He would say, 'No, I just love cricket. I have a passion for this game and I just really want to give 100 percent whenever I hit the ground.' He always played with this mindset in every tournament and any format. Whenever he got the opportunity to play, he never said no to anything. He always said that as long as I'm there, I have to give my 100 percent and I'll go and play whatever game is on the ground, he said. Bhuvneshwars partnership with Vohra was forged in mid-2020, after the first Covid-19 lockdown. Bhuvneshwar was then an India regular, and the brief for him to Vohra was refinement, not repair. He just wanted to be a good version of himself, always. He would ask, Can I make myself into the same fitness regime? Is it possible for me, for you, or for us to maintain my mobility, flexibility, and work on my biomechanics if possible? Can we just improve a bit more towards my structure? So, we started like that only. There was no injury, nothing like that. Serendipity did the rest. Vohra, then attached to BCCI domestic sides, was introduced to him by then Railways captain Karan Sharma and Harsh Tyagi, who trained with Bhuvneshwar at Wonders Cricket Club in Noida's Sector 34. Their endorsement sufficed and Bhuvneshwar enlisted his services and began from scratch. Vohra says the two never once relitigated why Bhuvneshwar had been dropped from the Indian team after that game in Napier. Because he's a very down-to-earth person, he is the kind of person who never thinks about whatever happened in the past. We never had a discussion about what went wrong or kyon drop ho gaye (why I got dropped). He just said, I have to prepare for what comes next. Suppose the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy or DY Patil T20 tournament was to come and he would commence preparing for it. If Vijay Hazare Trophy, Ranji Trophy or IPL was on the calendar, then he would start preparing for it at the earliest. So, the discussion was always about what's next, and how to be great in those competitions. There was never a discussion about what happened or went wrong in the past. Nothing like that happened because, see, like he's been saying from the start that selection or not is not in my hands, but performing is in our hands, so as keeping my body fit. His words have always been, 'I'll do whatever is in my area and hands, I'll work on that, and I will not think about whatever is happening afterwards.' What will I get or won't I get, I don't think much as I just have to work - that too with full honesty, Vohra said. The groundwork was meticulous: a biomechanical and musculoskeletal screening modelled on the CoE protocols, plus body-composition, fitness and nutrition tests. Strength and conditioning coach Surya Yadav assumed charge of training, and nutritionist Shah Fahad oversaw the dietary tests. Yadav, currently with the Uttar Pradesh Under-23 men's team, was unavailable for a comment. Everything we did, whatever screening was there, whatever tests were there, it was all evidence-based. It didn't mean that we were doing it randomly. Everything was very much sure that we would do this, and whatever we get in that, we will work on that. Nothing was like hit and error. Everything was evidence-based and dependent upon whatever we do. It will be all study-based and all that will be there, and the results that we have already got on those things. When we see the results, we will work on that. Until and unless, if it doesn't work, until and unless we don't get that improvement, or didn't get that achievement, then we can think about anything else. So, our fill-in-the-blanks kept happening, blocks kept coming into place, and we got to what we wanted. Not once, Vohra says, did Bhuvneshwar second-guess the regime. He was so consistent right from the beginning, so honest and trustful that he never said, Why am I getting this, or why am I not getting this. When I go out, I have to be 100 percent in my body so that I can deliver balls with 100 percent of my efficiency. That was his aim. An archive of old footage helps flag the subtlest shifts in his action, and each specialist guards his own lane. All the qualities were there because we have worked on it for the last 6 years. Wherever we have taken the old videos, we have worked on them. In the old videos, it used to come like this. Now, if there are any changes, then how will we go back? How will we work on it? How will we do it? How will I do it? I never interrupted Surya sir's work. Surya sir never interrupted my work. We both had a very clear vision that I will look at these things, you will look at these things, and Bhuvi sir, you will look at these things. We had divided our departments so that there was no confusion in between, and it's always teamwork. Diet proved to be a potent force in keeping Bhuvneshwar in fine fettle. Tests flagged the bloating endemic among cricketers and traced it to gluten and lactose. Gluten was jettisoned, lactose and sugar scaled back, to banish the stiffness and soreness he had been carrying into matches. We made minor, minor changes and got major, major results. That was a great thing that happened. Plus, we never missed out on any mobility session, any flexibility session, any mobilisation session, any strength and conditioning session, any weight training session, and his body has transformed. Leaner, though, is not lighter. He still weighs around 73-74 kg, but his body-fat percentage has fallen while muscle quality and hydration have improved. Vohra credits that sculpted frame, and painstaking rehab of the injuries that punctuated his earlier career, for keeping him injury-free since. Sweets are off the menu, and ensuring daily protein intake is there via bars, shakes and chillas, with eggs taken only if needed. Fahad also arranged a genetic test to map Bhuvneshwar's nutritional needs, and masseur Kesar Ali rounds off an inner circle that has remained unbroken since 2020. The best part is Bhuvi sir never changed his team right from the beginning since we met after the Covid-19 first lockdown. I don't know what happened before Covid-19, but after Covid-19, the best part is he trusted me a lot right from the beginning, and he never told me that no, I want to change this, or that. He said, Whatever you want me to do, I will be able to do it, and I will also get the results. The dividend, Vohra says, shows in how swiftly Bhuvneshwar bounces back. Actually, so you can see the results, and after the game, he never felt like, ' No, I am exhausted, I am tired, now I don't want to play for the next part of the game. He is always ready. He never said no to even the games on consecutive days. He always said, If you want to play, then play, and whenever you want to play, play with your 100 percent effort. There is no compromise with cricket. He is very introverted and not a party person. He is one of those rare and sweetest and very kindest cricketers I have ever met. That reticence, Vohra adds, is often mistaken for a lack of graft. Few cricketers, in his view, are as dedicated as Bhuvneshwar - he carves out time for every facet of his game, from bowling and batting to fielding and rehab, and does all of it away from the social media limelight. Because we live in the same society, so we meet. Even if there is a hello, there is no problem. Even if there is a small issue, we meet. He treats me like family, so obviously, vice versa, reciprocally. He never behaves like, I am a superstar and you are my physiotherapist. He always says that you all are my family and always speaks like that. Whenever we have a conversation, whenever we talk, he never makes me feel that what is my level and what is your level. He says, 'main aap hi ke level ka hoon' (I am of your level). I am one of you. He calls us 'bhai' (brother), and whatever word occurs in his mind, it feels very special. We feel that maybe we are talking to someone, but he's still the same person, and he is like this with everyone. So, this is the best quality about him. Vohra's clinic, Muscle Stretch, marked his return to the playing eleven in Bengaluru on Instagram by promising 20 per cent off on consultations for every wicket Bhuvneshwar took, and a shot at a free consultation and physio session should he bag a five-for. It wont be a surprise if the same offer is run for the T20Is in New Zealand, starting on Thursday. Whenever we have a conversation, whenever we talk, he never makes me feel that what is my level and what is your level. He says, 'main aap hi ke level ka hoon' (I am of your level). I am one of you. He calls us 'bhai' (brother), and whatever word occurs in his mind, it feels very special. We feel that maybe we are talking to someone, but he's still the same person, and he is like this with everyone. So, this is the best quality about him. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: Saurashtratakes the bragging rights in drawn encounter against Karnataka
It garners three points for taking the first-innings lead as latter again comes up short in its quest to get a decisive result in a seventh straight encounter against the former
England Players Free To Skip T20Is Against Sri Lanka If WPL Teams Reach Knockouts
Sri Lanka Cricket: England players, including skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, will be free to skip the three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka if their respective franchises reach the knockout stage of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027, which runs from January 14 to February 7 next year. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced the white-ball tour itinerary on Wednesday, with the T20Is in Pallekele on February 1, 3 and 5 as preparation for the inaugural Women's T20 Champions Trophy, to be played in India from February 14 to 28. After the tournament is over, England will return for three ODIs in Dambulla on March 4, 6 and 8 respectively. If the England players are in the knockouts of the WPL, then they can continue to play for their respective WPL team due to the late-changing nature of the itinerary for the Champions Trophy, a source in the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) told IANS on Wednesday. The Champions Trophy was originally slated to happen in Sri Lanka in June-July 2027 before the ICC advanced the dates and moved it to India, after the island nation was stripped of hosting rights over government interference in the governing bodys administration. Apart from Sciver-Brunt, who plays for Mumbai Indians, Lauren Bell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) and Sophie Ecclestone (UP Warriorz) have been retained for the 2027 WPL. Sophia Dunkley and Kira Chathli are the only England players registered for the WPL mini auction to be held on October 28 in Kochi. This news agency had previously reported that the clash with matches in Sri Lanka was a major reason behind a majority of England players opting against registering for the auction and the subsequent WPL season. England could have five players at the next WPL. The decision of other players whether or not to enter the auction is a personal decision, and this is the choice they have made. With Sri Lanka today announcing the schedule for the tour there next year, it means there will be some international cricket taking place during the latter stages of the WPL, further said the source. England could have five players at the next WPL. The decision of other players whether or not to enter the auction is a personal decision, and this is the choice they have made. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
PCB blocks Pakistan veterans from playing in India
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied its over-50s team permission to participate in the International Masters Cricket World Cup in India next January, citing government refusal. This follows a similar decision by the Pakistan Hockey Federation, highlighting ongoing strained relations between the two nations.
The current Andhra head coach, who was in charge of the Kiwis when they beat India 3-0 at home in 2024, feels India has the wherewithal to beat New Zealand
Shreyas Iyer's Sweet Headache Message Amid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Selection Debate
Shreyas Iyer, however, believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's exposure to overseas conditions will help him prepare better for future assignments.
Punjab bowlers set up dominant Ranji Trophy victory
Punjab secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over Chhattisgarh in their Group B Ranji Trophy clash in Mullanpur. Led by three-wicket hauls from spinners Harjas Singh and Emanjot Singh Chahal, Punjab first posted a massive 456, then bowled out Chhattisgarh twice, enforcing a follow-on. Despite a spirited second innings resistance from Chhattisgarh, Punjab comfortably chased a modest target of 86 runs. The article also briefly mentions other Ranji Trophy matches.
Ranji Trophy: Delhi has to be content with first-innings lead
Host gets three points from a high-scoring draw; Gujarat emerges unscathed after being forced to follow-on; Shokeen claims maiden First-Class five-wicket haul
Luhnu Cricket Ground: Tanay Thyagarajan finished with 11 wickets, after hitting an unbeaten half-century as Hyderabad thrashed Andhra by 267 runs in an Elite Group B Ranji Trophy match in Mulapadu on Wednesday. Thyagarajan, who had taken five wickets in Andhra's first innings, returned to claim six more as Andhra, set 398 to win, were dismissed for 130. He was named Player of the Match for the second game running, after having won the award against Tripura last week. In Thiruvananthapuram, veteran off-spinner Jalaj Saxena's five-wicket haul helped Kerala beat Odisha by an innings and 36 runs in Elite Group C game. Following on, Odisha resumed on 102/4, and Kerala needed just 23.3 overs on the fourth morning to bowl them out for 143. Mumbai completed their second successive bonus-point win, beating Himachal Pradesh by an innings and 97 runs in Elite Group D at the Luhnu Cricket Ground in Bilaspur, with pacer Mohit Avasthi taking 5-44. Trailing by 388 on the first innings and made to follow on, Himachal resumed on 144/3 and dragged the contest into the second session of the final day. Vaibhav Kalta (63) and Pukhraj Mann (50) offered stout resistance, but Mumbai's experienced attack eventually bowled the hosts out for 291. In New Chandigarh, Aayush Pandey's gritty 111 could not prevent Chhattisgarh from slipping to a seven-wicket defeat to Punjab. Forced to follow on, Chhattisgarh resumed on 123/3 and, on the back of Pandey's century and some handy lower-order runs, posted 335. That left Punjab a target of just 86, which they reached in 16.5 overs, with captain Uday Saharan unbeaten on 40. In the Plate Group, Meghalaya edged Manipur by three runs in a nail-biting finish in Shillong. Chasing 276, Manipur were bowled out for 272 despite half-centuries from Karnajit Yumnam and Rex Rajkumar. Kevin Christopher (3-31), Abhishek Kumar (3-64) and Aryan Bora (2-59) shared the wickets for Meghalaya. In Pune, Shikhar Mohan's 127 led a determined rearguard as Jharkhand batted out on the final day to draw with Maharashtra, who took the first-innings lead and three points. Resuming on 130/1 and still 228 runs behind, Jharkhand finished on 344/8. Utkarsh Singh (58 off 139 balls), Aditya Singh (50 off 159 balls) and Virat Singh (41 off 135 balls) all played long, patient knocks to deny the hosts a shot at victory. Off-spinner Hrithik Shokeen picked up 5-143 as hosts Delhi settled for three points after securing a 169-run first-innings lead over Gujarat in a drawn Elite Group C contest at the Palam 'B' ground. Having won the toss and declared at 648/6, Delhi bowled Gujarat out for 479 after the visitors resumed on 363/5. Following on, Gujarat were 15/1 when the two sides agreed to call it a draw. In Jaipur, an unbeaten century from Mohammad Saif helped Railways save their game against Rajasthan. Railways resumed on 305/6 in their first innings but were bowled out for 338, conceding a lead of 159, with Kukna Ajay Singh taking four wickets. Asked to bat again, they reached 176/2 by stumps as Saif (103 not out) and Eshaan Goyal (59 not out) shared an unbroken 157-run stand for the third wicket. Spinner Parth Bhut claimed eight wickets in the match and was named Player of the Match as Saurashtra took three points from their drawn Elite Group B clash against Karnataka thanks to taking first-innings lead. Resuming on 99/2, Karnataka declared their second innings at 243/7 in 64.1 overs. KL Shrijith made 52 off 76 balls with five fours, KV Aneesh also reached a half-century, and Karun Nair (37) and Manvanth Kumar (31) added useful runs. Bhut returned 3-80 from 25.1 overs, including two maidens, while Sammar Gajjar picked up two wickets and Chetan Sakariya and Ankur Panwar had one scalp each, as Karnataka had to settle for one point. Set 237 to win, Saurashtra comfortably batted out the remaining overs to finish on 137/2 in 42 overs. Chirag Jani anchored the effort with an unbeaten 63 off 117 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes, while Hetvik Kotak made 25 and Jay Gohil was not out on 22. Manvanth and Shreyas Gopal took a wicket apiece for Karnataka. Bhut returned 3-80 from 25.1 overs, including two maidens, while Sammar Gajjar picked up two wickets and Chetan Sakariya and Ankur Panwar had one scalp each, as Karnataka had to settle for one point. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Pakistan Pull Out Of Tournament In India After Decision By Mohsin Naqvi-Led PCB
The Pakistan Cricket Board has declined a request from the over-50s team to participate in the International Masters Cricket World Cup being hosted by India in January next year.
Ranji Trophy: Important to be backed as a spinner, says off-break bowler Hrithik Shokeen
Orr targets 'fresh start' at Middlesex after struggles at Hampshire
Elsewhere, Essex sign George Bell while Ben Mike moves to Glamorgan
Sri Lanka, England close Rawalpindi leg in search of first points
Both teams are coming off defeats to Pakistan, and would be fairly familiar with one another having played a bilateral series in September
Ranji Trophy: Skipper Vishnu and coach Asnodkar laud total team effort
Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Season In Doubt After Torn ACL
Paris Saint-Germain could be without Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the rest of the season after the winger tore his ACL in the Champions League win against Barcelona, while Ousmane Dembele also faces a spell on the sidelines, the club said on Wednesday.
Ranji Trophy: A clinical Kerala completes an innings win over Odisha
The host beats the weather and its opponent needing only 23.3 overs on the fourth morning to get the job done thanks to Jalaj Saxenas guiles which fetched him a 37th five-wicket haul in First Class cricket
Anrich Nortje sustains suspected groin injury during second Test against Australia
South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje sustained a suspected right groin injury during the fourth day of the ongoing second Test against Australia at St George's Park on Wednesday, raising concerns over his availability for the remainder of the match, according to Cricinfo. Nortje limped off the field three balls into his fourth over during the opening session. Cricket South Africa confirmed at the start of the second session that the pacer would not take the field again for at least the remainder of Australia's first innings. The injury comes after Nortje returned to Test cricket in Durban, where he bowled 40 overs in his first Test and first-class appearance in more than three and a half years, according to cricinfo. Questions had been raised over his ability to recover in time for the second Test, given the short turnaround between the matches. However, Nortje had bowled at impressive pace during training two days before the start of the match. Before leaving the field on Wednesday,...
South Africa become first team to achieve major feat against Australia in WTC history
South Africa pacers produced a stunning show on Day 4 of the second Test against Australia, which left the visitors bundled out for only 99 runs. The Proteas had a rough start with the bat...
Temba Bavuma credits Sachin Tendulkar after career-best score in second Test against Australia
Temba Bavuma credited Sachin Tendulkar as an influence on his batting technique after producing a career-best 179 to rescue South Africa from a precarious position in the second Test against Australia at St George's Park....
New Zealand Cricket steps back from agreement to invest in MLC
The decision was driven by the need to focus resources in New Zealand's high performance programme
Five-star Jansen sends Australia crashing for 99
South African quick bowler Marco Jansen ripped through the Australia batting to bowl out the tourists reeling at 99 in their first innings on the fourth day of the second Test at St George's Park on Wednesday.
Konstas 151* helps NSW close in on victory
In a disastrous start to the 364-run target, WA lost Bancroft and Whiteman along with nightwatcher Rocchiccioli in the space of five balls
Mumbai crush Himachal to stay on top of Ranji group
Mumbai secured a dominant innings and 97-run victory over Himachal Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy, marking their second consecutive bonus-point win and propelling them to the top of Elite Group D. Stellar performances from Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Anand, and Mohit Avasthi underpinned their success.
Bangladesh opt to bat in must-win match against Afghanistan
Fingerspinner Aliss Al Islam made his debut for Bangladesh, while Afghanistan made two changes
Anrich Nortje walks off with suspected groin injury in second Test
South Africa could potentially play the rest of the game one bowler down as they look to enforce the follow-on against Australia
1st T20I: India Battle Jet Lag As Tough NZ Test Awaits In Christchurch (Preview)
Their Asian Games: Days after a rain-hit draw against the West Indies at home led to the series ending in a 2-2 draw, a jetlagged India will take on a strong New Zealand in the first of five T20Is here at the Hagley Oval on Thursday. The schedule has given India little breathing space. Their Asian Games gold medal-winning campaign in Japan ended on October 3, before the home series against the West Indies began three days later in Lucknow, and the decider was washed out in Bengaluru on October 17. The side has managed just one training session in Christchurch, and the situation will feel uncomfortably familiar to Iyer. In his first assignment as captain, India landed in Ireland without Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya and lost 0-2, their first defeat to the hosts in any format. England then beat them as well and exposed their shortcomings on pitches with some spice. Bumrah and Hardik are missing again. Bumrah has been rested with the Test series in mind, while Hardik has not played international cricket since the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad in March, when India racked up 255 on their way to retaining the title at home. The hosts, however, have reason to feel confident. They won their most recent Test and ODI series in India and will have most of their first-choice players available for the first time since that final in Ahmedabad. Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra are out injured, which is likely to open up a top-three spot for Devon Conway alongside Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. Allen will be playing a T20 at home for the first time since March 2025. The explosive opener averages 35.68 at a strike rate of 184.21 in New Zealand. The hosts are also well stocked with pace bowling options via Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson and Blair Tickner. India's most pressing problem is the make-up of their XI. Their spin-bowling all-rounders may not be as effective away from Asia, and India could leave out Naman Dhir, who impressed against the West Indies, to fit in both Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube. Recalled pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is expected to play, while a fit-again Varun Chakaravarthy could miss out if the team management opts for a third seamer in Prince Yadav. Conditions could also take some getting used to for the Iyer-led Indian team. Days have been pleasant with bright sunshine, but it is expected to turn chilly by the 8pm start time, and fresh early-season pitches could offer something to the seamers. Dew may also tempt captains to opt to chase. History, though, favours India a little bit. They have won their last two bilateral T20I series in New Zealand and 16 of their 20 completed matches against the Black Caps since January 2020. Ishan Kishan needs seven runs to go past Suryakumar Yadav's 1,164 for the most T20I runs by an Indian in a calendar year, and it remains to be seen if this happens in front of a sell-out crowd on Thursday. When: October 22, 2026, 12:30 PM Where: Hagley Oval, Christchurch Where to watch: The match will be shown live on the Sony Sports Network channels on TV, and live streaming is available on the Sony LIV app and website. Squads India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Squads Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
After Yuvraj Singh, Delhi Capitals Add Another Ex-India Star To Coaching Staff Ahead Of IPL 2027
Delhi Capitals have former India captain Sourav Ganguly as their new head coach, along with fast bowling coach Chaminda Vaas and assistant-cum-batting coach Yuvraj Singh.
Marco Jansen stuns Australia, leaves them 69/6 at lunch on Day 4 as South Africa smell comeback
Marco Jansen ripped through Australias batting order with four wickets for 16 runs in his seven overs until Lunch on Day 4. His exceptional spell left the visitors struggling at 69 for six as South...
Jansen four-for rocks Australia on fourth morning in Gqeberha
Australia went to lunch at 69 for 6, another 157 runs away from saving the follow-on
Can India's young guns fire in T20 series opener vs New Zealand?
Shreyas Iyer-led India, unbeaten in their last two T20 series in New Zealand, will rely on their formidable batting lineup to overcome the relatively inexperienced New Zealand side in the upcoming five-match T20I series, despite having minimal time to acclimatise.
