Bangladesh Jump Three Spots To Reach No.6 In Test Rankings For First Time
The Bangla Tigers: Bangladesh tasted another piece of history when they achieved a historic outcome in the ICC Test rankings for the teams following the recent update by the global governing body on Sunday. The Bangla Tigers, who famously defeated Australia in the first Test but lost the second one, have jumped three places in the Test standings to reach No.6. This marked the first instance of Bangladesh rising above the No.9 spot in the Test rankings as Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto called it a huge achievement. Of course (reaching No. 6) is good news, Shanto said after his side lost the second Test to Australia by an innings and 51 runs. I am just hearing about it. To reach No 6 in the Test ranking is a huge achievement. It would have been better if we could have played better cricket in this Test match. Bangladesh went past West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to reach No.6 and have a rating of 78 now. Shanto also appealed for Bangladesh to play more Test matches in Australia, as the recently concluded 1-1 series was their first in Australia after 23 years. We are here after 23 years (first Test series in Australia since 2003). It's not easy to compete in this condition against this quality of team. If we are able to come here consistently, then the players can get an idea of playing here. They will have more experience playing in Australia. They can adjust to this kind of condition and play good cricket, he said. Not only for Tests, Bangladesh hardly get to travel to Australia for the other two formats too. Their last ODI series Down Under was in 2008, while they have not toured the nation for T20Is yet. Shanto pointed out that the conditions feel alien if they don't get to play Down Under. It's hard for the players. Probably 90% of the players haven't played here. They don't know how to adjust, how to cope with this kind of condition, and this kind of bowling attack. My request is that we want to play here. We want to play similar kind of conditions consistently, not after 23 or 25 years, he said. Bangladesh went past West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to reach No.6 and have a rating of 78 now. Shanto also appealed for Bangladesh to play more Test matches in Australia, as the recently concluded 1-1 series was their first in Australia after 23 years. We are here after 23 years (first Test series in Australia since 2003). It's not easy to compete in this condition against this quality of team. If we are able to come here consistently, then the players can get an idea of playing here. They will have more experience playing in Australia. They can adjust to this kind of condition and play good cricket, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories However, the Aussies stormed back in the second Test. Mitchell Starc took a match haul of 10 wickets. He took 6-12 in the first innings to run through the visitors' batting attack to bowl them out for 64. Cameron Green put a stellar 67 with the bat as Australia posted 210 before Starc came back to haunt Bangladesh and picked up 4-39 to bowl them out for 95. Article Source: IANS
Sooryavanshi falls cheaply on Duleep Trophy debut
Teen prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and skipper Ishan Kishan had disappointing performances for East Zone in their Duleep Trophy campaign opener against North East Zone, both falling for single-digit scores.
India Receive WTC Advantage After Bangladesh Lose To Australia In Mackay
Great Barrier Reef Arena: India were handed a slight advantage in their quest for a spot in the World Test Championship final after Bangladesh suffered a defeat to Australia in the second Test match in Mackay on Sunday. India, who are ranked fifth and behind Bangladesh, now have a chance to go past them as they look to outclass Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo. Bangladesh, who famously stunned the former WTC champions Australia for their maiden Test win Down Under, could not replicate the Darwin brilliance at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. Tearaway speedster Mitchell Starc starred with a match haul of 10 wickets as he ripped apart the Bangla Tigers' batting line-up to set up an innings and 51-run win for the hosts. This salvaged some pride for the 2023 WTC champions, who were embarrassed by the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side in the first Test. The result saw Australia gain again in the WTC points table, while Bangladesh lost crucial PCT as India received a favour. Australia firmed their No.1 spot in the nine-team table and now have 96 WTC points and a PCT of 80 from 10 matches (eight wins and two losses). South Africa follow them in second with 36 points and a PCT of 75 from four matches (three wins and one loss), while New Zealand are third, tallying 52 points and a PCT of 72.22 from six games (four wins, one loss, one draw). Bangladesh, who famously stunned the former WTC champions Australia for their maiden Test win Down Under, could not replicate the Darwin brilliance at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. Tearaway speedster Mitchell Starc starred with a match haul of 10 wickets as he ripped apart the Bangla Tigers' batting line-up to set up an innings and 51-run win for the hosts. This salvaged some pride for the 2023 WTC champions, who were embarrassed by the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side in the first Test. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Their opponents, Sri Lanka, are a distant sixth with 20 points and a PCT of 33.33 from five matches (one win, two losses and two draws). England 29.76 PCT), West Indies (20.83 PCT) and Pakistan (19.05 PCT) follow them. Article Source: IANS
Jadeja's Wisdom For Newcomer Saransh Jain
Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja advised debutant Saransh Jain to treat his maiden Test match as another First-Class game, urging him to enjoy the moment without pressure. Saransh, the 320th player to represent India in Tests, expressed his happiness at receiving his cap from an all-rounder like Jadeja and dedicated his cricketing journey to his father.
Bangladesh Eye More Australia Tests To Hit Next Level
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said on Sunday his team had taken a lot of confidence from their two-Test series in Australia and were keen to return as they aim for more consistency. The visitors stunned the world's top-ranked side with a nine-wicket win in Darwin last week, their first on Australian soil and one considered their greatest of all time. But they came crashing back to earth with an innings and 51-run thrashing in the second Test at Mackay on Sunday. It was their first Test tour of Australia in 23 years and Najmul said they wanted to come back to better understand the conditions, with the pitch in Mackay fast and bouncy. I think it was a very proud moment as a team, and we showed our character and discipline in the first Test, he said. But we need to be consistent, and I believe if we are able to get more chances, similar kinds of conditions year after year, it will help us. And that's what we want. It's a long time, 23 years, since we came here and we played two Test matches, it's not easy. So if we have that ability, that chance to play every single year, it will help us to improve our game. With Australian left-armer Mitchell Starc almost unplayable, finding plenty of seam and swing, Bangladesh collapsed in their first innings, all out for just 64. They fared little better in their second, with Starc again causing problems as they crumbled to 95 on a tricky surface. They showed their character, and we didn't play our best best match, said Najmul. This was different conditions (to Darwin). A little extra bounce and swing in the air. It was challenging for us. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories But as a team if we want to go forward we need to address these conditions and I think this experience will help us moving forward.
Shanto wants more SENA Tests after Bangladesh rise to No. 6 in rankings
Bangladesh drew their first series in Australia in 23 years, and rose above No. 9 on the ICC Test rankings for the first time
Gill Joins Elite Club with 3,000 Test Runs
Shubman Gill has become the fourth-youngest Indian cricketer to reach 3,000 Test runs, achieving the milestone during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, further solidifying his impressive record, especially as captain.
Pat Cummins Hails 'Sharp' Australia As They Get Back To Winning Ways
Australia captain Pat Cummins praised his side for all looking sharp in a crushing innings and 51-run thrashing of Bangladesh in Mackay on Sunday as they emphatically bounced back from losing the first Test. The hosts were upset last week in Darwin by nine wickets -- their first red-ball game since their Ashes series victory over England wrapped up in January. Cummins said it was critical that they responded, and he was happy with the manner of the victory. I thought everyone was really sharp, he said. It's a bit like the opposite of last week. If you get a really good first hour or two, it can set up the rest of the match. Australia couldn't have asked for a better start to the second Test on Saturday, with Mitchell Starc producing a devastating masterclass to take five wickets in just 22 balls. It left Bangladesh reeling and they never recovered, all out for 64 with Starc taking 6-12. I don't think we can expect to get six for 20, or whatever we had, every match. But it was a great start and we didn't really let up after that, said Cummins. A lot of things went right these couple of days, and a lot of things went wrong last week. We needed to bounce and it was a great couple of days for the lads. The two-Test showdown was the beginning of an intense period of up to 21 Tests in 12 months that also includes series against South Africa, New Zealand and India. Australia hope to culminate the run in the World Test Championship final before a return blockbuster Ashes showdown in England. While opener Matt Renshaw failed to fire in his first Test since 2023 at Mackay, he is expected to be on the plane for a white-ball series then three Tests in South Africa in September-October. Cummins and Starc both indicated in Mackay that they were keen to play at least some of that white-ball series. The big question marks out of the Bangladesh Tests were the form of number three Marnus Labuschagne and whether Travis Head is best suited to open or should drop down the order. Allrounder Cameron Green came into the series under pressure after a lean spell, but a century in Darwin and a gutsy 67 in Mackay shut down his critics. He was in total command of his batting this whole series, so really happy for him, said Cummins of Green. He held our innings together yesterday and this morning, so hopefully he can take a lot of confidence out of that. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We know how good he is. He's now putting up some really solid performances in Test cricket. Lots of cricket coming up, and hopefully he continues it on.
Mitchell Starc Goes Past R Ashwin In All-Time List After 10 Wickets vs Bangladesh
Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc surpassed legends Ravichandran Ashwin and Chaminda Vaas in international cricket's all-time wicket charts with a ten-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the second Test at Mackay on Sunday.
We Didnt Play Our Best Match, Says Shanto After Bangladeshs Heavy Defeat To Australia
Najmul Hossain Shanto: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted his side did not produce their best performance against Australia but said the two-Test series would provide valuable experience as they look to improve in challenging overseas conditions. Bangladesh suffered an innings-and-51-run defeat in the second Test at Mackay on Sunday, allowing Australia to level the series 1-1 after their nine-wicket victory in the opening Test in Darwin. The match lasted only 750 balls and finished inside two days, with Bangladesh bowled out for 64 in the first innings and 95 in the second. Mitchell Starc claimed 10 wickets in the match, while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon took three wickets each in the second innings. Shanto acknowledged Australias experience and quality but felt Bangladesh had fallen short of their own standards. Yeah, obviously I think we all know how good they are and, as I said in the press conference, they have been experienced for almost 50, more than 50 years. So yeah, they played, they showed their character, and as the Bangladesh Test team, we didnt play our best match, Shanto said after the defeat. The conditions in Mackay were significantly different from those in Darwin, with extra bounce and movement making batting difficult throughout the Test. Yeah, obviously I think this is a different condition, and there is a little bit more extra bounce and swing in the air. So its challenging for us. But as a team, if we want to go forward, we need to adjust to this condition, and I hope this experience will help going forward, Shanto said. Bangladeshs bowlers did manage to produce some encouraging moments, with Shoriful Islam taking 7/48, the best figures by an overseas bowler in Australia since Curtly Ambroses 7/25 in Perth in 1993. Shanto said the pitch was difficult for batters from both sides and praised Shoriful, Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud for their efforts. Its quite difficult for all the batters. If you look at their batting also, they also struggled and the way Shoriful, Taskin and Hasan bowled, really happy to see them and its quite a difficult wicket to bat, to be very honest, he said. Bangladesh had produced a historic nine-wicket win in Darwin in the opening Test, but Australia responded strongly in Mackay to draw the series. Despite the defeat, Shanto said the tour offered important lessons and urged for more opportunities to play Test cricket in similar conditions. Yeah, obviously I think its a very proud moment as a team, and we showed our character, and we were disciplined, as you mentioned, in the first Test, and we need to be consistent. I believe if we are able to get more chances, similar kind of conditions here, it will help us, and thats what we want, he said. Despite the defeat, Shanto said the tour offered important lessons and urged for more opportunities to play Test cricket in similar conditions. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Not long, long term, like 23 years of coming here and playing two Test matches. Its not easy. So if we have that chance to play every single year, it will help us to improve our game, he said. Article Source: IANS
771 Wickets! Starc Surpasses Ashwin, Vaas in All-Time List
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc delivered a sensational ten-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the second Test at Mackay, surpassing Ravichandran Ashwin and Chaminda Vaas in the all-time international wicket-takers list, and earning both 'Player of the Match' and 'Player of the Series' awards.
2nd Test: Dream Achieved - Saransh Jain Expresses Gratitude To God, Family After Getting Maiden Cap
Sri Lanka: Handed a Test debut in the second game against Sri Lanka after years of relentless toil in domestic cricket, off-spin bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain expressed deep gratitude to God and his family after receiving his cap from veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Saransh, who came into the playing eleven in place of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, was presented with Test cap number 320 in the team huddle ahead of the toss. Whenever a player starts playing cricket, his dream is to play for India and I have achieved it today. So, I am very grateful and thanks to God and family who supported me and I got this achievement, Saransh said in a video posted on the BCCI's social media channels on Sunday. Saransh, 33, boasts of an impressive domestic record, having featured in 54 First-Class matches, scoring 2,223 runs at an average of 31.75 while picking up 188 wickets at an average of 27.30. He had also made a strong mark during the India 'A' tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year, where he had a standout performance of hitting an unbeaten 70 with the bat and picking a six-wicket haul. Apart from being the 320th mens Test player for India, Saransh has also become the fifth player from Indore to play for the country in the red-ball format after Narendra Hirwani, Rajesh Chauhan, Naman Ojha, and Rajat Patidar. Hes also the oldest India player to play Tests after turning 33 since Robin Singh in 1998. Interestingly, Saransh is the third player after Murali Vijay and Mohammed Shami to make his Test debut before getting an IPL contract. Reflecting on receiving the cap from Jadeja, Saransh expressed his delight at being presented the honour by someone he looks up to a lot. Jaddu bhai himself is such a great legend and if I get a cap from him, it will be a great benefit for me. So, I am very happy and I wanted to get a cap from an all-rounder who will motivate me because I am also an all-rounder and I will try to fulfil that, he added. Hes also the oldest India player to play Tests after turning 33 since Robin Singh in 1998. Interestingly, Saransh is the third player after Murali Vijay and Mohammed Shami to make his Test debut before getting an IPL contract. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories So, I think this will be a very important opportunity for you in life because as a cricketer everyone has a dream to represent India and become a Test player. I think you should enjoy this moment, and don't take pressure at all because just like you have done so many matches in domestic cricket, play like you are playing a first-class match. For the rest of the support, 14 more players are with you. So, enjoy this moment instead of pressure, okay? All the best, he added. Article Source: IANS
Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal Bangs Heads With SL Pacer In 2nd Test, Heated Confrontation Goes Viral
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando nearly came to blows in the first session on Day 1 of the second Test in Colombo.
Despite Australia's Big Win Over Bangladesh, Justin Langer Highlights 'Unacceptable' Issue
Former Australia opener Justin Langer has slammed the increasing frequency of short-lived Test matches, calling two-day finishes unacceptable' after Australia wrapped up an innings victory over Bangladesh inside six sessions on Sunday.
Updated WTC Table After Australia Beat Bangladesh And How It Affects India
Australia avenged last week's loss in Darwin with an innings-and-51-run thrashing of Bangladesh in the second and final Test in Mackay on Sunday.
Bangladesh eyes more Australia Tests to hit next level
I think it was a very proud moment as a team, and we showed our character and discipline in the first Test, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said.
Sri Lanka Cricket seeks more Tests against 'Big 3'
Eran Wickramaratne, chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket's interim committee, has called for a revision of the ICC's Future Tours Programme to allow Sri Lanka to play more Test matches against cricketing powerhouses like India, England, and Australia, citing the financial dependence on India and the desire to excel in the format.
2nd Test: India Reach 88/2 At Lunch After Eventful Opening Session Against Sri Lanka
Sinhalese Sports Club: An eventful, hard-fought opening session saw India reach 88/2 in 25 overs at lunch on day one of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground on Sunday. It was a session where Sri Lanka took out both India openers, while Yashasvi Jaiswal was involved in a heated player exchange with pacer Asitha Fernando, something which can attract a huge fine for him from match referee Andy Pycroft. With Devdutt Padikkal and captain Shubman Gill unbeaten at the crease on 13 and 11 respectively, India will hope they can make it a big score. Having elected to bat first after winning the toss, Jaiswal and KL Rahul made a steady start, though 30 of their opening stand of 37 runs came via boundaries mainly. Against the seamers who got enough seam movement, the modus operandi was to get boundaries via drives on fuller balls. But Rahul was set up by short-pitched deliveries before nicking behind on a lazy cut off wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella on Lahiru Kumaras bowling to fall for 18. Devdutt Padikkal joined Jaiswal but endured a nervous initiation. Before opening his account, Padikkal was dropped at backward point off Kumara as Sonal Dinusha failed to hold on to the catch. Two overs later, Jaiswal earned a reprieve when captain Dhananjaya de Silva spilled a regulation chance at slip against off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha. At the other end, Jaiswal stepped up the aggression in the 17th over by dispatching Fernando for three consecutive boundaries - an elegant drive past mid-on was followed by a ramp over slip, and a swivel pull through backward square leg. But Fernando had the last laugh on the final ball of the over by nipping one back off the seam to castle Jaiswal for 45. A fiery send-off from the pacer led to a tense and ugly face-to-face verbal altercation with Jaiswal, where a bit of shovelling and headbutting via Jaiswals helmet also happened. Two overs later, Jaiswal earned a reprieve when captain Dhananjaya de Silva spilled a regulation chance at slip against off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha. At the other end, Jaiswal stepped up the aggression in the 17th over by dispatching Fernando for three consecutive boundaries - an elegant drive past mid-on was followed by a ramp over slip, and a swivel pull through backward square leg. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief Scores: India 88/2 in 25 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 45, KL Rahul 18; Lahiru Kumara 1-19, Asitha Fernando 1-25) against Sri Lanka. Article Source: IANS
Sri Lanka Cricket is seeking a rejig of the ICCs Future Tours Programme to allow the island nation to play more Test matches against cricketing heavyweights India, England and Australia
Australia vs Bangladesh Test Ends Inside 2 Days, But It's Not The Shortest Game
Mitchell Starc was at his devastating best as Australia completely outclassed Bangladesh to register a commanding victory in the second Test in Mackay on Sunday.
Gill Scripts Milestone, Becomes Fourth-youngest Indian To 3000 Test Runs
Sinhalese Sports Club: India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill on Sunday completed his 3000 runs in Test cricket during the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club here. Gill has become the fourth-youngest Indian player to reach the milestone as he continues his rise in the format. Coming into the second Test, Gill needed only seven runs to reach the milestone after falling short of it in the series opener in Galle. The skipper completed his 3000 runs when he hit a boundary off an outside edge in the 23rd over of the first session off Keshara Nuwantha. At 26y and 349d, Gill has become the fourth youngest Indian ever to reach the milestone. The list is led by legendary former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar (23y 228d), while Virender Sehwag (26y 157d) and Dilip Vengsarkar (26y 263d) follow him on second and third, respectively. Gill went past legend and former skipper Kapil Dev on this list. Kapil was 26 years and 356 days old when he completed his 3000 runs in the longest international format. Gill batted with caution to open his account on the 13th ball he faced, when he whipped left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya to open his account. He didn't take long to hit another four, completing his milestone. The Indian skipper came out to bat when the visitors lost Yashasvi Jaiswal for 45 to Asitha Fernando, who cleaned the opener and had a heated exchange with him. KL Rahul was dismissed earlier in the first hour when Lahiru Kumara nicked him behind on an attempted cut. The visitors went to lunch at 88/2 after 25 overs. Gill went past legend and former skipper Kapil Dev on this list. Kapil was 26 years and 356 days old when he completed his 3000 runs in the longest international format. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Meanwhile, Sri Lanka also made changes as Kamil Mishara made his debut and Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who made his debut as a concussion substitute, got his first full game. (On bowling first] Yes, of course, as Shubman said, it's quite harder than Galle. I thought, yeah, it's good for batting, and I don't mind bowling because, with cloud cover, maybe we can strike early and put them under pressure. (Team changes) Yes, Kamil Mishara is debuting today, and yes, Pasindu is also playing today, Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva said. Article Source: IANS
2nd Test, Day 1: SL Strike as India are 88-2 At Lunch
India faced early pressure in the second Test against Sri Lanka, reaching 88 for two at lunch on day one. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed after a solid start, with Devdutt Padikkal and Shubman Gill at the crease. The session also saw some on-field drama and a dropped catch.
'Much Better Week': Starc After Australia Rout Bangladesh
Australia secured a thumping innings and 51-run victory over Bangladesh in Mackay, levelling the two-match series 1-1. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were instrumental, with Starc taking 10-51 in the match.
'We Needed To Bounce Back': Cummins Hails Australias Turnaround Against Bangladesh
Cricket Australia: Australia captain Pat Cummins said his side's emphatic innings-and-51-run victory over Bangladesh in the second Test was the perfect response to their defeat in Darwin, praising the team's sharpness and strong start in Mackay. Australia completed a remarkable turnaround by bowling Bangladesh out for 95 in their second innings after posting 210 in their first. Mitchell Starc starred with a 10-wicket match haul, claiming 6/12 in the first innings and four more wickets in the second, while Cummins and Nathan Lyon took three wickets each. The victory, which levelled the two-match series 1-1, was completed inside two days and lasted only 750 balls, making it Australia's shortest Test in almost a century. Yeah, that's right. A lot of things went right these couple of days, where a lot of things went wrong last week. But yeah, we needed to bounce back, and it was a great couple of days from the lads, Cummins said after the match. Australia had suffered a nine-wicket defeat in the opening Test in Darwin, but produced a vastly improved performance in Mackay, particularly with the ball and in the field. Cummins credited the team's excellent start for setting the tone of the match. Yeah, that's it. I thought everyone was really sharp. It's a bit like the opposite last week. If you get a really good first hour or two, it can set up the rest of the match. I don't think we can expect to get six for 20 or whatever we had every match. But it was a great start and didn't really let up after that, he said. Starc led Australia's bowling attack with a career-best 10-wicket haul in a home Test, while Cummins returned figures of 3/10 in the second innings and Lyon finished with 3/25, including the final two wickets of the match. Cummins also praised Cameron Green, who continued his impressive form by scoring 67 in Australia's second innings after making 104 in the opening Test. So really happy for him. Again, held our innings together yesterday and this morning. So hopefully he can take a lot of confidence out of that. We know how good he is. He now keeps putting up some really solid performances in Test cricket. We know he's good enough. So lots of cricket coming up, hopefully he continues it on, he said. Cummins also praised Cameron Green, who continued his impressive form by scoring 67 in Australia's second innings after making 104 in the opening Test. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Yeah, I think I will get over there for some of it. So yeah, we will work that out in the next couple of days. But yeah, plan to play a little bit of white-ball leading into the red ball, he said. Article Source: IANS
Jaiswal, Fernando in Heated On-Field Clash During 2nd Test
A heated exchange between India's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando marred the opening session of the 2nd Test after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45, leading to a confrontation on the pitch.
Punjab T20 League: The stage is set for the 2026 edition of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League, which will begin on August 30 at the I.S. Bindra Stadium in Chandigarh. Six teams will compete for the title, with some of Punjabs most promising young cricketers getting an opportunity to showcase their talent. Fazilka Falcons will be led by India captain Shubman Gill, who is looking forward to being part of the tournament and playing alongside some of the states finest young players. Speaking about his role as captain and the team, Gill said, I am very excited to lead the Fazilka Falcons. We have a very talented and exciting group of players, and I am really looking forward to working with the team. It will be a great opportunity for all of us to learn from each other and play some good cricket. Gill also praised the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) for organising the league and providing a platform for young cricketers to take the next step in their careers. I would like to thank the Punjab Cricket Association for organising the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League. It is a very important platform for young and talented cricketers from Punjab. They get the opportunity to perform against quality players, gain experience and show what they can do. Hopefully, many of them can use this tournament as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities, Gill said. Having played international cricket at the highest level, Gill is also keen to share his experience with the younger members of the Fazilka Falcons squad. He believes that self-belief, match awareness and the ability to make the right decisions under pressure are important qualities for any young cricketer. For young players, it is important to believe in their ability and stay calm when they are under pressure. I want to help them understand the game better, whether it is about reading a situation, making decisions or handling pressure. These are things that come with experience, and if I can share whatever I have learned, it will be a good opportunity for me as well, he added. While winning the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League will remain a major goal for the Fazilka Falcons, Gill believes the tournament's bigger success will be measured by the opportunities it creates for young players. For young players, it is important to believe in their ability and stay calm when they are under pressure. I want to help them understand the game better, whether it is about reading a situation, making decisions or handling pressure. These are things that come with experience, and if I can share whatever I have learned, it will be a good opportunity for me as well, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories With the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League set to bring together some of the best emerging talent from the state, Gill's presence as captain will add further experience and excitement to the Fazilka Falcons campaign. The Indian captain will now look to lead the side strongly while helping the next generation of Punjab cricketers make their mark on the big stage. Article Source: IANS
Karn Sharma, 38, calls time on India and domestic career
The 38-year-old allrounder played four internationals for India, and retires as the only cricketer to have won a hat-trick of IPL teams with three different teams
Starcs 10-wicket Haul Powers Australia To Innings-and-51-run Win Over Bangladesh
Great Barrier Reef Arena: Mitchell Starcs 10-wicket match haul, backed by three wickets apiece from Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, powered Australia to an innings-and-51-run victory over Bangladesh in Mackay, levelling the series in record time. Australia's salvation came in the form of a third two-day Test in the past seven in the country, with the weekend victory made possible by a Bangladesh batting unit. Australia got rid of their earlier defeat in Darwin by putting on a massive innings and 51-run total, Bangladesh adding only 95 to their first-innings 64. A team had not before been all out for double figures twice in a Test match in the twenty-one years up to that point; the bowlers achieved a victory so complete that Australia's attack seemed almost embarrassed during the onslaught on Sunday, which revealed the weakness of Bangladesh on a bouncy yet level wicket, and Travis Head even wrote his name on the boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Arena after the penultimate wicket was dismissed. Starc was the focus of the demolition effort; after taking six wickets in the first innings he took four more in the second and thus finished with 10-51, which was his best performance in a home Test. Cummins took 3-10 from the same number of overs and Lyon ended with 3-25, including the last two wickets of the match which were obtained from three balls after tea. The 750-ball Test was the shortest witnessed in Australia in nearly a century, beating both of the two-day Ashes Tests held in Perth and Melbourne last summer as well as the 2022-23 Gabba Test played against South Africa in terms of duration. On Sunday morning Australia were already in the match with a lead of 101 runs and increased that to 146 when their last two wickets put in more than a quarter (62) of their total runs. Cameron Green continued his outstanding series by scoring the highest individual score of the match, which was 67, following on from his 104 the previous week. Green's most recent decisive wicket fell only when Shoriful Islam delivered a fierce in-swinger which disbalanced the tall right-hander. Shoriful's figures of 7-48 represented the best performance by a foreign bowler since Curtly Ambrose's 7-25 in Perth in 1993, but it was in vain as Australia's all-out score of 210 became the lowest total to have led to an innings victory in 80 years. When the new ball was presented to Starc before lunch there was a feeling of anticipation among the locals who were sitting in the seats on the eastern hill of Harrup Park. Although Bangladesh's openers managed to avoid becoming his 29th victim of the first over, the early wave of wickets was inevitable. Shadman Islam was sent off when facing the left-arm bowler for the second time in 24 hours, and Mominul Haque was bowled to give a golden duck, thus leaving Najmul Shanto exposed to Starc's second hat-trick delivery in two days. The captain of Bangladesh avoided a king pair but concluded an otherwise creditable tour with a very poor dismissal, being caught at long-off after he was tricked by a delivery from Nathan Lyon which, due to the winter breeze, was pushed too far inside his line of sight for him to hit it over cover. Starc finished off his second catch with both hands when Tanzid Hasan pulled Cummins to long-leg. Tanzid, who had scored a century in Darwin, then recorded his third score in the single digits since hitting that ton in the first innings. Litton Das's miserable tour without any runs went on when Starc got him out for the third time in a row without scoring, and Cummins then sped up Bangladesh's push to leave with a highly unstoppable performance. Starc finished off his second catch with both hands when Tanzid Hasan pulled Cummins to long-leg. Tanzid, who had scored a century in Darwin, then recorded his third score in the single digits since hitting that ton in the first innings. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The outcome marked a dramatic recovery for Australia following their historic loss in Darwin, due to Starc's 10-51 and once again the strong showing from the pace attack, which brought the series back on par. Article Source: IANS
Watch: North East Zone Star Silences Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Early In Duleep Trophy Quarter-Final
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi managed just eight runs off six balls for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final against North East Zone in Bengaluru.
Dhawan Praises Treesa-Gayatri's Historic Bronze Medal Win At World Championships
Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium: Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan on Sunday lauded shuttlers Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand for their historic bronze medal triumph at the ongoing BWF World Championships, adding that their remarkable campaign has been an inspiring journey to follow. The unseeded Indian pair, ranked 39 in the world and bronze medal winners at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, put up a valiant fight before bowing out 21-18, 13-21, 8-21 against top seeds and reigning world champions Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning of China in a gripping womens doubles semi-final contest spanning an hour and 11 minutes here at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Saturday. Commending their effort, Dhawan took to micro-blogging site 'X' to celebrate the duo's achievement. From being unseeded to beating three seeded pairs and making the World Championships semifinals what a journey! Take a bow, Treesa & Gayatri! the former cricketer wrote on Sunday. Treesa and Gayatri, the daughter of legendary shuttler Pullela Gopichand, had etched their names in the record books a day earlier after pulling off a gritty fightback win over fourth-seeded Chinese pair Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian. The victory ensured the duo became the first Indian womens doubles pair to secure a World Championships medal since Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa claimed bronze medal in London in 2011. Treesa and Gayatri, the daughter of legendary shuttler Pullela Gopichand, had etched their names in the record books a day earlier after pulling off a gritty fightback win over fourth-seeded Chinese pair Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The streak started with Jwala and Ashwini ending a 28-year medal drought in 2011, after Prakash Padukones historic 1983 bronze. Over the years, two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu headlined the run with five medals, including her landmark 2019 gold medal win. Treesa and Gayatri will also be seen in action in the 2026 Asian Games, which will start in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan next month. Article Source: IANS
Why is Kuldeep Yadav not playing India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test in Colombo?
Team India took on Sri Lanka in the second Test of the ongoing series between the two sides. The teams met at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, for the clash on August 23rd, and...
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After winning the toss and electing to bat, skipper Shubman Gill revealed that Saransh had replaced Kuldeep, who was unavailable for selection due to an infection.
2nd Test: Kuldeep Yadav Unavailable Due To Ongoing Recovery From Viral Illness, Says BCCI
Mr Kuldeep Yadav: Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was ruled out of India's playing eleven for the second Test against Sri Lanka as he continues his recovery from a viral illness, said the BCCI. In Kuldeeps absence, Madhya Pradesh off-spin bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain was handed his maiden Test cap. Mr Kuldeep Yadav has not fully recovered from his viral illness. He was unavailable for selection in the Playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka. However, he can take the field as a concussion substitute, if required, the BCCI stated in an official statement on Sunday. Saransh was handed his Test cap in the team huddle prior to the toss, where India elected to bat first at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground. A hamstring injury to off-spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar during India's ODI tour of England opened the door for his inclusion in the squad on the trip to Sri Lanka. Saransh, 33, boasts of an impressive domestic record, having featured in 54 First-Class matches, scoring 2,223 runs at an average of 31.75 while picking up 188 wickets at an average of 27.30. Saransh was handed his Test cap in the team huddle prior to the toss, where India elected to bat first at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground. A hamstring injury to off-spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar during India's ODI tour of England opened the door for his inclusion in the squad on the trip to Sri Lanka. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Apart from being the 320th mens Test player for India, Saransh has also become the fifth player from Indore to play for the country in the red-ball format after Narendra Hirwani, Rajesh Chauhan, Naman Ojha, and Rajat Patidar. Jain is also the oldest India player to play Tests after turning 33 since Robin Singh did so in 1998. Article Source: IANS
Who Is Saransh Jain, India's Oldest Test Debutant?
Saransh Jain, the 33-year-old Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, made his India Test debut against Sri Lanka, replacing the injured Kuldeep Yadav, a testament to his consistent domestic performances.
India and Sri Lanka take on each other in the second Test of the ongoing series between the two sides. The teams meet at theSinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, for the clash, and the game has begun on a positive note for India as the side has opted to bat first after winning the toss. Having won the first Test of the series, India will hope to put in a good showing, and it could be interesting to see what the first day of the second Test holds in store for the fans.
Saransh debuts in place of Kuldeep as India bat in Colombo
Kamil Mishara will debut for Sri Lanka, while Pasindu Sooriyabandara keeps his place after coming on as a concussion substitute in Galle
IND vs SL Day 1: Saransh Jain handed debut as India elect to bat against Sri Lanka in 2nd Test
India have an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series, having won the opening Test at Galle by a massive 165 runs
2nd Test: Saransh Jain Replaces Kuldeep As India Elect To Bat Against SL
Sinhalese Sports Club: Off-spin bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain has been handed his debut as India won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground here on Sunday. India are having a 1-0 lead in the two-game series after winning the first Test in Galle by 165 runs. After winning the toss for the second consecutive time, skipper Shubman Gill said Saransh replaces left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who misses out due to an infection. In the team huddle, Indore-based Jain got his debut cap from senior spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. It looks like a much harder, much better surface compared to Galle. Galle was also a very good wicket, but I think as the game went on, it got a little bit slower and the ball started to turn. We're expecting the same, but I think for the first two or three days, I think it'll be a really good wicket to bat on. I would say probably a nine (out of ten for win in Galle), because there's always room for improvement, and I think we played a pretty good match, a decent match. Obviously there were some areas where we could have got a little bit better, but, you know, this is Test cricket. It's very, very difficult to be able to have a near-perfect game because you're playing for five days, and to play that dominant and consistent cricket, especially in Test, is hard. But I think overall we had a pretty good match, said Gill. Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said Kamil Mishara and Pasindu Sooriyabandara are making their debut in the format. Sooriyabandara had previously been a concussion substitute in Galle after Dinesh Chandimal suffered neck and shoulder injuries while fielding. Yes, of course, as Shubman said, it's quite harder than Galle. I thought it's good for batting, and I don't mind it bowling because, cloud covers, maybe we can strike early and put them under pressure. Well, as I said, we had to strike early when we're bowling and when batting, not losing wickets early, keep the scoreboard ticking and get runs on the board, he said. Playing XIs: Yes, of course, as Shubman said, it's quite harder than Galle. I thought it's good for batting, and I don't mind it bowling because, cloud covers, maybe we can strike early and put them under pressure. Well, as I said, we had to strike early when we're bowling and when batting, not losing wickets early, keep the scoreboard ticking and get runs on the board, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Sri Lanka: Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, and Asitha Fernando Article Source: IANS
CRICKET | Pujara punts on Padikkal to do well at the No. 3 spot in Tests
The former India batter says that Sai Sudharsan, whose injury opened up a spot for Padikkal, should also be accommodated in the team when fit
India vs Sri Lanka LIVE Score Updates, 2nd Test Day 1: Just four days after their 165-run win, India will hit the ground running in Colombo for the second and final Test of their trip to the island nation
Duleep Trophy 2026 Quarter-Finals LIVE Updates: The 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named vice-captain of the Ishan Kishan-led East Zone side.
India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Free Live Telecast, IND vs SL Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch
India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Free Live Telecast, IND vs SL Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch
East Zone vs North East Zone Live Streaming Duleep Trophy Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch
India vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming: Where to Watch 2nd Test SL vs IND Live Online For Free
India will look to wrap up the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka when the teams meet in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo from August 23 to 27. India have a 1-0 lead
Ben Stokes Calls Headingleys 2027 Ashes Snub Shambolic After Joe Root Disappointment
Ben Stokes has labelled the decision not to hold a men's Ashes Test at Headingley next year shambolic, after Joe Root expressed disappointment that Leeds was left off the schedule. England thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs inside three days at Headingley on Friday, their seventh successive Test win at the ground. It was an ideal start to Root's second stint as Test captain after taking over the side following former skipper Stokes's surprise international retirement. Root said it was a shame his Yorkshire home ground would miss out on staging a match during the 2027 men's Ashes. Stokes, posting a screenshot of Root's words, said in a social media post: Shame is an understatement tbh. Shambolic would be more appropriate. Great win though. Stokes had said he was devastated there would be no men's Ashes Tests in northern England next year when the schedule was first announced in 2023. Headingley will host the one-off women's Ashes Test. The men's series will visit the Rose Bowl, close to Southampton, for the first time, with Trent Bridge, Lord's, Edgbaston and the Oval staging the other four games. I would love to play as many games as possible here, Root said after England went 1-0 up in their three-Test series against Pakistan. It's a great Test match venue and a surface that provides brilliant Test cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We've had quite a lot of success on it recently, so it's a shame we don't get to play here next year. I'm sure we will see many, many more brilliant Test matches here.
Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill Refuse To Release India Reserves For Duleep Trophy: Report
The Indian team management has taken a strong decision ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, which begins on Sunday in Colombo.
Australia vs Bangladesh Live Score Updates, 2nd Test Day 2
Australia vs Bangladesh Live Score Updates, 2nd Test Day 2: Shoriful Islam took a career-best 7-48 and Cameron Green hit a valuable 67, as Australia were dismissed for 210 in their first innings on day two of the second Test against Bangladesh
Shoriful bags seven but Australia lead by 146
Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon added valuable runs on the second morning
AUS vs BAN Test Day 2: Australia dismissed for 210, lead Bangladesh by 146
Resuming at 165-8 in reply to the visitors' 64 all out, the hosts added 45 more to the total, with all-rounder Green top-scoring. Steve Smith chipped in with 42 and Nathan Lyon was not out 32.
Not The Next In Line: Ex-India Star's Blunt Take On KL Rahul's Vice-Captaincy
In May this year, KL Rahul replaced Rishabh Pant as India's Test vice-captain.
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Gautam Gambhir Sends Strong Message On Kuldeep Yadav's Future Ahead Of Second Sri Lanka Test
Gautam Gambhir didn't fully divulge whether India will stick to its winning combination from Galle for the second Test against Sri Lanka, he had some words of encouragement for under-fire left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav
India's Predicted XI For 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka: Kuldeep Yadav To Be Dropped?
Sanjay Manjrekar feels the team management's decision to potentially replace left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav with an off-spinner for the second Test against Sri Lanka would be an understandable...
SSC Colombo: History, Records & Indias 2026 Test
The Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo is more than a venue for cricket matches; it is part of Sri Lankas cricketing identity. Known simply as SSC and often described as the Lords of Sri Lanka, this elegant venue in the heart of Colombo has been at the centre of Sri Lankan cricket for decades. It is the headquarters of Sri Lanka Cricket, the home of the countrys most prestigious cricket club and the stage for some extraordinary performances. Now, SSC is entering a new era. Floodlights were installed recently ahead of the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, and there was even a proposal to play a pink-ball Test between India and Sri Lanka here in the present series. It is a remarkable transformation for a ground that spent much of its life representing the old-world charm of Sri Lankan cricket. Yet modernization has not erased SSCs character. That may be its greatest strength. The Sinhalese Sports Club was formed in 1899 and moved to its present home at Maitland Place in 1952. The land had previously been used as an aerodrome by Allied forces during the Second World War. Its new home placed SSC in Colombos upmarket Cinnamon Gardens, a world away from the bustle surrounding some of the citys other cricket grounds. SSC staged its first Test in 1984, when Sri Lanka played New Zealand, and quickly became one of the countrys most important international venues. For Sri Lankan batsmen, few grounds have been more productive. Mahela Jayawardene scored 2,921 Test runs at SSC, the most by any player at a single Test venue, including a magnificent 374 against South Africa in 2006. In the same Test, he and Kumar Sangakkara added 624 for the third wicket, still the highest partnership for any wicket in Test cricket. Muttiah Muralitharan took 166 Test wickets at the ground, including 14 five-wicket hauls, a world record for the most Test wickets by a bowler at a single venue. Against Pakistan in 2014, Rangana Herath took 9 for 127 and finished with 14 wickets in the match. The ground has also witnessed history involving visiting players. In 1992, Australias Shane Warne took three wickets in 13 balls as Australia defeated Sri Lanka by just 16 runs. In 2001-02, Bangladeshs Mohammad Ashraful became the youngest player at the time to score a Test century, achieving the feat shortly before his 17th birthday. SSC is not merely a venue for international cricket. It has been the nursery of Sri Lankan cricket. Generations of national players and captains, among them Arjuna Ranatunga, Duleep Mendis, Sidath Wettimuny, Marvan Atapattu, Jayawardene and Dimuth Karunaratne, have been associated with the club. Three SSC presidents went on to become the countrys head of government. F.C. de Saram, one of the most distinguished figures associated with the club, captained SSC until the age of 50 and led Ceylon. A stand at the ground bears his name. It remains a place where the boundary between club and international cricket is unusually thin where members can enjoy the facilities of an exclusive sporting club while spectators sit on grass banks watching world-class cricket. India, too, has left a substantial footprint at SSC. Their first Test at the ground, in 1985, ended in a draw, but the venue has since witnessed several memorable Indian performances. The ground has also produced imposing Indian totals. India made 707 in 2010, with Virender Sehwag scoring 99 and Sachin Tendulkar 203, while in 2017 they reached 622 for nine declared. Yet Indias SSC history has not been entirely comfortable. They suffered heavy defeats there in 2001 and 2008, both by an innings, while their lowest completed innings against Sri Lanka at the venue is just 138, recorded in 2008. The ground has therefore tested Indian teams as severely as it has rewarded them. As India return to SSC in August 2026, the venue will therefore be more than the setting for the second Test. It will be a meeting between a ground steeped in Sri Lanka crickets past and an Indian side beginning another chapter in its own long Test history. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories SSC Stadium Facts First Test: March 1984 Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Capacity: Approximately 10,000 Ends: Tennis Courts End, South End Floodlights: Yes Tests hosted: 46 Results: Sri Lanka 22 wins, visiting teams 10 wins, draws 14 Indias record: 9 Tests Won 3, Lost 2, Drawn 4
Potential Inclusion Of Off-spinner At Kuldeeps Expense Against SL 'understandable,' Says Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar: Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar feels the team management's decision to potentially replace left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav with an off-spinner for the second Test against Sri Lanka, starting at the SSC Ground on Sunday, would be an understandable move, given the hosts' heavy reliance on left-handed batters. Analysis of Sri Lanka's scoring in the first Test at Galle, where they lost to India by 165 runs, shows their four main left-handers made 300 of the 465 runs scored across both innings which is roughly 64.5 per cent of the team's overall runs. In contrast, India fielded three left-arm spinners in their XI, with Kuldeep returning modest match figures of 1-103 from 25 overs. With off-spin bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain in the squad, it means the Indian team can hand him a debut if the pitch in Colombo is too dry. If India play an off-spinner in place of Kuldeep Yadav, it's understandable because that will just make the spin combination a little better. In the last Test, three spinners bowling with the left arm proved to be a little bit of a problem when two left-handers got together, and we saw left-handers get runs against India in the first Test, Manjrekar said in a video posted on his Instagram account on Saturday. So if there's an off-spinner that comes in and a left-arm spinner is left out, it will just make the Indian spin attack a little more potent because there will be variety, and an off-spinner in Test matches with DRS and everything is almost like something that you need in a team, he added. Acknowledging the possibility of Kuldeep sitting out despite his pedigree, Manjrekar urged him to adjust his trajectory and speed if hes retained in the playing eleven. Kuldeep Yadav could be the person who could be dropped, and you feel sorry because that's been the story of his career. Maybe the management might think, Let's play Kuldeep Yadav, give him a little more confidence. But Kuldeep also needs to look at what he did in the last Test and the way he bowled. Perhaps you know over the years there's been so much scrutiny on his speed in the air, and the flight; the ball doesn't come quickly off the pitch. So he's almost like committed himself completely to bowling quick, flatter. The ball still wasn't coming quickly off the pitch. So that's a lesson learned, he added. Kuldeep Yadav could be the person who could be dropped, and you feel sorry because that's been the story of his career. Maybe the management might think, Let's play Kuldeep Yadav, give him a little more confidence. But Kuldeep also needs to look at what he did in the last Test and the way he bowled. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories If he bowls that line, slow flight, 75 to 85 speed range, and bowls it outside off, I guarantee you that he'll get at least three wickets per innings. So let's hope he gets an opportunity, but if he doesn't, it's understandable. But if he does get that chance, he needs to change the way he bowled from the way he bowled in the last Test, he added. Article Source: IANS
Mitchell Starc becomes leading wicket-taker in WTC history with six-wicket haul; check full list
Australia pacer Mitchell Starc wreaked havoc in the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay. He claimed a six-wicket haul as Bangladesh were dismissed for only 64 runs in the first innings. With that, Starc became...
Back to full fitness, Mayank savours the start of a new journey
Back to full fitness, Mayank savours the start of a new journey
Ben Stokes Slams Shambolic Decision To Exclude Headingley From 2027 Men's Ashes
Former England captain Ben Stokes has described the decision to exclude Headingley from the 2027 men's Ashes schedule as shambolic.
Mark Butcher Warns Against Breaking Fast-bowling Quartet For Sam Curran
Mark Butcher: Former English cricketer Mark Butcher has warned against breaking the fast-bowling quartet to fill in all-rounder Sam Curran. Since the retirement of Test captain and iconic all-rounder Ben Stokes, England face a major challenge of roping in the personnel who can fill in his all-round role, even to some extent without distracting the combination. Curran, who was recently ruled out of the rest of the English summer, was mooted as an ideal replacement for the retired Stokes. However, Butcher has warned that it should not happen at the expense of breaking the fast-bowling combination of Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson. You know, in terms of a quartet, they've got a lot of bases covered in terms of all the different skills you might need for all different surfaces, Butcher said, as quoted by Wisden. So, you wouldn't want to break that up necessarily by changing that quartet to bring in somebody like Sam Curran to bolster the batting, but then you weaken the bowling to bring in a spinner who's unlikely to take you an eight-fer and blow a tail away. The speedsters starred in the first of the three Tests against Pakistan in Leeds, paving the way for an innings and 103-run win. The former Test cricketer instead suggested bringing in a spinner who can bat at No.7 without disrupting the fast bowlers to follow. You know, in terms of a quartet, they've got a lot of bases covered in terms of all the different skills you might need for all different surfaces, Butcher said, as quoted by Wisden. So, you wouldn't want to break that up necessarily by changing that quartet to bring in somebody like Sam Curran to bolster the batting, but then you weaken the bowling to bring in a spinner who's unlikely to take you an eight-fer and blow a tail away. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories This would leave England with some choices to make. Their No.1 Test spinner Shoaib Bashir is not a No.7 batter, and he generally plays whenever the Three Lions add on a spinner. England would then look up to Dan Lawrence, who bats in the middle-order and provides occasional off-spin. Will Jacks is another option, but he missed out on a place in the squad for the first two Pakistan Tests to Lawrence. Jacks is unlikely to be fit for the third Test, as a statement from the ECB stated that England will monitor his recovery and assess availability ahead of the Sri Lanka (white ball) series, which will take place in September. Article Source: IANS
Eyeballs on Duleep Trophy as its lights out time for domestic cricket
In the inaugural round, the competitive match at least on paper is expected to be the North Zone-West Zone encounter
Sanjay Manjrekar compared the transition of modern-day cricketers to classical singers attempting to perform classical ragas.
2nd Test: We Are Trying To Improve And Get Some Runs And Take 20 Wickets, Says De Silva
Sri Lanka Cricket: Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva has called on his fast bowlers to raise their game and bolster the sides confidence as the hosts aim to replicate India's template from Galle to square the series when the second game begins at the SSC Ground on Sunday. Sri Lanka suffered a 165-run loss in Galle and are eyeing a turnaround to get crucial 12 World Test Championship (WTC) points. Its about putting runs on the board. Thats what India did (at Galle). For the first two days they batted and got 460 runs. We are trying to improve and get some runs and take 20 wickets. We are one down and disappointed. Here we need to play well from the outset. Even though we are short on experience, we have a lot of talent. A lot of players have performed well in the Test and A team. The pitch is quite dry and will be good for batting in the first two days. In terms of combination, we will have the same - two seamers and two spinners, de Silva said in the pre-match press conference. Quizzed on squad changes for the second Test, a debut for opener Kamil Mishara is on the cards, apart from a potential shuffle in the pace bowling department. He scored a hundred in a T20 last week; if you followed him in the last few months, he has scored well. We are also looking at a left-arm pacer, maybe Vishwa Fernando, de Silva revealed. A recurring point of concern for Sri Lanka has been the lack of high-pace options and outright match-winning spells from their seamers on home soil. De Silva admitted the current squad remains limited in options beyond Lahiru Kumara and lead seamer Asitha Fernando. Even with Lahiru Kumara, we have tried very hard to get him to play injury-free. At the moment, given our resources, Lahiru Kumara is the best match to partner Asitha. Asitha's line and length are perfect, and Lahiru Kumara has the pace. With the resources we have now, these are the best players. I'd also like for there to be two or three bowlers who can bowl at more than 140kph, but unfortunately we only have one bowler like that (in the Test set-up). For now I haven't been given a huge plan about who we could bring into the Test set-up. I'm hoping we will produce more cricketers like that in future. Even with Lahiru Kumara, we have tried very hard to get him to play injury-free. At the moment, given our resources, Lahiru Kumara is the best match to partner Asitha. Asitha's line and length are perfect, and Lahiru Kumara has the pace. With the resources we have now, these are the best players. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Foreign pace bowlers have taken five wickets in Galle, for instance, but recently, none of our seamers have done that at Galle or SSC. Our fast bowlers lack that confidence. If they can raise their game a little bit (by) a few percent - we can move forward better as a team, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
India vs Sri Lanka Tests: India holds egde as Sri Lanka looks to draw level
In a batting unit that leant heavily on vice-captain K.L. Rahul and his Karnataka mate Padikkal, it is also time for Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Gill to join the party; while for Sri Lanka, the fixture offers a chance to draw level
'India Have Found a Real Gem in Manav Suthar'
Keshav Maharaj hails Manav Suthar as a rare left-arm spin talent, praising his control and variations while backing him to carry India's Test spin legacy.
Womens DPL 2026: North Delhi Strikers Beat South Delhi Superstarz To Become Table Toppers
North Delhi Strikers Women: North Delhi Strikers Women produced a disciplined bowling and fielding performance to defend their total of 141/4 and defeat South Delhi Superstarz Women by 10 runs in the Delhi Premier League, making it two wins from two matches and taking them to the top of the points table. Chasing 142, South Delhi Superstarz finished on 131/5 in 20 overs, falling short despite a fighting effort from their middle order. After a difficult start, with wicketkeeper-batter Nishika Singh dismissed for a three-ball duck, South Delhi were reduced to 1/1 in the first over. Priya Punia and Tanishqa Singh attempted to rebuild the innings, adding 36 runs before Punia was dismissed for 10 off 18 balls. Tanishqa played the anchor's role brilliantly, scoring a valuable 46 off 44 balls, including six boundaries. She put on a partnership with captain Shweta Sehrawat, who contributed 27 off 23 balls with two fours and a six. However, North Delhi kept picking up wickets at crucial stages and put the pressure on the opposition. Tanishqa's dismissal in the 14th over left South Delhi at 72/3, while Sehrawat fell shortly after at 94/4. Ekta Bhadana was then dismissed for four, leaving South Delhi needing 28 runs from the final two overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium that will host the India vs Afghanistan fixtures next month. Tanisha Singh remained unbeaten on 24 off 19 balls, while Disha Nagar added an unbeaten nine off six, but the pair could only take South Delhi to 131/5. For North Delhi Strikers, Nazma was the standout bowler, claiming 2/28 from four overs. Reshika Beniwal, Apeksha Anand and Priya Mishra picked up one wicket apiece. Tanisha Singh remained unbeaten on 24 off 19 balls, while Disha Nagar added an unbeaten nine off six, but the pair could only take South Delhi to 131/5. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Upasana Yadav added 43 off 42 balls, while captain Ayushi Soni scored 17. The 10-run victory gives North Delhi Strikers two wins from two matches, placing them at the top of the Delhi Premier League women's points table. Article Source: IANS
Australia should move on from Marnus Labuschagne, says Ricky Ponting after another flop show
Marnus Labuschagnes position in Australias Test side has come under renewed scrutiny after he was dismissed for four runs in the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay. His future in the Test squad is currently...
'It's Well And Truly Time To Look At Somebody Else': Ponting Calls For Labuschagne's Removal
Great Barrier Reef Arena: Scrutiny over Australia's top-order batting grew more on Saturday when it failed to inspire another strong start during the ongoing second Test match against Bangladesh at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay. On a day which was highlighted by epic fast bowling spells from Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam, the Aussie top-order batters once again came in the firing line despite the hosts taking a 101-run lead and still having two wickets in hand after bowling the Tigers out for 64. Yet another underwhelming performance from Marnus Labuschagne has invited a change call from former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who asked for his removal after the No.3 scored four before getting knocked off by Shoriful on a ball that brushed off his pad to the stumps. The outing stretched the declining performances of Labuschagne, who is yet to score a fifty in his last 10 innings and a century since the Ashes 2023. I admire what they're (selectors) trying to do to get him back to his best, Ponting said on Seven of Labuschagne. But it's been way too long now. I would have made the change at the start of this series. There's some technical deficiency there, but he's making the margin for error for the bowlers too great. He can't score off the back foot, and if you can't score off the back foot in Test cricket, batting becomes a hard game. Bowlers now know they can bowl anywhere from 10 metres to four metres on off stump and as wide as they want, and he can't hurt them. It's well and truly time to have a look at somebody else. Ponting had previously advocated injecting youngsters into the top-batting order after Australia's disastrous loss to the Tigers in the first Test in Darwin. Ponting stated that he would be the last one to call for a change, but looking at the performance, he thinks it is inevitable. Look, I'm the last one I want to make a change. As a captain or as a player, I wanted to keep the group together. It has to get to a bad point before I start saying you ought to leave somebody out. But there had been enough evidence for me coming here to suggest that they weren't going to lose anything or much at all by starting that regeneration, by maybe bringing in another opener, by maybe bringing in someone at No.3. I think that that has to happen, he told Channel 7 earlier. There's some technical deficiency there, but he's making the margin for error for the bowlers too great. He can't score off the back foot, and if you can't score off the back foot in Test cricket, batting becomes a hard game. Bowlers now know they can bowl anywhere from 10 metres to four metres on off stump and as wide as they want, and he can't hurt them. It's well and truly time to have a look at somebody else. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Australia ended the day at 165/8 with Cameron Green holding fort with an unbeaten 51, while Nathan Lyon remained unscathed on 10 as Shoriful backed Starc's six-wicket haul with his own six-fer. Australia are 101 runs ahead and eye a win, but the top order calls for an intense look as Australia have to travel to South Africa for a three-match Test series later this year. Article Source: IANS
'The Game Is Far From Over': Shoriful Backs Bangladesh To Bounce Back Against Australia
The Daily Star: Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam believes his team are still firmly in the second Test despite a difficult opening day against Australia, insisting that their chance to turn the contest around will come when they bowl again. Shoriful was the standout performer for Bangladesh on Saturday, claiming 6-35 as Australia reached 165/8 at stumps on Day 1 after bowling the visitors out for just 64 earlier in the day. The message in the dressing room was that the game is far from over and our turn to bowl is coming up. We are still well in the game. InshaAllah, we will try to make sure the entire second innings belongs to us, Shoriful said after the day's play, as quoted by The Daily Star. Australia had earlier been in complete control after Mitchell Starc produced a devastating opening spell, taking five wickets in just 22 deliveries before finishing with figures of 6/12. Pat Cummins claimed three wickets, and Josh Hazlewood one as Bangladesh were dismissed in only 34 overs. However, Bangladesh hit back through Shoriful, who produced an equally impressive spell with the ball. His six-wicket haul included a five-for that was the second-fastest by a Bangladesh bowler in Test cricket. The left-arm pacer also became the leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh on the day, while his contribution with the bat was limited to 14 runs as he top-scored for his side. Shoriful said his personal achievement of claiming his first five-wicket haul was pleasing, but insisted that a Bangladesh victory would mean far more. Alhamdulillah, everyone feels good getting their first five-for. But Ill feel best if we win the match, because we lost that previous one. Im not overthinking or excessively celebrating just because I got five wickets. If we win the match, I'll be very happy, he said. Bangladesh had Australia reeling at 41/3 before Steve Smith and Cameron Green combined for a 77-run partnership off 112 balls. Shoriful eventually broke the stand by trapping Smith LBW, before Bangladesh struck four more times in a space of just 14 balls to reduce Australia to 148/8. Green and Nathan Lyon then steadied the hosts, putting together an unbeaten 17-run partnership to take Australia to 165/8 at the close. Despite Bangladesh's batting collapse, Shoriful said Australia had also struggled against the moving ball and backed his teammates to respond in their second innings. It was just a bad day for us. Not just for us. Look at them, they are struggling too. Insha'Allah, we will bounce back strongly in the next innings, he said. The 25-year-old also explained how the conditions at Mackay helped the fast bowlers, with the wind adding to the movement available with the new ball. It was just a bad day for us. Not just for us. Look at them, they are struggling too. Insha'Allah, we will bounce back strongly in the next innings, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Australia, who trail 1-0 in the two-match series after Bangladesh's historic win in Darwin, currently hold a 101-run lead with two wickets remaining on a surface that has offered significant assistance to the fast bowlers. Article Source: IANS
Ponting on Labuschagne's struggles: Well and truly time to look at somebody else
The Australia No. 3 is averaging 24.69 since his last Test century in July 2023
Gambhir rates Kuldeep 'very highly' but doesn't commit on selection
Gambhir said that the management rates Kuldeep highly but 'we're going to try and pick the best attack of what can deliver in these conditions'
Shubman Gill Doesn't Have Enough Faith: Mohammad Kaif Delivers Blunt Verdict On India Star
Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif criticised skipper Shubman Gill for not giving spinner Kuldeep Yadav enough longer spells during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle.
De Silva wants Sri Lanka's fast bowlers to 'raise their game a little bit'
The Sri Lanka captain also wants
Dravid's Big Message to Sooryavanshi: 'Balance T20 Stardom...'
According to former India coach Rahul Dravid, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's development must balance white-ball success with sustained red-ball exposure, giving the teenager time, patience and experience to eventually become a Test cricketer.
India vs Sri Lanka Tests: Focus is on scoring runs and taking 20 wickets, says Dhananjaya de Silva
The pitch is quite dry and will be good for batting in the first two days. In terms of combination, we will have the same two seamers and two spinners
Mumbai Indians Make Surprising 'Signing' From Rajasthan Royals Before IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians failes to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Punjab T20 League: The excitement is building up as the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League 2026 is all set to begin on August 30 at the I.S. Bindra Stadium in Chandigarh. Six teams will battle it out for the coveted title, with some of Punjabs finest cricketing talent set to take centre stage. Among the teams in the competition are the Ludhiana Lions, who have made a major statement by picking Indias left-arm pace sensation Arshdeep Singh as their marquee player. The fast bowler is delighted to be part of the tournament and is looking forward to representing the Lions in what promises to be an exciting season. Speaking about the tournament and his preparations, Arshdeep said, It feels great to be part of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League. There is a lot of excitement around the tournament, and I am really looking forward to being part of the Ludhiana Lions and this journey. The preparations have been very good so far. We have spent a lot of time working on our skills, understanding our roles and preparing for different match situations. Now, the main focus is to take that confidence from the training ground into the matches, he said. Arshdeep also highlighted the positive atmosphere within the Ludhiana Lions camp, with players pushing each other during the preparation sessions. Everyone has been very serious during the practice sessions. There is healthy competition within the squad, and that is always a good sign for any team. We have also worked on different match situations because T20 cricket can change very quickly. One over, one partnership or one wicket can change the entire game, so the aim is to be ready for every situation and make the right decisions under pressure, he added. With several quality players expected to feature in the tournament, Arshdeep believes the competition will be intense from the very beginning. However, he feels the key will be to stay focused on each game rather than looking too far ahead. The competition is going to be tough because every team has quality players. There are no easy games in T20 cricket, so we will have to be at our best from the first match. We don't want to look too far ahead. The focus will be on taking one game at a time, executing our plans and continuing to improve as the tournament progresses. If we can stay consistent and play according to our plans, hopefully we can have a good campaign, Arshdeep said. The India pacer also spoke about the importance of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League in providing a platform for young cricketers from the state. With youngsters getting an opportunity to share the dressing room with experienced players, Arshdeep believes the tournament can play an important role in shaping the next generation of Punjab cricketers. For a youngster, playing alongside experienced players can be a huge advantage. There is so much they can learn just by watching how senior players train, how they prepare before a match, and how they handle pressure when the situation is not going their way. These small things can make a big difference in a young player's development, he said. Arshdeep feels the success of the league should not only be measured by the team that lifts the trophy, but also by the number of young players who use the platform to make a name for themselves. For a youngster, playing alongside experienced players can be a huge advantage. There is so much they can learn just by watching how senior players train, how they prepare before a match, and how they handle pressure when the situation is not going their way. These small things can make a big difference in a young player's development, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Arshdeep and the Ludhiana Lions will be hoping to make a strong start and turn their preparations into performances when the action begins. Article Source: IANS
Abhishek Bachchan sees 'new horizon' for cricket with European T20 Premier League
The European T20 Premier League is set to begin on August 26 , with Rotterdam Dockers taking on Amsterdam Flames in the opening game of the tournament. The tournament is expected to provide much-needed exposure for European cricketers, as the aim is to make the sport global.
Gambhir Invokes 2001 Australia Triumph in 3-Test Series Push
Gambhir strongly advocates three-Test series, arguing they give teams that lose the opening match a genuine opportunity to recover, compete harder and still win the series.
Gautam Gambhir: India head coach Gautam Gambhir said his conversations with left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been focused on executing solid bowling spells rather than hunting desperately for wickets, as they aim to finalise their combination for the second Test against Sri Lanka starting on Sunday. Kuldeep managed to pick just one wicket in Galle as India sealed a 165run win in the series opener and his position in the team has been subject to immense chatter for the second Test. India also have uncapped off-spin bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain and can draft him in if they want more variety in their line-up. We will try and pick the best bowling attack which can get us 20 wickets. You can score 1,000 runs in Test cricket, but there is no guarantee that you are going to win a test match. But if you get 20 wickets, you have all the probability and possibility of winning the Test match. For me, I think winning Test matches, you try and pick the best attack that can get you 20 wickets, whether you have got three left-arm spinners in it or an off-spinners or three seamers and we have all our options open. Ultimately, we know how good a bowler Kuldeep is. More importantly, sometimes it is up to the captain as well. He feels that if his two other spinners can get him wickets looking at the conditions, what pace he wants a certain spinner to bowl. It is not about guys under-bowling. It is about getting the result. For me, I think that is more important. When you play five proper bowlers, someone will eventually go under-bowl and that is what Test cricket is all about. But it is not about someone not delivering and going under-bowl. It is about who he feels, the captain feels or the management feels, can be most threatening in that particular condition, said Gambhir in the pre-match press conference. Speaking specifically about Kuldeep, Gambhir added, So for me, I think the conversation that I have had with Kuldeep is just try and bowl your good spell rather than looking desperate to take wickets because sometimes, as a wrist spinner, when you are looking and you are desperate to take wickets, I think your control can go away as well. But for a very long period of time, we rate Kuldeep very highly and we know how successful and how threatening can he be in every condition given to him. But again, I think the same thing as I said, we are going to try and pick the best attack of what can deliver in these conditions. Reflecting on the opening Test victory in Galle, Gambhir praised the surface and the effort required over five days. We really enjoyed it. I thought the Test match was a very good Test match wicket. It had something for everyone. It had spin for the spinners. Batters could bat even on day five as well. If you bend your back, there was something for the seamers as well. So I thought it was a proper Test wicket and we expect the same here as well. We want to work extremely hard, not only for one or two days, but extremely hard for five days to win a Test match and that is exactly what we did in the last test match. That is why it was very, very pleasing for us that we worked extremely hard. We did the right things right in Test wicket. Guys got in, made those big runs. We had partnerships. We batted first. We batted for four, four and a half sessions, put big runs on the board. That is what the key is in these subcontinent conditions. If you bat first, you plan bat big so that you can control the test match from there. Then we had wickets from our seamers and spinners as well. So I'm not going to say that it was a perfect Test match, but that is how we want to see Test wicket going forward as well so that teams have to work extremely hard to win a Test match over the course of five days. Gambhir also reinforced his belief in playing five proper bowlers to maintain tactical flexibility on flat pitches. If it's too flat, then the bowlers will have to work hard and maybe extra hard work because as I said, you will have to take 20 wickets if you want to win the Test match. If you bat first and score 700 runs, then if you don't take 20 wickets, then ultimately it's a draw. So if it's flat, then ultimately we have the luxury that we have five proper bowlers. When you have five proper bowlers, then you can better rotate your bowlers. But if you only play with four bowlers, then sometimes it's a lot of hard work. As we saw in the last Test match, that if Kuldeep didn't bowl a lot, despite that we had a fifth bowler who could come and take wickets for you at any stage. But if your fifth bowler is a part-timer, then you won't be able to rotate your seamers a lot and you will have to bring your seamers back quickly. You want to bring your seamers back in these conditions when they come and create an impact rather than a defensive option. So we have that luxury. I always say that the team that has five proper bowlers, they always have more chances to win the Test match. Highlighting the emergence of Devdutt Padikkal and Manav Suthar, Gambhir spoke about building depth in red-ball cricket. I think someone getting an opportunity and making the most of it, what better can it be for Indian cricket? We keep talking about the depth and need to have a bigger depth in red ball cricket. We know that how much depth do we have in white ball cricket. But the more depth we have in red ball cricket, it is always good for that dressing room as well and we want to have that competition. It's not a bad thing because when you have competition, you want people to keep getting better as well and the prime example was Dev. When he got his opportunity, he waited for a long time because Sai was batting at three. He waited and he made the most of it as well and that is what we expect. The same was with Manav as well. Whenever he got the opportunity, he made his debut against Afghanistan. It was a big series for him. He had put his hand up, which again is good for Indian cricket because these guys are young and these guys are the guys if they continue to put their head down and keep working hard, will take Indian cricket forward as well. There are other talented guys sitting in the dressing room as well. Sai is going to be part of the dressing room, which is again good. The more depth, the better it is for Indian cricket. Gambhir further stressed that the team management intends to give young players a longer rope to succeed. Extremely satisfied because when you get those younger players coming in and delivering straight away, but again, there is still a lot of work to be done. You can't judge players by only one or two performances. Yes, there is a lot of talent. That's why they are playing for India and they have delivered straight away, which again is very good for Indian cricket as well because we want to see that depth not only in white ball cricket, but in red ball cricket as well. We have seen that they are getting an opportunity at number three and making the most of it. One of them coming in and delivering in those two test matches. But again, as I said, judging players by only one or two Test matches is not going to be fair because we want to give them a longer rope. At the same time, we will keep backing them because there will be ups and downs in Test cricket. We know how tough Test cricket is and Test format is and that is again good for Indian cricket because of their depth as well. Finally, addressing Yashasvi Jaiswal's tendencies of falling while playing the cut shot, Gambhir advocated for skill refinement over stopping the shot altogether. Look, don't curb the shot. Just get better at it. If I start telling players to curb everything and start talking about the dismissals of whatever shots they play, how will they score runs? One of them coming in and delivering in those two test matches. But again, as I said, judging players by only one or two Test matches is not going to be fair because we want to give them a longer rope. At the same time, we will keep backing them because there will be ups and downs in Test cricket. We know how tough Test cricket is and Test format is and that is again good for Indian cricket because of their depth as well. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories For example, if someone gets out pulling, rather than telling him not to pull, I would rather tell him to get better at it. And that's how I see sport and that is how we want to see these guys getting better at everything that they do. Article Source: IANS
